Apple launches new MacBook Pros Touch Bar Only starting @$1799

Deleted member 2226 · Jul 15, 2018

Valanarro said:
Not a particularly heavy one. Mostly word processing, web browsing, and pdfs, although I do suspect I'll be doing some work with keynote by the end of next semester. Any sort of gaming I've got a proper pc for. I know I've also developed a fondness for taking notes by hand on my surface pro 2 that I'm looking to replace, so I might opt for macbook + ipad pro if that's not too expensive a combination (although I imagine the 2018 ipad refresh will get me be just fine there).

At that point I think you're better off just getting an iPad. You have to modify how you do things to work on an iOS device (trying to have the same workflow as your PC is going to end badly) but power and good applications are not an issue on the platform (the iPads are way faster than the MacBooks.)

Addie · Jul 15, 2018

I thought I'd be tempted by the 15" MBP, but i bought one last year, so I'm safe. As soon as there's a significant redesign (ie, keyboard), I'll jump.

What I need to replace, however, is my OG white plastic unibody MacBook from 2010. Or maybe I'll let it ride until it dies.

The Albatross · Jul 15, 2018

platocplx said:
How come you try to avoid it on your laptop?

Aah, I have to run virtualized environments for my regular work, and I try to avoid putting as much "heavy lifting" work apps on my personal computer as possible.

Valanarro · Jul 15, 2018

fuchsdh said:
At that point I think you're better off just getting an iPad. You have to modify how you do things to work on an iOS device (trying to have the same workflow as your PC is going to end badly) but power and good applications are not an issue on the platform (the iPads are way faster than the MacBooks.)

Hmmm, in that case I might just stick to my initial plan of just getting a really good iPad Pro then. Thanks!

Deleted member 2226 · Jul 15, 2018

Valanarro said:
Hmmm, in that case I might just stick to my initial plan of just getting a really good iPad Pro then. Thanks!

It might not be for you, but I'm just talking about a best-case scenario. You might want to look into articles where people have tried switching to iOS and compare your requirements to see if it'd work. I couldn't do my professional work on an iOS device, full-stop, while other people can and can be more productive that way.

But given that the MacBook is a thin-and-light, low-powered laptop, if you can avoid buying it and doing everything on an even-lighter iPad, I think that's a good trade, especially given how comparatively cheap they are versus the laptop.

Deleted member 29806 · Jul 15, 2018

Don't you need keyboard or mouse any more? Hard to keep up with with Apple's new tech.

Charcoal · Jul 15, 2018

I don't really have a need for it, but would it be worth it to spend the extra $80 and spring for the i7-8850 over the 8750 for future proofing?

RoKKeR · Jul 15, 2018

What are the chances the Mac Mini refresh will be able to spec up to at least a quad core processor like on the new 13"? I'm on a mid 2014 rMBP that really chugs driving a 4K display and Adobe products. I have it in clamshell mode almost 100% of the time so a powerful Mac Mini is really what I need, but I'm not convinced they'll load them up with as much power as the new MBPs.

What do you guys think? I suppose I can just wait and see what they have planned for the Mini before pulling the trigger.

entremet · Jul 15, 2018

Kukulcan said:
Don't you need keyboard or mouse any more? Hard to keep up with with Apple's new tech.

Why? The trackpads are best in class. If you hate trackpads just get your bluetooth mouse of choice. Also why would you need another keyboard?

These are not MacMinis.

Crazymoogle · Jul 15, 2018

Intel Quad Cores have some fairly low voltage options (hence you see it on Ultrabooks now) so given the MM will have a PSU link to the wall there is no question it will be able to meet or exceed that performance level.

If it's in fact updated.

XMonkey · Jul 15, 2018

RoKKeR said:
What are the chances the Mac Mini refresh will be able to spec up to at least a quad core processor like on the new 13"? I'm on a mid 2014 rMBP that really chugs driving a 4K display and Adobe products. I have it in clamshell mode almost 100% of the time so a powerful Mac Mini is really what I need, but I'm not convinced they'll load them up with as much power as the new MBPs.

