Shall I get the MacBook Pro 13” 2018 over the 2017 or wait for entry level MacBook?

[Ermir444]

I was waiting for the base model 13” MBP to get quad core as i don't like the TB, but that clearly didn't happen. My user case is very simple: email, excel, equities and crypto trading (Bloomberg anywhere) etc. No video editing. I'd like to keep my machine for 4-5 years if not more.

Now Im in between the base 2018 13" TB and the base 2017 13" nTB. Two main questions/concerns:

1. Is the 2018 worth the extra 500 euros for my usercase and potentially more longevity?
2. Is the 2017 a bad value as it stands and do you foresee it being replaced by a cheaper 13'' Macbook with better value? (don't want to buy 1-yr old hardware only to see it being replaced by a better and cheaper version in October)

 

[Closingracer]

I was waiting for the base model 13” to get quad core as i don't like the TB, but that clearly didn't happen. My user case is very simple: email, excel, equities and crypto trading (Bloomberg anywhere) etc. No video editing. I'd like to keep my machine for 4-5 years if not more.

Now Im in between the base 2018 13" TB and the base 2017 13" nTB. Two main questions/concerns:

1. Is the 2018 worth the extra 600 euros for my usercase and potentially more longevity?
2. Is the 2017 a bad value as it stands and do you foresee it being replaced by a cheaper 13'' Macbook with better value? (don't want to buy 1-yr old hardware only to see it being replaced by a better and cheaper version in October)

I would just get the 2018 for 600 euros more if you can afford it. It will last a bit longer. That being said for your use case though the 2017 will be fine for a while.

 

[Glmnet1]

I wouldn't buy the 2017 nTB. Either get the new 13" if you can afford it or wait for the new budget MacBook.

 

[aimbdd]

I wouldn't buy the 2017 nTB. Either get the new 13" if you can afford it or wait for the new budget MacBook.

This

 

[Ermir444]

I would just get the 2018 for 600 euros more if you can afford it. It will last a bit longer. That being said for your use case though the 2017 will be fine for a while.

500 EUR is a big chunk to spend extra just with the premise that it would last a bit longer. I am yet to hear a sound argument as to why I should pay a 50% premium for a laptop that provides at most a 10% better experience (for my usercase). Not to mention that useless and pixelated strip above the keyboard which in my opinion, downgrades the experience.

 

[Closingracer]

500 EUR is a big chunk to spend extra just with the premise that it would last a bit longer. I am yet to hear a sound argument as to why I should pay a 50% premium for a laptop that provides at most a 10% better experience (for my usercase). Not to mention that useless and pixelated strip above the keyboard which in my opinion, downgrades the experience.

The touch bar isn’t a downgrade unless you need the function keys. Touch ID alone is well worth it. The 2018 has the third gen keyboard and touch tone display. I hate the True Tone and would turn it off but people like it so there’s that.