Apple announced on Monday the launch of a new 13-inch MacBook Pro with updated 10th-generation processors for high-end machines and new magic scissor-switch keyboards across the line.
We picked one to see what's new and how it compares to other machines in Apple's laptop line. Read on to see what we think and if it's worth buying.
Design-wise, the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2020 looks identical to the 2019 model because Apple has made no external changes with the exception of the new keyboard. It still uses the same 13.3-inch chassis, which is disappointing as there were rumors of a switch to an updated 14.1-inch design.
That 14.1-inch .1MacBook Pro might still arrive at some point in the future, but for now, Apple continues to sell the same older 13.3-inch model alongside the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
We bought the base model machine, which means that it is still using Intel's 8th gen processors. The high-end 13-inch MacBook Pro models that start at $ 1,799 have faster and newer 10th-generation processors.
Based on benchmarks, the $ 1,799 MacBook Pro with a 10th Gen 2.0GHz Intel Core i5 chip is about 16.5 percent faster than the $ 1,299 base model we have here, which features a Core i5 processor. eighth-generation 1.4GHz quad-core.
Apple added support for up to 32GB of RAM and a 4TB SSD in the 2020MacBook Pro 2020 update, but again, those features are limited to the more expensive machines. The base model can only be upgraded to 16GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD.
Basically, what is new in the base model MacBook Pro is the keyboard. It now features the same Magic Keyboard that Apple first introduced on the 16-inch MacBook Pro. The Magic Keyboard uses scissor-style switches instead of the old butterfly-style switches, which were notoriously unreliable and unpopular with users.
Apple's butterfly keyboards led to the start of a massive repair program, and although Apple tried time and again to fix the butterfly keyboard with different band aid methods, nothing worked, and the only way to get a more reliable keyboard was to go back to the scissor switch design.
The Magic Keyboard on the 13-inch MacBook Pro should be much more reliable than previous model keyboards that still had butterfly switches. With the launch of the 13-inch MacBook Pro, Apple has officially removed the butterfly keyboard from its entire line of notebooks.
Design-wise, the Magic Keyboard features a physical escape key and inverted T arrow keys, but continues to feature a Touch Bar and Touch ID for biometric authentication. When it comes to feel, the Magic Keyboard isn't too far removed from the butterfly keyboard you're replacing with good key travel and solid under-finger feel.
It's worth noting that higher-end BookMacBook Pro models with four Thunderbolt 3 ports can now support the 6K Pro Display XDR, but lower-end models with just two Thunderbolt 3 ports are limited to a 5K or two 4K display.
Unless you're planning to pay at least $ 1,799 for a new 13-inch MacBook Pro, this update is somewhat of a disappointment because the cheaper and lower-end models get nothing but a revamped keyboard design. With a starting price of $ 1,799 and up to $ 3,500 for upgrades, some users might be better off looking at one of the 16-inch MacBook Pro models unless size is a concern.
Those interested in the portability and low-end specs of the more affordable MacBook Pro will want to take a good look at the MacBook Air, which may be a better value.
VIEW THE MACBOOK PRO 13 ON AMAZON
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