What do you guys think? I suppose I can just wait and see what they have planned for the Mini before pulling the trigger.

IMO chances are very good there will be a quad core option, assuming Apple updates it.

bionic77 · Jul 15, 2018

entremet said:
Why? The trackpads are best in class. If you hate trackpads just get your bluetooth mouse of choice. Also why would you need another keyboard?

These are not MacMinis.

I actually prefer the touchpad on my iMac to a mouse.

Valanarro · Jul 15, 2018

fuchsdh said:
It might not be for you, but I'm just talking about a best-case scenario. You might want to look into articles where people have tried switching to iOS and compare your requirements to see if it'd work. I couldn't do my professional work on an iOS device, full-stop, while other people can and can be more productive that way.

But given that the MacBook is a thin-and-light, low-powered laptop, if you can avoid buying it and doing everything on an even-lighter iPad, I think that's a good trade, especially given how comparatively cheap they are versus the laptop.

Alright, I'll do some more digging. Fortunately I still got some time to look at my options and make a decision.

entremet · Jul 15, 2018

bionic77 said:
I actually prefer the touchpad on my iMac to a mouse.

Yeah. I have one too. Things are so expensive tho lol. Freaking Apple.

amanset · Jul 15, 2018

RoKKeR said:
What are the chances the Mac Mini refresh will be able to spec up to at least a quad core processor like on the new 13"? I'm on a mid 2014 rMBP that really chugs driving a 4K display and Adobe products. I have it in clamshell mode almost 100% of the time so a powerful Mac Mini is really what I need, but I'm not convinced they'll load them up with as much power as the new MBPs.

What do you guys think? I suppose I can just wait and see what they have planned for the Mini before pulling the trigger.

I would assume that the Minis end up having at least the same innards as the 13", with the possibility of going up to what the 15" has. There's really no reason not to beyond Apple historically not refreshing the Mini that often.

Mitochondrion · Jul 15, 2018

Could somebody please tell me how much more powerful is the maxed out 2018 15" MacBook Pro compared to the maxed out 2017 15" MacBook Pro? Is it even worth upgrading? I am not very well versed in understanding CPU and GPU power. I also noticed the 2018 MacBook Pro RAM have a higher clock speed at 2,400 MHz whereas the 2017 RAM clock speed is 2,133 MHz. Does that has any meaningful impact?

RoKKeR · Jul 15, 2018

amanset said:
I would assume that the Minis end up having at least the same innards as the 13", with the possibility of going up to what the 15" has. There's really no reason not to beyond Apple historically not refreshing the Mini that often.

XMonkey said:
IMO chances are very good there will be a quad core option, assuming Apple updates it.

Thanks - hopefully so! I would just jump on the Pros but I've moved to a desktop setup that never really requires the need for a laptop, so it feels a bit pointless to spend out the ass for laptop features (looking at you Touch Bar) that I don't need.

I'll cool my jets and see what they have in store for the Mini.

Deleted member 29806 · Jul 15, 2018

entremet said:
Why? The trackpads are best in class. If you hate trackpads just get your bluetooth mouse of choice. Also why would you need another keyboard?.

Dunno, is the keyboard emulated by the touchbar, if I don't want to use an external keyboard?

Vishmarx · Jul 15, 2018

copped a 13" non touch for $950 . Feels great cos it came along with a good $250 worth of additional shit i needed to buy to sustain this thing.
was just looking for a non windows premium laptop for browsing and movies and stuff. Was gonna go for a 1060 gaming laptop but after taking a look at my oldgaming pc that i havent turned on in a year i decided against it. Couldnt care less about the benchmarks so long as it can do some old emulation or classics(planning on dualboot) and runs as smooth as an expensive apple product should

grmlin · Jul 15, 2018

The trackpad and gestures are maybe the main reason I did not switch to windows yet. Still in its own league compared to everything else.

