Should you Buy a 2019 MacBook Pro in 2024?

Summary

In this review, the 2019 Intel MacBook Pro with an i9 processor and 32GB of RAM is put to the test to see if it still holds up in 2024, especially at a used price of $500. The review highlights its impressive display, solid build, and dedicated graphics card, making it a strong contender for creative work and coding tasks. However, concerns about potential SSD failure due to a known flaw are raised, and the CPU's performance lags behind newer M-series Macs. Despite this, the MacBook Pro offers great value for those in need of power and performance on a budget.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 2019 Intel MacBook Pro with an i9 processor is still a powerful laptop in 2024, especially for those on a budget.
• 😀 I bought this MacBook for $500 on eBay, which was a great deal despite the unknown graphics card in the listing.
• 😀 The MacBook features the 5500M graphics card with 8GB of VRAM, which is decent but not the top-tier 5600M that was hoped for.
• 😀 The touch bar, often disliked by others, is a favorite feature for many, offering convenience for quick tasks like adjusting brightness or volume.
• 😀 The design is modern with USB-C ports and a headphone jack, and it has the improved scissor-switch keyboard instead of the problematic butterfly keyboard.
• 😀 The MacBook Pro still offers excellent performance with an i9 CPU, dedicated graphics, and a 16-inch display, making it a powerful machine despite being five years old.
• 😀 Although the CPU is behind newer M1 models, the laptop’s dedicated graphics card allows for Windows booting and gaming, which is a big plus.
• 😀 The laptop’s SSD has a known failure issue over time due to a faulty chip, which could lead to data loss, so regular backups are essential.
• 😀 For $500, the MacBook offers incredible value with features like 32GB of RAM, dedicated graphics, and a high-quality display.
• 😀 For creative professionals, coders, or anyone needing a powerful machine on a budget, this Intel MacBook Pro is a solid choice despite its age.
• 😀 Alternatives like the M1 MacBook Air offer better CPU performance but lack the dedicated graphics card and RAM, making the Intel MacBook Pro better suited for certain tasks.

Q & A

Why did the reviewer choose to buy the 2019 Intel MacBook Pro over other options?

The reviewer purchased the MacBook Pro for $500 due to its competitive price and the fact that it had a powerful i9 processor, along with a large screen and decent graphics card. The possibility of getting the 5600M graphics card, though it turned out to have the 5500M, also influenced the decision.

What is the reviewer’s opinion on the touch bar of the MacBook Pro?

Despite widespread dislike for the touch bar, the reviewer praises it for improving workflow, especially for users who don’t rely on the function row keys. The reviewer likes it so much that they wish Apple would bring it back or at least make it an option.

How does the keyboard on this 2019 MacBook Pro compare to earlier models?

The 2019 MacBook Pro uses a scissor-switch keyboard, which is much more reliable than the butterfly keyboard used in earlier models. The reviewer finds it enjoyable to type on, noting that it provides a good typing experience.

What are the main advantages of the 2019 MacBook Pro over the M-series Macs?

The 2019 MacBook Pro has a powerful i9 processor and a dedicated graphics card, which makes it suitable for tasks that require GPU power, such as video editing and gaming. Additionally, it supports running Windows through Boot Camp, unlike M-series Macs.

How does the performance of the 2019 MacBook Pro compare to the M1 MacBook Pro?

While the 2019 MacBook Pro with an i9 processor still offers strong performance, especially in tasks that need a dedicated GPU, it lags behind the M1 MacBook Pro in CPU performance, especially in multi-core benchmarks.

What is the issue with the MacBook Pro's SSD that the reviewer warns about?

The reviewer mentions a known issue with the MacBook Pro's power system, where moisture can cause a chip failure, potentially leading to the SSD malfunctioning and losing all data. This is a risk that users need to be aware of.

Is the 2019 Intel-based MacBook Pro a good buy in 2024?

The 2019 Intel MacBook Pro is still a good buy in 2024 for someone who needs a Mac with a powerful processor, a large screen, and ample RAM, especially if they’re just starting their career in creative fields or software development. However, potential SSD failure and limited future software support are risks to consider.

What are the advantages of the 2019 MacBook Pro’s display?

The 2019 MacBook Pro has an excellent display that is color accurate and very bright. This makes it a great choice for tasks requiring precise color representation, such as photo and video editing.

What are the downsides of using the 2019 MacBook Pro with an Intel i9 processor?

The main downside is that the Intel i9 processor tends to run very hot, especially when under heavy use, leading to increased fan noise. Additionally, the MacBook Pro’s power system has a known flaw that could cause SSD failure over time.

Would the reviewer recommend this MacBook Pro to someone on a budget?

Yes, the reviewer highly recommends the 2019 MacBook Pro for anyone on a budget, especially if they can find it at a price like $500. The combination of an i9 processor, 32GB of RAM, a dedicated GPU, and a high-quality display makes it an excellent value for its price.