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Touch Bar MacBook Pro Q&A
Update Published December 11, 2020
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What are the "pros and cons" of the "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro models? Is one right for me?
The 16-Inch "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro models still are sold as new. The 13-Inch and 15-Inch models all have been discontinued, but remain available on the used market.
Only you can decide if a 13-Inch, 15-Inch, or 16-Inch "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro is the best Mac notebook for you, but an objective "pros and cons" can be quite useful.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Touch Bar MacBook Pro Models)
For those who prefer a more in-depth evaluation, EveryMac.com also provides a detailed comparison of the final "2019" 16-Inch and "2020" 13-Inch models that additionally may be of interest.
However, for those most interested in the highlights, this quick rundown will be ideal:
Pros:
- Beautiful, high-resolution "Retina" display. The "Mid-2018", "2019" and "2020" models have True Tone technology also, which automatically adjusts its color temperature based on ambient light for an improved experience.
- Powerful speakers.
- Incredibly sleek, lightweight aluminum case.
- Generally fast performance for the "Late 2016," "Mid-2017," "Mid-2018," "2019" and "2020" models alike.
- Generally solid battery life.
- Discontinued 13-Inch non-Touch Bar models have removable internal storage.
- "Touch Bar" on relevant 13-Inch and all 15-Inch and 16-Inch models is potentially useful.
- Clever, versatile "Force Touch" trackpad.
- Thunderbolt 3 connectivity standard is fast and easy-to-use.
- Current 13-Inch and 16-Inch models have a better keyboard design with "scissor" switches as well as better speakers and microphones.
Cons:
- Processor and RAM are soldered to the motherboard and cannot be replaced or upgraded after purchase on all models.
- Internal storage also is soldered on models except for the discontinued entry-level non-Touch Bar models. The lack of internal storage upgrades will limit the usable life of these notebooks.
- Performance on some models likely is throttled because the thin design otherwise would cause the notebook to overheat in some usage scenarios.
- Battery is glued in place in all models.
- Keyboard keys have less "travel" than earlier Apple notebooks and are less comfortable for typing. Recent "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro keyboards are quieter and perhaps less prone to failure than earlier models, but still have limited travel (the 13-Inch "2020" and all 16-Inch models use a better design).
- Some users may find the "Touch Bar" gimmicky and largely unnecessary.
- 13-Inch "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro models before the "Mid-2018" line have reduced Thunderbolt 3 performance on two of their four ports.
- No SD Card slot.
- No "MagSafe" power connector.
- Expensive.
So, is the "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro right for my needs?
Ignoring subsequently introduced models, the "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro models are best suited for those who want a powerful notebook with solid battery life in a relatively lightweight package and who have an ample budget.
Those on a tighter budget, also might want to consider the "Retina" MacBook Air models. Of course, "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro models now cost less on the used market, too.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new MacBook Pro models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb MacBook Pro models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. On the other hand, if you need to sell a MacBook Pro, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older notebook with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used MacBook Pro models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
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