I configured one I would want to use for works. > 4.000€. That's absolutely insane.

Irminsul · Jul 15, 2018

grmlin said:
The trackpad and gestures are maybe the main reason I did not switch to windows yet. Still in its own league compared to everything else.

I'm pretty sure all major gestures supported by my (somewhat old) MacBook Pro are also supported by my Surface Pro 4. But maybe they added some features after 2012? The trackpads are both pretty good, but the keyboard of my SP4 ist definitely better than that of newer MacBooks ;)

Dreams-Visions · Jul 15, 2018

Irminsul said:
I'm pretty sure all major gestures supported by my (somewhat old) MacBook Pro are also supported by my Surface Pro 4. But maybe they added some features after 2012? The trackpads are both pretty good, but the keyboard of my SP4 ist definitely better than that of newer MacBooks ;)

bruh are you kidding.

you can set up literally hundreds of swipes with BetterTouchTool.

this app alone is a reason to pay more for a Mac. I have about 100 swipes setup to do all kinds of shit. It is a defining feature of OSX and its trackpad, and one that I still can't believe Windows machines still can't match after all these years.

grmlin · Jul 15, 2018

Yeah. To be fair, the Surface Trackpads are really a huge step forward. But can I buy them as a stand alone device? I don't think so, right?

entremet · Jul 15, 2018

Kukulcan said:
Dunno, is the keyboard emulated by the touchbar, if I don't want to use an external keyboard?

I'm not following. Why would you need an external keyboard? Are you using it in clamshell mode?

Irminsul · Jul 15, 2018

Dreams-Visions said:
bruh are you kidding.

you can set up literally hundreds of swipes with BetterTouchTool.

this app alone is a reason to pay more for a Mac. I have about 100 swipes setup to do all kinds of shit. It is a defining feature of OSX and its trackpad, and one that I still can't believe Windows machines still can't match after all these years.

That is a third-party tool, one that actually costs money to add, so not really a OS-level feature.

Also, it's one that's actually a necessity due to the horribly archaic window management of macOS. The way to split one desktop for multiple (or rather, two) programs side by side is laughably complicated.

(Side note: I didn't need to write my post this inflammatory, but your first sentence didn't help.)

Dreams-Visions · Jul 15, 2018

Irminsul said:
That is a third-party tool, one that actually costs money to add, so not really a OS-level feature.

Also, it's one that's actually a necessity due to the horribly archaic window management of macOS. The way to split one desktop for multiple (or rather, two) programs side by side is laughably complicated.

(Side note: I didn't need to write my post this inflammatory, but your first sentence didn't help.)

this really the angle we're going with? it's $6 man. older versions are free.

you wish there was an app of any kind that made any Windows trackpad do 1/100th of this.

Irminsul · Jul 15, 2018

Dreams-Visions said:
this really the angle we're going with? it's $6 man. older versions are free.

you wish there was an app of any kind that made any Windows trackpad do 1/100th of this.

Yes, because the original post was about trackpad features and I naturally assumed "built-in trackpad features". That's no angle, that's the post I responded to.

And I frankly don't care, the only reason I installed BTT when I still regularly used said MBP was precisely because Apple was too proud to simply copy how Windows handles side-by-side windows.

Dreams-Visions · Jul 15, 2018

Irminsul said:
Yes, because the original post was about trackpad features and I naturally assumed "built-in trackpad features". That's no angle, that's the post I responded to.

