The Touch Bar version of the new MacBook Pro is understandably the one getting all of the internet attention, but this less glamorous entry-level model is actually a real gem in the overall MacBook range. It’s got more power than most users will ever need and crams it into a beautiful shell that’s more compact than a MacBook Air. The power to portability ratio is strong in this one. Of course you can go up the range to improve that ratio even further (the 13in Touch Bar version has more power but is identical in size and weight), but it’s a £300 step-up, and while it’s undeniably cool, there’s still a question mark over how useful the Touch Bar will be in the weeks and months to come. You can of course go cheaper and lighter and opt for the £1250 MacBook. It sure is a lovely thing, but you’re far more likely to bump up against its power limits than you are with the Pro. And no, you probably shouldn’t consider the Air at this point. In comparison to these other MacBooks it looks very tired and weedy, and is almost certainly not long for this world. That makes this entry-level model a wonderfully balanced bit of kit when looked at in the context of the MacBook range. Yes, I know that Apple’s prices have gone up across the board, but it’s far from the only tech company to make such a move, and when I look at what else you can get for similar money to this entry-level MacBook Pro I don’t see a great deal of temptation. Sure the Surface Book will tick more boxes for a certain type of user, but I’d say that this is the more universal device. I know one thing’s for sure: it’s going to feel like a big step back in time when Apple comes to collect this new MacBook Pro and I’m left with the chunky, ungainly 2015 model that I was still in love with just a few short days ago. Configure and buy a MacBook Pro 2016 at Apple
Super compact; Truly beautiful, sharp, punchy screen; Larger trackpad for your gesturing pleasure; Fabulous keyboard;
Two ports won’t be enough for everyone; Trackpad could do with more ‘click’; Significantly higher price for entry-level; Some might want to wait for that sexy Touch Bar;