The "I just ordered / bought / got my new/refurb MBP" thread [Merged]

[Dave245]

For those who didn’t get the 16GB Ram upgrade on you’re 13” MacBook Pro, do you not regret it? I often see posts telling people to always get more RAM since in the future programmes will require more, not sure if Apple’s OS updates such as Mojave require more ram over time or if it’s programmes like Final Cut Pro X, but isn’t it better to future proof a machine that you’re buying now?

 

[deeddawg]

After a bit of debate, I just pulled the trigger on a MBP15 2.6/16/1TB -- it will spend much of its time on my desk as replacement for a 2012 quad-core Mini. My usage patterns have changed and I wish to be able to take my "main" system out of the house on a regular basic. I will retain my 2015 RMB12 for when I need a highly-portable.

It'll take a little bit to get here since I ordered from my old undergrad school campus store which is in a different state. Yes, that has beneficial sales tax implications (for now).

 

[michael31986]

I just ordered a MBP 15 2.6/32/1TB.

How long does apple usually take to build and ship out your macbook pro. I would think they underestimate the shipping dates.

 

[lllfyc]

Hi. I haven't received it yet and I can't say that I purchased it for programming or any other heavy work. My advice to you is to see if there is any software that can limit your ram to 8GB or separate 8GB for a specific software. That's the only way you can actually see the behavior of 8GB, because if you have 16 now the operating system will choose to utilize it so you can have the best performance and that doesn't mean 8GB wouldn't be fast enough. My friend has 13" base model as a personal computer and 15" base model again for work, both 2017. She is a graphic designer and she can do her job on both machines without any problem.

thanks for advice! As I am on budget, I am more likely to get the 13" i5/8/512. Maybe I will need to close some tabs in browsers or even close the chrome when video editing.

seriously? your friend she works on MBP 13" 2018 base model with graphic design job without any lag or anything?
What software she uses mostly?

looking forward to hear your coming MBP 13" base experience.
[doublepost=1534532081][/doublepost]

For those who didn’t get the 16GB Ram upgrade on you’re 13” MacBook Pro, do you not regret it? I often see posts telling people to always get more RAM since in the future programmes will require more, not sure if Apple’s OS updates such as Mojave require more ram over time or if it’s programmes like Final Cut Pro X, but isn’t it better to future proof a machine that you’re buying now?

I got the same question too. Anyone here mind to share?

 

[pixosk]

Hi Guys,

This forum was a very valuable source of information for me for more than a past few months. Thank you, the community, a lot for that.

Despite all the "problems" I've read of, I've pulled the trigger on a New MBP 15" (2.6/16/512/560x) in silver.
I came from a Late 2013 MBP 15" in a base config without dGPU (2.2/8/256/IrisPro).

Things I love:
- The display is gorgeous and the True Tone really makes a difference when side by side to my Late 2013. However I am afraid of forgetting it on when doing colour critical work
- Really appreciate more screen estate thanks to higher resolution setting (wasn't aware of this before the purchase)
- Can't talk about reliability, however, I really like the keyboard. I have it for 2 days now and I am still trying to adapt to larger keys size, but the key travel and feel is right for my taste.
- Size of the machine and the fact it is smaller than my old 15", it is really the sweet spot
- The sound from speakers is great and much improved despite the fact I am not using them often
- For now, it looks like I am happy with the touch bar. Not worth the price increase if you ask me but a nice addition.
- Overall the build quality is still top notch. Everything aligned, no defects, no wobbling TouchID button or anything else. I am glad the quality is still here despite the fact the machines are now expensive as ever.
- TouchID and 1Password is a killer combination for logging into websites

Things that didn't meet my expectations, but are no big deal:
- The difference in weight is much more noticeable on paper than in real life. Even when holding them both, each in one hand. They roughly fell the same.
- At first, the sound of a keyboard "clicks" felt strange and somehow cheap. However, it looks like I am getting used to it and it is much less noticeable now.
- I don't see usage for this massive trackpad but this may change over time

So far, I am very happy with this machine, especially if I am not considering the price.

In EU, the 3200€ for a computer is really a lot to ask. Even for Apple standards. However the upgrade to 512GB SSD for a base model was really expensive and it didn't make sense to take a lower spec when it was only about 150€ more after the SSD upgrade (without VAT).

If you have any questions about the machine I will be more than a happy to answer them.

 

[Abaganov]

Hi Guys,

This forum was a very valuable source of information for me for more than a past few months. Thank you, the community, a lot for that.

