Hi guys.

A long time of Windows user, now it's time for me to change to Mac.

Planning to buy 13-inch MacBook Pro 2016. My daily working is based on typing document (Excel, Word), editing pictures, downloading movies HD, transferring data and surfing internet.

I want to have a laptop which is fast to open apps at one time (safari, excel, word, playing music etc) because I will do a multitasking task. I hate being stuck or hang when opening any apps. Also, I'm a bidder, so need smooth laptop during bidding in website. Fast loading is necessary.

So, is it better I upgrade base model (2.0GHz with 256GB SSD) to 16GB RAM or just take base model for Touch Bar (2.9GHz and 8GB RAM)?

This post has been edited by Effaw995: Mar 1 2017, 02:32 PM

Based on your usage that you described, more RAM will help you. I don't think a higher processor clock speed can help you much with your usage. More RAM will help you keep things running smoothly when you open so many different applications.

16GB RAM will certainly help for your usage. Whether to get the 2016 13" MBP or the 13" MBPTB, it all boils down to your budget. No matter how one prefers the physical function keys of the non-touch bar version, nobody can deny that the touch bar is indeed very useful for all sorts of people. The non-touch bar version does have better battery life as it doesn't need to power a second display (i.e., the touch bar), but it does have a considerably slower processor and only two USB Type-C ports (compared to 4 ports on the touch bar version). This lack of ports is significant because once you charge your MacBook Pro or leave it charged while it is being used (with the charger taking one of the USB Type-C ports), you would then only have practically one single functional port. A multi-port dongle could remedy this, but it nevertheless is still an issue to be considered.

Since you are contemplating on upgrading the 13" MBPTB from 8GB RAM to 16GB (which you need to pay a hefty amount for the upgrade on RAM alone), and if you are not that tight on budget plus if you are okay with a larger laptop, the base model 15" MBPTB (with 16GB RAM already onboard) will suit your needs perfectly. Reason being the Quad Core i7 with hyper-threading technology on the 15-incher is much better for CPU-intensive apps.

Also, the 15-incher tends to give slightly better battery life for light-to-average usage than the 13" MBPTB due to the larger battery capacity on the 15-incher. You can look around for reviews to confirm this. Personally, I'm very happy with my MBPTB 15-incher's battery life too.

This post has been edited by shockk: Mar 1 2017, 06:19 PM

I concur, if you can afford the 15-inch it would be the best solution and the screen is worth the extra space and weight it takes.

If there isn't enough budget, personally I would take the Touch Bar version and get a faster processor because based on what you mention about the task that you would perform, honestly I am doing all of that using just a 2015 MacBook 12 and it runs fine without any issues.

I would choose the touchbar and a faster processor because MS Word and Excel still requires a bit more processing power rather than RAM and I noticed that when I swapped my 2015 rMBP 13 to a 12-inch MacBook. Both had 8Gb of RAM but excel calculations were taking longer (due to the processor difference).

Then I will go choose 16GB RAM. Running smoothly during running different applications is my priority. Thanks bro.

But ain't that due to Core m vs Core i processor? The Core m processor is actually pretty weak. In fact the A10 chip found in their mobile devices are quite close in terms of performance with the Core m.

When he compares a 2.0GHz vs 2.9GHz Core i5 processor, not to say there won't be any difference but it wouldn't be very obvious based on the applications he use.

But then again, even 8GB RAM can still handle such tasks so it wouldn't be a bad idea to go with the touchbar model and settle with the latest that Apple has to offer.

Yes bro. My budget is up to base model 13 inch MacBook Pro Touch Bar. I've tried Touch Bar function and yes it's really useful. Easy to navigate just by tapping on it rather finding on the screen. But when you talk about battery life, just agreed with you. Touch Bar will used more battery. Yours, how's about your battery life on your 15-inch MacBook Pro Touch Bar?

Yes, 4 ports is flexible. I only used port for charging iphone and pendrive. 15-inch specs is really great since it has quad-core. But my budget is limit to 13-inch since I'm comfortable with small lappy for travel. Still thinking if I have enough budget to upgrade 8GB RAM MBPTB 2.9GHz to 16GB RAM, then it will be really good..hehe..

Bro, I have noticed that even I upgrade to 16GB RAM for 13-inch MacBook Pro base model, it still have 1866MHz memory compared to stock 13-inch MacBook Pro Touch Bar which is 2133MHz.

So what is different? Is it 8GB RAM 2133MHz is better than 16GB RAM 1866MHz?

But they have a different which I don't have answer, 8GB RAM 1866MHz vs 8GB RAM 2133MHz, seems second one is more powerful. But if we put 16GB RAM 1866MHz, is it more power than 8GB RAM 2133MHz?

