I've been using Macs since the 80s, and am not interested in using Windows, so this is not a review of Mac v. Windows. It is a review of how this particular Mac laptop squares with other options on the Mac side of things. My previous laptop was a 2014 15" MacBook Pro. It was the maxed out version of that laptop when I bought it. It was super fast, and it ran very hot, and had issues (I think because it was so fast and ran so hot). Anyway, it died this week (my fault, spilled a little bit of tea into my laptop bag, and toasted it). This laptop is a downgrade. Less RAM, slower processor, smaller screen, fewer ports. It is also about half what I would have had to pay for to get a MacBook Pro with similar specs to the one I am replacing. First, this laptop runs much less hot. I am typing this while downloading roughly 50GB of sound samples to install on the external SSD attached to it. It also seems to have multitasking down to a much more seamless process than my old MacBook. I am not missing a beat typing this while having multiple very large CPU intensive processes running in other programs. So, while it can't do the video or photo editing that my old MacBook could do (that had a dedicated graphics processor), I don't think I will miss it much, and didn't do that much creative graphics editing on my laptop anyway. For everything else, in real world use, this laptop is definitely snappier. I don't think it is just the newer generation CPU. I am guessing it is better integration of the OS with the laptop bits and pieces as a whole. The gestalt is just much improved. I was very nervous about the change in ports, knowing I would need dongles and docks and adapters. This has turned out to be true but less of a hassle or cost than I thought it would be. s I hope to have solved this issue by getting a couple of cheapo USB-C to Thunderbolt 3 adapters online, and then getting a new external monitor (Samsung SH850) which has a USB-C input port that then basically converts the monitor to a hub (it has a USB 3 port, a DisplayPort input) a headphone jack, and it even powers the MacBook Pro through the USB-C connection. Sweet. Lastly, the screen is so much improved over my last laptop and This is light, solid, and so far, seems to be about perfect for my needs.

My 2016 MacBook died unexpectedly so I decided to purchased this model as a replacement. I previously "donated" my 2013 13" MacBook Pro to my wife and that laptop has performed admirably. So, it seemed like it's replacement would be a good choice. I really like the performance of the laptop with the new 8th gen processor. However, I am not thrilled with the "butterfly" keyboard. It is definitely better than the original version but still not as responsive as the "old" Mac keyboards. I am probably one of the few people who actually appreciate the lack of "traditional" ports. I do not see this as a problem since external port replicators are readily available and relatively inexpensive. The one I purchased plugs directly into the two ports on the left side of the computer. I have yet to get used to the touch bar that replaces the function keys. As far as I am concerned, it is a gimmick with limited value. I'd much rather see a touch screen than this "Mickey Mouse" feature. Had it not been for the keyboard and touch bar I would have rated this a solid 5 stars....despite its cost. However, those deficiencies knocked my rating down to 4 stars.

I already own a 15" MacBook Pro and needed something smaller to use while on the road. I originally purchased a Surface Laptop 2 and even tried a Surface Pro 6 and ended up taking them both back due to a variety of glitches. I heard that they were using a quad-core processor so I decided to give the 13" MacBook Pro a chance, and for the first time in a while, only got 8GB of Ram. I have to say that I was stunned at the speed and performance; opening programs like Lightroom and Photoshop were a breeze, and the movements and clicks were smooth as silk. I routinely use multiple programs at once and it rarely stutters. On top of that, the size is small enough to fit into a small bag and it's design remains one of the most beautiful on the market.

I bought this MBP as a replacement for a 6-year-old MBP. The speed and upgrades are awesome, and I love how snappy the computer is. I do video editing from time to time, and the render speeds are great, too. The Touch Bar is a nice addition, though I'm getting used to it still (my fingers accidentally hit it while I'm typing, and that's a little annoying). The battery life is nice, and I haven't had any issues with it. So why only 4 stars? I don't like the USB-C offerings. I now have to carry 4 dongles with me, and it's annoying. There's not built in SD card slot, which I use a lot. So now I have a dongle. I miss the mag-safe adapter. The trackpad sometimes won't click when I'm trying to drag something (I'm guessing that's a software glitch that needs to be addressed - it's mostly infrequent but annoying when it happens). Overall it's a great machine, and the cons wouldn't keep me away from re-purchasing it. But I think the cons are significant enough to share about in a review.

Was fortunate that I was able to return my 2017 i5 8GB 512GB 13 MacBook Pro on Thursday 7/12. Was exactly the 45th day I had to return it when Apple announced the 2018 quad core MacBook Pro's. Quickly returned my 2017. Saturday I went back and forth between the 2018 MacBook Pro 13 and Surface Book 2 13.5. Low and behold after further researching my local Best Buy actually had the 2018 13" i5 8GB 512GB in stock. I quickly placed an online order and went to the store to pick it up. I can say that after using it extensively since Saturday evening, it is a major improvement over the 2017 models. Much snappier, battery life has been great, the new keyboard is a lot nicer, and the True Tone display is a welcomed addition. The SSD in this screams! Glad Apple finally got the 8th Gen chips out. And much happier that I was still within my exchange window.

Best Buy beat every deal on the new MacBook Pro, hands down. I thought buying the MBP from them on Black Friday at $150 off was a screaming deal. You just don't see CURRENT Apple products on sale... EVAR. Then today, I received an email for a 1 day Apple sale at BB and the discount was doubled. $300 off the brand new MBP!? Could not be happier with the Price Match Guarantee... they honored the new price for my purchase and refunded some well needed cash for the Holiday... The computer itself is nothing short of amazing. It is fast, looks slick and is much more compact than any 13 inch computer I've ever held. The aluminum case screams durability and has a very clean and professional look, especially in Space Gray. The touchbar is fantastic and saves time for quick functions like volume and brightness. Screen detail is ridiculously... nice quiet keyboard. USB-C ports are great! I am glad they kept the headphone jack for another year. Overall a wonderful product and purchasing experience. Ordered on-line, picked-up in my local store 2 days later. Well done!

These new Macbook Pros are fast and light. Love that Apple came out with a Space Gray Magic Moue 2 and Bluetooth Keyboard to compliment this great laptop! I recently sold my Surface Book Pro to move away from Windows 10 and back to IOS. Versatile charging through Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) is a great feature, but wish they kept one USB3 port to eliminate having to buy an adaptor (-1 Star)! My Verizon Air Card does not work with this new Macbook, but I am sure it is a software issue that can be fixed. Have not come up with a reason to use the touch bar, but I guess having it for future feature adds will see its value someday? Do like not having a power button. Makes perfect sense...open lid or touch any key = ON! No brainer!!! All in all, if you require processing power and like the intuitiveness and fluidity of IOS, spend the money (wait for the sales to save $350-400). If you like IOS but do not need all the muscle, check out the new Mac Air. Also very nice!

This 13" MacBook Pro is replacing my 2008 15" MacBook Pro that is still functioning but has a number of issues that make me worry it may die unexpectedly. Apart from the screen size being smaller (too expensive to buy a new 15") the screen color and sound are excellent and appreciated. I waited, hoping Apple would change back from the usb-c since it requires a dongle for everything I have that needs a connection. The butterfly keyboard is comfortable to me- no problems, just hope it lasts. Like a previous reviewer, I noticed that the the trackpad sometimes won't click when I'm trying to drag something. I understand that there are a couple of variations with pressure for different results but I have not mastered that yet. The price is still prohibitive, even with $300 off but still ended up spending over $2000 with Apple Care and tax. I expect this one to last me 10 years like my last MacBook Pro, so here's hoping the quality is still there.