Which MacBook Pro 15" 2018 model for personal use, student, and amateur photography?

[mac.user97]

I have done a lot of research but I still do not know if I should be the base model ($2399) or mid-upgrade ($2799).

I will be using the macbook for:

- Daily research for classes
- Netflix during free time
- Listening to music while doing homework or researching
- Web surf
- Online streaming for local channels and YouTube videos
- Amateur photography editing (Lightroom cc)
- Amateur video editing (GoPro mainly so far, future canon m5 videos). It is basically home videos about family, friends, and trips. Nothing commercial and for youtube.
- Email, Microsoft, iMessage, FaceTime.

I also do a lot of multitasking while doing homework or researching for something in the web. I have the habit to listen or watch something in the background while doing homework. So I can be writing a paper while running Netflix in the back.

What would you guys recommend? I currently use an iMac 21" 2013 maxed out and it is slow half of the time. I want something portable but with power to run my task and last longer before next upgrade.

 

[F23]

depends on how long you can wait to purchase a new device. i would suggest waiting for the upcoming Macs this year since the 2016-2018 MacBook pro line up has many hardware issues. the updated iMacs were announced this week so you could look into those. but if you want a MacBook it's better to wait for the next version (summer/fall).

 

[BuCkDoG]

I have done a lot of research but I still do not know if I should be the base model ($2399) or mid-upgrade ($2799).

I will be using the macbook for:

- Daily research for classes
- Netflix during free time
- Listening to music while doing homework or researching
- Web surf
- Online streaming for local channels and YouTube videos
- Amateur photography editing (Lightroom cc)
- Amateur video editing (GoPro mainly so far, future canon m5 videos). It is basically home videos about family, friends, and trips. Nothing commercial and for youtube.
- Email, Microsoft, iMessage, FaceTime.

I also do a lot of multitasking while doing homework or researching for something in the web. I have the habit to listen or watch something in the background while doing homework. So I can be writing a paper while running Netflix in the back.

What would you guys recommend? I currently use an iMac 21" 2013 maxed out and it is slow half of the time. I want something portable but with power to run my task and last longer before next upgrade.

Honestly it sounds like a lot of your work could be done on a MacBook Air to be honest. However if you're set on a MacBook Pro, I would buy the base model for your needs.

 

[Navdakilla]

Honestly it sounds like a lot of your work could be done on a MacBook Air to be honest. However if you're set on a MacBook Pro, I would buy the base model for your needs.

I agree with this. Seems like you could easily get away with base model. I'd argue that even an Ipad could complete the tasks you have posted.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Any one based on storage needs, your use case will be fine on any modern portable Mac.

 

[dscottj]

The base model should be fine. That's what I've got and it (along with countless others) has been trouble-free from day one.

That said, Apple traditionally updates the MBP in the summer/fall, so if your window can stretch into the July-October time frame, it may be worth the wait.

 

[leman]

I vote MacBook Air...

 

[esk]

yeah an air would be sufficient.