New mac book/pro

[LordGrover]

Currently have my trusty 13" MBP which has been excellent.



Looking at current models they seem to be lacking in the USB, SD card, HDMI and headphone socket departments.

I'm aware there are adaptors available, but it feels like a step backwards to have to carry a plethora of (doubtless overpriced) adaptors. Annoyingly, I already have several thunderbolt adaptors for ethernet, VGA/DVI, etc. to overcome the shortcomings last time - these will now be landfill. I'm sure cameras, displays, headphones, etc. are/will be available via bluetooth/wireless but currently unavailable or expensive.

Anyone here made the move? Is it the issue I think it is, or not so bad once you made the jump?

[megenzo]

I went from an MBA to a 2018 MBP and don't regret it at all. I bought a couple of cheap multi adapters that work fine but have a spare as a redundancy measure so if the adapter breaks I can still use it but none of the adapters have failed yet. There is still a headphone socket but I go bluetooth on those.
I don't mind the keyboard which gets some slating but occasionally a key doesn't have the tactile same response, it works but the click/feel isn't there. A quick blast with an air can and all is good again.
The touch bar is a bit gimmicky but I wasn't a big user of the function keys (That are still available too as a TB option) and when its on my lap, I can't see it very well but its fine when I'm typing on a table top.
A dedicated memory card slot(s) would be nice as I do a lot of photography but its no big hassle to get the adapter out.
The loss of the MagSafe is a bit of a blow though, I had a drop because of the attached wire but no damage was done, but on the other hand, being able to charge from all 4 ports is handy

[Craikeybaby]

When I got my MacBook in 2015 I was concerned by it only having one port. However 4 years on it has only really been an issue when wanting to clone the memory - in that the back up drive I use is slow and I can't have the MacBook charging at the same time as connected to the drive. If I used my Time Capsule it wouldn't be a problem.

For cameras etc I use a mini USB to USB-C lead - cheaper than using an adaptor.

[coldel]

Sorry to hijack, I have a macbook pro mid 2009 (yes I know!) which I am considering chopping in. It has stood me in good stead using it for some photo editing, browsing, storage etc (350gb HD) but I do think its almost run its course.

I am thinking of picking up online a refurbed macbook air around a 2013 - 2015 model. Anything I should be worried about moving from one to the other aside from less USB ports? The old MBP is a 2.3ghz machine I think from memory (dont have it in front of me) and crawls along after ten years of apps etc.

[sjg]

There's a vast range of portable USB-C hub/docks with whichever combination of ports you need. Yes it's a thing to carry but you're not likely to notice an extra 100g (or less) in your bag.

[goldieandblackie]

I brought a brand new late MacBook Pro 13" back in Oct 2013 and its still going strong and highly recommend buying this model second hand.
It still has the USB ports and sd card slot and none of the troubles of later MacBook Pro's or the high cost and a good used one can be had for about £400-£500.

[livinthedream]

sjg said:

There's a vast range of portable USB-C hub/docks with whichever combination of ports you need. Yes it's a thing to carry but you're not likely to notice an extra 100g (or less) in your bag.

This for "legacy" stuff

More stuff is moving to USB-C so why buy old tech.

[ffc]

I moved from a 2012 MBA to a late 2018 MBP last year. The move meant buying USB-C adaptors to USB and ethernet and I still occasionally forget I need them but the MBP is great, worth the move for me. Eventually I'll but USB-C lightning cables for direct connection but only when my old lightning cables fail. I miss magsafe which was genius but on the upside the USB cable side of the PSU is replaceable so I won't have to junk PSU's for cable wear issues and more.