When come to processor, if I get only 2.0GHz, I cannot sure if it can handle game like Call of Duty. What I know, a game like COD needs a better processor, is it true bro?

I'm really zero when comes to processor..hahaha

For games the graphics GPU plays a bigger role. With the Macbook 13", don't expect much in terms of gaming.

True, it is obvious for applications like MS Office whose applications aren't fully optimised yet for Mac OS versus the native Mac apps where it performs very very well.

For gaming, try considering getting an external graphics dock like the RAZER Core or similar ones from brands like Asus, etc.

Chuck in a GTX1060 minimum to the dock and your ready to rock. Hehe.

Yup. Sadly optimisation still lacks in the Mac version of MS Office but I'm glad they added in proper Touch Bar support which I do find very useful for my workflow.

Then 15-inch will handle better in gaming..hehe

After tried using Numbers, I think I love it. Easy and smooth.

I rarely playing games nowadays. But maybe install some of lighter games for a fun..

Thanks bro..

Then TS has to definitely install Bootcamp and run windows in order to fully utilise the Razer Core.

Then no worries. The integrated GPU in even the 2016 MBP is quite decent for certain games.

Yes, Bootcamp surely is a must for an optimal gaming experience.

I believe the Razer Core is quite a challenge to acquire in Malaysia, but I noticed that the Asus XG Station 2 seems to be selling already - saw the demo unit at the Asus ROG Showroom in Low Yat Plaza.

Was there a review somewhere which mentioned that the Macbook Pro non-TB versions doesn't fully utilise Thunderbolt 3? If that is correct then all the more TS has to get the TB version hehe.

I wouldn't mind some extra power with an external graphics core but sadly my 12 inch Macbook doesn't have a Thunderbolt 3 connectivity hehe.

Guys, as I know Thunderbolt 3 in MacBook Pro is up to 40Gbps data transfer.

My question, is it the power processor boost the data transfer?

If that, means 2.9GHz is more faster transferring data compares to 2.0GHz?

Faster and smooth data transfer is one of my main criteria.

It depends on what you deem the transfer of data. If it is a simple copy and paste then normally it is more of a disk to disk transfer where the bottleneck could be the transfer protocol or the spinning platter or the speed of the SSD. If it is being processed from a program then the processor plays an important part.

IMO the touchbar model is the better buy. as others have mentioned, the faster processor would be useful for MS Office. Also, since you mentioned data transfer, perhaps having more than 1 free USB-C port (while charging) is very helpful. Remember to invest in a fast USB drive too.

RAM-wise, 8gb looks sufficient for your usage unless you are looking to run a VM.

i was in ur shoes.. Touchbar or non touchbar... took me 2 weeks decide..

touchbar is an awesome thing..but if u are used to muscle memory of just pressing the button without looking.. then touchbar is not for you.. you have to see the touchbar to see what and where to press.. to me.. that is sometime distracting

so i end up buying the non touch bar.. been using it for my office work..quite fast .... excel,word and some small programming.. fit with what i need..

with the extra cash i budget because initially wanted the touch bar ... i am now aiming to buy a thunderbolt 3 dock.. 1 cable solution for charging, ports and dual display(my office i have 2 monitors, so total 3 screens inclusive mac screen)... aiming to get either startech dock or belkin express tb3 dock.. but need to run some script to enable the dock on macos as apple block old tb3 controller..


currently i have my old usb c to hdmi/usb/charger from my old macbook 12 , and usb c to hdmi. still can get 2 working display/charging and usb ports.. but abit cluttered

This post has been edited by edthrax: Mar 7 2017, 10:35 AM

Last time when I was using my MacBook 12 with 8GB of RAM, actually did not really notice any slowdown even with many apps open. Mac OS memory management is quite stunning.

Now with my 2016 MBPtb 15", seems that less SSD-cache is used for memory, so everything kind of feels a tad snappier. (screenshot below)



This post has been edited by shockk: Mar 7 2017, 02:31 PM

Have you found any good USB-C docks locally in Malaysia?

was not really looking for usb-c dock.. so not really sure.

i'm leaning more towards thunderbolt 3 dock which is different from a usb c dock which only can have 10gbps throughput, while tb3 would have 40gbps, nice for dual display ,storage and other things using 1 single cable

Well most of the USB-C docks are designed for the MBP which has Thunderbolt 3.

