New to Mac and wanting help and advice...

[Incugirl]

Hey guys,

So in regards to technology I’m a big Apple fan, currently owned iPhones and iPads since 2011, however I am not wanting to move over to a MacBook/air/pro after my current laptop (Toshiba, 3GB RAM, 250GB HDD) is no longer working. My laptop within the last 6 months became full and I literally had to do a factory reset in prder to ‘start over’ but now it’s always hit and miss as to wether it will work from one dat to the next.

So in regards to my knowledge of knowing about Macbooks it is that the Pro is the best one out there but I’d also like the best one to suit me.

I am in school and will be for the next 6 years so it really is a matter of it being a laptop for school. As well as using Microsoft/word documents on there, I will also be using it a little for my photography (affinity, lightroom and photoshop - however I’m loving affinity on the iPad so will still do most of my photography on there), and will also be using it for music... (downloading) and that’s pretty much it.

As a newcomer what would you recommend would be the best model and specs for me??? I am entitled to 10% off with my student discount too in the UK.
I also have no interest in getting the touchbar model should a pro be recommended and I would love for it to last me for my entire school studying and beyond!

Thanks for reading and looking forward to reading your replies!

Cheers!

Becca

 

[Bart Kela]

Buy whatever suits your fancy and/or budget.

Your usage case has no special requirements and could be easily handled by a four-year old MacBook Air.

MacBook, Air, Pro: they can all handle your current needs.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

As above you can literally buy anything apple made in the last 4 years without worrying about it, make sure it has enough drive space and that that drive is an ssd and 8gb of RAM and that's about it.

 

[jaduff46]

As others have said above, anything made recently will handle your needs. Agree with @Samuelsan2001 on the ram and in particular the SSD. I tend to buy at the higher end and hold onto gear for a long time (note the 2010 iMac which remains my only desktop).

Got our youngest a 15" MacBook Pro in 2007 which served her well through college and grad school, then bought her a 13" MBP in '14 with which she remains happy!

 

[navt]

If you have no interest in touchbar bag yourself a bargain (better than your student discount) and buy refurbished.

 

[iMi]

I would personally recommend the middle tier MacBook based on the needs you described. You really don't need the Pro, but if you feel like having the extra power would be great, and the budget allows it, then go for it. I think you'll be happy either way.

As it has been said before, make sure you have sufficient RAM and plenty of SSD storage. You cannot reasonably upgrade storage after purchase, so make sure you get the right size. Personally I would go with the 8GB RAM/512GB SSD combo.

By the way... I have used a Mac all through college and grad school. You'll love it.

 

[Trusteft]

Since Apple (as all companies in one way or another) have dates after which they no longer support their systems and you want the system to be with you for at least 6 years, I highly recommend to get a latest version model.
With the same thing in mind, the (non pro) Macbook not having a fan inside, make them have one less thing that could go wrong in the long run. Of course performance wise they are not as fast as the pro models, but since the most you are going to do with it is deal with MS Office programs, I believe you should be ok in that field.
BUT, here is the problem with them, they come with only one USB port. If something goes wrong, and it might in years of usage, and the port is no longer functioning, you are going to have to have it repaired or something. You won't even be able to charge it. Which for me is the single reason the Macbook is not a good machine and I would tend to suggest a Pro model.
If money is not an issue, I would say go for the top specced Pro model. If money is an issue, then I would suggest whatever you can afford, just make sure you get at least 256GB of SSD. 16GB of RAM would be nice considering you are going to keep it for a while.

 

[Miss_Mac]

I agree with the future proofing (more RAM and buying the most current model.) You can pick up an external SSD or HD if you need more storage (or use iCloud.)

If it were me, I'd upgrade the 13" MBP nTB with 16gb and at least 256gb storage. The larger screen would be better with MS Word and the tool palettes in the photography apps you use and you have more than one port. Definitely get AppleCare this will provide you with an extended warranty until 2020 (if you purchase now.)

The nice thing about buying now: you can always exchange until January, given Apple's holiday return policy.

 

[Incugirl]

Thank you so much for your replies. I definitely want a smaller sized laptop wether it be the 12” MB or the 13” MBP. However reading all of the replies I am thinking about possibly going the MBP route. I have £1000 ($1330) and my Mum said she would loan me the rest so if I were to get the 13” MBP 16GB and 512MB SSD it would cost me £1646 ($2190) A lot of money, yes but I want to have this for years... to see me through 6 years of school and beyond.

