Here's why the new MacBook Pros are great but still not worth upgrading

[EnderTW]

Thank you. Yes this is what I'm trying to say. Would I like to have a 1,006 core computer with 400,000 GB RAM, 200 million GB SSD, and a liquid crystal hypertonic astro physics lunar optic display? Sure lol.

But in all seriousness, I'm your average user. My statement above was not to be facetious to those on here who have opposing views, but rather make a point. I'm an average user that has always LOVED the MacBook Pro lineup. In colleges everywhere I remember seeing them amongst regular folks.

Now, it feels like the MacBook Pro is no longer built for people like me. And that to me is a shame

You're an average user who has loved the macbook pro line up? Why would you spend large amounts of money for something an iPad or a MBA could accomplish for you?

The pro line has finally swung back to people that actually need these tools to work on challenging tasks.

 

[tpfang56]

OP, the new Macbook Pros are the pro machines we deserve and are seriously worth their premium price now.

Just wait for the M2 MBAs and entry level MBPs (that is, if they don’t axe it.) Once they get a sweet redesign, they will be the ideal machine for you! I also hope they release a 15” MBA for people who want a bigger screen but don’t need pro features.

 

[steve123]

But what I'm trying to say is that who needs 10 cores outside of that? Seriously, most Mac users are probably NEVER going need 10 cores because it is just not what we do.

At one time Intel thought 640K of RAM was enough memory.

All those extra cores will unleashed a torrent of new innovation. You might not need 10 cores today for your everyday tasks, but when those applications come to life you will.

 

[Macalway]

This thread is testament that you can post gibberish, and dozens of people will respond to you.

 

[NativeMac]

Nah that’s not it. It’s not about me not appreciating the product.

This is about Apple choosing to pick their customers for the pro line bc it seems like they’re catering to a niche crowd.

As one person said in this thread, why not offer a less spec’d out version for the REGULAR folks who’ve been using the pro lineup their whole lives?

Let me ask you this:

Where is the entry level 14” that comes with 256 SSD, 6 cores, and 8Gb RAM for hundreds of dollars less?

Guess what? I’m not seeing it anywhere bc they’re not making the pros for people like me anymore

So you are upset because you want to own a “Pro in name” computer but don’t want it to be too powerful or “Pro” because it’s too much for you/the average person to handle and pay. But you don’t want to be seen with an Air or 13” Pro…because of some vanity reason or something.

And to say the Pro is now too niche is rubbish when there is a 13” Pro matching what you are describing in spec - minus the plus 1in larger screen size (which if you aren’t content creating why do you need a larger screen - just buy a 13” plus a TV for content consumption)

Also if Pro was a niche product line - it wouldn’t be a product line with three different sizes and dozens of different configurations to order.

Have you stopped to consider that maybe Apple hasn’t “left” your group of Pro users behind because base level M1 is so insanely good, even in the MacBook Air, that it pretty much now can handle any and all use cases? The M1 CPU in the MacBook Pro 13” and Air is nearly identical to the CPU portion of the Pro and Max - same tech in the performance and efficiency cores. So if your Pro workflow relies heavily on CPU intensive tasks - you’ll see a minimal bump up in speed from those CPUs - 2x above the base M1 - which itself is already like 2x faster than Intel.

Again I’m just having a really hard time understanding your argument or what you are even after - beyond you want a more newly styled Pro machine that is cheaper….

For my workflow of developing software and creating 3d graphics for said software…this new MacBook Pro will literally let me throw my wildest ideas at it and not break a sweat…and that’s exactly why I bought one speced out. And from others I’ve talked to in my industry - many are purchasing one…it’s nice Apple catered to a huge pool of “niche” paying customers…it’s like Apple is a business or something.

 

[SHNXX]

Who cares about the non pro users?
if you are not using this for work then youre using it for Netflix or YouTube or whatever, that could be done with any other computer on the market, Mac or not.
it simply doesn’t matter what your needs are.

