TouchBar or no TouchBar?

[dvir971]

Hello,
Probably been asked dozens times before but I don’t know maybe something changed with newer models or something...

Debating wether or not buying the TouchBar model or not.
If I’m buying the regular model (13 inch) I’ll buy with 256 gb anyway, and the difference is about ~300 dollars.
The only difference I see is the slightly stronger processor (still i5 in both of them) and the 2 extra ports (as for the ports i’d Have to buy those annoying adapters anyway because no one really uses type C yet so it’s not so critical).
Considering I need it for studying Computer Science degree and maybe extra Adobe Photoshop/Premiere work- is it worth putting the extra 300 dollars for the better model?

 

[SurfaceBookUser]

I think there's a significant different in CPU performance which isn't completely obvious at first glance. The model without a touch bar has a much lower base frequency, and since it has poorer cooling (1 fan instead of 2 fans) you're not going to get the turbo speed for sustained periods of time. I would definitely go for the touch bar.

 

[maerz001]

It's a 28W vs 15W CPU. But if u really need the power that depends on your programs running.

 

[sergeyz]

The battery life is significantly different. Source: the signature

 

[maflynn]

Personally, I'd opt of processor power over battery life, just my $.02

 

[macintoshmac]

Personally, I'd opt of processor power over battery life, just my $.02

Always. At the very least, we will get 6-7 hours today, but no substitute for poor processing power and, therefore, wasted time. Since this would be my only computer, and I am in India with temps around 45 degrees C in summer, I did not go for the far more portable and desirable for my use MacBook 12 but instead opted for larger TB MBP 13 for its two fans and better processing headroom. I know for a fact that the 12 inch MB would have throttled more readily in my normal usage just due to ambient temps being so high.

 

[Mackinjosh]

Physical buttons are better than that lame touch-based gimmick.

 

[loco8]

No touchbar if you ask me. It's not worth it. I'd change mine for the physical buttons any day.

 

[hectorvs]

I would go for the TB model. Tried the nTB and its a great entry level machine, but what I missed the most were the extra TB3/USB-C ports.

 

[peter1984]

As others have said, it's a tradeoff between performance (+10-15%) and battery life (+10-15%). I chose battery life but I can see how someone who wishes for sustained performance ought to get the Touch Bar model. If you're in CompSci and you want to do video/photo, I highly recommend the 15in (unless you have a separate screen).

 

[parseckadet]

You've gotten lots of replies now, but notice that none of them make an argument for the touch bar itself. That part is take it or leave it in my book. Base your decision on something other than the touch bar, like CPU or number of ports.

 

[peter1984]

You've gotten lots of replies now, but notice that none of them make an argument for the touch bar itself. That part is take it or leave it in my book. Base your decision on something other than the touch bar, like CPU or number of ports.

It's really pretty?

I'm sure you can find use for the touch bar. I like the quiet/sleep mode when I'm concentrating. The link to the Notification Center is dope. The video scrubber when watching youtube is great. The touch bar is not mind-blowing but, considering how often the F-keys get used, it is as much, if not more, practical (did I mention it's also very pretty).

 

[coghlan]

I was just at the Apple store (having 2011 MBP diagnosed with bad logic board). I looked at the 3 models of the 15" MBP.

I asked why the entry level model had a smaller trackpad, and discovered that those computers are the 2015 design, while the two higher-end ones with large trackpads are a new design.

The rep also said that Apple stocks parts for about 5 years from end-of-manufacture (one reason why it may be difficult to replace my logic board), so I guess you can expect to have a hard time finding parts for the entry level model any time after 2020.

 

[parseckadet]

The rep also said that Apple stocks parts for about 5 years from end-of-manufacture (one reason why it may be difficult to replace my logic board), so I guess you can expect to have a hard time finding parts for the entry level model any time after 2020.

End-of-manufacture is pretty much the opposite of the date that they start to sell it. If they're selling it as new then they're continuing to manufacture it today. It's 5 years from when they stop selling them as new, not from when they started. So if you bought one today, and they stopped selling them tomorrow, you would still have 5 years, so 2023.

 

[coghlan]

End-of-manufacture is pretty much the opposite of the date that they start to sell it. If they're selling it as new then they're continuing to manufacture it today. It's 5 years from when they stop selling them as new, not from when they started. So if you bought one today, and they stopped selling them tomorrow, you would still have 5 years, so 2023.

Good to know, since one option is to buy the base model to replace our failed 2011 MBP.

Thanks.

 

[BigMcGuire]

My wife and I opted for the Touchbar model because of the extra USB C ports, higher CPU, and additional fans/cooling - not because of the touchbar itself at all.

 

[PilotWoo]

Touchbar seems like a gimmick. Save your cash.

 

[coghlan]

My wife and I opted for the Touchbar model because of the extra USB C ports, higher CPU, and additional fans/cooling - not because of the touchbar itself at all.

I'm thinking the extra thickness of the base model's screen might be good for my wife who tends to not be careful with electronic equipment as she hauls it over to the sofa to watch TV.

 

[2IS]

I would (and did) get the touch bar. More power, more ports, and I kinda like the touch bar. I actually find it useful when watching YouTube videos and use to to rewind for forward through it and I just think it makes the machine a little more fun to use.

 

[dvir971]

You've gotten lots of replies now, but notice that none of them make an argument for the touch bar itself. That part is take it or leave it in my book. Base your decision on something other than the touch bar, like CPU or number of ports.

The gimmick itself I find very cool- but it’s not a reason why I’d chose the TB or nTB model I just need to know if the price difference worths the preformance differences

 

[stockscalper]

It's a matter of personal opinion, but for me I see absolutely no use in the touch bar. When I'm doing photo editing I don't like having to take my eyes off the screen to look at the bar and then return to the screen. I think Apple missed the boat in not giving us a touchscreen. I bought a touchscreen Windows laptop to do photo editing and it is far superior to editing on my Mac. I get used to touching the screen and then find myself doing it on the Mac. Photo editing with a pen is so much better than using a mouse or touch bar. I keep my eyes on the screen and the task at hand. Apple could really have advanced their game had they gone with a touch screen instead of the touch bar imo.

And another thing, on the Windows computer I got two USB C ports, but a traditional USB port - so no more dongles. It also has a traditional keyboard that is a joy to type with.