And I frankly don't care, the only reason I installed BTT when I still regularly used said MBP was precisely because Apple was too proud to simply copy how Windows handles side-by-side windows.

if all you used BTT for was side-by-side, that's your loss not anyone else's. being proud of it is like being proud that you bought a TI-92 and used it to do your multiplication tables.

enjoy your 6 swipes. I'll enjoy my 100. lol

the OSX trackpad, its features and support put it light years ahead of anything Windows laptops offer, and has for damn near a decade. Why it's taking Microsoft so long to catch up is anyone's guess. The lack of those advanced features and a Spaces equivalent are the only reason I'm still pricing out a MBP.

platocplx · Jul 15, 2018

The Albatross said:
Aah, I have to run virtualized environments for my regular work, and I try to avoid putting as much "heavy lifting" work apps on my personal computer as possible.

Ohh gotcha, thought you meant mobile computing limitations lol. Plan to have win 10 and macOS running in parallels when I get a MacBook Pro.

grmlin · Jul 15, 2018

I remember reading an article years ago about the Windows mouse/trackpad problems. It was some really ancient software/driver stuff buried deep in windows that couldn't be fixed.
But the Surface Pro trackpad I tried was definitely the first time a trackpad didn't feel completely shit in windows. So there is hope.

bionic77 · Jul 15, 2018

Irminsul said:
That is a third-party tool, one that actually costs money to add, so not really a OS-level feature.

Also, it's one that's actually a necessity due to the horribly archaic window management of macOS. The way to split one desktop for multiple (or rather, two) programs side by side is laughably complicated.

(Side note: I didn't need to write my post this inflammatory, but your first sentence didn't help.)

I actually much prefer windows management on Mac OS. For me at least it is way easier managing multiple open windows on my Macs. Especially on a big ass screen.

I would say that is a matter of preference because they both handle it very differently instead of the claim that Mac OS is archaic.

I would also say that Windows has definitely caught up in trackpads. To me it is still not as smooth and refined as on a Mac but it is not the shitshow it was 8 years ago and depending on what you want there are definitely some options available on convertible Windows laptops you can't get on a Mac.

forgiventhrice · Jul 15, 2018

Apple is ready to buy my late 2013 MacBook for $560. Thinking about getting this. Need more impressions on the keyboard

Deleted member 14089 · Jul 15, 2018

bionic77 said:
I actually much prefer windows management on Mac OS. For me at least it is way easier managing multiple open windows on my Macs. Especially on a big ass screen.

I would say that is a matter of preference because they both handle it very differently instead of the claim that Mac OS is archaic.

I would also say that Windows has definitely caught up in trackpads. To me it is still not as smooth and refined as on a Mac but it is not the shitshow it was 8 years ago and depending on what you want there are definitely some options available on convertible Windows laptops you can't get on a Mac.

I'd have to agree that windows management is better on Windows.
Sadly the only time where MacOS natively will split your windows for you is in Full Screen mode and I don't really use it that often.

Which is why I'd like to recommend -> VEEER (https://veeer.io/).
It's free and amazing (No ads or anything).

I wouldn't really say all Windows trackpad have caught up, when you're talking about the Surface products or the higher end Dell (XPS), I would agree. But across the board there is still a long way to go, which is different when you look at Apple's trackpads: They're all great.

But you shouldn't really use a trackpad all the time as it's not good for your wrists :p
(or at least I do notice some wrist pain, which is why I carry a mouse most of the time and simply use the trackpad for swipes).

Irminsul · Jul 15, 2018

bionic77 said:
I actually much prefer windows management on Mac OS. For me at least it is way easier managing multiple open windows on my Macs. Especially on a big ass screen.

I would say that is a matter of preference because they both handle it very differently instead of the claim that Mac OS is archaic.

I would also say that Windows has definitely caught up in trackpads. To me it is still not as smooth and refined as on a Mac but it is not the shitshow it was 8 years ago and depending on what you want there are definitely some options available on convertible Windows laptops you can't get on a Mac.

It definitely is a matter of preference. I often need two or more windows side-by-side and the way macOS does this (at least natively) really doesn't fit my needs. I know there's more to window management than that, but when Apple presented their solution, I really thought they couldn't be serious. It's such an arcane way to do it instead of just dragging windows to a side (or better yet, use shortcuts). And then that's it, you literally have those two windows on a desktop and no possibility to add anything like, say, a Finder / Explorer window to drag files onto both open programs (at least last time I checked).