 

[HelloMikee]

That is not the point. Yes if someone needs 64GB RAM and 8 TB storage, then this laptop may be great. But it's so over the top what's your average person gonna do? That's the angle you have to see it from. The creative people are niche

You're just making yourself sound foolish by answering your own question. These top of the line pro models are not for the average person. It's for creative professionals. And no, sorry, creative professionals are not a niche. They're literally why you can watch the movies you do, listen to the music you hear, look at the websites you visit, use that apps that you love, play the games you play, drive the car that you drive, enter buildings you enter. The list goes on.

Literally almost anything you can think of has been touched by some type of creative professional.

You've obviously never have had to work on insanely large files, rendered any large amounts of footage, or used programs that are graphic and CPU intensive... so maybe stop talking like you know what we need.

 

[Hieveryone]

You're just making yourself sound foolish by answering your own question. These top of the line pro models are not for the average person. It's for creative professionals. And no, sorry, creative professionals are not a niche. They're literally why you can watch the movies you do, listen to the music you hear, look at the websites you visit, use that apps that you love, play the games you play, drive the car that you drive, enter buildings you enter. The list goes on.

Literally almost anything you can think of has been touched by some type of creative professional.

You've obviously never have had to work on insanely large files, rendered any large amounts of footage, or used programs that are graphic and CPU intensive... so maybe stop talking like you know what we need.

The question is, does the average consumer need to know what the creative people need? The answer is no. The reason why is because it does not apply to us.

When was the last time your average college student edited an 8K video he took in the amazon rain forest of the birds and wildlife? Probably not very often.

Your average lawyer or college student works on files and does normal things. At best, editing a 4K video of the amazon rain forest would be a hobby, not a profession.

That brings me to a very simple point: Why doesn't Apple make an MacBook Pro that is more relatable to the average man?

You may say, "that's because the MacBook Pro is not for the average man. It is for people who edit videos"

I would then follow up your answer by asking, "Was it that way in the past?"

So again, I feel like this new MacBook is "the smart refrigerator of Laptops." Yes that may seem odd to you, but think about it.

Who does a smart fridge cater to? The niche crowd. Your average person just wants to eat. Not look at a screen to check the weather

 

[Hieveryone]

You're an average user who has loved the macbook pro line up? Why would you spend large amounts of money for something an iPad or a MBA could accomplish for you?

The pro line has finally swung back to people that actually need these tools to work on challenging tasks.

Very simple. How big is the Air screen? 13" right?

I want a 15" screen which is what I'm using now. No I don't edit videos. I do simple tasks. But some people prefer the larger screen.

An iPad would definitely not cut it for me personally because it runs iPadOS which is limited IMO

 

[fa8362]

The question is, does the average consumer need to know what the creative people need? The answer is no. The reason why is because it does not apply to us.

When was the last time your average college student edited an 8K video he took in the amazon rain forest of the birds and wildlife? Probably not very often.

Your average lawyer or college student works on files and does normal things. At best, editing a 4K video of the amazon rain forest would be a hobby, not a profession.

That brings me to a very simple point: Why doesn't Apple make an MacBook Pro that is more relatable to the average man?

You may say, "that's because the MacBook Pro is not for the average man. It is for people who edit videos"

I would then follow up your answer by asking, "Was it that way in the past?"

So again, I feel like this new MacBook is "the smart refrigerator of Laptops." Yes that may seem odd to you, but think about it.

Who does a smart fridge cater to? The niche crowd. Your average person just wants to eat. Not look at a screen to check the weather

It's called the MacBook PRO for a reason. It's not for the average man. The average man should use the Air or last year's entry level 13" macbook pro.

 

[Hieveryone]

In my country, I cannot custom configure Macs. All that's available are only the base preconfigured models, meaning for all M1 Macs, I cannot get one with 16GB of RAM.

Oh wow I did not know that at all. I can see why you would be concerned about getting 8GB or RAM in 2021. I have 16 myself and I'm not even a heavy user (relatively speaking), yet I feel like it is needed

 

[jsnuff1]

As everyone knows, Apple released 2 new MacBook Pros. A 14" and 16" version. To put it simply, they are both HUGE winners. From the better screen, the re-introduction of much desired ports, bigger screens, and performance.

