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newMacbook pro 13 or 15 for web designer

pookitoo

pookitoo

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Apr 16, 2015
265
136
Paris
Hello everyone, I've read the other thread about the difference between the 13 and the 15, and actually I've the 13 " with touch bar i7 / 16 go. In 5 days it's the end of my return period and I want to do the right decision :

I'm a freelance web designer, the software I use :
- Sketch App, Affinity designer, Affinity photo, Sublime texte, mamp, code kit
- Sometimes a little bit of Final Cut pro, Logic Pro and VMware fusion (not for intensive task)
- I want to buy the LG 5k ultra fine display
- I travel about 20 % of my work time

My questions :
- According to you, I will feel differences with my usages with the 15 " ? (because in single core my actual MacBook Pro is a little better than the 15 ", I don't know if my software take advantage of the 4 core, and for what I know, 4 core allow more software to run simultaneously but it's noticeable ?)

- I don't know if my software takes advantages of the dedicated graphic card ?

- The MacBook Pro 13 " with touch bar i7 / 16 go can handle smoothly the Lg 5k ? I 'll not perceive decrease performances ?

Thanks !
 
Quad core is great as long as you don't mind the weight. If I was to own only one computer, it would be a MacBook Pro 15". If you use it 80% of the time on a desk, and 20% travelling, then I would go for the 15". It's only when your travelling time exceeds home time, you may consider getting a 13" or a MacBook 12".
 
Sounds like either of the devices will happily cope with your workload, so it comes down to portability and maybe whether or not you use an external screen at your desk?

The new machines are much smaller and lighter than previous ones, but the 15" is still a fair chunk of weight to carry around compared to the 13.
 
I also want to add that I use my MacBook 12" alot more than my Mac Pro (+Dell UP3216Q) when I design web apps. 90%+ of the work gets done on the tiny 12" screen. The MacBook 12" is actually the first computer I don't mind bringing with me.
 
doitdada said:
I also want to add that I use my MacBook 12" alot more than my Mac Pro (+Dell UP3216Q) when I design web apps. 90%+ of the work gets done on the tiny 12" screen. The MacBook 12" is actually the first computer I don't mind bringing with me.
Click to expand...

If that's the case then the new 13" sounds like the obvious choice?
 
My biggest worry is the performance with the LG ultrafine 5k . Some people notice some lagging issue with the 13" + LG ultra fine LG 5k.

And the 4K ultra fine is too small.
 
Yes but 400 $ more than mine and loose the extra portability. And if i don't notice the increase or performance with my workflow between the 13 and the 15 ?

Very hard to have a good review for the 13 tb + lg 5k
 
pookitoo said:
Yes but 400 $ more than mine and loose the extra portability. And if i don't notice the increase or performance with my workflow between the 13 and the 15 ?k
Click to expand...

You will notice a boost in performance with the 15 in the same way you will notice the smaller footprint with the 13. If you use a external monitor most of the time, 15 is the way to go. 13 if you travel with it 90% of the time.

I don't know why you need the 5K? I have a Mac Pro and a Dell UP3216Q (4k). 4k is more than enough for web. Even the 12" MacBook is great as long as I use spaces and swipe back and forth. Fullscreen and two windows is great for coding/reference.

Again, if your machine is hooked up to a screen all day, go for the 15. End of story. If you are always on the go, a 13" won't cut it, you might as well get a 12". It's the only truly portable option from Apple.
 
I don't look for the 5k resolution , 4K is enough but i want 27" and a good scaling for webdesign ( https://bjango.com/articles/macexternaldisplays/ )with acurate color . And i like to have a clean desktop so 1 cable is a very good bonus. But i don't want to have lag when i work with many app, i love when everything run smoothly ;)

I don't like to have 2 computer and i like the possibility to work from everywhere. But on reality i i work 80% or my Time on my desk ! So i think i will give a try to the 15"
 
pookitoo said:
I don't look for the 5k resolution , 4K is enough but i want 27" and a good scaling for webdesign ( https://bjango.com/articles/macexternaldisplays/ )with acurate color . And i like to have a clean desktop so 1 cable is a very good bonus. But i don't want to have lag when i work with many app, i love when everything run smoothly ;)

I don't like to have 2 computer and i like the possibility to work from everywhere. But on reality i i work 80% or my Time on my desk ! So i think i will give a try to the 15"
Click to expand...

The apps I am using are a little bit different, but my workflow is pretty similar to yours. I also use 32-inch external display with 4K resolution at my desk and travel about 20~30% of my time. I had both 13 and 15-inch models, but after comparing them closely for a few weeks, I have decided to keep the 15-inch. The biggest reason being the fact, that it will be my only computer. Maybe not always, but 15-inch definitely provides better performance over the long run. Hope that helps.
 
The lag with a 13" driving an external 4K+ screen, is that with the non-Touchbar MBP or both?

The 27" 4K screens out there are stunning and available at circa half the price of the new LG one. I'd love to see a 4K and 5K screen next to each other to see what the difference is - I guess it depends on what you're using it for. Genuinely wondering how much better a 5K screen is.
 
If you are going to use the 5K most of the time and are worried about performance, is the 13 inch really an option? $400 is a cheap price to pay to not have additional frustration in your life.
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ascender said:
Genuinely wondering how much better a 5K screen is.
Click to expand...

I wonder the same thing. Sure it is more pixels, but can your eyes really tell the difference?
 
1+ for the 15 inch one. I don't think portability would be an issue if you opt for 15 inch one. Since 2011 I have used 6 MacBook Pro machines. Only one of them is 13 inch. Believe me you'll appreciate the performance gain of the 15 inch MBP.
 
Thank a lot for your answer ! I'll listen your advice and go for the 15 " (base model i7 but with 512 ssd and 4go amd card)
 
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