But I'll defnitely agree that showing all your open windows is better on macOS. I don't get why MS doesn't at least arrange windows by program instead of showing this random collection of open windows in a stiff grid.

As I said, my comment was intentionally worded that way because I really didn't think I made a mind-boggling statement with stating that Surface trackpads are pretty good. And MS literally just copied Apple's built-in gestures.

bionic77 · Jul 15, 2018

Irminsul said:
It definitely is a matter of preference. I often need two or more windows side-by-side and the way macOS does this (at least natively) really doesn't fit my needs. I know there's more to window management than that, but when Apple presented their solution, I really thought they couldn't be serious. It's such an arcane way to do it instead of just dragging windows to a side (or better yet, use shortcuts). And then that's it, you literally have those two windows on a desktop and no possibility to add anything like, say, a Finder / Explorer window to drag files onto both open programs (at least last time I checked).

But I'll defnitely agree that showing all your open windows is better on macOS. I don't get why MS doesn't at least arrange windows by program instead of showing this random collection of open windows in a stiff grid.

As I said, my comment was intentionally worded that way because I really didn't think I made a mind-boggling statement with stating that Surface trackpads are pretty good. And MS literally just copied Apple's built-in gestures.

Yeah it's definitely preference.

It is way easier to split two windows equally on Windows (you can do it on MacOS too but it is not as quick or easy) but my desktop is rarely set up that way. I prefer spaces for a small laptop screen and I like the way MacOS handles a lot of programs open at the same time. I normally have like 6-8 things open at the same time on my iMac and I much prefer that to the way Windows handles it on 2 screens.

grmlin · Jul 15, 2018

I like the MacOS full screen mode and use it all the time for almost everything, but dealing with multiple instances of the same app is a joke.

And window management without spaces and full screen is terrible. I prefer windows there, not even a contest.

The Real Abed · Jul 15, 2018

Benchmarks are out:
https://www.macrumors.com/2018/07/15/2018-macbook-pro-geekbench-benchmark-scores/

The 13" models are almost twice as fast as last years. And even the lowest 13" is faster than last year's highest 15" model.

For reference, my 2013 15" quad-core i7 model gets a less than 14000 score.

If you bought a 2017 model recently, take that shit back if you can ASAP! Even if you pay a restocking fee, you'll definitely be better off.

Vanillalite · Jul 15, 2018

I've been trying to tell people to wait for new chips if they can. I'm not sure how many people on Era actually listened though.

SeanM · Jul 15, 2018

The Real Abed said:
Benchmarks are out:
https://www.macrumors.com/2018/07/15/2018-macbook-pro-geekbench-benchmark-scores/

The 13" models are almost twice as fast as last years. And even the lowest 13" is faster than last year's highest 15" model.

For reference, my 2013 15" quad-core i7 model gets a less than 14000 score.

If you bought a 2017 model recently, take that shit back if you can ASAP! Even if you pay a restocking fee, you'll definitely be better off.

Nice. I'm feeling pretty good about going with the 13" i7 model now. Kind of surprising to see that large of a leap over last years model.

And I'll actually be upgrading from a 2012 MacBook Air so the leap is going to be even bigger for me. Aside from the speed improvements it'll be so nice to finally have retina display, Touch ID, Apple Watch unlock etc.

CoachKevin · Jul 15, 2018

While I have a BTO 13" i5/16GB RAM/512Gb SSD ordered I picked up that same config with 8GB ram at Best Buy this morning. Super impressed. As a current 15" 2017 MBP owner I am VERY happy with the updated keyboard. Feels and sounds noticeably better.

