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Hardware Web/APP Development with Macbook Pro 2016 ?, Not sure which model to buy

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TSPlaymaker8
post Mar 9 2017, 11:56 AM, updated 9y ago

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Hey, Morning guys biggrin.gif Is there any web-dev/APP Dev here using MacBook pro 2016? I really want to know your opinion. The pros and cons.

To begin with. I am a beginner that wanted to dive into the world of web development + App development. The reason why I am considering to buy a Mac is because as a life long windows user, I think its time for me to finally try Mac OS.

What I am going to do with the MacBook Pro brows.gif

-Web development ( frontend and backend), App development, (Maybe) Game Development with Unity
-Watch IFLIX, Youtube, HD Movies
-Google Docs, MS Excel
-Movie Editing ( Want to start learning )
-Web Browsing
-Spotify
-Light gaming - Shadowverse, Hearthstone

What I look for in any laptop

-Lightweight
-Superb Battery Life
-Superb screen/resolution


I have a hard time to be persistence in coding. I think there is a mental block or something in my head. Also, it's really hard to survive without any skills in the IT industry. With this investment, I want to push myself harder and finally be consistent in doing some side project I am interested in.

All that being said, the 15 inches is out of my budget for sure. So it's all about the Non-touch bar vs the Touch Bar 13inches. I know that the touch bar model has worse battery life but has a better spec - 2.9ghz vs 2.0 ghz, 2133mhz ram vs 1866mhz ram. And I guess upgrading it to 16GB Ram should be a no-brainer?

Finally, If you were in my situation, which configuration would you go for?

Thanks guys ! thumbup.gif

This post has been edited by Playmaker8: Mar 9 2017, 11:59 AM
TSPlaymaker8
post Mar 9 2017, 09:27 PM

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QUOTE(shockk @ Mar 9 2017, 01:20 PM)
Would you be programming for iOS apps, Mac OS apps too? Then the MacBook Pro is perfect for your needs.

The question on whether to go for the Touch Bar or Non Touch Bar version boils down to budget. The Touch Bar version is superior in every other way except for price. Anyone who tells otherwise are just deceiving themselves.

If your budget permits, the guideline for upgrades you should go for perhaps could be in this order: -
- RAM - Upgrade to 16GB at RM920. Take note that after you have done this upgrade on the 13" MBPtb, the price difference between the 13" MBPtb and the 15" MBPtb (which already have 16GB as standard) becomes less, thus may be something to consider.
- SSD Size - Good to have large storage if you don't want to carry around an external hard drive, but this should always come after you have upgraded the RAM to 16GB. However, if coding is your main use for the MacBook Pro, then you may not need such a big storage after all.
- 15-inch - This upgrade would give a noticeable speed boost as the 15-inch models use the Intel Core i7 processors with Four (Quad) Cores and Hyperthreading. Battery life on the 15-inch is also as good, if not better than the 2016 MBP 13-inch Non-Touch Bar model. Also, the additional screen estate is always welcome.

All in all, the 2016 MBP Touch Bar 13-inch 256GB model with 16GB RAM upgrade would suit your needs pretty well. Just plug in an external monitor for additional screen real estate for your coding needs.  thumbsup.gif
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Yes ! Developing IOS apps is also one of the reasons why I want to switch to Mac. For me, now it's either <touch bar 13-inches 256GB with 16GB RAM> or <Non-Touch bar 13-inches 256GB with 16GB RAM>. NTB version is cheaper but I am not sure if the performance is worth the price tag or not laugh.gif
TSPlaymaker8
post Mar 9 2017, 09:29 PM

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QUOTE(dvlzplayground @ Mar 9 2017, 01:30 PM)
For web development, not much difference between macOS and windows. both have excellent tools to get the job done. retina display is helpful so you can ensure you website looks good on hi res displays.

For movie editing, iMovie that comes with a new mac is a good software to start with. further down the road, you can upgrade to Final Cut Pro, which is only available on macOS. compared to adobe premiere pro, FCP is a lot faster.

Gaming - I have no idea if those games are available on macOS or not tongue.gif

get the touchbar. 16gb ram highly recommend if budget allows.
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Thanks for your opinion rclxms.gif . I am looking to use this as my main machine for at least 5 years. So getting 16gb ram does make sense for me.
TSPlaymaker8
post Mar 12 2017, 10:20 PM

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Hey Guys smile.gif

After countless of comparison and reading and YouTubing. I have decided to get the non-touch bar version,16Gb of Ram with Educational Pricing. rclxms.gif .

Deliver date : 17th - 21st of March. Damn it, I really wish it would come sooner haha.

Moving forward, I hope this machine will last for at least 5 years and now I want to find a USB-C dock and a sleeve for it.

Do you guys have any recommendation? brows.gif

This post has been edited by Playmaker8: Mar 12 2017, 10:22 PM
TSPlaymaker8
post Mar 13 2017, 08:46 AM

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QUOTE(shockk @ Mar 13 2017, 01:25 AM)
Congrats on your purchase!  rclxms.gif

As for the USB-C dock, you should consider the ultimate multi-function dongle now, the Hyperdrive - which you can still purchase off Indiegogo.
Link: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/hyperdri...r-macbook-pro#/

Also, remember to skin your MacBook Pro for some added protection against scratches. brows.gif
DBrand or Slickwraps have some pretty cool ones.
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Thanks! Those skins are really good looking. But I'm wondering if the track pad will work well if we put a skin on it. and if one day I decided not to use the skin, the whole machine will becomes sticky? hmmm

This post has been edited by Playmaker8: Mar 13 2017, 08:52 AM

 

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