Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Which one: 16-inch MBP for $1950 or wait for 2020 13-inch?

alohamade

alohamade

macrumors regular
Original poster
Sep 13, 2012
143
13
Hey everyone, need some buying advice: I have someone willing to sell me a base model 16-inch MBP for $1950. However, I also realize that the new 13/14-inch is coming with new 10th-gen Intel processors.

I’m coming from a base 2016 13-inch, and if I get the 2020 MacBook, I would want a top of the line model as sold by Apple (not a custom one). The current standard top of the line MBP is $2000, so I figure it’s a similar price. My MBP usage is content consumption and browsing, so I care about battery life, which I hear is much better on Intel’s 10th gen (but also realize the 16-inch MBP has a beast of a battery).

which do you think I should get?
 
It comes to size and weight.

Do you want the 16" screen, power, weight and bulk that goes with it? Or do you want something lighter and smaller, keeping in mind the replacement will be heavier and bulkier than your current system.
 
I have been waiting for a smaller version of the new 16" but we're probably looking at WWDC until that unveiled. So I bit the bullet and got the 16" and am typing on it right now but it's just too big and heavy for what I need so I'll be selling it on and waiting for the smaller version.
 
As everyone else has already you should wait... and consider the weight.

That said, you say your usage consists of "content consumption and browsing." Could you be a bit more specific? If that's really all you're doing what's driving you to upgrade?

I really can't recommend the 16" unless you actually have a use case that requires it. Just anecdotal but my friend and I both bought MacBook Pros in 2016, he went with the 15" and I got the 13" (I upgraded in 2018 when the quad core models were released). He's always talking about how the size/weight makes him not want to take it out, and how he'd like to downsize to a 13" at some point. And that's with a use case (photo editing) that can make use of the extra power...

Also, have you considered side-grading/upgrading to a MacBook Air? I'd still recommend you wait as this year's upgrades could be significant, but if portability is something you value it could be worth considering. While the weight difference isn't huge (unlike the sadly discontinued 12" Retina MacBook), it is noticeable.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: egrimo
I went from a 13 to a 16" and love it - although it lives on my desk and I very rarely carry it anywhere.
If you are to be moving around with it I would stick with the 13"
 
  • Like
Reactions: Malus120
Malus120 said:
As everyone else has already you should wait... and consider the weight.

That said, you say your usage consists of "content consumption and browsing." Could you be a bit more specific? If that's really all you're doing what's driving you to upgrade?

I really can't recommend the 16" unless you actually have a use case that requires it. Just anecdotal but my friend and I both bought MacBook Pros in 2016, he went with the 15" and I got the 13" (I upgraded in 2018 when the quad core models were released). He's always talking about how the size/weight makes him not want to take it out, and how he'd like to downsize to a 13" at some point. And that's with a use case (photo editing) that can make use of the extra power...

Also, have you considered side-grading/upgrading to a MacBook Air? I'd still recommend you wait as this year's upgrades could be significant, but if portability is something you value it could be worth considering. While the weight difference isn't huge (unlike the sadly discontinued 12" Retina MacBook), it is noticeable.
Click to expand...

I think the angle of upgrading to a MacBook Air is...interesting! I do miss the 12-inch Retina. And the main reason for upgrading is that my 13-inch MacBook Pro is that well, it's sold now, and I do want something newer to travel with. My work laptop is my main thing, but I do want something I can take around.
 
Malus120 said:
He's always talking about how the size/weight makes him not want to take it out, and how he'd like to downsize to a 13" at some point.
Click to expand...
I have a 13" Pro, and I am not willing to take it out as well. It stays on the desk all the time :) Larger screen would be better.
 
Malus120 said:
As everyone else has already you should wait... and consider the weight.

That said, you say your usage consists of "content consumption and browsing." Could you be a bit more specific? If that's really all you're doing what's driving you to upgrade?

I really can't recommend the 16" unless you actually have a use case that requires it. Just anecdotal but my friend and I both bought MacBook Pros in 2016, he went with the 15" and I got the 13" (I upgraded in 2018 when the quad core models were released). He's always talking about how the size/weight makes him not want to take it out, and how he'd like to downsize to a 13" at some point. And that's with a use case (photo editing) that can make use of the extra power...

Also, have you considered side-grading/upgrading to a MacBook Air? I'd still recommend you wait as this year's upgrades could be significant, but if portability is something you value it could be worth considering. While the weight difference isn't huge (unlike the sadly discontinued 12" Retina MacBook), it is noticeable.
Click to expand...

I accept this answer too. 16" is really for people who makes graphic editing and 3d modeling. You are fine with 13" if you don't do these. You are even fine with Air if you don't do coding/basic video at all. The question of you in that case is yes. Apple will upgrade the keyboard this year and you wanna have good keyboard to not to fail. Mine did after 6 months I bought it.
 
If you don’t want/need 16” and/or don’t want/need a machine today/soon then wait.

The 16” MBP is basically the same exact size as 15” from late 2013. It’s really not that large of a machine for a 15”/16” laptop. I upgraded a personal older 15” > 16” and do not regret at all, or notice any physical size/weight difference in backpack. Also use the machine to the max and needed the i9 processor for work.

If you need to be ultra portable, any 15”/16” machine is not the right fit.
 
alohamade said:
I think the angle of upgrading to a MacBook Air is...interesting! I do miss the 12-inch Retina. And the main reason for upgrading is that my 13-inch MacBook Pro is that well, it's sold now, and I do want something newer to travel with. My work laptop is my main thing, but I do want something I can take around.
Click to expand...

If all you're doing is content consumption, have a look at the MacBook Air. Not only is it cheaper, but it's dead silent and always cool to the touch. Also the battery life is fantastic!

The Air feels like a much more modern computer to me than my previous 13" Pro. The latter was always warm (and often hot) and the fans were spinning up without much load.

The size and weight difference between the Air and Pro is arguably not much these days, but it's noticeable.

EDIT: That said, the 16" MBP for $1950 sounds like a really good deal?
 
What could the 16” 2020 mbp carry? I’d like to see what they would implement, maybe better camera quality and I’m really hoping for 8/10 cores with a 10th gen Intel cpu
 
I think it comes down to the portability. The 16” screen is amazing in every way apart from when you have to use it in a cramped space like economy travel on a plane/train. Apart from that it’s awesome and by the time you spec up a 13”, is great value for money too.
 
Last edited:
Since you're content with a 13" since 2016, go for a 2020 13/14 MBP. Otherwise, you'll second guess yourself with the 16".
 
wait
16inch - too much complain
13/14 would be lighter, will have more advanced cpu etc
I am waiting myself
 
I have to agree, I want the 13in form factor for portability, but when I look at the screens in the store, the 16inch screen looks way better and more uniform.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back