On a second note, what would be a lot cheaper is a MB... They have one in a store here, specs are 8GB and 512GB SSD for £1000 ($1330)... A huge difference...significantly too...

Decisions, decisions...

 

[iMi]

Thank you so much for your replies. I definitely want a smaller sized laptop wether it be the 12” MB or the 13” MBP. However reading all of the replies I am thinking about possibly going the MBP route. I have £1000 ($1330) and my Mum said she would loan me the rest so if I were to get the 13” MBP 16GB and 512MB SSD it would cost me £1646 ($2190) A lot of money, yes but I want to have this for years... to see me through 6 years of school and beyond.

On a second note, what would be a lot cheaper is a MB... They have one in a store here, specs are 8GB and 512GB SSD for £1000 ($1330)... A huge difference...significantly too...

Decisions, decisions...

I have had both in various sizes. I have settled on the MacBook as the daily portable for a while now. It's perfect. Super light and still very powerful as far as your needs are concerned. The only advantage of the Pro is added ports (you'll need to decide if you need them) and of course better performance. Better performance is subjective. Performance per dollar spent will be a different story. I personally love the little MacBook and think it's the best value in laptop today.

The real question is do you really need more performance? Since you're in school, I would say probably not. I use pretty large and at times complicated spreadsheet. I'll have few of them open along Pages, Mail, Safari, One Note, Music and more. Everything runs smoothly.

In the end, I wanted something very light and portable, first while in school and now while traveling for work. As far as reliability is concerned, I never saw a different between the two. I would not go into this with a concern about long-term reliability. Apple makes great computers.

Do you plan on having a desktop at home as well or sticking with only the portable? That may play a role in your decision.

 

[Trusteft]

Unless you plan on having it in your home without taking it outside, going for a SINGLE PORT machine which uses the port for everything, including charging the machine, is IMO an unwise move. It's one thing to have it at home and a port replicator (extra money) on it so that the single port doesn't risk getting damaged from usage. If not, you are only asking for trouble. You want this machine to last you at least 6 years. That's a lot of plugging in and out.

 

[Incugirl]

I have had both in various sizes. I have settled on the MacBook as the daily portable for a while now. It's perfect. Super light and still very powerful as far as your needs are concerned. The only advantage of the Pro is added ports (you'll need to decide if you need them) and of course better performance. Better performance is subjective. Performance per dollar spent will be a different story. I personally love the little MacBook and think it's the best value in laptop today.

The real question is do you really need more performance? Since you're in school, I would say probably not. I use pretty large and at times complicated spreadsheet. I'll have few of them open along Pages, Mail, Safari, One Note, Music and more. Everything runs smoothly.

In the end, I wanted something very light and portable, first while in school and now while traveling for work. As far as reliability is concerned, I never saw a different between the two. I would not go into this with a concern about long-term reliability. Apple makes great computers.

Do you plan on having a desktop at home as well or sticking with only the portable? That may play a role in your decision.

Thank you so much for your reply...

The MB I was looking at I think s is the 2016 version (from Amazon). I have never used a Mac laptop before... only ever iPads/iPhone so regardless on which one I get it will be a massive improvement in what I have used in the past.

Portable only too... I am looking at the site That has the MB and these are the specs:

• Processor: 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Core m5 with 4MB L3 cache, Turbo Boost up to 2.7GHz

• Memory: 8GB 1866MHz LPDDR3

• Storage: 512GB flash

• Display: 12-inch (diagonal), 1366-by-768-pixel LED-backlit glossy display. Stunning 12-inch Retina display. With over 3 million pixels and a 2304-by-1440 resolution, you can experience vivid images with astounding clarity. Edge-to-edge glass display with IPS technology and a 178 viewing angle.

• OS Sierra

Thank you again

Becca
[doublepost=1511383960][/doublepost]

Unless you plan on having it in your home without taking it outside, going for a SINGLE PORT machine which uses the port for everything, including charging the machine, is IMO an unwise move. It's one thing to have it at home and a port replicator (extra money) on it so that the single port doesn't risk getting damaged from usage. If not, you are only asking for trouble. You want this machine to last you at least 6 years. That's a lot of plugging in and out.

