MBP 2013 vs MB 2017

[CartoonChess]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a stopgap (perhaps one year) machine mainly for running Xcode. The choice is between a late 2013 13" MacBook Pro (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) and last year's base MacBook. Although the MBP is getting old, the stats look fairly similar (please ignore the eMac).

Anything obvious I'm missing? Even though the MacBook isn't a pro machine, somehow I suspect it trumps a machine that's now five years old?

Thanks!

 

[Glmnet1]

Yes, I think the 2017 MacBook is superior to the 2013 MBP because:
- smaller and lighter
- more recently released so it will be supported for a longer time. Useful if you decide to keep it after a year. Also good for resale value.
- higher resolution supported for external display (4k).
- slightly faster CPU
- better graphics

OTOH here are the pros of the MBP:
- Bigger screen
- Supports 2 external displays although only at 2560x1600
- Might throttle less when under heavy load for an extended period of time because of the cooling system. I don't think you'll notice this because Xcode usually requires short bursts of CPUs for compilation.

I would get the MB with a nice 27"+ 4k display, working on Xcode is much more productive and much more fun on a bigger screen.

Also, if you can wait I think you should. The 2018 models are already late and could be released anytime. It could also take until October or more though...

 

[CartoonChess]

Yes, I think the 2017 MacBook is superior to the 2013 MBP because...

Thanks for the insight, Glmnet1

 

[kschendel]

I'd say it might depend on which is more important to you at the moment: price, or potential longevity. Performance wise I think they would be reasonably close. The MB is probably faster interactively.

 

[CartoonChess]

I'd say it might depend on which is more important to you at the moment: price, or potential longevity. Performance wise I think they would be reasonably close. The MB is probably faster interactively.

Longevity isn't really a question. Not aiming to be my primary computer for any length of time, just a coding machine for six months to a year before finding a replacement. Thanks for the input

 

[Glmnet1]

Can I ask why you plan to keep it for 6 months to one year only?

 

[Nbd1790]

I would tell you to go with the Macbook Pro. A lot more connectivity. Aside from that, you're looking at having a much more reliable keyboard (and if I had to guess, the pro is going to be a lot cheaper than the macbook you're looking at)

All comes down to opinion I would imagine. I have a 2013 Macbook Pro 15 inch myself and it still runs flawlessly and deals with media programs with no issues - but I don't think I would ever purchase a portable work machine with one port.

 

[CartoonChess]

Can I ask why you plan to keep it for 6 months to one year only?

Sure! My 2011 iMac and iPhone 4s died in tandem recently and I deemed the new phone the more critical purchase. I like to have a powerful machine with which to work comfortably for a few years so next year I'm going with either a high end MBP with external monitor or a souped up iMac. I just need somewhere to practise Xcode until I can afford something proper.

... All comes down to opinion I would imagine. I have a 2013 Macbook Pro 15 inch myself and it still runs flawlessly and deals with media programs with no issues - but I don't think I would ever purchase a portable work machine with one port.

Thank you, Nbd1790! Glad to hear these five-year-old boxes are still running smoothly. And agreed—if this were a more permanent purchase, the MB would never even be an option.