Despite all the "problems" I've read of, I've pulled the trigger on a New MBP 15" (2.6/16/512/560x) in silver.
I came from a Late 2013 MBP 15" in a base config without dGPU (2.2/8/256/IrisPro).

Things I love:
- The display is gorgeous and the True Tone really makes a difference when side by side to my Late 2013. However I am afraid of forgetting it on when doing colour critical work
- Really appreciate more screen estate thanks to higher resolution setting (wasn't aware of this before the purchase)
- Can't talk about reliability, however, I really like the keyboard. I have it for 2 days now and I am still trying to adapt to larger keys size, but the key travel and feel is right for my taste.
- Size of the machine and the fact it is smaller than my old 15", it is really the sweet spot
- The sound from speakers is great and much improved despite the fact I am not using them often
- For now, it looks like I am happy with the touch bar. Not worth the price increase if you ask me but a nice addition.
- Overall the build quality is still top notch. Everything aligned, no defects, no wobbling TouchID button or anything else. I am glad the quality is still here despite the fact the machines are now expensive as ever.
- TouchID and 1Password is a killer combination for logging into websites

Things that didn't meet my expectations, but are no big deal:
- The difference in weight is much more noticeable on paper than in real life. Even when holding them both, each in one hand. They roughly fell the same.
- At first, the sound of a keyboard "clicks" felt strange and somehow cheap. However, it looks like I am getting used to it and it is much less noticeable now.
- I don't see usage for this massive trackpad but this may change over time

So far, I am very happy with this machine, especially if I am not considering the price.

In EU, the 3200€ for a computer is really a lot to ask. Even for Apple standards. However the upgrade to 512GB SSD for a base model was really expensive and it didn't make sense to take a lower spec when it was only about 150€ more after the SSD upgrade (without VAT).

If you have any questions about the machine I will be more than a happy to answer them.

Nice review! is that the silver model? you are probably one of the 5 people worldwide that didn't order the space grey

 

[pixosk]

Nice review! is that the silver model? you are probably one of the 5 people worldwide that didn't order the space grey

Yes, the silver one. At the time of the order, there was only one piece in stock in my country available in this config and color. We have only Apple Premium Resellers here.

I am probably conservative but at the same time, I really like the "white-ish" tint to it when compared to Late 2013 model. The Space Grey looks awesome in some lighting conditions but in others, I didn't like it at all. The silver one is ok in any light condition and as a plus, it looks a little bit more premium to me. But yes, it's all just a personal preference

Once time ago I had that black MacBook 13" and I loved it. However, after some time it dramatically faded in my eyes. It has not that long lasting appeal to me. I didn't want to get through this once again, so the choice was clear

 

[Vazza]

Yes, the silver one. At the time of the order, there was only one piece in my country available in this config and color. We have only Apple Premium Resellers here.

I am probably conservative but at the same time, I really like the "white-ish" tint to it when compared to Late 2013 model. The Space Grey looks awesome in some lighting conditions but in others, I didn't like it at all. The silver one is ok in any light condition and as a plus, it looks a little bit more premium to me. But yes, it's all just a personal preference

Once time ago I had that black MacBook 13" and I loved it. However, after some time it dramatically faded in my eyes. It has not that long lasting appeal to me. I didn't want to get through this once again, so the choice was clear

What are the temperatures like watching videos etc.?

 

[pixosk]

What are the temperatures like watching videos etc.?

In idle, which means few apps open like Airmail, Safari with 7 tabs, Forklift, Preview and no video, the temp according to iStat Menus is from 40C to 44C depending on a task and surface it sits on (f.e. now on a wooden floor).

When watching YouTube 1080p video via Safari for 3 minutes in a window (no-full screen) plus everything above, the temperature jumps between 43C and 47C.

I am not sure if I am measuring it right. I am using iStat Menus for the first time and just posting the temperature shown right in the menu bar.

If you need any specific scenario / source / video quality, just let me know.

In general, the temperature feel is quite the same when compared to my Late 2013 without dGPU. On a lap, it was quite hot yesterday but it was during the Google Drive sync so I will see if it is an issue over time.

Edit: It is worth to state that right now, here in Slovakia, EU it's quite hot. About 30-35C during the day. Inside without AC it can be about 28C without a problem.

