Earlier this year in May, Apple launched a new version of it’s most popular flagship 13” MacBook, which is possibly the most purchased version in their line. So, as with every new version, the question that everyone who is considering buying it wants to know is, what’s new and how does it stack up against the other available options? Moreover, with the Silicon Macbook’s on their way, is it better to wait or pull the trigger on this updated MacBook instead?

Well, no need to worry, we’re to help by giving a quick MacBook Pro 2020 guide in the hope that this may help answer all your burning questions.

What Are The Updated Features On The New MacBook? 

Apple’s current lineup of laptops consists of the 13” MacBook Pro, 13”” MacBook Air, 16” MacBook Pro and this new updated 13” MacBook Pro. The MacBook Air is of course, the most budget friendly option, and serves any user, whether it be for work or personal use. Despite that, this MacBook Pro still remains the most preferred and popular purchasing option, as it fits within the convenient middle ground between price and professional functionality. This new updated version fulfils those same conditions, but with updated processors, a new keyboard, increased storage, and more. So, let’s dive a little deeper into the specifics. 

Design Updates

In terms of it’s design not much has changed in comparison with the older model, as the specifications only state that it has increased in weight to 3.1 pounds from 3.02 and that it has also become slightly thicker being 0.61 inches as compared to the previous 0.59. Meanwhile, the screens bezels are still wide and aren’t as updated as compared to the larger 16” version. In regards to the ports, the base version includes 2 Thunderbolt 3s. However other expensive options do come with four. For those, who may want more added ports for their MacBook without having to churn out more cash, Lention’s usb c hdmi station is an excellent choice with a wide array of extra ports available from USB, Thunderbolt and more.

Keyboard Updates

The most exciting thing about this new upgraded MacBook, is the new Magic keyboard. Unlike the older models which came with butterfly keys that have been a common cause for headaches among many of Apple’s users, the Magic keyboard has actually been hailed to offer the best keyboard experience on a MacBook ever. It brings with it a redesign that provides adequate soft movement in all buttons, Touch Bar and Touch ID, a dedicated Escape button, as well as proper arrow keys that are now easier to locate, as compared to when they were positioned at the bottom of the Mac’s keyboard.

Display Updates

The new updated model comes with a 2560 by 1600 pixels display, which is similar to its predecessor’s. However, with 227 pixels per inch, it still boasts an incredible Retina display that offers a brightness capability of 500 nits, a wide color gamut, and True Tone tech, which is driven by the Intel Iris graphics card making it an enjoyable experience for everyday tasks.

Hard ware Updates

Other than the new keyboard, another new development with this version is in regards to the new 10th Gen processors. The RAM has also been updated, with alternatives from the 2133 MHz to 3733 MHz available. What’s more is, the MacBook boasts up to 10 hours of battery life, making it great news for those of us who tend to spend long hours working on or away from their desks. On a side note, for those looking for an even more comfortable typing experience, we also recommend purchasing a desk riser to help prevent the strain of back pain, which is a common and prevalent issue with many active of users.

Storage Updates

A bonus feature that this new Mac offers us, is a higher default storage space of 256 GB SSD. This in comparison to the old 128 GB that we use to get in the older models is a good bump up. Also, the new SSD’s processing speed has also increased, allowing for a transfer rate of almost 3 GB of data per second! Moreover, for those looking to max out on storage space from the start, you can purchase the default 512 GB option, which you can customise and expand to 4 TB for a little extra cash.  Additionally, the Mac’s T2 chip has also been improved to further ensure the security of your content.

Price

The cost for this Macbook Pro’s upgraded base model will set you back $1,299, which is what it has always costed. This price is in relation to the version that offers; 256 SSD (1.4GHz Quad Core Processor). However, for those of you, who decide that you need a higher spec machine, then you can choose the 512GB (1.4GHz or 2.0 GHz) alternatives, which are also available, but at a much steeper price of $1,499 and $1,799 respectively.

So, is it time to upgrade?

Well, it depends. The only bad thing to say about the new 13” MacBook Pro, is it’s webcam. It still only offers a low 720p video resolution but that’s not really a deal breaker. So, we say it’s an excellent choice to upgrade to. But as we mentioned earlier in the beginning, the new Silicon MacBook Pros are coming soon enough. And they will most likely offer a whole new design change, if the rumours are indeed true. So, it’s up to you if you want to wait it out and see what’s next.

However, considering how the price levels for those new Silicon Macs are probably going to be nuts, we’d say the new upgraded 13 inch MacBook Pro is a fantastic choice for those looking for a new machine, without having to spend any more money than is necessary.