These are the Smart Fridges of laptops, period.​

But you see, that's exactly the "problem" I have. I am currently using a 2019 15" MacBook Pro. Great screen, great keyboard, great performance, and very reliable *knock on wood*

Just like I don't need a fridge with a touch screen, I don't need a laptop that is so extra. When you go to the fridge you're looking for food. Nobody cares about a touch screen. Same way, I see no compelling reason to upgrade the new laptop unless you just need a new laptop.

It's really a testament to Apple of how good they are. They can do such a brilliant job, yet it's just so above and beyond it's unnecessary.

EDIT: I agree with those who need this laptop. As I've said, it is spectacular. So if someone is a video creator and needs to edit, then yes this may be great for them. But what I'm trying to say is that who needs 10 cores outside of that? Seriously, most Mac users are probably NEVER going need 10 cores because it is just not what we do.


EDIT #2: I would like reiterate, these new Macbooks are *stellar*. I am not debating that. They are absolute beasts in terms of performance. The screen, added ports, just everything is pretty spectacular. But I think they are becoming more niche rather than appealing to the masses, especially with the price increase. That is why I gave the fridge example. Smart fridges are great for those who need it. But for the masses, most people don't care to have a screen in their fridge.

Always find it entertaining reading these posts when new products come out. It always the same type of person that needs to feel better about their purchase and the fact that something way better and newer is out than what they have lol

 

[IllIllIll]

Might be a good idea for the OP to quit while he's ahead and stop digging the hole deeper.

 

[Hieveryone]

It's called the MacBook PRO for a reason. It's not for the average man. The average man should use the Air or last year's entry level 13" macbook pro.

This is EXACTLY my point.

You just said, "The average man should use the Air or last year's entry level 13" macbook pro."

The MacBook PRO model WAS right for regular folks in the past

Now it seems like Apple has moved away from that philosphy.

I think the design has suffered in terms of aesthetics since Jony Ive left. The laptop is definitely not as beautiful as the thinner, crisper looking models of the past.

For example, I do love how the bezels are basically edge to edge, but if you notice the base of the laptop looks pretty thick.

I would have liked it more had they gone with an edge to edge display, and then a thin base.

I know people will say "but what about heat" and I get that many people don't like heat, but these are probably the pro users who do video editing

The regular folks don't care about that stuff. If you ask me, aesthetics wins with the masses. Performance and all that wins with the pro users. In the past it felt like Apple was catering more to the regular folks because of price/focus on aesthetics

 

[rMBP2013]

As everyone knows, Apple released 2 new MacBook Pros. A 14" and 16" version. To put it simply, they are both HUGE winners. From the better screen, the re-introduction of much desired ports, bigger screens, and performance.

These are the Smart Fridges of laptops, period.​

But you see, that's exactly the "problem" I have. I am currently using a 2019 15" MacBook Pro. Great screen, great keyboard, great performance, and very reliable *knock on wood*

Just like I don't need a fridge with a touch screen, I don't need a laptop that is so extra. When you go to the fridge you're looking for food. Nobody cares about a touch screen. Same way, I see no compelling reason to upgrade the new laptop unless you just need a new laptop.

It's really a testament to Apple of how good they are. They can do such a brilliant job, yet it's just so above and beyond it's unnecessary.

EDIT: I agree with those who need this laptop. As I've said, it is spectacular. So if someone is a video creator and needs to edit, then yes this may be great for them. But what I'm trying to say is that who needs 10 cores outside of that? Seriously, most Mac users are probably NEVER going need 10 cores because it is just not what we do.


EDIT #2: I would like reiterate, these new Macbooks are *stellar*. I am not debating that. They are absolute beasts in terms of performance. The screen, added ports, just everything is pretty spectacular. But I think they are becoming more niche rather than appealing to the masses, especially with the price increase. That is why I gave the fridge example. Smart fridges are great for those who need it. But for the masses, most people don't care to have a screen in their fridge.

First off, I didn't know that Apple even made the 2019 15" MacBook Pros. LOL. I'm sure it's a typo on your end.

Second, I actually own a 2019 16" MacBook Pro with i9 and all the jazz. Let me tell you that I'm extremely unimpressed with it... with its constant fan noise, the heat, the terrible battery life, and numerous performance issue.

