New 13-Inch Apple MacBook Pro Is A Game Changer, According To Critics

When Apple announced the 2015 version of the 13-inch MacBook Pro, there wasn’t that much excitement. Many thought it wasn’t a big enough upgrade from the previous MacBook Pro. However, new reviews seem to go against the initial thought. Computerworld believes the new 13-inch MacBook Pro is worth your attention.

“This notebook, which starts at $1,299, shares the same weight (just under 3.5 lb.) and dimensions (12.35 x 8.62 x 0.71 in.) as last year’s, but offers improvements to the internal architecture, including a faster PCIe-based flash storage system and improvements to battery life…But the most notable addition is the inclusion of the new Force Touch trackpad.”

Trusted Reviews notes that one major improvement on the MacBook Pro is internal.

“However, one of the major improvements is something you can’t see. The 2015 MacBook Pro has a much faster SSD disk drive than the last version. Much as you need to be a power user to notice it as even the older version is far faster than a hard drive, the performance difference is quite large. We tried out both 2014 and 2015 models with the BlackMagic Desk Speed Test app. It’s available for free on the Mac App Store, if you want to try it on your own computer.”

Engadget also likes the new MacBook Pro, but isn’t completely sold on the new trackpad.

“The refreshed Retina display MacBook Pro brings faster performance and longer battery life, along with the same stunning screen and comfortable keyboard. This time around, though, Apple also traded in its already-best-in-class trackpad for a new, pressure-sensitive one. While it’s almost as comfortable to use as its predecessor, we’re not convinced these new touchpad tricks were worth making the switch.”

The new MacBook Pro upgrade is somewhat being overshadowed by the new MacBook Air upgrade, simply called the MacBook. The device will be available on April 10 and has already divided the critics. Sean Hollister from Gizmodo thinks the MacBook is a little awkward.

“Waiting for the other shoe to drop? The keyboard on this new MacBook makes me want to cry a little. Like the rest of the machine, it’s so thin… but when it comes to keyboards, thin is usually bad. And as hard as Apple tried to create a fancy new type of keyboard switch to make a thin keyboard work well, this one felt pretty iffy to my experienced laptop reviewer fingers,” he said.

For around the same price as the MacBook, the MacBook Pro offers faster performance, which is good for people who use programs such as Photoshop or Final Cut Pro. But the MacBook is a lot lighter and easier to carry around. Which would you rather have — the new 13-inch MacBook Pro or the MacBook? Let us know in the comments section.

[Photo Credit: Engadget]