On Friday, June 17, Apple will open pre-orders for the 13-inch MacBook Pro. It is the first Mac with Apple’s next-generation M2 processors, which will be followed by the redesigned MacBook Air next month. But while it may seem like a “new” device, the MacBook Pro actually includes many older features that we thought Apple had abandoned. So you have to buy one? Here are five reasons why you might want to wait.
It’s more expensive than the MacBook Air M2
Although Apple has not increased the price of the MacBook Pro M2, it is still in an awkward place in terms of prices. Starting at $ 1,299, it’s $ 100 more than the next MacBook Air with a larger screen and similar processor (8-core GPU versus 10-core GPU). The MacBook Pro includes more storage (512GB vs. 256GB) and a better cooling system, which will allow faster speeds for longer, though most users probably won’t notice.
However, true professionals are more likely to fit the M1 Pro and M1 Max models into the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros. They’re more expensive, of course, but you get more screen, better battery life, and more custom creation options.
It has the oldest design and display from Apple
The 13-inch MacBook Pro has been using the same classic design for a long time, and there’s really nothing wrong with it. However, now that Apple has changed its template with the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro and the redesigned MacBook Air, the large 13-inch MacBook Pro frames feel completely obsolete.
There is also the screen. The 13-inch MacBook Pro does not have Apple’s new Liquid Retina technology, which provides more colors and rounded corners to fit the design contours. It’s still a nice screen, but compared to the other Pro models with the XDR and MacBook Air M2, it’s not that good. Plus, it’s not the smallest in Apple’s lineup, as the MacBook Air hit a 13.6-inch shot.
The 2018 MacBook Pro is basically the same as the M2 model.
It is needed in ports
Apple and the discussion on ports go hand in hand, but it would be fair to say that the mea culpa of the company last year saw the reintroduction of an SD, HDMI and MagSafe card reader in the 14 and 16-inch MacBook . Pros have gone well with consumers and professional users.
On the MacBook Pro M2, however, you don’t get any of these things. The M2 model has the same ports as last year: two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack with high impedance headphone stand. Even the MacBook Air M2 has better port options with the addition of MagSafe (so you don’t have to use a USB-C port to charge). Of course, if you use a docking station with your laptop, this won’t be a problem, but we still prefer to have MagSafe.
The new MacBook Pro still has the same two USB-C ports and not MagSafe.
IDG
The camera is still 720p
Apple had mocked something for its firm commitment to the 720p FaceTime HD camera that has adorned Macs for years, but last year saw that it finally adapted to the times and replaced it with a 1080p on the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro. . As expected, the MacBook Air M2 also had the best camera hardware, but not the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
Of course, once macOS 13 Ventura arrives, you can use your iPhone as a webcam with the continuity camera, but that’s no excuse to have a terrible webcam in 2022.
The webcam of the new 13-inch MacBook Pro is the same as the 2020 model.
IDG
Better models are coming
While there is always an argument that saving money will allow you to get a much better product later, this has traditionally been more worrisome for shopping for phones or tablets. Now that Apple’s (almost) all-around on silicon has arrived and Apple’s next-generation M2, there will always be a question of whether or not to wait a few months for the next round of updates.
While we never know what the future holds, it seems like a pretty safe bet that another MacBook will be up and running soon. There are rumors about a 15-inch model on the way, as well as an M2 Pro / M2 Max upgrade to existing MacBook Pro models. That’s something to keep in mind before going down $ 1,299 right now.
But … the touch bar
Aside from the processor, there is nothing new about the new MacBook Pro. That means it’s still the last MacBook (probably ever) to have a Touch Bar. So if you like it, there is no other model that has it. And honestly, now that we no longer have it in the high-end MacBook Pros, we really miss it.