So would you suggest a MBA? Or the two port MBP?

 

[iMi]

Unless you plan on having it in your home without taking it outside, going for a SINGLE PORT machine which uses the port for everything, including charging the machine, is IMO an unwise move. It's one thing to have it at home and a port replicator (extra money) on it so that the single port doesn't risk getting damaged from usage. If not, you are only asking for trouble. You want this machine to last you at least 6 years. That's a lot of plugging in and out.

You seem to have had a bad experience with a port going out on you. There are literally dozens of dongles one could use add functionality. Again, the question is do you want maximum portability or a heavier machine with more ports (at nearly twice the price). I personally found a single port to be sufficient. Everything is digital now anyway. I literally never plug anything into the MacBook other than the charging cable.

I would definitely not approach this decision with the assumption that the port will fail... Unless there is evidence that the MacBook has a particularly high failure rate on the single port. That could be the case, but I have not seen any evidence for it.
[doublepost=1511385059][/doublepost]

Thank you so much for your reply...

The MB I was looking at I think s is the 2016 version (from Amazon). I have never used a Mac laptop before... only ever iPads/iPhone so regardless on which one I get it will be a massive improvement in what I have used in the past.

Portable only too... I am looking at the site That has the MB and these are the specs:

• Processor: 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Core m5 with 4MB L3 cache, Turbo Boost up to 2.7GHz

• Memory: 8GB 1866MHz LPDDR3

• Storage: 512GB flash

• Display: 12-inch (diagonal), 1366-by-768-pixel LED-backlit glossy display. Stunning 12-inch Retina display. With over 3 million pixels and a 2304-by-1440 resolution, you can experience vivid images with astounding clarity. Edge-to-edge glass display with IPS technology and a 178 viewing angle.

• OS Sierra

Thank you again

Becca
[doublepost=1511383960][/doublepost]

So would you suggest a MBA? Or the two port MBP?

That is the same machine I have. Yes, it's a great unit but the most recent version did receive a decent bump in the processor and I believe the storage is significantly faster. Your decision will probably depend on the price.

I would definitely advise against the MacBook Air for two main reasons. One, the display is non-retina and with significantly lower pixel density. The different is noticeable. Two, it's larger and heavier... On the plus side, it does have the old style keyboard (many here don't like the new butterfly style keys as they have a lower travel - I personally like them).

Good luck!

 

[Trusteft]

Thank you so much for your reply...

The MB I was looking at I think s is the 2016 version (from Amazon). I have never used a Mac laptop before... only ever iPads/iPhone so regardless on which one I get it will be a massive improvement in what I have used in the past.

Portable only too... I am looking at the site That has the MB and these are the specs:

• Processor: 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Core m5 with 4MB L3 cache, Turbo Boost up to 2.7GHz

• Memory: 8GB 1866MHz LPDDR3

• Storage: 512GB flash

• Display: 12-inch (diagonal), 1366-by-768-pixel LED-backlit glossy display. Stunning 12-inch Retina display. With over 3 million pixels and a 2304-by-1440 resolution, you can experience vivid images with astounding clarity. Edge-to-edge glass display with IPS technology and a 178 viewing angle.

• OS Sierra

Thank you again

Becca
[doublepost=1511383960][/doublepost]

So would you suggest a MBA? Or the two port MBP?

I would definitely not suggest a MBA as they are already behind the curve. I would suggest at least a 2 port MBP, preferably a 4 port one, with at least 256GB SSD and 16GB of RAM.
[doublepost=1511386429][/doublepost]

You seem to have had a bad experience with a port going out on you. There are literally dozens of dongles one could use add functionality. Again, the question is do you want maximum portability or a heavier machine with more ports (at nearly twice the price). I personally found a single port to be sufficient. Everything is digital now anyway. I literally never plug anything into the MacBook other than the charging cable.

I would definitely not approach this decision with the assumption that the port will fail... Unless there is evidence that the MacBook has a particularly high failure rate on the single port. That could be the case, but I have not seen any evidence for it.
[doublepost=1511385059][/doublepost]

That is the same machine I have. Yes, it's a great unit but the most recent version did receive a decent bump in the processor and I believe the storage is significantly faster. Your decision will probably depend on the price.

