Which MacBook Pro should I buy?

Question

Level 1

4 points

Which MacBook Pro should I buy?

I am currently on my second year in college and I am looking to upgrade my MacBook Air.

I use my laptop for lectures to take notes, but I am also in to video editing on Final Cut Pro and creating music and beats in Logic Pro X. Obviously, my MBA is not giving me the speed or graphics that I need for this.

Currently, my budget for a new laptop is $2,000 before tax. So, I do have two options to choose from with this budget.

1. Previous generation MBP (Custom configuration)

2.9GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz
16GB 1866MHz memory
512GB PCIe-based SSD
Intel Iris Graphics 6100
Two Thunderbolt 2 ports

2. New 2016 MBP w/ Touchbar (Custom configuration)

2.9GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz
16GB 2133MHz memory
256GB PCIe-based SSD
Intel Iris Graphics 550
Four Thunderbolt 3 ports

The reason that I am stuck between these two is because I'm not exactly sure if I do need a Touchbar. I am also reading about the battery life with the touchbar MBP The previous MBP has all of the ports that I need (for now), but I do understand that eventually, most devices will be USB-C.

What do you guys think is the better bang for your buck?

Posted on May 8, 2017 9:49 AM

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Answer 1

keg55

Level 6

11,755 points

May 8, 2017 10:25 AM in response to .dha

Option #1.

You will avoid having to buy adapters for the USB-C port(s).

You also might want to check the Apple Refurbished site for a previous generation as these are discounted with the full 1 year warranty as a brand new Macbook Pro.

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Answer 2

tjk

Level 9

51,192 points

May 8, 2017 3:20 PM in response to .dha

Hi,

It appears that you're looking only at 13" MBPs?

If not, here's a great deal: http://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/macbook-pro?product=MJLQ2LL/A&step=config#

AFA Touch Bar, if it was worth a $1000 more than a non-TB, and you offered it to me for the same price as a non-TB, I'd take the non-TB without even thinking about it. Still, if forced to only choose between #1 and 2, I'd flip a coin as it's ports and graphics vs double the storage. And, fwiw, you're doing the right thing going with 16GBs of RAM.

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