I currently have a macbook pro retina 13" (early 2015) and am looking to upgrade for college. I will be studying web development so I need something powerful but not sure how powerful I REALLY need it to be. I am on a slight budget anywhere between 2-3K but would like to spend as low as possible. Is 16gb ram really needed? or can I get away with just the 8gb.
PLEASE HELP
MacBook Pro w/ Touch Bar (2018 or later)
If I were you I'd take the current computer to an Apple service provider and get the battery replaced. It is plenty powerful enough for web design and programming. For now, 8GB of RAM is sufficient. If you can't get 4-5 hours of battery life, get the battery replaced. For the dorm you'll want a 22" or larger display which it can drive. I have essentially the same computer as you and until this fall I was able to teach a full day without plugging in. I started plugging in at lunch to get thru the afternoon.
If you are going for 2 year degree this computer should easily see you through graduation and if you are going for a 4 year degree you may wind up looking for a new computer for your junior year but then you'll have a newish computer for your first couple (poor) years post graduation.
If I were you I'd take the current computer to an Apple service provider and get the battery replaced. It is plenty powerful enough for web design and programming. For now, 8GB of RAM is sufficient. If you can't get 4-5 hours of battery life, get the battery replaced. For the dorm you'll want a 22" or larger display which it can drive. I have essentially the same computer as you and until this fall I was able to teach a full day without plugging in. I started plugging in at lunch to get thru the afternoon.
If you are going for 2 year degree this computer should easily see you through graduation and if you are going for a 4 year degree you may wind up looking for a new computer for your junior year but then you'll have a newish computer for your first couple (poor) years post graduation.
Several experienced high-powered developers and educators have already told you -- your computer is adequate for what you said you need to do.
I would recommend you look closely at EXACTLY where this computer is falling short of your expectations, and move to a computer that specifically does better in that area. If you can not do that today, then wait until you can make that determination.
Computers will always be faster, better, and cheaper if you wait. Do not blow you budget just to have NEW.
I’m not thrilled with any of the current MacBook offerings. Don’t like the need for dongles and along with the inferior keyboard and purposeless touchbar I’d rather make my 2015 MBP last as long as I can until Apple puts out something that is more practical.
But were I forced to purchase a new MacBook I’d select the 13” MBP without the touchbar. I’d want 16GB because I wouldn’t keep it long enough to need 32GB. If you intend to keep it all 4 years of college 32GB may be prudent. A 512GB drive minimum. Then a dongle or dock for my desk to let me plug in an external drive and display as well as a card reader for my digital camera.
What are the specifications of your current machine? The new machines are faster, but only a little bit.
2.7 GHz Intel Core i5
8 GB 1867 MHz DDR3
Intel Iris Graphics 6100 1536 MB
battery life is not amazing
Alright thanks for your the advice, but lets just say if I was to get another macbook what would you recommend
yeh thats fair
thanks for the help everyone ill save the money and keep it
Macbook Pro buying guide ?HELP?
