Time for new one

[c p ron]

Greetings one and all,

I'm the new old guy here. It's time to replace my 2008 MBP. I hope the group can help me out.
I do not have room for a desk top unit so the laptop has been my best friend.

I spend anywhere from 4-10 hours a day on my laptop doing research,watching video(youtube) social media and several types of forums.

I enjoy taking photos and now some video and editing them on the computer. The computer also is my main storage system for my photos. I plan on getting a portable back up hard drive for the video and photos.

Could use the groups input as to which system everyone recommends. Model etc.,etc.,etc.

Thanks
C P Ron

 

[mikzn]

ok here is my 2 cents

get a used - 15 inch i7 2013 to 2015 MBP "Macbook Pro" with as much memory as possible (16gig), and at least 256g SSD storage / prefered is 500g

half the price of a new MBP and just as good! - with Magsafe, great keyboard, i7 processor (4core?) and speed of the SSD drive ( upgradeable)

 

[groove-agent]

I agree, don't buy a 2016/2017 until they fix the keyboard issues.

 

[bensisko]

I would make sure to get 16 GB RAM (you can't upgrade later). If you need to cost-out, get the 256 GB storage (you can always get more external storage).

I love my 2017 MacBook Pro - highly recommend! Great battery life, thin and light, powerful - amazing machine!

 

[Natzoo]

I would not recommend the 2016 and 2017 mac book pro until Apple fixes the major issues along with it. I recommend getting a 2015 15" rMBP, i own one and it is very reliable. It has never let me down and definitely is on par with speed of a 2016 and 2017 rMBP. Best of all, you get to keep the legacy ports and not deal with the touch bar (less efficient and no feedback). The apple refurbished site has them and i think Apple still sells them in stores (the only 15" without touchbar and 4 usb-c ports)

 

[npolly0212]

I was about to agree with all above. Do not get anything after 2015. Work got me a new one and I absolutely hate this laptop. Only have USB-C ports, had to spend another 100+ on adapters to be able to use HDMI, usb, SD Card and whatnot. Plus I ABSOLUTELY HATE these new keyboards that they have put on these things. It doesnt feel like you are pushing a key or anything like on the old keyboards

 

[Natzoo]

I was about to agree with all above. Do not get anything after 2015. Work got me a new one and I absolutely hate this laptop. Only have USB-C ports, had to spend another 100+ on adapters to be able to use HDMI, USB, SD Card and whatnot. Plus I ABSOLUTELY HATE these new keyboards that they have put on these things. It doesn't feel like you are pushing a key or anything like on the old keyboards

Apparently, some user on the forum explained that the keyboard can cause problems to the hand because of how close it is to the shell, so there is that on top of the unreliable keyboard. The only issue I ever had with my 2015 was when I dropped it but that was my fault.

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

No idea why this lot are recommended a 16GB MacBook Pro for your needs, honestly you can do that on a MacBook Air and save a lot of money.

What's your budget? Are you considering new or refurbished? There's a small but vocal lot on these forums who hate anything new for a variety of reasons, but you need to ask what's right for you. If you can get a 2015 for half the price of a new machine then by all means that's a much better buy, but for the same price it's old technology... However given your uses, you wouldn't notice a speed difference between a 2012 and a 2015, yet alone a 2017 as you're not using a smidgen of the performance to write emails and reply on forums.

Go have a play with a few different models at the Apple store and consider what you like best, also give a budget and try stick within that. You don't need a 2017 or even a 2015 MBP to do what you do, so if a rMB takes your fancy then try that one.

P.S. don't waste money getting 16GB of RAM, that's an absurd amount for your use and you'll barely use half of it. Spend the money on a larger internal SSD or put it into those external drives you needed.

 

[npolly0212]

Apparently, some user on the forum explained that the keyboard can cause problems to the hand because of how close it is to the shell, so there is that on top of the unreliable keyboard. The only issue I ever had with my 2015 was when I dropped it but that was my fault.

Yeah, I absolutely freaking hate this keyboard. But work wouldn't listen to me whatsoever and get an older version which costs them less. So I made them go out and get me a magic mouse and a full keyboard with the number pad and everything

 

[bensisko]

No idea why this lot are recommended a 16GB MacBook Pro for your needs, honestly you can do that on a MacBook Air and save a lot of money.

What's your budget? Are you considering new or refurbished? There's a small but vocal lot on these forums who hate anything new for a variety of reasons, but you need to ask what's right for you. If you can get a 2015 for half the price of a new machine then by all means that's a much better buy, but for the same price it's old technology... However given your uses, you wouldn't notice a speed difference between a 2012 and a 2015, yet alone a 2017 as you're not using a smidgen of the performance to write emails and reply on forums.

Go have a play with a few different models at the Apple store and consider what you like best, also give a budget and try stick within that. You don't need a 2017 or even a 2015 MBP to do what you do, so if a rMB takes your fancy then try that one.

P.S. don't waste money getting 16GB of RAM, that's an absurd amount for your use and you'll barely use half of it. Spend the money on a larger internal SSD or put it into those external drives you needed.

I recommend 16 GB of RAM so you can hold onto it longer (since you can't upgrade later).
[doublepost=1518407157][/doublepost]

Best of all, you get to keep the legacy ports and not deal with the touch bar (less efficient and no feedback). The apple refurbished site has them and i think Apple still sells them in stores (the only 15" without touchbar and 4 usb-c ports)

You know, you can get either a 13 or 15 without Touch Bar (I did not opt for Touch Bar).
[doublepost=1518407227][/doublepost]

Apparently, some user on the forum explained that the keyboard can cause problems to the hand because of how close it is to the shell, so there is that on top of the unreliable keyboard. The only issue I ever had with my 2015 was when I dropped it but that was my fault.