I would definitely advise against the MacBook Air for two main reasons. One, the display is non-retina and with significantly lower pixel density. The different is noticeable. Two, it's larger and heavier... On the plus side, it does have the old style keyboard (many here don't like the new butterfly style keys as they have a lower travel - I personally like them).

Good luck!

Well I have been using computers since the early 80s and the common thing between all of them is that ports that get used a lot, have a high percentage possibility they will go wrong sooner or later. That includes the USB port. Having only one and rely on that to do everything including charging it, means you are going go to end up with an unusable machine down the line, especially if you plan on keeping it for at least 6 years.

 

[ZapNZs]

If you do not have a lot of background with Macs, I suggest going to a store in your area and playing with the:

1. MacBook Air (any generation) OR a 2015 MacBook Pro
2. 2016-2017 MacBook Pro
3. 2016 Retina MacBook
4. 2017 Retina MacBook

All four of the above have very different keyboards, and the MBA, rMB, and MBP all have different trackpads and screens. You may find you love one over the others, or you may find you don't really have a preference. But if you are planning to keep this system for 6 years, it's worth being sure you find the one you personally like the most. For your usage, any of the above should work well, and each have their own advantages/disadvantages.

 

[Trusteft]

One more thing, since you are planning on keeping it for years, no matter which one you end up buying, make sure you use a separate keyboard and mouse/trackpad/whatever at least when you are at home. Wear and tear is a very real thing for keyboards too.

 

[iMi]

I would definitely not suggest a MBA as they are already behind the curve. I would suggest at least a 2 port MBP, preferably a 4 port one, with at least 256GB SSD and 16GB of RAM.
[doublepost=1511386429][/doublepost]
Well I have been using computers since the early 80s and the common thing between all of them is that ports that get used a lot, have a high percentage possibility they will go wrong sooner or later. That includes the USB port. Having only one and rely on that to do everything including charging it, means you are going go to end up with an unusable machine down the line, especially if you plan on keeping it for at least 6 years.

I understand your concerns, but modern solutions such as the USB Type-C are durable. The minimum rating is 10,000 cycles. Even if you use it five times a day that will average out to be over 5.5 years at the minimum. Realistically there will be days when nothing is plugged into it. Modern smartphones are a good example. They have a single port and last for years.

This machine will be outdated and ready to be replaced long before the port fails. That’s is the most likely outcome. Of course, any component can fail at any time for any reason, but chances are slim. I don’t think the fail rate is any higher than any other component. It’s true that having only one connector would make an unlikely failure a much bigger and more urgent problem, but again, likelihood is slim to none.

This excludes the economic argument of paying nearly twice as much to offset a minuscule chance of failure. The flat cost repair fee on the MacBook is $250 (last time I used it). The port could fail three times and the user would still come out ahead financially.

I would not worry about it...

 

[Trusteft]

I understand your concerns, but modern solutions such as the USB Type-C are durable. The minimum rating is 10,000 cycles. Even if you use it five times a day that will average out to be over 5.5 years at the minimum. Realistically there will be days when nothing is plugged into it. Modern smartphones are a good example. They have a single port and last for years.

This machine will be outdated and ready to be replaced long before the port fails. That’s is the most likely outcome. Of course, any component can fail at any time for any reason, but chances are slim. I don’t think the fail rate is any higher than any other component. It’s true that having only one connector would make an unlikely failure a much bigger and more urgent problem, but again, likelihood is slim to none.

This excludes the economic argument of paying nearly twice as much to offset a minuscule chance of failure. The flat cost repair fee on the MacBook is $250 (last time I used it). The port could fail three times and the user would still come out ahead financially.

I would not worry about it...

I guess we are different people. I rather not push my luck.

 

[Incugirl]

One more thing, since you are planning on keeping it for years, no matter which one you end up buying, make sure you use a separate keyboard and mouse/trackpad/whatever at least when you are at home. Wear and tear is a very real thing for keyboards too.

Get a separate keyboard and mouse for home use??? I really just want to be able to type up my assignments and do my school work online. A little photo editing but everything else would be done on my iPad/iPhone... So it really wouldn’t make me a heavy user on it... Like I say, it’s for use outside of home and when I travel.
[doublepost=1511403252][/doublepost]

If you do not have a lot of background with Macs, I suggest going to a store in your area and playing with the:

1. MacBook Air (any generation) OR a 2015 MacBook Pro
2. 2016-2017 MacBook Pro
3. 2016 Retina MacBook
4. 2017 Retina MacBook

All four of the above have very different keyboards, and the MBA, rMB, and MBP all have different trackpads and screens. You may find you love one over the others, or you may find you don't really have a preference. But if you are planning to keep this system for 6 years, it's worth being sure you find the one you personally like the most. For your usage, any of the above should work well, and each have their own advantages/disadvantages.

