2018 MBPR13 Minireview F/U

[sekker]

Posted my initial impressions here:

http://forums.macresource.com/read.php?1...sg-2276135

After using this machine, I think this could be one of my favorite Macs in a long time (probably my favorite since the PB17). Ironically, it has that super portable feel of the ol' PB12 - but without compromises. It's REALLY fast.

I'm getting good battery life - at least as long as the 2016 model and the 'loaner' 2015 model I borrowed while I waited for my 2016 to come.

The keyboard clicks are attenuated, and the added membrane also gives them just a tad more resistance. I can no longer honestly complain that I type worse on these butterfly keyboards. I don't.

None of the horrible click issues with the speakers yet. They sound great - even better than the excellent 2016 model I was using earlier.

This is a highly refined Apple product, and USBC is getting far more common. And with 4k monitors coming with built-in ports, the Apple vision of the 'duo' is alive and well. One cable to connect to external monitor, keyboard mouse and charging.

I also want to put in a plug for the LG 5k monitor. It's pretty spectacular, and has 4 USB C ports in the back. I added a USBC to Ethernet cable, and it's sweet.

So long as this machine's hardware lasts, I think I will consider this a winner. But it definitely was a good idea to get AppleCare (and with the extended warranty with the AmEx card). Lots of tech in this tiny form.

[jdc]

Sounds like a sweet ride, I wish with those configs it was $1500 and not $2800. =(

I could prob justify it.

[pinkoos]

Nice follow-up, thanks.

[sekker]

I want to add that this setup could also have an eGPU down the road.

[Sarcany]

Been on a 15-inch for the last few days at work.

I've timed my typing and I'm about 30% slower on this keyboard than on the 13-inch 2015 MBP-R I was on previosuly. I have to hit the back-button or move the cursor to correct typos often enough that it breaks my stream of consciousness and compels me to re-read what I've written repeatedly to check for mistakes.

I miss the Control+power-button keystroke and I've found that while I mostly ignore the touch bar, when it illuminates with colorful icons (launch the Calculator app for an easy example), it's sometimes a bit distracting. (OTOH, Nyan Cat is great entertainment for the plebes.)

The USB-C power cord is troublesome. Apple should have included the folding brackets from the old power adapter in the new power adapter. The cord is thick and not very flexible and as a result, it doesn't work with most cord-winders. The cable needs to be unplugged, wound and tied before it's chucked in a bag and the few extra seconds to do so vs wrapping the cord on a MagSafe cable is annoying.

[sekker]

Get some external USB charging monitors... I only charge using my power brick when I travel.