jdm Loc: Cape Cod

Time for a new laptop. I plan to replace my old MacBook Pro with a new Apple laptop. I run Adobe/Lightroom Classic photographers plan. I’ve been in to visit the Apple Store on three occasions and got different recommendations each time.

First one recommended MacBook Air for better photo display. Second recommended MacBook Pro (then yet to be replaced with the just released, brand new model) with new control bar. Third recommended I special order MacBook Pro (again, the older model) with no control bar and, instead, purchase additional storage. I currently keep my main catalogue on my hard drive (I know, a no-no) with two backups, one to an external Seagate drive and another to the cloud.

I welcome any and all recommendations on model, storage, memory, etc. I know I should get my catalogue off of my hard drive so any tips or direction towards resources on that would be great as well. My thanks in advance to the awesome Hog community for your help and guidance. ~JDM

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

First of all, if you have enough internal disk space, I don't see why you consider "a no-no" to do that (obviously considering correct backup solution).

I am not a Mac user, but I would go for MacBook Pro (or equivalent latest model) not the Air version.
Storage and memory: as much as you can pay (this applies to any computer). I would aim to a minimum of 6GB RAM and 512Gb SDD, from there up.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I would go with MacBook Pro (again, the older model) with no control bar and, instead, purchase additional storage and memory.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1343074-REG/apple_z0uk_mpxt23_bh_macbook_pro_i5_2_3ghz.html

vonzip Loc: cape cod

I just purchased a used 13" macbook pro on ebay with 16gb of ram and 1 tera bite of storage and the latest os installed. This included 60 days for returns and a 2 year warranty and 24/7 customer support for just $550.00. Blazing fast and in great shape.

jdm Loc: Cape Cod

Thanks for your replay, Juan! The Apple rep that recommended ditching the control bar and adding the extra storage was trying to facilitate my keeping my catalogue on the hard drive. I also appreciate your recommendations on storage and memory! Regards, JDM

jdm Loc: Cape Cod

Thanks, Stan. I’ve had three votes for this so far ... I appreciate your time and comments! Regards, JDM

jdm Loc: Cape Cod

Wow, Von, quite a score! May I be so lucky! Enjoy your new beast! Regards, JDM

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

My friend, Dave, recently purchased a new 15" MacBook Pro, with retina display, 2TB storage, and the new control bar. It's the new model MacBook Pro. It's very fast and has lots of room, but he and his wife have a business, so his 2TB's are nearly full already. Great way to go, but that one was very expensive. He can afford it, though. YMMV. You can, however, get one off the shelf with up to 512GB. If you have some special needs in a computer, special ordering might be the best bet.

jdm Loc: Cape Cod

Thanks, Wingpilot! I only need a 13 inch and I think 1 tb would be plenty of storage for my needs. If I end up moving my catalogue completely external, I could easily get away with the 512gb. My old MacBook Pro lasted me 9 years with great performance and nary a problem until now so, while they are a pretty penny, I feel that, at the end of the day, they are a good value.

The apple store folks said that the control bar adds $500 to the cost, so I’m seriously considering seeing if I can order it without the control bar and get the additional storage instead. The problem is it was an easy-to-find option on the listing of the now old model on the website; I haven’t found the customization option with the brand new model, if it exists. It may be worth a call! Again, thank you for your input! Regards, JDM

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I believe you can do a special order in just about any configuration you want. Personally, I prefer the 13" MacBook Pro, which is what I have now. My friend's MacBook Pro has the control bar, but I don't think it would add any particular usefulness over the non-control bar model, at least for my use. I wouldn't order it, either.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

I went with a MacbookPro in 2017 and indulged in a BenQ 27" monitor. It is wonderful for photos and editing, but I am 80 and really appreciate the larger screen.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Older computers can't use the newest OS, so get 2013 (maybe 2012) or later. Newer MacBooks don't let users add memory, so buy all you can afford right off the bat.

Memory -
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-much-ram-does-your-p
c-need-probably-less-than-you-think/
http://www.zdnet.com/article/how-much-ram-does-your-pc-need/

Processor -
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/intel-core-i9-vs-i7-vs-i5-cpu/
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/intel-core-i5-vs-i7/
http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/core-i5-vs-i7
https://www.extremetech.com/computing/210703-intel-core-i5-vs-core-i7-which-processor-should-you-buy

Setup -
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2861858/computers/7-critical-things-to-do-immediately-with-a-new-pc.html#tk.rss_all
http://www.computershopper.com/feature/13-essential-steps-set-up-your-new-pc

jdm Loc: Cape Cod

jdm Loc: Cape Cod

Thanks, Jerry. You are always so generous with your research. I appreciate it! Regards, JDM

jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY

I have recently gone through the same process as you are now considering. Apple user. MacBook Air and needed to upgrade for faster processing given the size of the images (D810 then to Z6). 1st-- go with a new pro, since the processor speed tests far exceed the older models and Airs. 2nd-- I would keep my pictures on external drives and just keep your catalogs/libraries on your main drive (everything backed up of course). If you do this then the 512GB should be fine. 3rd-- We are almost to July and Apple is going to announce a new MacBook Pro in the fall. I personally would wait for 2 reasons: maybe the new laptop will be so outstanding that I would want it; or if not, the prices for the 2018s will drop. Check out the chatter about the new Pro. In any event, only go with a minimum of 16GB RAM with whatever you do. Something else to consider....check out your software (all your normal everyday software) to see the compatibility with Mojave. While most software will work, some are not 'optimized' for use. And some will not work if they are older 32bit programs. It is a good probability that the new Pro will ship with Catalina. I don't know how this will affect our older programs--not in a good way though.
Last, there is quite a bit discussion about the Touch Bar. I used it very little, but am finding it useful as I work more and more. It is/was not an issue at purchase. I wanted the latest processors; 15" screen, and best display offered.
Good luck.