Deks1948

Q: 13'' Pro for Web Design

Hey guys!

 

I have been thinking of getting a 13'' macbook pro. I got a pretty sweet offer for one so I want to consult with you if it would handle design work. Basicly I am a user interface designer and 90% of the time I do websites and app designs. Somethimes my files get quite big and heavy up to 500-600mb per file, and now I use Photoshop CC. I plan on moving to Sketch when I get this Mac, so would like to know if some of you had this experience.

 

Here is the Mac specs:

Macbook Pro 13" Retina Mid 2014 :

2.6i5

128GB SSD

Intel Iris 1536MB

8GB 1600Mhz DDR3

 

Posted on Sep 17, 2016 6:54 AM

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Q: 13'' Pro for Web Design

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  • by BobTheFisherman,

    BobTheFisherman BobTheFisherman Sep 17, 2016 7:24 AM in response to Deks1948
    Level 6 (15,344 points)
    Sep 17, 2016 7:24 AM in response to Deks1948

    It is difficult to do anything within 128GB of storage space. In my opinion 128GB of storage may barely be large enough to support anything more than browsing, emailing, and occasionally typing a letter.

     

    In addition, it is hard to create and test web sites on a 13 inch screen.

     

    My recommendation would be to get a 15 inch computer with at least 256GB storage. Even more storage would be preferable. 8GB of RAM would work but 16GB would be better. RAM can not be upgraded after purchasing the computer. Multitasking requires more RAM.

  • by Deks1948,

    Deks1948 Deks1948 Sep 17, 2016 7:51 AM in response to BobTheFisherman
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Sep 17, 2016 7:51 AM in response to BobTheFisherman

    Will be updating with a 256 or 512SSD. Normally I have a Full HD display so most of the time would be plugged into the display. Just the price is good and I need a Mac machine to run Sketch.

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Sep 17, 2016 7:51 AM in response to Deks1948
    Level 9 (60,951 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 17, 2016 7:51 AM in response to Deks1948

    In addition to what has already been suggested, you may want to consider getting a second, much larger display. Working on code AND displaying that code takes a lot more screen space. Mac supports Extended Desktop and you can place many different windows on multiple screens.

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,Helpful

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Sep 17, 2016 8:00 AM in response to Deks1948
    Level 9 (60,951 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 17, 2016 8:00 AM in response to Deks1948

    Do not allow the price alone to place you in a machine that does not have enough RAM or a large enough Boot Drive, unless you intend to always have an additional drive connected for your work files.

     

    You will presumably be making money with this computer, and some of that money should go back into good tools that can help you be productive right away.

  • by Deks1948,

    Deks1948 Deks1948 Sep 17, 2016 8:02 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Sep 17, 2016 8:02 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

    I have a LG 34UM95C monitor. The 13'' is only to get started with a Mac as I have some clients waiting for an answer. Normally would prefer the 15'' models. At the moment cannot afford for a 15'' or an iMac so this deal is pretty suitable for now. I am only a designer so normally my tasks feature opened both Photoshop and Illustrator at the same time. I know its pretty heavy from GPU stand point. So maybe I would wait for a 15'' model..

  • by BobTheFisherman,

    BobTheFisherman BobTheFisherman Sep 17, 2016 8:24 AM in response to Deks1948
    Level 6 (15,344 points)
    Sep 17, 2016 8:24 AM in response to Deks1948

    If you can't afford a more capable computer why did you ask for our advice? It sounds like you are going to buy the less than optimal model based solely on price rather than on your workflow requirements. If it were me I'd listen to the advice provided and get the 15" model with more storage and RAM given what you said you would be doing with it. The computer is a tool to help with the job to be done. The quality of the tool makes the job easier.