Also holy shit is that i5 smoking fast. Rips up Premiere Pro 4k video. Also happy I stuck with the i5. The i7 seems to be getting throttled in benchmarks. Maybe only a 10% difference? Not worth $300 more. Just wish Apple stocked 16GB models in the stores.

Edit: Also worth noting, I don't understand how the speakers in the 13" sound this good. It makes no sense.

Overall, it is pretty incredible how much hardware and power is in this small 13" case.

ascii42 · Jul 15, 2018

Kukulcan said:
Dunno, is the keyboard emulated by the touchbar, if I don't want to use an external keyboard?

The laptops have a built in keyboard. "Touch bar only" refers to them only updating the Mac Book Pro models that have a touch bar, not that the new models only have a touch bar and nothing else.

emiliolargo · Jul 15, 2018

CoachKevin said:
Also holy shit is that i5 smoking fast. Rips up Premiere Pro 4k video. Also happy I stuck with the i5. The i7 seems to be getting throttled in benchmarks. Maybe only a 10% difference? Not worth $300 more. Just wish Apple stocked 16GB models in the stores.

Nice, super looking forward to mine... arriving August 1 :(

signal · Jul 15, 2018

Deleted member 14089 · Jul 15, 2018

signal said:

The BlackMagic eGPU looks beautiful, too bad about the non-upgradability (Ha-ha just like the MBP) and MacOS only (no bootcamp).

He does present a interesting question regarding the need of a 15".

Combining the 13" (with a processor that's better than the 2017 15" MBP) and an eGPU is an attractive solution, but it's not an option for me.

Vertpin · Jul 15, 2018

signal said:
Well if you want that model go ahead! Just saying if you want the non-touchbar version I'd wait for the update.

Do we know for sure if there will be a nonTB model update in the Fall?

Vanillalite · Jul 15, 2018

Vertpin said:
Do we know for sure if there will be a nonTB model update in the Fall?

SOMETHING new is coming. YMMV on what it'll be called. It could be called a MBP non touch. It could be called the new MB Air. It could just be called the MP.

There definitely is something else coming though, and all the rumors are Apple is finally gonna update the AIR to a 2018 design and spec. No clue what that will be called though.

signal · Jul 15, 2018

Vertpin said:
Do we know for sure if there will be a nonTB model update in the Fall?

Vanillalite said:
SOMETHING new is coming. YMMV on what it'll be called. It could be called a MBP non touch. It could be called the new MB Air. It could just be called the MP.
There definitely is something else coming though, and all the rumors are Apple is finally gonna update the AIR to a 2018 design and spec. No clue what that will be called though.

Even for apple, keeping those 7th gen intel chips in the line for 2019 seems weird.

Deleted member 9330 · Jul 15, 2018

The Real Abed said:
Benchmarks are out:
https://www.macrumors.com/2018/07/15/2018-macbook-pro-geekbench-benchmark-scores/

The 13" models are almost twice as fast as last years. And even the lowest 13" is faster than last year's highest 15" model.

For reference, my 2013 15" quad-core i7 model gets a less than 14000 score.

If you bought a 2017 model recently, take that shit back if you can ASAP! Even if you pay a restocking fee, you'll definitely be better off.

Are the iMacs later this year gonna get six cores too? I'm salivating at the thought

Vertpin · Jul 16, 2018

Zeyphersan said:
Are the iMacs later this year gonna get six cores too? I'm salivating at the thought

They better.

Deleted member 2474 · Jul 16, 2018

Zeyphersan said:
Are the iMacs later this year gonna get six cores too? I'm salivating at the thought

yes, 8th gen desktop i5s and i7s are six-core as well

Apple launches new MacBook Pros Touch Bar Only starting @$1799

One Winged Slayer

User requested account closure

You wouldn't toast a NES cartridge

Game Developer

You wouldn't toast a NES cartridge

User requested account closure

You wouldn't toast a NES cartridge

2020 Member Elect

Deleted member 14089

Deleted member 14089

User requested account closure

Account closed at user request