Edit 2: After initial observations, this MBP feels definitely cooler than Late 2013 when doing casual tasks like browsing or office or even when playing 4K video. Looks like Late 2013 needs to push harder for today's standards. However when dGPU kicks in, it gets from warm to really hot depending on a task f.e. Photoshop. I was surprised by how many apps use dGPU (probably for HW acceleration) after installation of gfxCardStatus. F.e. Franz chat app or TeamViewer Remote Desktop. Where I do not consider it relevant I turn dGPU off if possible.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Another update after using the 13-in MBP for a couple days:

• I have noticed that MacOS handles High DPI resolution switching ALOT more elegantly than Windows 10 ever does. With Windows 10, if you decide to change the scaling, you have to logout/log in to make sure all apps that can take advantage of the High DPI scaling, do take advantage. There are also a ton of legacy apps that don't follow the rule and things look goofy. However in MacOS, all apps conform to the scaling that you selected and best of all, YOU DON'T HAVE TO LOG OUT! The screen nicely fades out and fades back in and you are back! So elegant.

That has been my biggest problem with Windows 10 and now I see why people who are devoted to macOS don't ever want to leave, small touches like the experience I mentioned above just make the experience of using the OS a pleasure.

Here, Here!

This goes as far back to SystemOS 7.1 - I connected a PowerBook 5300 to a then brand new (2001?) 11” external LCD over VGA. No need for internet connection or to manually install drivers ... It. Just. Worked! Tested against a Compaq E series laptop (some 6yrs newer than the 5300) never worked. Even tried downloading similar drivers for this NEC LCD as NEC had no drivers back then. Never worked.

I’ve always been in awe of Macs dabbled un and out yet on older models and my first brand new was in 2011 MBA. I’m in a rock and a hard drive pace at the moment but ver spending but I’m NOT selling my MBP 2018! I love it too much! It’s my new girlfriend.

 

[DeepIn2U]

After a bit of debate, I just pulled the trigger on a MBP15 2.6/16/1TB -- it will spend much of its time on my desk as replacement for a 2012 quad-core Mini. My usage patterns have changed and I wish to be able to take my "main" system out of the house on a regular basic. I will retain my 2015 RMB12 for when I need a highly-portable.

It'll take a little bit to get here since I ordered from my old undergrad school campus store which is in a different state. Yes, that has beneficial sales tax implications (for now).

I never understood the need for 2 laptops for one person. This consensus of “need a highly-portable” for keeping 1 laptop form the same manufacturer that is 1-1.9lbs lighter than the other, I could never get over. Especially when the dimensions of the Retina MacBook is so similar to the 2016-2018 MBP.

Keep one with all the data you need. Del the other to offset the cost of the more powerful one, let a student desperate for having A laptop able to afford the older model and come into the Mac fold. More users, more apps, ongoing development for quality apps better pricing via economies of scale. Good for the soul too. Win win win!

 

[deeddawg]

I never understood the need for 2 laptops for one person. This consensus of “need a highly-portable” for keeping 1 laptop form the same manufacturer that is 1-1.9lbs lighter than the other, I could never get over. Especially when the dimensions of the Retina MacBook is so similar to the 2016-2018 MBP.

Maybe you need to think outside your own personal situation a bit.

I have particular needs for each, and the two scenarios aren't interchangeable.

let a student desperate for having A laptop able to afford the older model and come into the Mac fold.

There's no shortage of used computers for students.

As for my charity, I already donate a plenty of money every year to an organization which helps communities in developing nations gain access to fresh clean water. That then allows the people there to spend time on small businesses/crafts (instead of walking 1-2 hours for water each day) and drastically improve their standard of living compared to where they started.

I also donate plenty of time and thousands of dollars a year to a local organization serving the needy in my community.

Do NOT preach to me about what I should do with my computers.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Maybe you need to think outside your own personal situation a bit.

I have particular needs for each, and the two scenarios aren't interchangeable.


There's no shortage of used computers for students.

Do NOT preach to me about what I should do with my computers.

Woah. Stroke a very personal nerve there did i?

Regardless of your personal choices ... it’s a computer plain and simple! The data within an always be swapped out or sourced on cloud options that even can be encrypted and not have to abide by any US Government law. These solutions have been sold by Mega.nz and many others.

Your anecdotal diatribe about what you’ve contributed or not still doesn’t hide any greed nor wish to keep two computers - especially for ‘high mobility’ lol which negates anything you’ve stated.

Get off your high horse as that wasn’t my focus nor need to attack it was simply about using one computer which can easily replace 2.

