New 16" MacBook Pro - who's ordered one?

Forums › Apple iOS and devices › New 16" MacBook Pro - who's ordered one?

premiumtouring

355 posts

Ultimate Geek

#260188 15-Nov-2019 09:13

Apple has officially replaced the 15" MacBook Pro with the rumoured 16" version.

What was unexpected:

Apple is starting to listen to customers?! Is this because Jony has left?
It's thicker.
It's heavier.
It can be configured with 64GB of RAM (lol, remember when 16GB was the max!?)
It can be configured with 8TB of SSD

What we knew was coming:

They've officially reverted to the last true MacBook Pro's keyboard (2015) with normal, quieter, more reliable keys.
They added the physical escape key back!
Improved display resolution.

So, with that in mind.. who is upgrading?

The configuration I've found that seems to be somewhat balanced/sensible:

2.6GHz 6-core ninth‑generation Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz
32GB of 2666MHz DDR4 memory (upgraded from 16GB)
AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 8GB of GDDR6 memory (upgraded from 5300M)
1TB of SSD storage (upgraded from 512GB)
16-inch Retina display with True Tone
$5659

I was thinking of going for the faster base clock with less cores because the improved cooling should mean that this one can run faster for longer before thermal throttling kicks in.

It is an interesting task trying to justify the price of these things though. I managed to get five years out of my early 2014 MBP15.. That was $3500 at the time and I purchased it before the NZD got crushed by the USD.

With this price tag, I'd expect/hope to get at least 3-4 years out of this.

What's everyone elses' thoughts?

Benjip

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#2353768 15-Nov-2019 10:03

I could be keen to upsize to 16" once my 13" gets a bit long in the tooth. I'm also hoping they create a new 14" size and ditch the 13".

And yes I definitely think this is what we can expect from Apple in the post-Ive world – he would've had a heart attack had the engineers suggested making a Pro device thicker and heavier to account for more power/storage/battery. Long may this "new Apple" continue.

Batman

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#2353775 15-Nov-2019 10:30

Question. If I were to buy an old 15", just to test out final cut pro for exams. Is the software linked to the device or to use name?

Benjip

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#2353782 15-Nov-2019 11:07

Batman: Question. If I were to buy an old 15", just to test out final cut pro for exams. Is the software linked to the device or to use name?

Should be linked to your Apple ID, so you can re-download it from the App Store.

clicknz

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#2353783 15-Nov-2019 11:08

Batman: Question. If I were to buy an old 15", just to test out final cut pro for exams. Is the software linked to the device or to use name?

Hi Batman - Final Cut Pro is linked to a name/account - similar to apps (very similar now that you can purchase FCP via the Apple App Store). On any machine you should be able to just sign into the App Store & re-download your purchased apps.

I was running FCP very happily on a 2013 MacBook Pro 15" and now on a 2015 MBP 15" (it seems to run about the same... maybe marginally quicker).

I'm certainly interested in the new 16" but am probably leaning towards keeping my 2015 MBP with it's fine selection of ports and SD card reader built in (for use when on location) - plus purchasing an iMac for photo/video editing back at HQ.

Cheers,
Mike

Photographer/Videographer clickmedia.nz

Behodar

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#2353969 15-Nov-2019 11:50

I currently have the 2015 and can probably cope with it for another year or so. But while we're here, what's the story with the ports? Most of my peripherals are USB or Thunderbolt 1; are they still compatible with the right adapters/cables or are they actually different?

MikeB4

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#2354225 15-Nov-2019 13:05

With Apples somewhat disastrous run in recent times with their MacBook range I would be waiting sometime to see what real world usage reports start to come in.

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

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#2354243 15-Nov-2019 14:05

I was genuinely considering one, but had a large bill come up for a vehicle...

But once that's all settled, I'll be looking at a spec similar to the OP, but would consider a larger SSD as I do like to keep my music on my laptop / phone / tablet. I have had about 8-9 years out of my current 17" MacBook Pro so even 5-6 years out of a new bit of kit would mean I'm stoked... especially as the new ones will be like lightning in comparison!

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Aaroona

3196 posts

Uber Geek

#2355240 17-Nov-2019 17:30

I'm tempted, but I won't be buying one until I fly to Australia, with purchasing benefits etc. I can't justify 5000+ for a laptop. I had BARELY talked myself into a 4200 laptop and thought that was insane (but last minute decided against it).

Would probably consider a 14" if they made a more powerful one (same ram specs etc.)

premiumtouring

355 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2355392 17-Nov-2019 22:34

Initial reports from iFixit show that the keyboard is almost identical to the actual Magic Keyboard keys. Enhancements include improved protective membrane and quieter typing. It appears the keys are interchangeable from a Magic Keyboard (although they are slightly higher by less than half a millimetre).. So I'm imagining many zebra keyboards.

Couple of other interesting insights:

- Entry level devices use the same logic board as the high end models, components are just missing from the board. So the solder pads are vacant for SSD/RAM if you chose a lesser specced model. This is interesting but still very unlikely to support any type of upgrade even if you can BGA solder.

- General disappointment by the iFixit team who observed that there was plenty of space in the chassis to support the components required to make the SSD and RAM upgradable. Meaning it is a proactive choice.

/rant

I go into this fully knowing that these devices can't be upgraded after purchase.. but I'm going to say, if there is one set of laws I hope get traction in the US it is the right to repair law alongside some type of sustainability by design law. You shouldn't be allowed to sell a device where if a single component eg. a RAM IC fails that the entire logic board is thrown in the garbage.

/rant

JaseNZ

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#2355395 17-Nov-2019 22:56

Thats a lot of coin for a laptop

I have the 2018 MBP 15 inch and for me I don't really think I would notice the difference for what I use it for.

I like the fact they bumped the entry level storage to 512gb at least thats a start.

Might upgrade mine when they become a refurbished model.

Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding : Ice cream man , Ice cream man