Am I on the right track for buying a new MBP?

[davidg4781]

I'm torn between a 2020 M1 13" MBP 16/1 and a 2021 14" MBP 16/512 (manly to save $). That's about a $400 difference. I know the 14" has a lot better screen and faster ports. I'm not a big power user and, coming from a 2011 mini, don't really know what to do with all the extra power.

I'm leaning more towards the 2020 and waiting a few years to do another upgrade if needed. If I were to get the 14", I really think I'd rather just pay a little extra and max it to what I need (16/1/97w) and coming out to about a $600 difference. This is with employment pricing.

Here's something else to consider... I won't be able to get the BTO 2020 until late April/early May. By then, should I just wait another few weeks and see what WWDC has? I've been wanting to buy a new MBP since maybe 2015, what's another 6 weeks, right?

 

[kitKAC]

The only hardware that might be announced at WWDC would be the Mac Pro, no laptops.

Get the 13" M1, that's already a great upgrade from a 2011 Mini and as you said, you wouldn't know what to do with the extra power that comes from the 14" machine.

 

[DMG35]

I think you would be perfectly happy with either option. If it were me I'd opt for th 14" model just for the superior screen, speakers, fast charging, and mag safe. If you opt for the 13" you will still love it as well though so I think you will be happy either way.

 

[davidg4781]

I think you would be perfectly happy with either option. If it were me I'd opt for th 14" model just for the superior screen, speakers, fast charging, and mag safe. If you opt for the 13" you will still love it as well though so I think you will be happy either way.

That screen and those speakers are amazing! I just don’t know if they’d be worth the extra money for my needs.

 

[MarineBand5524]

That screen and those speakers are amazing! I just don’t know if they’d be worth the extra money for my needs.

You also have to think in terms of life span, being stuck on an older system thats not being able to utilize the updates Apple pushes out as well. (Also Apple Care+ which I always tell people to buy. It’s saved me thousands of dollars. - yes I do realize I might be the exception)

 

[beach bum]

I would just go with the 13” M1. You’ve already stated that you don’t need the computing power of the 14” and in a few years, you can re-assess. Also keep in mind that Apple tends to support their products for a fairly long time, so in 3-5 years if your needs require it, you have the option of upgrading or sticking with the 13”.

Only you can answer whether or not the $400 difference is worth it. Actually, have you considered the M1 MBA? That is a very nice kit if you decide to max it out.

 

[MuGeN PoWeR]

I would just go for 14". as its going to be better and will offer more longevity!

 

[davidg4781]

I would just go with the 13” M1. You’ve already stated that you don’t need the computing power of the 14” and in a few years, you can re-assess. Also keep in mind that Apple tends to support their products for a fairly long time, so in 3-5 years if your needs require it, you have the option of upgrading or sticking with the 13”.

Only you can answer whether or not the $400 difference is worth it. Actually, have you considered the M1 MBA? That is a very nice kit if you decide to max it out.

I've considered the MBA. I'm leaning towards the MBP because of the TouchBar and extra cooling. And for the 14" it would be about $600 extra to get the larger storage. I used $400 just to get into it but should probably get the 1 TB storage. My 500 GB mini was getting pretty full before it died and I was having to get rid of media to keep it happy.

 

[beach bum]

I've considered the MBA. I'm leaning towards the MBP because of the TouchBar and extra cooling. And for the 14" it would be about $600 extra to get the larger storage. I used $400 just to get into it but should probably get the 1 TB storage. My 500 GB mini was getting pretty full before it died and I was having to get rid of media to keep it happy.

Well, it sounds like you are getting closer to your goal with the 13” M1. Also, consider external storage solutions which are much cheaper than Apple’s storage upgrades. Good luck with your purchase!

 

[Fishrrman]

A base model 14" would keep the cost down, and give you more "growing room" for the future...