Please Help with Purchase Advice.

[Joerusalem352]

So I'm in the market for my first MacBook Pro and I have the new 13" with touch bar pre-ordered. However, due to budget constraints I could only afford 8gb.

My plan for this machine is to begin the process of learning programming, and general office work.

My question is will the 8gb limit me? I had my eye also on a 15" refurb from the Apple Store for the same price but quad core and 16gb ram.

I love the newest tech usually but will the previous gen 15" be beefier spec-wise than the one I have preordered? Very torn because my current Lenovo think pad is basically a brick at this point so I need something.

 

[justinf77]

Last year's 15" will be much beefier spec-wise because of the quad core processors, but for programming tasks and general office work the additional power is overkill.

You won't be limited at all. Enjoy your new machine!

 

[poorcody]

I wouldn't worry, 8gb should be fine for you... I run Xcode, Safari, and Parallels with a Windows VM simultaneously in 8gb with no problem.

 

[Joerusalem352]

Awesome! I really like the new designs. (First mac, no basis for comparison/disappointment) I'm really excited to finally be in MacOS. Thank you!

 

[Clint_Barton]

Sorry to contradict, but if the 15in (2015) is really the same price, then i would go with that, the quad core and 16gb ram future proof it a more. the only draw back in going with the 15 is the size and less powerful integrated graphics (i am pretty sure)

 

[Joerusalem352]

Sorry to contradict, but if the 15in (2015) is really the same price, then i would go with that, the quad core and 16gb ram future proof it a more. the only draw back in going with the 15 is the size and less powerful integrated graphics (i am pretty sure)

Damn, well now I am definitely conflicted... I really like the new design and hardware but this will hopefully be my work computer for a few years while I hopefully learn programming. Plus I could have the refurb by Tuesday vs. 3-4 weeks for the new one...

 

[The Catalyst]

I honestly believe what's inside the computer matters much more than what's on the outside. If you're planning on using this in a work environment, a quad core chip and double the ram will be more useful than a row of light up buttons (to me at least).

The 2 inches of extra screen real estate is just icing on top.

 

[Clint_Barton]

I would go with the 15 in refurb, i think

 

[poorcody]

It's a tough call... honestly I think you will be all right either way you go. The 2015 really has a 2013 processor, so a 2013-quad vs a 2016-duo is probably pretty close. The 2015 is proven, the 2016 has most things newer and more future-proof. The physical size/weight might be the deciding factor...