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ghanwani

macrumors 601
Original poster
Dec 8, 2008
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I placed an order for 2019 13 MBP TB to replace my 2017 13 MBP nTB. I prefer the nTB and there's nothing wrong with my machine, but decided to cave in and get the new TB just to get a quieter keyboard which I think will make it easier to type without muting when I'm in meetings.

However, I placed the order on June 9 before the macrumors article about the new A numbers which appeared on June 13. How's that for timing? :)

The machine has arrived today for in store pick up and I'm in two minds as to whether to take delivery. If there is any chance we see a nTB updated with the new keyboard in the next 2-3 months, I would rather wait for that. If not, I think it makes sense to just stick with my TB order.

What is the likelihood we see an updated nTB in the next 3 months?
 
There's no way for us to know what Apple has planned or what those new model numbers mean -- all we can do is guess. The new keyboard is quieter, but honestly, it feels like a very subjective thing whether people will be bothered by it. You really have to go try out the keyboard to see if it will do what you want. And if you can bear to live with the marginally louder keyboard and there's nothing wrong with your current machine, why not just keep on using it until it doesn't satisfy your needs anymore? There's nothing wrong with saving money and using what works.
 
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The new keyboard is quieter, but honestly, it feels like a very subjective thing whether people will be bothered by it. You really have to go try out the keyboard to see if it will do what you want.

Sadly the only way I can try it seems to be to take delivery and use the machine at home. The ambient noise in the Apple store is too high to be able to tell the difference in the models on display.

And if you can bear to live with the marginally louder keyboard and there's nothing wrong with your current machine, why not just keep on using it until it doesn't satisfy your needs anymore? There's nothing wrong with saving money and using what works.

I can probably live with it but it is a compromise that I'm reminded of every time I'm on a call and I need to take notes (which is almost every week day). I used to be very frugal and would probably have never done something like this 10 years ago but as I get older my mindset seems to be changing more towards using money as a resource to make my life comfortable.
 
I can probably live with it but it is a compromise that I'm reminded of every time I'm on a call and I need to take notes (which is almost every week day). I used to be very frugal and would probably have never done something like this 10 years ago but as I get older my mindset seems to be changing more towards using money as a resource to make my life comfortable.

A fair point. As I've gotten older I've also sped up my upgrades, largely for similar reasons.

I'd say the key is to stop worrying about whether a new upgrade is coming down the line and be secure with the knowledge that you spent some money to make yourself more comfortable/happier. Get the new machine, try it out for a week. If it doesn't make enough of a difference, return it (I think the reduction in noise is very marginal, but yes, the acoustics of the room you're in makes a big difference). The expenditure of time ought to be minimal.
 
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I can probably live with it but it is a compromise that I'm reminded of every time I'm on a call and I need to take notes (which is almost every week day). I used to be very frugal and would probably have never done something like this 10 years ago but as I get older my mindset seems to be changing more towards using money as a resource to make my life comfortable.

I am the same way on upgrades. I used to try to do things to keep old computer alive. Now I see them as business tools and as such need to earn their keep, are a deductible expense, and will be replaced when a better tools comes along.
 
I would just wait in your case tbh mate.

I do type on my 2017 and I don't have any issues with the sound like you describe...
 
I decided to pick up the machine. There is a HUGE difference in the keyboard both in terms of feel and in terms of typing noise.

Now I have to figure out the best way to sell the other machine. Trying to decide between Apple/Phobio (hold on to the gift card till I buy something from them phone or otherwise) or what I have normally done by selling on craigslist.
 
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