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

[AgentAnonymous]

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.

The new processors and better keyboards and ports help even casual users do things faster and more efficiently and especially more power efficiently. You can still get by with older tech obviously but this is better in all ways.

Not to mention the screen. The new screen is a 120hz ProMotion display with 1000 nits sustained for HDR content and 1600 nits peak thanks to Mini-LED technology. Not only does the old screen not support anything higher than 60hz, but it doesn't support HDR content period because it doesn't have Mini-LED.

The new screen is better in all ways at all times for all people and the old screen is a dinosaur in comparison. This is a paradigm shift.

 

[fa8362]

The new processors and better keyboards and ports help even casual users do things faster and more efficiently and especially more power efficiently. You can still get by with older tech obviously but this is better in all ways.

Not to mention the screen. The new screen is a 120hz ProMotion display with 1000 nits sustained for HDR content and 1600 nits peak thanks to Mini-LED technology. Not only does the old screen not support anything higher than 60hz, but it doesn't support HDR content period because it doesn't have Mini-LED.

The new screen is better in all ways at all times for all people and the old screen is a dinosaur in comparison. This is a paradigm shift.

Not for me. None of that matters to me. What does matter to me is battery life and heat. So I bought one.

 

[ericwn]

Not for me. None of that matters to me. What does matter to me is battery life and heat. So I bought one.

But then, would a MacBook Air M1 not have been a good enough machine already if these factors are what matters?

 

[fa8362]

But then, would a MacBook Air M1 not have been a good enough machine already if these factors are what matters?

No. I only referenced what was relevant based on the previous post. I absolutely need the 16" screen real estate.

 

[stevemiller]

i guess its been decreed. my 2018 has a terrible butterfly keyboard that misses keystrokes even after being replaced once. the touchbar is easily accidentally triggered and freezes up often. the cpu constantly is constantly pushed to its limits for 3d and game engine work. the egpu that is a misery to manage and causes constant hangs, but i have to use it because the built-in 560x gpu is so underpowered. but all of this is 'good enough' and 'no reason to upgrade.'

ok.

 

[macintoshmac]

We really should ban the "Here's Why" threads that sweep everybody else and their unique requirements under a generic blanket designed and customised by them for their needs from their eyes and their viewpoints.

The only thing OP is trying to say or mean is if anyone is using a 2019 computer, they probably do not need an upgrade if their use case is similar to OPs.

Me, I am using a 2017 MBA. I most certainly do not need the deca-core performance. But, I most certainly would love everything else, from the screen to the speakers to the keyboard to the trackpad.

Please do not try to sensationalise and generalise things so much that they become absurd.

 

[redheeler]

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.

They've been niche for a long time as most of the tasks done by an average person without specific performance requirements can perform acceptably on an 8 GB RAM MacBook Air from 6 years ago, let alone the latest and greatest $2K MacBook Pro. My iMac is a Late 2015 model and I still prefer using it over my newer MacBook Pro when at home because of the 5K display, it does the job for me in terms of performance.

 

[millerj123]

We really should ban the "Here's Why" threads that sweep everybody else and their unique requirements under a generic blanket designed and customised by them for their needs from their eyes and their viewpoints.

The only thing OP is trying to say or mean is if anyone is using a 2019 computer, they probably do not need an upgrade if their use case is similar to OPs.

Me, I am using a 2017 MBA. I most certainly do not need the deca-core performance. But, I most certainly would love everything else, from the screen to the speakers to the keyboard to the trackpad.

Please do not try to sensationalise and generalise things so much that they become absurd.

I didn’t like the last series of MBPs. This lineup is just about everything I was hoping for. Good thing I’m not the OP.

 

[bushman4]

Reading some of the comments I’m amazed at how the comments in some cases come down to “overkill”. These MacBook Pros are not for everybody but alot of people do have a use for them
There are those that are complaining it’s too much (but they would buy it if it was cheaper) buy a regular MacBook in that case
Bottom Line: These are great high end machines and they are not intended for everyone

 

[Maygoo23]

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.

Ratio

 

[ducati1212]

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.

By that methodology we would all be driving Toyota Corolla's because you do not need anything else. Life is for living and these things are cool until the next set of cool comes along and we all upgrade to that

 

[megatronbomb]

My late 2013 15” MacBook Pro thinks upgrading is a great idea. He’s ready to retire. ?

 

[SeenJeen]

The recent Intel MBPs run hot and angry. I don't blame anyone for wanting to upgrade.