At the end of the day it’s YOUR $$ earner and spent. The fact that you’ve gotten this offended for something so simple that I originally posed and felt the need to attack me on so many defensive fronts shows more about the peers on you really are than any perception can filter out. I made a suggestion for the computer choice and maybe help out someone else without knowin you have already done so. A simple statement that you’ve helped others would have sufficed. Instead you took it way too personal and felt the need to go overboard.

But hey that’s your choice. Enjoy your computers.

 

[deeddawg]

Woah. Stroke a very personal nerve there did i?

The fact that you’ve gotten this offended for something so simple that I originally posed and felt the need to attack me

Don’t want to offend people? Don’t post unsolicited sanctimonious directives on what they should do, particularly when you're ignorant of the specific use cases intended.

I have sufficiently different use cases for a RMB12 and a MBP15 which don’t overlap, and a MBP13 doesn't really fit well either. Although for many things each will do what the other can do, there are things that my RMB12 will not do what I want the MBP15 to do. And vice versa. For the relatively small amount I’d get from selling the 2015 RMB12, it’s more worthwhile to my needs to just keep it.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Don’t want to offend people? Don’t post sanctimonious directives on what they should do because you can’t conceive of situations outside your own experience.

I have sufficiently different use cases for a RMB12 and a MBP15 which don’t overlap. My RMB12 will not do what I want the MBP15 to do. And vice versa. For the relatively small amount I’d get from the 2025 RMB12 it’s more worthwhile to my needs to keep it.

lol sanctimonious? I never in any way tried to place myself above or better than you. Again that's YOUR issue, I made a suggestion about saving money and help. sanctimonious ... not the right definition for my actions.

This personal attack is over. I've not intended it to be personal yet you've gone there. We're done.

 

[deeddawg]

lol sanctimonious? I never in any way tried to place myself above or better than you.

You wrote:

I never understood the need for 2 laptops for one person. ... let a student desperate for having A laptop able to afford the older model

Perhaps you didn't intend that to come across as sanctimonious, but it did. Particularly when then followed with the "still doesn’t hide any greed nor wish to keep two computers" statement.

I accept that you did not intend your post to come across the way it did, and will leave it at that.

 

[Acronyc]

I never understood the need for 2 laptops for one person. This consensus of “need a highly-portable” for keeping 1 laptop form the same manufacturer that is 1-1.9lbs lighter than the other, I could never get over. Especially when the dimensions of the Retina MacBook is so similar to the 2016-2018 MBP.

Keep one with all the data you need. Del the other to offset the cost of the more powerful one, let a student desperate for having A laptop able to afford the older model and come into the Mac fold. More users, more apps, ongoing development for quality apps better pricing via economies of scale. Good for the soul too. Win win win!

People have different needs. Just because you don’t understand them doesn’t mean they are not there.

 

[DeepIn2U]

People have different needs. Just because you don’t understand them doesn’t mean they are not there.

SO be it. Yet accusing me of something I actually didn't do initially is wrong. I made a simple suggestion and this guy went off like a personal vendetta against a cat that poo'd in his cereal (bad analogy but it was over the top)! I made a suggestion.

I still stand by my opinion: a computer is simply a TOOL. Everyone has 2 eyes, 2 hands, to work any tool and it goes to show many use both hands to use a computer - unless physically or mentally unable to by restriction, not by choice. Data on the laptop can be changed, or hosted elsewhere than locally - even if inconvenient, to protect privacy or data. There maybe other specifics that are necessary, yet instead of divulging that originally my persona for offering a suggestion and stating I couldn't understand (and it was general) was attacked; again over the top.

it was unnecessary. this hiding behind because you don't understand is completely fine as you stated ... that's all that was needed.

Cheers and thanks for pointing out a different perception is sometimes required.

 

[anshuvorty]

Another update after using the 13-in MBP for a couple days:

• I have noticed that MacOS handles High DPI resolution switching ALOT more elegantly than Windows 10 ever does. With Windows 10, if you decide to change the scaling, you have to logout/log in to make sure all apps that can take advantage of the High DPI scaling, do take advantage. There are also a ton of legacy apps that don't follow the rule and things look goofy. However in MacOS, all apps conform to the scaling that you selected and best of all, YOU DON'T HAVE TO LOG OUT! The screen nicely fades out and fades back in and you are back! So elegant.

That has been my biggest problem with Windows 10 and now I see why people who are devoted to macOS don't ever want to leave, small touches like the experience I mentioned above just make the experience of using the OS a pleasure.

