I know there are a bunch of threads out there on this, but I've researched for hours and still dont have an answer. I'm looking to buy a 2013 macbook pro retina. I just do basic tasks (internet, word, powerpoint), but I want it to last at least 5 years. Should I get the base model or is it worth upgrading the processor or the RAM?
MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mavericks (10.9)
Most important is more RAM, get 8gig min.
Correct answer is get the most you can afford to spend on same, but yes most all here will concur that 8gig RAM minimum, however for your use 4gig is fine
but 8gig upgrade is a very cheap upgrade cost wise.
Reviews of the newest Retina 2013 Macbook Pro
13”
Digital Trends (13") - http://www.digitaltrends.com/laptop-...h-2013-review/
LaptopMag (13") - http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/lap...play-2013.aspx
Engadget (13") - http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/29/m...-13-inch-2013/
The Verge (13") - http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/30/5...ay-review-2013
CNet (13") - http://www.cnet.com/laptops/apple-ma...-35831098.html
15”
The Verge (15") - http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/24/5...w-15-inch-2013
LaptopMag (15") - http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/lap...inch-2013.aspx
TechCrunch (15") - http://techcrunch.com/2013/10/25/lat...ok-pro-review/
CNet (15") - http://www.cnet.com/apple-macbook-pro-with-retina-2013/
PC Mag (15") - http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2426359,00.asp
Arstechnica (15") - http://arstechnica.com/apple/2013/10...-pro-reviewed/
Slashgear (15") - http://www.slashgear.com/macbook-pro...2013-26303163/
Most important is more RAM, get 8gig min.
Correct answer is get the most you can afford to spend on same, but yes most all here will concur that 8gig RAM minimum, however for your use 4gig is fine
but 8gig upgrade is a very cheap upgrade cost wise.
Reviews of the newest Retina 2013 Macbook Pro
13”
Digital Trends (13") - http://www.digitaltrends.com/laptop-...h-2013-review/
LaptopMag (13") - http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/lap...play-2013.aspx
Engadget (13") - http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/29/m...-13-inch-2013/
The Verge (13") - http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/30/5...ay-review-2013
CNet (13") - http://www.cnet.com/laptops/apple-ma...-35831098.html
15”
The Verge (15") - http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/24/5...w-15-inch-2013
LaptopMag (15") - http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/lap...inch-2013.aspx
TechCrunch (15") - http://techcrunch.com/2013/10/25/lat...ok-pro-review/
CNet (15") - http://www.cnet.com/apple-macbook-pro-with-retina-2013/
PC Mag (15") - http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2426359,00.asp
Arstechnica (15") - http://arstechnica.com/apple/2013/10...-pro-reviewed/
Slashgear (15") - http://www.slashgear.com/macbook-pro...2013-26303163/
RAM is the best bang for the buck.
Ok, thank you. For longevity is upgrading the processor going to help, or not worth the money?
as per your indicated use, no. However as said, get as much as you "can afford to spend on the item reasonably"
RAM however is far more important.
😊
Thanks, I will probably upgrade to the 8gb, as I am on a tight budget and am only upgrading to make sure I don't need to replace my computer in a couple years.
As you state -- "I just do basic tasks (internet, word, powerpoint)"
RAM and processor needs for THAT kind of work really hasnt changed in many many years.
A 2007 Mac Mini with 2gig of RAM would handle all that at once just fine even. 😊
So your saying that the base model should be just fine with reguards to RAM and processor in 5+ years?
Yes, but even on a budget, the cost of the RAM upgrade is very cheap, and it helps a LOT on other things youre likely to do other that just text and web.
Just to say "base model with the 4gig upgrade (8gig total)"
In this case, its like saying the "button down shirt is $15, but the nice Polo one is $16" , as an analogy on the overall cost of the Mac and the RAM upgrade. lol 😊
Ok, the upgrade to the better i5 is also fairly cheap, is that worth it, or is it not going to make a difference in the long run?
As per you use indications no. Will that use change? who knows, even you may not know that.
its not clock speeds as important but core count, ....but these are video and photo editing and other high task APPS you never mentioned ever planning to use.
As said, on 90% of APPS out there, no difference, ... and 15 to 20% faster on processor intensive APPS such as video and photo editing (serious photo editing)
Simplex photo editing, crops, etc. would also have no noticeable difference.
Ok, thanks a bunch. I'll go with the base processor and 8gb RAM.
youll be happy, and remember you have 14 days to 'run it around the block' and exchange it if needed (however very unlikely)
on used resell value of the 8gig vs. 4gig base RAM......
people get on average 2X purchase cost for the upgrade-only (in the total cost of the computer) after 4-5 years of use and selling it used.
what else in electronics can you say "I sold X (resell value used 4gig RAM upgrade) for 2x what I paid"
nowhere really
another reason its worth it
Peace 😊
Do I need i7 or 8gb RAM 13in MBP?
