Going to get my first laptop.

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Level 1

6 points

Going to get my first laptop.

I've owned a Mac Pro for 12 years, and it's time to upgrade. I was a bit shocked at the price of the new Mac Pros, so I'm turning to the laptops for the first time. I'm looking at the MacBook Pro 16":

2.3GHz 8-core, 32GB memory
32GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory
AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 8GB of GDDR6 memory
1 TB SSD

First, I want to make sure I'm spending wisely. I'll be using it for graphics and video work (the Adobe suite). Do those stats look good for that use? I figured that bumping up the graphics and memory one notch from the basic model will increase longevity.

Is it viable to rely on external storage? If I need more that 1 TB down the road, can I simply buy an external SSD?

Lastly, what's some general advice/expectations for a first time laptop/MacBook Pro owner? Any pitfalls or known issues? I will desperately miss the numeric keypad. I understand I'm going to have to buy some Thunderbolt 3/USB adapters.

Thanks so much for any advice!

Posted on Jul 17, 2020 4:08 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

BobTheFisherman

Level 9

79,375 points

Jul 17, 2020 8:43 AM in response to CrockAlley1

First -- The specs look very good.

Second -- Yes you can use an external SSD for additional storage and for backup.

Third -- Keep your Mac plugged in when convenient to do so. Your computer and battery will not be damaged or overcharge. Leaving the computer plugged in reduces the rate of accumulation of battery cycles.

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Answer 2

Jul 18, 2020 2:44 AM in response to CrockAlley1

An additional consideration:

Given your stated intentions for use, you might be interested in this article on multi-monitor support ... so as to not “paint yourself into a corner” hardware wise.

https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT210228

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Answer 3

Jul 18, 2020 7:09 AM in response to CrockAlley1

While I’m def NOT a graphics expert, I trust others will chime-in ... but I’m sure you’ll be fine.

You WILL need some “flavor” of dongle to convert the MBP’s USB Type-C / Thunderbolt-3 output to the corresponding input for your monitor.

e.g. https://store.apple.com/xc/product/HKQ22ZM/A

(You’ll find that Thunderbolt-3 opens-up a whole new universe of “attached devices” vying for your attention.) <wink>

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Answer 4

CrockAlley1 Author

Level 1

6 points

Jul 18, 2020 6:02 AM in response to Chattanoogan

Thanks so much for the input. My current desktop display is only 2560 x 1440, and the article you linked refers to higher-res options. Will I be fine with the AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 8GB of GDDR6 memory if I plan on keeping my current monotor?

Thanks again!

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