Should I replace?

[MacSafe]

Hey
Should I replace 2017 15 inch i7 16GB RAM, with 13 inch 2020 i5 16GB RAM?

Which one is more future proof? what laptop has higher value?

 

[Nbd1790]

The only reason you should be replacing that laptop is with an M Series processor. Looks like the 13 inch will be a downgrade in every way except for how long it will receive updates.

Replacing your machine with a new or refurbished M1 Air would be a better move (only if you current situation isn't suiting your needs).

 

[TinyMito]

Hey
Should I replace 2017 15 inch i7 16GB RAM, with 13 inch 2020 i5 16GB RAM?

Which one is more future proof? what laptop has higher value?

I know it's old, is there app/environment/process you work with; is too slow to run now?

 

[tstafford]

I'd avoid an Intel Mac at this point if I could. Even if that meant buying a refurb M1 Air.

 

[HDFan]

Should I replace 2017 15 inch i7 16GB RAM, with 13 inch 2020 i5 16GB RAM?

only if you current situation isn't suiting your needs).

What problems are you having with the existing system? No need to replace it if it is performing the tasks you need.

 

[Fishrrman]

I don't know if your budget will permit it, but...
... right now nearly EVERY MBP 14/16" model is on sale with $400 off.

See:
Best Apple Deals of the Week: Major $400 Discounts Hit Every 2021 MacBook Pro and More

 

[Sterkenburg]

Doesn't make much sense right now to replace an Intel MBP with another Intel MBP, differences will be negligible compared with the jump to Apple Silicon.

Look for the current deals on the M1 MBPs, much more value for your money to be found there and it would be an actual tangible upgrade from what you have.

 

[Kottu]

Can your current macbook full-fill your needs? Any problems with HW? Good battery life? Then you don't need to replace it unless you want more portability. If you are going for a newer one, buy one with M1 or M2.

 

[maflynn]

Should I replace 2017 15 inch i7 16GB RAM, with 13 inch 2020 i5 16GB RAM?

Moving down to a 13" form factor after using a 15" can be quite an adjustment. I'd think long and hard about that.

Secondly, there's advantages and disadvantages with choosing another intel based Mac. I would recommend going that route if you have some must have apps that need intel but in reality if there's no such constraint I'd go for a newer laptop.

Questions to ask yourself as you decide on your next steps.
1. Does the 2017 fail to perform, do programs no longer work or are too slow?
2. Is the battery the cause of concert - if so, would a battery replacement be a stop gap measure to stave off spending so much money?
3. What does a 13" 2020 model give you that the 15" doesn't?

 

[Jack Neill]

Hey
Should I replace 2017 15 inch i7 16GB RAM, with 13 inch 2020 i5 16GB RAM?

Which one is more future proof? what laptop has higher value?

I wouldn't call either really future proof. The 2020 i5 4 TB3 model is not much more powerful in terms of CPU but it does have DDR4 ram. Unless you really need 4 TB3 ports, I would look at a 14" or a M1 13" both are much more cost effective compared to a 2020 Intel.