I just ordered a new Macbook Pro 16" with the M1 Pro and it cost me a similar amount of money as the 2019 model. But with the new one, I'm getting the following:
- Way better performance
- Much better battery life
- Quieter
- Less heat
- Much better screen
- Ports!
- Mag-safe
- Better speakers
- Will last a lot longer
- Quick battery charging

Heck the first 3 points alone makes this new purchase a no-brainer to me. Of course if you can't afford it then don't bother, but most folks here already have a MacBook Pro so I doubt most of us here are struggling with money.

 

[Hieveryone]

First off, I didn't know that Apple even made the 2019 15" MacBook Pros. LOL. I'm sure it's a typo on your end.

Second, I actually own a 2019 16" MacBook Pro with i9 and all the jazz. Let me tell you that I'm extremely unimpressed with it... with its constant fan noise, the heat, the terrible battery life, and numerous performance issue.

I just ordered a new Macbook Pro 16" with the M1 Pro and it cost me a similar amount of money as the 2019 model. But with the new one, I'm getting the following:
- Way better performance
- Much better battery life
- Quieter
- Less heat
- Much better screen
- Ports!
- Mag-safe
- Better speakers
- Will last a lot longer
- Quick battery charging

Heck the first 3 points alone makes this new purchase a no-brainer to me. Of course if you can't afford it then don't bother, but most folks here already have a MacBook Pro so I doubt most of us here are struggling with money.

I agree with that. I wasn't impressed with the 16" all that much either for many reasons, which is why I'm glad I got the 2019 15". The 2019 16" is bigger, bulkier, the keyboard lightings not as good, and it is heavier too. The speakers are really good though. The 15" speakers aren't bad at all, but I have "replaced" them with 2 homepod minis which I have placed right beside them. They are fantastic.

I agree about price. It is pretty expensive, and the price has gone up. This needs to be taken into consideration and people need to see if it's worth the cost.

For the me the 15" MacBook Pro for 2019 was a great deal overall. I'm very happy with it. The performance is really good, the keyboard is crisp, great lighting, the screen is awesome, the trackpad is nice, it's sleek, stylish, thin, the touchbar looks super fancy as well. I don't really use the touchbar a whole lot beyond the basics like volume controls, but it still looks super fancy. My ex actually thought the touchbar looked really fancy, so I know it does turn heads for the average tech user

 

[EnderTW]

Very simple. How big is the Air screen? 13" right?

I want a 15" screen which is what I'm using now. No I don't edit videos. I do simple tasks. But some people prefer the larger screen.

An iPad would definitely not cut it for me personally because it runs iPadOS which is limited IMO

Honestly I would be shocked if apple doesn’t do a 15 inch MacBook Air. You’re right people don’t need all the performance but want a larger screen. Lenovo x1 carbon sold like hotcakes because they put a larger 14 inch screen in.

I’m not saying you’re wrong it’s just that apple I think is now going to try and cater to a crowd that has for the most part left.

 

[EnderTW]

I agree with that. I wasn't impressed with the 16" all that much either for many reasons, which is why I'm glad I got the 2019 15". The 2019 16" is bigger, bulkier, the keyboard lightings not as good, and it is heavier too. The speakers are really good though. The 15" speakers aren't bad at all, but I have "replaced" them with 2 homepod minis which I have placed right beside them. They are fantastic.

I agree about price. It is pretty expensive, and the price has gone up. This needs to be taken into consideration and people need to see if it's worth the cost.

For the me the 15" MacBook Pro for 2019 was a great deal overall. I'm very happy with it. The performance is really good, the keyboard is crisp, great lighting, the screen is awesome, the trackpad is nice, it's sleek, stylish, thin, the touchbar looks super fancy as well. I don't really use the touchbar a whole lot beyond the basics like volume controls, but it still looks super fancy. My ex actually thought the touchbar looked really fancy, so I know it does turn heads for the average tech user

That’s great. Your computer will still be fast and thin and etc and it works for you. However that computer is not at all competitive with any professional workstation laptops out there which is why apple had to pivot.

I would benefit from mini led 120hz promotion screen, I would benefit from peak performance without throttle on or off power. I would benefit from 64gb of memory.

