Released in late 2016, the redesigned MacBook Pro without Touch Bar came with Intel’s previous-generation Skylake processors.
This month, they were refreshed with next-gen Kaby Lake processors, and AppleInsider put the two models head to head to compare their performance.
The updated 13-inch MacBook Pro features Kaby Lake processors up to 3.5 GHz Core i7 with Turbo Boost up to 4.0 GHz, and the 15-inch MacBook Pro goes up to 3.1 GHz Core i7 with Turbo Boost up to 4.1 GHz. The 15-inch MacBook Pro now comes standard with more powerful discrete graphics with more video memory.
Direct link to video here.
MacDailyNews Take: No surprises there.
Of course, 2017 MacBook Pro is a better machine than 2016 MacBook Pro. It is marginally better, but its not the best it could be.
Whats the “best it could be”?
Personally I would upgrade if I could get my 17 inch model back (and a few USB ports). I wonder if a 17 inch would hold a 4k retina resolution..
Did anyone questioning the statement ‘not the best it could be’ even watch the video review?
The reviewer noted Apple has downgraded the SSD storage both in terms of capacity and read/write speeds on the base model in order to come in at a lower price point. They recommend upgrading to a higher capacity SSD (I wonder if doing so eliminates the ‘price decrease’).
Additionally (not in review) – still no ability to upgrade ram beyond 16GB, and no option to self upgrade RAM (which makes it more of a consumer product – not a pro product).
Of course most people don’t need these features – which is why it is pretty darn good – and the best for its specs – but ‘not the best it could be’ – as Apple could easily make the design choice and make it simply the BEST – period.
Yes, I checked it on the Apple website when they first announced. They didn’t “drop the price” they just added a 128GB model, the 256GB still comes out to $1499. I didn’t know its read/write was worse as well. If push came to shove I’d upgrade my Air to this Pro, but adding 16GB of RAM and upgrading the processor makes it $1999 pre tax, too much.