Help me with spec for Macbook Pro order

shortchanged_2

MiM wrote: »

Thanks all, really appreciated. Think I'll go with the consensus and get a 13.3 retina Pro, possibly with 16gb ram.

Will spend the extra on monitor and keyboard as suggested.

Don't suppose anyone has any monitor recommendations?

Why would you need 16 GB of RAM for the type of work you are doing?

I know you can't upgrade the RAM on Macs but would you be paying even more than you already should be.

Nada666

I agree the 16 GB is strictly not necessary - but, at the same time, spending an extra £750 for an Apple branded word processor is not necessary. If you have a spare £750 burning a hole in your pocket then a spare £890 is not going to be noticed, either.;)

MiM

I've read a few threads of different forums where half the contributors insist 8gb is enough and the other half insist you'd be daft not to get the extra and go for 16gb.

Think you're right though, will go for 8gb.

pollypenny

My iMac will celebrate its 9th birthday in October. Still going strong.

Mr_Toad

MiM wrote: »

I've read a few threads of different forums where half the contributors insist 8gb is enough and the other half insist you'd be daft not to get the extra and go for 16gb.

Think you're right though, will go for 8gb.

For word processing 8GB will be fine, if you're doing anything like video editing and processing then more is better.

macman

After you've spent all that, remember to spend a bit more on a reliable back up system too.

Moneymaker

shortchanged wrote: »

Why would you need 16 GB of RAM for the type of work you are doing?

I know you can't upgrade the RAM on Macs but would you be paying even more than you already should be.

What? I replaced the 4GB RAM with 16GB in my 2011 MacBook Pro!

So what I did was both impossible and unnecessary?

Anyway, I'd recommend a MacBook Pro with at least 8GB RAM. A Retina screen might be nice but not necessary. An external monitor is nice but not essential. An external keyboard (and mouse) will be easier to use when at home and will save wear and tear on the integral keyboard. Choose them for comfortable use. Apple versions aren't always best. I use a cheap Microsoft mouse and an early iMac keyboard (second-hand).

MOST important is a couple of external Hard drives for backups. One can be portable if you are travelling far.

I always buy my Macs second-hand via eBay. I factor in the cost of a new battery and Hard Drive.

shortchanged_2

Moneymaker wrote: »

What? I replaced the 4GB RAM with 16GB in my 2011 MacBook Pro!

So what I did was both impossible and unnecessary?

.

I'm led to believe that the newer model macbooks 2013 onwards now have the RAM soldered down so upgrading is nigh on impossible. I suppose apple want you to just get a new model instead of being able to upgrade. Either that or encourage people to buy a machine that is OTT for their needs to future proof it as much as possible. That does sound very apple.

Ant555

I have an early 2011 Macbook Pro, 4Gb memory, i7, 15" screen (not retina)

I love the backlit keyboard but I wouldn't be surprised if all MacBook Pros have that feature.

I think the body/design on my 'old' one is very similar to the models available today but one thing I would say is that its quite heavy. Its certainly not something I would want to carry around every day!
I would definitely make sure you compare the weights of the various models.

If this machine ever dies then my next Mac might be a 13" MacBook Air if I have the money.

shortchanged_2

Nada666 wrote: »

I agree the 16 GB is strictly not necessary - but, at the same time, spending an extra £750 for an Apple branded word processor is not necessary. If you have a spare £750 burning a hole in your pocket then a spare £890 is not going to be noticed, either.;)

Couldn't have put it better myself.