I’ve been around apple since 2007. From 2015 on they lost me for professional workstations. I’m back and others will be as well. This is good for Apple.

 

[ericwn]

This thread is testament that you can post gibberish, and dozens of people will respond to you.

And if you look into the posting history of some members, you’ll find even more of these threads.

 

[ericwn]

Honestly I would be shocked if apple doesn’t do a 15 inch MacBook Air. You’re right people don’t need all the performance but want a larger screen. Lenovo x1 carbon sold like hotcakes because they put a larger 14 inch screen in.

I’m not saying you’re wrong it’s just that apple I think is now going to try and cater to a crowd that has for the most part left.

I think apple marketing has been using the pro name in any bigger screen configuration extremely successfully over the years. It’s definitely their up sell strategy to make you purchase the pro version for more screen size, be it iPhone Pro Max, iPad Pro or MacBook Pro.

 

[derptron]

This just reads as “I need to justify to myself why I won’t/can’t get the new MacBook Pro” lol

 

[rMBP2013]

I agree with that. I wasn't impressed with the 16" all that much either for many reasons, which is why I'm glad I got the 2019 15". The 2019 16" is bigger, bulkier, the keyboard lightings not as good, and it is heavier too. The speakers are really good though. The 15" speakers aren't bad at all, but I have "replaced" them with 2 homepod minis which I have placed right beside them. They are fantastic.

I agree about price. It is pretty expensive, and the price has gone up. This needs to be taken into consideration and people need to see if it's worth the cost.

For the me the 15" MacBook Pro for 2019 was a great deal overall. I'm very happy with it. The performance is really good, the keyboard is crisp, great lighting, the screen is awesome, the trackpad is nice, it's sleek, stylish, thin, the touchbar looks super fancy as well. I don't really use the touchbar a whole lot beyond the basics like volume controls, but it still looks super fancy. My ex actually thought the touchbar looked really fancy, so I know it does turn heads for the average tech user

So you still have the crappy butterfly keyboard? How's it holding up?

If you're satisfied with your laptop's performance then sure, stay with it.

For me, it was a no-brainer to upgrade to the M1 Pro despite me never ever reaching its max capabilities. I did the upgrade from 2019 i9 because I was fed up with Intel and its constant fan noise, heat, and terrible battery life for doing basic tasks. I was getting less than 3.5 hours of battery life from a single charge!

What kind of battery life are you getting?

 

[CmdrLaForge]

My current Mac is a 2013 rMBP 13", dual core. I like more screen real estate for the work I do. So I ordered the 16 Inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro, 16GB RAM, 2TB SSD.

Funny thing is that I feel my 2013 is still plenty fast enough for what I do. I just wanted a 15" or better screen as I need very often 2 docs side by side.

 

[Hieveryone]

So you still have the crappy butterfly keyboard? How's it holding up?

If you're satisfied with your laptop's performance then sure, stay with it.

For me, it was a no-brainer to upgrade to the M1 Pro despite me never ever reaching its max capabilities. I did the upgrade from 2019 i9 because I was fed up with Intel and its constant fan noise, heat, and terrible battery life for doing basic tasks. I was getting less than 3.5 hours of battery life from a single charge!

What kind of battery life are you getting?

They keyboard is great. Definitely better than the keyboards with more key travel that cause finger fatigue. I love the crisp feeling, laser like back lighting; it's just great to type on.

I actually have no clue about battery life, but I assume it wouldn't be very good. I got this 2019 15" MacBook Pro literally within a few days of when it became available. I haven't used battery power in awhile.

For my portability needs, I use a 12" MacBook. LOVE that little device. Wish Apple would bring it back! I would definitely get another one if they brought it back

 

[DesertNomad]

My wife has a 2019 13" MBP and 27" Cinema LED Display that is getting hard to read as it is obviously not Retina. Unfortunately this is the last one that does not support the XDR monitor, so we're upgrading to the new 14" to support an XDR. 2 1/2 years is about the shortest we've ever gone when upgrading but the last round was 6 years so it all averages out. These seem like great machines and it's always good to wait for rate second generation.