From my research, the keyboard "problem" is vastly over-stated.

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

I recommend 16 GB of RAM so you can hold onto it longer (since you can't upgrade later).

You can't upgrade anything later, you'll still be stuck with a weak CPU/SSD etc. if in 5 years you decide you need 16GB of RAM. It's a bottleneck, very little work requires 16GB of RAM and given the OP's current usage, it is unlikely they will ever utilise 16GB of RAM.

Say in 4 years time they decide to start editing 4k footage, they'll still have a weak machine to do this. Having 16GB of RAM does not allow for more applications or anything it just allows certain applications to run better.

So I don't see the point of adding 16GB of RAM for something you are unlikely to ever make use of, when it would be a far better idea to get what you need now, and if in the future those needs change, consider an upgrade. It'll work out a far better use of money in the long run.

RAM utilisation is constantly getting more efficient, that's why 8GB of RAM has been sufficient for so long, and will continue to be suitable for time to come.

All I'm saying is the money going into 16GB would, in the OP's instance, be far better invested elsewhere in the machine/accessories. Unless the price difference is negligible of course, but at $200+ it's better to get a larger SSD or external drives which you need rather than get RAM that you don't and may never need.

 

[bensisko]

You can't upgrade anything later, you'll still be stuck with a weak CPU/SSD etc. if in 5 years you decide you need 16GB of RAM. It's a bottleneck, very little work requires 16GB of RAM and given the OP's current usage, it is unlikely they will ever utilise 16GB of RAM.

Say in 4 years time they decide to start editing 4k footage, they'll still have a weak machine to do this. Having 16GB of RAM does not allow for more applications or anything it just allows certain applications to run better.

So I don't see the point of adding 16GB of RAM for something you are unlikely to ever make use of, when it would be a far better idea to get what you need now, and if in the future those needs change, consider an upgrade. It'll work out a far better use of money in the long run.

RAM utilisation is constantly getting more efficient, that's why 8GB of RAM has been sufficient for so long, and will continue to be suitable for time to come.

All I'm saying is the money going into 16GB would, in the OP's instance, be far better invested elsewhere in the machine/accessories. Unless the price difference is negligible of course, but at $200+ it's better to get a larger SSD or external drives which you need rather than get RAM that you don't and may never need.

A "weak machine"? I think not.

Since the OP mentioned doing photo and video editing, 16 GB RAM will ABSOLUTELY help - even if they're not editing 4k (of course, keeping in mind that the iPhone shoots in 4k ever since the 6s).

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:
You didn't tell us whether you prefer the 13" display or the 15" display.

I'd be wary of the 2016-17 models -- particularly because of the keyboard, which is a "$700 fix" once the warranty runs out.

If you want:
- a keyboard that won't break
- plenty of ports that you can use without confusion
- an SD card reader
- and still pretty durn good performance...

... then pick up either a 2015 design MacBook Pro 13" from the Apple Refurbished Store, or perhaps a "factory new" 2015 design MBPro 15" (these are also available from the Refurb Store).

 

[Samuelsan2001]

A "weak machine"? I think not.

Since the OP mentioned doing photo and video editing, 16 GB RAM will ABSOLUTELY help - even if they're not editing 4k (of course, keeping in mind that the iPhone shoots in 4k ever since the 6s).

Yes it'll be a little slower editing simple home videos on 4K with 8gb of ram but for a home video who cares, if you are doing anything professionally sure buy a 15 inch with 16gb of RAM and a dGPU. However any current apple computer is perfectly capable of editing 4k video taken on a smartphone with no issues at all.

In short your advice is dreadful, this OP has a use case that could be adequately filled by any decent tablet or even smartphone, any apple computer will be fine for them for at least 6-7 years with their current use case and recommending any upgrades above and beyond the storage size they need is absurd it's that simple.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Greetings one and all,

I'm the new old guy here. It's time to replace my 2008 MBP. I hope the group can help me out.
I do not have room for a desk top unit so the laptop has been my best friend.

I spend anywhere from 4-10 hours a day on my laptop doing research,watching video(youtube) social media and several types of forums.

I enjoy taking photos and now some video and editing them on the computer. The computer also is my main storage system for my photos. I plan on getting a portable back up hard drive for the video and photos.

Could use the groups input as to which system everyone recommends. Model etc.,etc.,etc.

Thanks
C P Ron

My best guess

There is only one reason for your needs to get a MBP and that is screen size else it's a bit over spec for your modest requirements

The rMB is not the best value but for portability and sheer fun of use anywhere its great

Best value would be a MBA or a refurbished model

See if you like the new KB's beforehand and a nice little external ssd like the Samsung t5 should fit the bill alongside some cloud storage

 

[bensisko]

Yes it'll be a little slower editing simple home videos on 4K with 8gb of ram but for a home video who cares, if you are doing anything professionally sure buy a 15 inch with 16gb of RAM and a dGPU. However any current apple computer is perfectly capable of editing 4k video taken on a smartphone with no issues at all.

In short your advice is dreadful, this OP has a use case that could be adequately filled by any decent tablet or even smartphone, any apple computer will be fine for them for at least 6-7 years with their current use case and recommending any upgrades above and beyond the storage size they need is absurd it's that simple.

Dreadful? Absurd? Really? I didn't realize suggesting extra RAM that would help to expand the useful life of a machine is really "dreadful"! Feel free to disagree with me, but let's save the melodrama for when it's really needed.