2019 13” MacBook Pro in 2024? Be Careful!

Summary

In this review of the 2019 13-inch MacBook Pro, the speaker highlights its solid performance even in 2024, while suggesting that alternatives like the M1 MacBook Air offer better value and features for a similar price. The review details the pros and cons of the MacBook Pro, including its unique touch bar, decent keyboard, and acceptable battery life. It also discusses performance for office tasks, casual video editing, and gaming. Ultimately, while the MacBook Pro remains a good choice, users might benefit more from the newer M1 models for enhanced longevity and functionality.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 2019 13-inch MacBook Pro remains a solid choice in 2024, but may not be the best value compared to newer options.
• 💰 For around $400 more or less, users can find alternatives like the 2017 MacBook Pro or the M1 MacBook Air with better features.
• 🖥️ The M1 MacBook Air offers superior battery life (up to 15 hours) and performance due to its M1 chip.
• ⌨️ The 2019 MacBook Pro features a touch bar, which is useful for some but can be annoying for others who prefer traditional keys.
• 🔌 It has limited ports: two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports and a headphone jack, making adapters necessary for additional connectivity.
• 📸 The display includes True Tone and P3 wide color gamut, enhancing color accuracy for users who work with design software.
• ⚙️ Performance remains strong for everyday tasks like word processing and casual video editing, handling 1080p footage well.
• 🎮 The laptop supports Apple Arcade, making it capable of running casual games like Minecraft at decent frame rates.
• 🔋 Battery health should be above 80% when buying used, with potential replacement costs around $250 from Apple.
• 📅 Users can expect continued software support for a few more years, but planning for eventual updates is advisable.

Q & A

Is the 2019 13-inch MacBook Pro still a good choice in 2024?

Yes, the 2019 13-inch MacBook Pro is still a very good laptop in 2024, but there are other options that may offer better value.

What are some alternatives to the 2019 MacBook Pro?

Alternatives include the 2017 MacBook Pro, which is cheaper, and the M1 MacBook Air, which is slightly more expensive but offers better performance and battery life.

What is the main feature of the touch bar on the MacBook Pro?

The touch bar is a small display that provides shortcuts for functions like adjusting brightness and volume, although some users find it less convenient than traditional buttons.

How does the keyboard of the 2019 MacBook Pro compare to newer models?

The 2019 MacBook Pro has a firmer keyboard with minimal key travel compared to the newer scissor-switch mechanism in later models, which many find more comfortable.

What types of ports are available on the 2019 MacBook Pro?

It has two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports and a headphone jack, with an upgrade option available for two additional Thunderbolt ports.

What improvements does the 2019 model have in terms of display?

The 2019 MacBook Pro features True Tone technology for adjusting color temperature based on the environment, and supports P3 wide color gamut for better color accuracy.

How well does the 2019 MacBook Pro perform for video editing?

It handles 1080p video editing well, but for 4K editing or heavy video editing tasks, it's recommended to consider newer models like the M1 MacBook Pro.

What is the expected battery life of the 2019 MacBook Pro?

Apple claims around 10 hours of battery life, but realistically, users might experience about 8 hours due to age-related battery wear.

What should buyers consider when purchasing a used 2019 MacBook Pro?

Buyers should check the battery health, aiming for above 80%, and consider the cost of potential repairs, which can be significant.

What makes the M1 MacBook Air a better option for some users?

The M1 MacBook Air offers better performance, longer battery life (up to 17 hours), and a more comfortable keyboard, making it a compelling choice for many users.