Sold my 2014 15in rMBP, now what?!

[cp678]

Hello all,

I know, I know... there are tons of threads both here and on the interwebs debating a 2015/2016 purchase. However, I figured I'd ask by adding a little bit of a twist.

To give you an idea, I am a freelance wedding photographer and a full time digital marketer (email). After I graduated, I knew that I needed to move away from my 15in. Why? The size. I loved my 15in...it had fantastic performance, but it was so cumbersome to carry around.

Now that my job requires some travel, and I've moved my laptop from my desk to my bag more often now... I decided to sell my 2014 before it lost more value.

So, I'm left with a dilemma. Here are my options:

Needs

• Manage photo library
• Cull (sort/organize) photo ingests
• edit photos (mainly weddings, 15-30gb folders of RAW images)
• print design (moderate level Illustrator + InDesign)
• mobility
• new large storage solution, filled my 1tb single drive.

Budget: ~$2400

Option A - $2167
MacBook Pro 13in - 2015 $1400 (B&H)
-i5/16GB upgrade
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1128939-REG/apple_z0qm_mf8391_13_3_macbook_pro_notebook.html
Wacom Intuos Pro Small - $199
Code Ten-Keyless (brown switches) Keyboard
27in BenQ 1440p monitor - $309
OWC Dual RAID enclosure - $99
-WD 2tb RED x2 - $160

Option B - $2200
MacBook Pro 13in - 2016 $1799
-i7/16GB
-https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1294086-REG/apple_z0sy_mluq23_bh_13_3_macbook_pro_silver.html
23in NEC monitor (own)
Apple Mouse (own)
CalDigit USB-C dock $150
OWC Dual RAID enclosure - $99
-WD 2tb RED x2 - $160

Option C - $2448
MacBook Air 11in - 2015 $749
-refurb
iMac 27in $1699
-refurb
-i5 3.2/Fusion Drive

----

I threw in the 2016 rMBP, for the sole fact that the loaded i7 16GB model is actually $100 less than the 2015 version. I also had to go a little easier with the upgrades on the 2015 to compensate for the monitor.

What are your thoughts? Do I go for the i7/16GB setup and take the jump to the USB-C trend, or maintain the 2015 flow and get a few gadgets to go along with it.

Thanks!

 

[Samuelsan2001]

The i7 on the MacBook Pro is not worth it to be honest it's still a dual core and provides a very small performance boost for the cash.

 

[maflynn]

Maybe its me, but it seems that your options are so different that its almost apples to oranges. For instance, in option A you have a Wacom Intuos Pro Small but not in Option B. I guess you did it for the sake of your budget, since that might push the price over the 2400 requirement. Still, configure the laptop you need with everything you require, i.e., the wacom intuos.

I'd say since the Option A has the most items, you'll probably be better off with that

 

[HBOC]

for me, editing on anything less than the wacom medium would be annoying.