Apple’s MacBook Pro 2020: New Addition to the family.
Faster, Stronger, and Affordable
Apple has just launched the new MacBook Pro 13-inch with Magic Keyboard, double the storage, faster graphics performance and a lot of other improvements. Launching a new Macbook edition during this COVID-19 situations is a BIG thing for Apple. It is difficult to predict how Apple will maintain its sales during such times. Anyways, let’s check out what makes this one special for consumers.
This model has the Magic keyboard which we see in the 16-inch model. They are offering Intel Iris Plus graphics 10-generation processors for up to 80 percent faster graphics performance and 16 GB of faster 3733 MHz memory which gives you faster rendering and better gameplay. Apple has double the storage of SSD from 256 GB to 4 TB which lets the user store heavy videos and files.
Apple claims this model is highly portable, packed with performance and advanced technology.
That was just an overview of what is new in this edition of MacBook, let's get into the details…
Performance
Apple is offering quad-core 8th Gen to 10th Gen Processor with turbo boost speeds up to 4.1GHz. It delivers up to 80 percent faster graphics performance than the previous generation. It comes with Intel Iris Plus 645 Graphics with 8GB memory and Intel Iris Plus 645 Graphics with 16GB memory.
Storage
Apple has double the storage of entry-level models from 128GB to 256GB and 256GB to 512GB. Spending a thousand dollars to buy MacBook and running out of space has always been frustrating, especially for core developers. Now, you can go up to 4TB SSD for the first time in 13-inch MacBook Pro but only with two higher-end editions.
Model comparison
What about last year version?
I have the MacBook Pro 16-inch 2019 model. I love the big screen, resolution and sound quality is the best so far. I listen to high base music on its loudspeaker all the time (I can’t get enough of it). But it also comes with performance and quality issues.
- One is the heating issue
- It is pathetic to type on this Butterfly keyboard when you feel the heat on your fingers all the time.
- Quality is not as good as compared to previous MacBook keypad.
- Many customers have complained about popping or clicking sounds coming from speakers randomly.
- Terrible battery life, getting less than 4 hours from the new MacBook after just 2 months of usage.
What makes this new edition better?
I am glad to see that Apple has ditched the Butterfly keyboard and offers the Magic keyboard in this model. It’s slightly thicker and heavier than the previous iterations of MacBook Pro. It weighs 3.1 pounds. Somehow, being a developer, weight has never been my first priority but performance is. Long time back, when I used to have that aluminium body 13-inch Mac (2012 model), it used to work like a charm. Gosh, it was heavy but is still one of my favourite models.
What I miss in today’s MacBooks
- Battery Level Indicator lights — I used to love how easy it was to check the remaining battery in my machine without having to unlock it. I am still craving for apple to get that feature back.
- I hope the new Magic keyboard performance is the same as the older one because I hate typing on butterfly keyboard.
- There are no multiple options for a consumer to choose from except RAM and storage.
- Earlier models were more durable and of top-notch quality.
- Price — Very Important. Apple has made it very difficult for an average user or an early developer to buy a MacBook and start learning. Earlier, this was not the case.
IMHO
I have still not understood Apple’s decision to launch all MacBooks with a Touch Bar, withdrawing the facility from the consumer to choose which one to buy. I personally use touchbar only for sound, brightness and switching tabs in Safari but it is not yet something useful that I will not be able to live without.
Conclusion
The latest edition MacBook price starts at $1,299 (US) but I believe 16GB RAM with 512GB SSD would be the best buy for the Developers or Designers who are desperately more interested in RAM rather than touch bar feature in a MacBook. For an average daily user, the base edition is sufficient.