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately my Apple store only has MB, MBP, MBA
from 2017 on display in store. I have been trying to get lucky with a 2015 MBP refurbished one but all the refurbished store comes up with are 2016 and 2017 versions and I’ve been trying every day for a couple months now but to no avail. Also to get a 2016/2017 version from the refurbished site doesn’t make sense as when you take into account my student discount it pretty much works out the same.
[doublepost=1511403306][/doublepost]

I understand your concerns, but modern solutions such as the USB Type-C are durable. The minimum rating is 10,000 cycles. Even if you use it five times a day that will average out to be over 5.5 years at the minimum. Realistically there will be days when nothing is plugged into it. Modern smartphones are a good example. They have a single port and last for years.

This machine will be outdated and ready to be replaced long before the port fails. That’s is the most likely outcome. Of course, any component can fail at any time for any reason, but chances are slim. I don’t think the fail rate is any higher than any other component. It’s true that having only one connector would make an unlikely failure a much bigger and more urgent problem, but again, likelihood is slim to none.

This excludes the economic argument of paying nearly twice as much to offset a minuscule chance of failure. The flat cost repair fee on the MacBook is $250 (last time I used it). The port could fail three times and the user would still come out ahead financially.

I would not worry about it...

Starting to think MB now!

 

[Trusteft]

Good luck whatever you do.

 

[canuckRus]

Thank you so much for your replies. I definitely want a smaller sized laptop wether it be the 12” MB or the 13” MBP. However reading all of the replies I am thinking about possibly going the MBP route. I have £1000 ($1330) and my Mum said she would loan me the rest so if I were to get the 13” MBP 16GB and 512MB SSD it would cost me £1646 ($2190) A lot of money, yes but I want to have this for years... to see me through 6 years of school and beyond.

On a second note, what would be a lot cheaper is a MB... They have one in a store here, specs are 8GB and 512GB SSD for £1000 ($1330)... A huge difference...significantly too...

Decisions, decisions...

As good as the MBP may be there is quite a noticeable weight advantage with the MB. Couldn't be happier with my choice.

 

[jeddouglas]

I bought a new 13 MBA, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD a year ago and think it is great. A lot of people complain about the screen resolution but it doesn't bother me in the slightest. It has the extra ports (2 x USB) , the magsafe power connector and an SD card slot. I managed to get it for £999 just before the price went up to £1099 for this Mac. Note that there has been a lot of issues with the MBP and MacBook keyboards (faulty keys).

I would recommend checking out Very.co.uk as they have a 20% discount deal on any Apple product over £159. The deal expires today. You have to take it on 12 months interest free credit, but it is well worth it if you are saving 20%.

 

[ZapNZs]

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately my Apple store only has MB, MBP, MBA
from 2017 on display in store. I have been trying to get lucky with a 2015 MBP refurbished one but all the refurbished store comes up with are 2016 and 2017 versions and I’ve been trying every day for a couple months now but to no avail. Also to get a 2016/2017 version from the refurbished site doesn’t make sense as when you take into account my student discount it pretty much works out the same.

That's a pretty good approximation of the different Apple lines - the 2015 MBP will have a keyboard much like the MacBook Air, and a trackpad much like the MacBook. The 2016 rMB will have the same trackpad as the 2017 rMB, but the keyboard will have what I consider to be noticeably less travel.

Have you found you prefer any of them over the others?

 

[Trusteft]

If you heavily use the keyboard every day,the type it is, is going to be the least of your worries as it will have issues. From cosmetic to broken. That's why I recommend a separate keyboard for when you are at home. If you are going to use it a lot.
For the love of Tom Hanks, don't get a Mac Air. The technology inside it is old as it is now. The ports are of a previous generation USB type A, when everything is now moving to USB 3.1 Type C. I realize the cost is an issue, but you are going to buy a system which will be WAY behind the curve in a couple of years. Don't just consider what feels good for today, think of the future. Think of the kids! (irrelevant)