Another MBP dilemma...

[Jemmers]

Hi Guys,

I've read through a lot of posts on here which are pushing me towards the 16" MBP pro in base configuration to upgrade from my late 2011(!) MBP which is on its last legs.

Part of the dilemma is cost vs current need vs future proofing / longevity.

One thing to note - I am in a unique position in that I am a student and also run my own business (related to studies) so I am able to get 10% discount, free airpods and claim the VAT back currently (don't hate me).

I do a small amount of development work but not heavy - I do typically need to run multiple multi-tabbed chrome browsers (various extensions are essential for my work) whilst also having open multiple word docs, PDF's, Slack, Discord. That's about it but chrome usage is particularly heavy. Although it is not my main machine I have a Mac Mini at home which handles all this but it it's when I'm on the move and potentially going to be doing more from the MBP now.

So do I go for 13" 2020 MBP with the 10th Gen processor, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD which is coming in at £1349 Excluding VAT

OR

The Base 16" Model with 9th Gen i7 processor, 16GB Ram and 512GB SSD - £1799 exc VAT

OR

Could I even get by on the base 13" models which is only going to cost me £974 exc VAT

The latter option is obviously a huge cost saving but is that going to be sufficient for what I need?

spending more has a slight additional benefit in that I can claim whatever I purchase as a business expense which offsets some tax (although obviously it’s a false economy to spend more for the sale of it)

Trying to get the balance of cost, performance and how I'll be set longevity wise - I want this to last at least 5 years. I could also wait out a bit for sales / new releases etc as this isn't hugely urgent based on my current setup but something that needs to be done by the end of the year probably.

Any info or even additional recommendations would be massively appreciated.

 

[James_C]

To be honest you would be more than fine with a 2020 MacBook Air, it is significantly more powerful than your 9 year old pro. I replaced my daughter’s 3 year old MBP 13” with a base level 2020 Air, and she says that it is quicker than her old Pro. Money saved could allow you to upgrade to a Apple Silicon Mac sooner.

 

[Jemmers]

Interesting. I’ve read about heating issues on the MBA though?

I am a heavy chrome user - two windows open with one running some automation tools (chrome extension) andfairly heavy multi tabbed browsing / downloading in the other with multiple extensions.

Not sure if it could stand up to that? With office, word, pdf reader, slack, excel in the background on top.

happy to be convinced otherwise though - could be a nice (relatively) cheap in between whilst I assess future options and sell and upgrade two years later.

 

[James_C]

You will be fine with an Air. Upgrade the ram to 16GB, nothing you are doing is going to trouble the CPU. It will run rings round your current MBP.

 

[James_C]

I’ve read about heating issues on the MBA though?

There have been some issues, but mainly with the i7 processor. I would not worry, you can always return it if you have a problem.

 

[Jemmers]

Could be a good option. Would certainly keep the cost down and I could test it heavily for 2 weeks.

I keep getting drawn to the 16” screen size however and that comes with the 16gb RAM but yeah more £££.

Thanks James food for thought.

Any other opinions out there?

 

[nothingtoseehere]

Any other opinions out there?

The challenge here is to eke out what exactly you want, or need

Processor power should not be the problem. You have a MM at home, with a big screen, I suppose. Your current old MBP is 15"? And you are comfortable with carrying it around (size, weight)? If yes and yes, well, then a 13" will feel smaller. Your usage will benefit from a larger screen, at least it seems so to me.

How about an experiment? Getting a 13" model and testing it in real life (of course buying from Apple or from someone else with a generous policy on returning). Then deciding if it works for you or getting a 16" base.

Experiments are extra work, of course, but calculated for the 5 years you want to use the device, this effort could be well invested.

 

[Spudlicious]

Hi Guys,

I've read through a lot of posts on here which are pushing me towards the 16" MBP pro in base configuration to upgrade from my late 2011(!) MBP which is on its last legs.

Part of the dilemma is cost vs current need vs future proofing / longevity.

One thing to note - I am in a unique position in that I am a student and also run my own business (related to studies) so I am able to get 10% discount, free airpods and claim the VAT back currently (don't hate me).

I do a small amount of development work but not heavy - I do typically need to run multiple multi-tabbed chrome browsers (various extensions are essential for my work) whilst also having open multiple word docs, PDF's, Slack, Discord. That's about it but chrome usage is particularly heavy. Although it is not my main machine I have a Mac Mini at home which handles all this but it it's when I'm on the move and potentially going to be doing more from the MBP now.

So do I go for 13" 2020 MBP with the 10th Gen processor, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD which is coming in at £1349 Excluding VAT

OR

The Base 16" Model with 9th Gen i7 processor, 16GB Ram and 512GB SSD - £1799 exc VAT

OR

Could I even get by on the base 13" models which is only going to cost me £974 exc VAT

The latter option is obviously a huge cost saving but is that going to be sufficient for what I need?

spending more has a slight additional benefit in that I can claim whatever I purchase as a business expense which offsets some tax (although obviously it’s a false economy to spend more for the sale of it)

Trying to get the balance of cost, performance and how I'll be set longevity wise - I want this to last at least 5 years. I could also wait out a bit for sales / new releases etc as this isn't hugely urgent based on my current setup but something that needs to be done by the end of the year probably.

Any info or even additional recommendations would be massively appreciated.

Unless 'last legs' means terminal care, is there a good case for dithering a few months longer and seeing what Apple may launch towards year end?