Another update:

• Drag and Drop: A core feature of the MacOS usability paradigm. I say this because you can drag and drop almost any icon to another icon and what you expect will happen happens (eg: dragging a desktop icon to a folder in your home directory will move the file there, etc). With the new Forcetouch trackpad, I have found that sometimes when I dragging the icon, it doesn't continually drag all the way to the destination and gets dropped somewhere in between. This could be because my Force touch settings are too low or I might not be hitting the trackpad hard enough for the trackpad to register that I am still dragging the icon. This has been irritating but I think I will adapt to it and in time become a master at dragging and dropping.

 

[Acronyc]

Another update:

• Drag and Drop: A core feature of the MacOS usability paradigm. I say this because you can drag and drop almost any icon to another icon and what you expect will happen happens (eg: dragging a desktop icon to a folder in your home directory will move the file there, etc). With the new Forcetouch trackpad, I have found that sometimes when I dragging the icon, it doesn't continually drag all the way to the destination and gets dropped somewhere in between. This could be because my Force touch settings are too low or I might not be hitting the trackpad hard enough for the trackpad to register that I am still dragging the icon. This has been irritating but I think I will adapt to it and in time become a master at dragging and dropping.

I never click the trackpad, I only use tap to click and also use this for drag and drop. Double tap the file you want and, while still keeping your finger on the trackpad, just move it over to where you want. No need to click. You can set this up in accessibility settings (trackpad options). It’s always one of the first things I set up after a new install or a new Mac.

 

[MacUser18095]

My 2nd and hopefully working 2018 13" MBP is ready for pickup! Awesome!

How's your 2018 13" MBP? I returned 15'' and placed an order for 13''. How long it took for your's from `Preparing for shipping` to `Shipped`? was it fastest/expedited delivery?

 

[Abaganov]

How's your 2018 13" MBP? I returned 15'' and placed an order for 13''. How long it took for your's from `Preparing for shipping` to `Shipped`? was it fastest/expedited delivery?

reason for returning the 15" ?

 

[MacUser18095]

reason for returning the 15" ?

First is 2018 13'' have good processor and it's compact, my workload have no dependency on GPU.

Second had KP's, chime issues and power/charging issues with 15". I thought to give a try to 13" inch one. I know it's same T2 chip which will make no difference.

 

[anshuvorty]

How's your 2018 13" MBP? I returned 15'' and placed an order for 13''. How long it took for your's from `Preparing for shipping` to `Shipped`? was it fastest/expedited delivery?

It took around 24-48 hours to change from Preparing to Ship to Shipped (expedited shipping). On my 1st MBP order, it took 2 days to process the order and then it went from Preparing to Ship to Shipped within 24 hours (normal shipping).

In terms of using the 13", it's great. Granted it is my 1st MBP and my 1st Mac, so there is always going to be this honeymoon effect. Unlike with my previous PC, this laptop has a crazy high display, so when I want to be productive and have many windows open, I can use a utility like SwitchResX to change the resolution from the default scaled resolution to its native resolution - more screen real estate at the cost of tiny text, but I prefer more windows, so its great.

Also noticed that macOS does a fantastic job of scaling unlike Windows 10 and even when you change from a scaled resolution to the native resolution, everything scales perfectly without having to log off/log on like in Windows to apply the scaled resolution changes. Neat and elegant!

Also, unlike others on this website, I haven't had the backlight bleeding or the crackling speaker issues and this laptop has been working perfectly for the last 2 weeks.

Lastly, yesterday I started to install macOS Mojave as a VM using Parallels. Unlike Windows 10 with its Insider Preview builds, for some reason, Apple doesn't allow you to download an ISO or a DMG file with the beta OS. You can only download an .app file that is basically an installer of sorts to install the beta OS. You have jump through alot of hoops and use the terminal to convert this .app file into an ISO that you can then plug into the VM to install the OS....annoying and lengthy! This is one aspect where MSFT shines - MSFT allows you to download the ISO and then you are off! Use it to make a bootable USB or in a VM, easy! So this more of a Apple distribution issue and not really related to the 13" MBP, but I thought of just pointing that out.

So, overall, a great laptop.

 

[MacUser18095]

It took around 24-48 hours to change from Preparing to Ship to Shipped (expedited shipping). On my 1st MBP order, it took 2 days to process the order and then it went from Preparing to Ship to Shipped within 24 hours (normal shipping).

What kind of ups service they offered? UPS Worldwide Expedited or UPS Worldwide Express Saver?
can you post your package progress log?