MacBook Pro 2018 13-inch

With the new generation of MacBook Pro in 2018, Apple decided to take the most advanced 13-inch and 15-inch models and take them as far as possible. In this sense, the older brother that we already analyzed in Applesfera recently, takes all the accolades. However, there is a unique experience to the 13-inch MacBook Pro that we will discuss in this analysis, which can be considered as complementary to the 15-inch model.

To give a little perspective, I am currently a user of a 21-inch iMac of 2017 and an iPad Pro. It’s been almost a year since I sold my 2011 MacBook Pro that I spent almost seven years with. That’s why the first thing that came to mind after trying out the new 13-inch MacBook Pro for a few moments is that it was a reunion.

13-inch MacBook Pro 2018 Specifications

• Processor: Quad-core 2.7GHz Intel Core i7″Coffee Lake» turbo at 4.5GHz and 128 MB eDRAM.
• Display: 2,560 retina resolution by 1,600 to 227 pixels per inch, with True Tone.
• Storage: 2TB SSD memory.
• Memory: 16GB of built-in LPDDR3 memory at 2.133 MHz.
• Integrated graphics card: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655.
• Ports: 4 identical USB-C ports and audio jack.
• Wireless connection: 802.11ac Wi-Fi and bluetooth 5.0.
• FaceTime 720p camera.
• Speakers: stereo.
• Microphones: 3.
• Battery: 58 watts/hour, 10 hours of battery life.
• Dimensions: 14.9x304x212mm
  Weight: 1.37kg.
• 13-inch MacBook Pro 2018 Highlights

The experience of this new Mac begins to change with the addition of True Tone technology, released on the iPad Pro of 2016 and 9.7 inches. We finally have this feature on a Mac, which is expected to progressively enter the rest of the range as time goes on.

True Tone is the typical technology you don’t know is there. It’s invisible to the naked eye. But when you turn it off, your eyes realize right away that something’s wrong. True Tone calculates the heat of the room in which the screen is located and adapts accordingly the color of what it shows. Inside you end up unconsciously despising your devices that don’t have this feature (I mean looking at my iPhone 7 Plus).

I know that Siri does not enjoy the popularity that perhaps it should be among the most technological users. In my personal use, I find that this assistant is quite useful for certain basic functions. I even use it frequently (albeit less regularly than on iPhone or Apple Watch) on my Mac, where it’s been around for several versions of macOS. This 13-inch MacBook Pro, like the 15-inch model, features 3 microphones. Along with the T2 processor also present in the iMac Pro, we have for the first time «Hey Siri» on a Mac.

It’s not a life-changing feature, but I do find that it helps me disrupt my workflow less. It’s one more convenience, such as the remote closure of a car: it’s not vital but you like to have it. My main use with «Hey Siri» has been to put albums and lists with iTunes, as well as use it to make quick calculations with the calculator to check results in a spreadsheet. I know, it’s a paradox to do this, but I like to make sure of my numbers by another means outside the sheet.

-In our short experience with the 13-inch model we find several features that make its use easier and more enjoyable-

The Touch Bar continues to be an element that polarizes the tech audience. I was curious to try it in person and during my normal workflow. I recognize that it is difficult to integrate it into daily use and it probably takes longer than we have had available to this little one. Now, it is also true that I hardly use the row of function keys more than for predefined shortcuts.

I do find intriguing the suggestions of the predictive keyboard, which I constantly use on both iPhone and iPad Pro with its physical keyboard. Gradually, the system offered me better suggestions, although to do this you have to take your eyes off the screen. The touch of the Touch Bar really lies in dynamic keyboard shortcuts, which change depending on what you’re doing or the app you’re currently using: passing photos in Photos, switching tabs in Safari, etc. In my opinion, that’s where it has greater potential that also depends on the developers.

Finally, we have the rest of the physical keyboard. I tried the 2017 MacBook for a while and its keyboard seemed a bit rough. Writing on it becomes more accurate when you’ve adapted. I don’t have a memory of it being especially noisy. What I have noticed in this MacBook Pro is that typing is more cushioned, probably due to the silicone membrane that has this third generation butterfly keyboard.

This Mac is a real ‘road-warrior’

Messing around with a new 13-inch MacBook Pro in an Apple store is one thing. Trying it during daily use is a very different one, even for as long as this has been the case. For me, the highlight of these days has been knowing that under a tiny chassis and a ridiculous weight hid the most powerful and compact Mac today.

After several months of taking the iPad Pro for my client meetings, returning to a MacBook Pro means some release. While I appreciate the simplicity of iOS, being able to take a Mac involves aside the obvious restrictions between the two computers. That you have a meeting with a client? You open your backpack and tuck in your MacBook Pro without thinking about it.

Its contained dimensions, unlike its older brother, makes handling it with one hand incredibly easy. The weight is still low enough to take you away from home all day (hence road-warrior) and you don’t realize you’re taking it there. To the point that you check several times that it is actually still being stored in its place.

Apple’s goal with this equipment is precisely: to provide professionals who need it with a very powerful yet portable computer. With as few restrictions as possible. With the 13-inch model, Apple has broken the maximum available storage barrier, up to 2TB of space. Although it maintains the maximum of 16GB of RAM (the 15-inch model has 32GB optional).

-This MacBook Pro is designed for mobility and comfort coupled with considerable power-

This equipment is designed for professionals who need a lot of power, space, ports (to chain external screens and eGPUs) and an excellent display in a light and very compact body. For its starting price of 1,999 euros, it is not the substitute for the traditional MacBook Pro. In that case, it would be natural to opt for the model of this size but without Touch Bar, starting at 1,505 euros but with the previous generation of Intel processors.

Therefore, if you are looking for power and maximum portability, this is your Mac. If you need a more priced model, it’s best to wait until fall.