 

[wingennis]

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.

I think I get what you are saying. When I bought my first Mac, Apple had a "pro" line (PowerBooks) and "everyday user" line (iBook). For the last several years, it feels like Apple has downgraded everything "pro" about the MacBook Pro line. It has been a very expensive accessory for everyday users but failed the pro users that helped make Apple what it is.

The MacBook Air and 13" MacBook Pro are the everyday kind of laptop. The 14" and 16" MacBook Pros aren't meant to be the mainstream device. What you are seeing as "extra" is Apple moving its pro line back to where it should be to meet the needs of creative professionals with extra power and processing requirements.

 

[styymy]

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.

I think it would depend on what someone would be upgrading from if they were considering one of these new laptops. You shouldn't assume everyone is using a recent model and hasn't their fair share of replacing batteries, memory and storage over the lifetime of the laptop they are using.

If someone were still using a 2009 or say a 2011 laptop, the decision probably wouldn't be a hard one.

 

[donster28]

Let me remind you that Apple is now an SOC manufacturer (if we don't count the iPhones for a moment) and its strategies have changed dramatically. Before, they were designing computers to accommodate the Intel SOC's, now it's the other way around with their own chips and there's no denying, they're now in control of the whole aspect of making a laptop...not counting the other small chipset components needed for now of course, but you get my point.

Apple has up the ante and you should stop limiting your expectations. The Apple SOC's will just become more powerful from here whether you like it or not. Your fridge analogy is a little out of bounds but if you want me to stay on topic then let me say this: Apple has created a fridge that's as big as a commercial freezer and can fit a whole ton of food, while still being able to fit in your kitchen. I might not need the volume it can take to fit my everyday groceries inside, but I'll take it anytime!

 

[Hieveryone]

I've enjoyed reading everyone's view points. Basically, there are a lot of professionals who NEED as much power as they can get. Some of y'all may have a Mac Pro, and having an ultra-powerful MacBook Pro is very useful for work you have to do on the go.

I get it.

The overall consensus NOW is that if you are a casual user, you may want to start looking at the Air lineup. In the past it was not this way, but it sort of seems like the direction which people need to be going.

I will say this:

If the screen on the new MacBook Pros is astonishingly better than the latest generation retinas, then that's a feature we ALL could enjoy.

So like I use a 2019 15" MacBook Pro base model. I do some intensive tasks, but a 2.6/16/256/hex-core computer is PLENTY for my needs.

It handles like a champion, even with 2 4K thunderbolt LG ultrafine displays I bought from the Apple store. It truly works exceptionally (knock on wood).

BUT, even I could enjoy a superior display. This is a feature we would all like to have. So even if I may not use the power, things like better keyboard (even though I love my keyboard), or better display, the convenience of extra ports, etc is a universal joy

 

[macintoshmac]

I've enjoyed reading everyone's view points. Basically, there are a lot of professionals who NEED as much power as they can get. Some of y'all may have a Mac Pro, and having an ultra-powerful MacBook Pro is very useful for work you have to do on the go.

I get it.

The overall consensus NOW is that if you are a casual user, you may want to start looking at the Air lineup. In the past it was not this way, but it sort of seems like the direction which people need to be going.

I will say this:

If the screen on the new MacBook Pros is astonishingly better than the latest generation retinas, then that's a feature we ALL could enjoy.

So like I use a 2019 15" MacBook Pro base model. I do some intensive tasks, but a 2.6/16/256/hex-core computer is PLENTY for my needs.

It handles like a champion, even with 2 4K thunderbolt LG ultrafine displays I bought from the Apple store. It truly works exceptionally (knock on wood).

BUT, even I could enjoy a superior display. This is a feature we would all like to have. So even if I may not use the power, things like better keyboard (even though I love my keyboard), or better display, the convenience of extra ports, etc is a universal joy

Yes. That’s precisely it. People may not need every ounce of performance from the processor but they may want to upgrade due to the display alone. Then come the Touch ID, sound, ports, etc.

That’s my take coming from a MacBook Air 2017.

 

[jdiamond]

So you're basically saying "don't upgrade a perfectly good laptop that meets all your needs until you need a new one."
I think most people are of this philosophy, although there are some that always want the newest and greatest and apparently can afford it. It's the same with phones... and cars.... I think one point you overlooked in the "but the laptop is more than I'd ever need, even when I do upgrade" is that since Apple made these non upgradable, you might find that you require all they've got 5 years after buying one... And... it may take every ounce of that power to run the latest MacOS version and new bloated software that comes out over time.