The ones which I was eyeing.
http://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/201...underbolt-usb-c
http://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/201...-ethernet-ports


This post has been edited by Mavik: Mar 8 2017, 11:44 AM

Hi Bro,

From what you want your macbook to do, then 8gb of ram sufficient. I myself am using a rmbp/2.6/8/256/i5. I have been an apple convert since 2014. Having using this rmbp for the past 2.5 years, my concern was the SSD size. It is important for you to get the biggest size for your budget. 256Gb ssd is just 'cukup makan'. IMO 512gb or 1T better. It saves you alot of headache/heartache if you need to rely on external storage or personal cloud services. Apple memry management is outstanding. I have not experience any issues of running out of ram (ie apps freezing). I can still play hi resolution games/simulation however its best to leave it to the bigger brother 15" fare better.

Anyway all the best in your choices.

yes bro..most usb-c docks are compatible with MacBook pro ..but they're not thunderbolt 3 docks..

they use the same connection..but the cables are different in nature.. example of thunderbolt 3 docks..

Belkin Thunderbolt 3 express dock
OWB Thunderbolt 3 Docks
Startech Thunderbolt 3 Dock
HP Zbook TB3 dock

most tb3 docks can daisy chain.. so u can connect 1 tb3 dock to another tb3 dock directly.. so u have 2 tb3 dock but still using 1 cable to the MacBook pro..

they use the same type connector with usb-C..but the cable itself is different..u can't plug a usb-c cable to the dock..the MacBook wont recognize the dock..

Thunderbolt can deliver USB-C.. but USB-C cant deliver thunderbolt...

This post has been edited by edthrax: Mar 8 2017, 03:32 PM

Yes I know, if you looked at the links I shared it is indeed Thunderbolt 3 transfer rates but with a USB-C connector. You don't have to tell me about TB3 as I have 3 external drives in daisy chain for my video editing work.

Thanks bro. I think I'm only doing a simple copy paste and just transfer data from Mac to pendrive..

Nice review bro. Appreciated that so much.

You bought 13-inch base model without any upgrade? 512 SSD or 16GB RAM?

RAM speed is minor improvement, you will be noticed if you doing BENCHMARK. Larger RAM capacity can give you more room to doing multitasking and open more apps at same time, as well smoothness as well! if your pc/laptop run out of RAM, you apps will close without warning and you will lose your important task without time to doing a "save".



You don't want this happen to your pc when you were doing critical task without give you a single chance to save your work safely.

Mac memory management quite okay, 8GB RAM should be enough for your demands. I think base model with 2.0 GHz should be fine, and if can afford, upgrade to bigger SSD like 512 GB should be flawlessly.

i bought base model without any upgrade.. so far so good.. i use alot of cloud storage and apple music streaming..so not much storage issue for me..

as for ram and cpu..so far havent face any slowdowns or issue.. even tried gaming CS:GO and left 4 dead..suprisingly smooth gameplay..lol..

Cloud Storage for the win!

Nothing better than persistent-backup for a worry-free life.

Also, these days with Apple Music and Spotify, streaming is indeed the way to go.

Though I would say that increased SSD storage is quite useful for professional video editors, but is surely not a must as a Thunderbolt or USB 3.0 external hard drive offers speeds fast enough to work off from.

Even when I was multi-tasking considerably heavy on my MacBook 12-inch Retina with 8GB RAM (before I upgraded to the 2016 MBPtb with 16GB RAM), never once did a similar error as you mention pop up.

Thus, this is one of the many reasons why I love the MacOS over Windows, though I would say that Windows 10 has been quite good to me too (on my Windows laptop).

This post has been edited by shockk: Mar 13 2017, 01:36 AM

Oh yes! Definitely agree on that.

I recently purchased the unlimited storage on Amazon's Cloud Drive and in the midst of transferring all of my old photo files onto the cloud!

yeap..cloud is the way.. save everything on the cloud..access anywhere .. so thats why for me 256 is enuff.. i'm not in the content creation industry so dont really have big files to store.. all of my pictures also are saved in my unlimited google drive..

Hi guys.

Thanks to everyone's review and suggestion.

I just ordered 13-inch MacBook Pro 2016 Non-Touchbar with upgrade RAM to 16GB.

For storage I plan to get 512GB WD Passport SSD or others 2TB WD Passport.

Actually Intel Core m series is design for Ultrabook and tablet , Intel core m is energy efficient which operate at 4.5W,and Intel Core M have really low base clock but high turbo boost clock for example you have ultrabook that use Intel Core m7-6Y75 Processor then your ultrabook is cold/not hot it will run at turbo boost clock which at 3.10 GHz but then your ultrabook is overheat it will downclock and run at it base clock which is 1.20GHz, so that means performance of your Ultrabook/Tablet is depends on how hot you ultrabook/tablet your is, so is you want gaming on your ultrabook make sure you have intel core m that have high turbo boost clock and Portable laptop fans and