In fact, without upgradeability, I think insane specs are pretty critical to enabling the existence of two options - buying a cheap, low end laptop and replacing it frequently, or buying one high end laptop and using it for a very long time. Without the insane specs, few could afford to own a high end laptop, because it'd become obsolete too quickly.

I think even wayyyyy back in the heyday of Moore's Law, when the power of a desktop literally doubled every 6 months for the same price, I still never upgraded till my old system couldn't be used anymore. I'm using a 2015 Macbook Pro as I write this, and I hope it holds out at least 6 more months. (It's already had the microphones fail and it's having occasional SSD glitches & reboots but otherwise is doing great!). Just doing the math, my 2015 has cost me around $4,500 over 5 years of use - $2750 new, plus I had to replace the 2TB SSD twice, first for $900, then again for $500 (prices came down.)

 

[macintoshmac]

So you're basically saying "don't upgrade a perfectly good laptop that meets all your needs until you need a new one."
I think most people are of this philosophy, although there are some that always want the newest and greatest and apparently can afford it. It's the same with phones... and cars.... I think one point you overlooked in the "but the laptop is more than I'd ever need, even when I do upgrade" is that since Apple made these non upgradable, you might find that you require all they've got 5 years after buying one... And... it may take every ounce of that power to run the latest MacOS version and new bloated software that comes out over time.

In fact, without upgradeability, I think insane specs are pretty critical to enabling the existence of two options - buying a cheap, low end laptop and replacing it frequently, or buying one high end laptop and using it for a very long time.

I think even wayyyyy back in the heyday of Moore's Law, when the power of a desktop literally doubled every 6 months for the same price, I still never upgraded till my old system couldn't be used anymore. I'm using a 2015 Macbook Pro as I write this, and I hope it holds out at least 6 more months. (It's already had the microphones fail and it's having occasional SSD glitches & reboots but otherwise is doing great!)

For my uses, the only thing that is making me think towards getting this 16 inch model - the Liquid Retina XDR display, otherwise I would gladly pick an iMac 24 as I am not going out and about with a computer now. I can make do with everything on my MacBook Air 2017, including lack of Touch ID. Everything on the new computer is a nice-to-have for me, but the display is something that I might call a need. Because I do have to stare at my screen all day to make money.

 

[burgman]

The new processors and better keyboards and ports help even casual users do things faster and more efficiently and especially more power efficiently. You can still get by with older tech obviously but this is better in all ways.

Not to mention the screen. The new screen is a 120hz ProMotion display with 1000 nits sustained for HDR content and 1600 nits peak thanks to Mini-LED technology. Not only does the old screen not support anything higher than 60hz, but it doesn't support HDR content period because it doesn't have Mini-LED.

The new screen is better in all ways at all times for all people and the old screen is a dinosaur in comparison. This is a paradigm shift.

Throwing specs around is expected, personally I'm going to wait for the comparison reviews with earlier models before having that Apple blank stare while purchasing.

 

[dylanthomas]

What a dumb, uninformed, narcissistic post.

 

[jdiamond]

For my uses, the only thing that is making me think towards getting this 16 inch model - the Liquid Retina XDR display, otherwise I would gladly pick an iMac 24 as I am not going out and about with a computer now. I can make do with everything on my MacBook Air 2017, including lack of Touch ID. Everything on the new computer is a nice-to-have for me, but the display is something that I might call a need. Because I do have to stare at my screen all day to make money.

That's a tough call, because the new 27" iMac might be out in 6 months sporting a similar but larger display, and historically, iMacs are a better deal than Macbook Pros if you don't need portability. I loved the display on my 2010 17" Macbook Pro so much that I used it as a secondary laptop well into 2018 when I accidentally murdered it by spilling a drink on it.

 

[macintoshmac]

That's a tough call, because the new 27" iMac might be out in 6 months sporting a similar but larger display, and historically, iMacs are a better deal than Macbook Pros if you don't need portability.

True that. I am pondering over it. The iMac would at some point get the XDR, that is a given. Only issue is how much of an Apple Tax would I have to pony up for it. ?

 

[HQNYC]

What a dumb, uninformed, narcissistic post.

Right? OP is the type of person I would never be friends with. OP acts as if we're spending their money.