When I decided to upgrade to the new MacBook Pro at the end of last year (hello, tax write-off), I thought I had a good sense of what I was getting into. Heck, I wrote the article about it here on Cool Mom Tech when Apple first announced it a couple of years ago. But I have to say that I haven’t had so many mixed emotions about a gadget since, well, ever, which is why I feel compelled to write this. And I know I’m not the only one. Just ask my friend Jill from Baby Rabies and Happy Loud Life. We’ve had many a Facebook message about this darn computer.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your MacBook, or doing a switchover from a PC, let me share a couple of important things based on my own experience that might help you decide.
Related: What you need to know about the new MacBook Pro
The USB-C
The biggest thorn in my side has to be the USB-C ports, which are totally different than any previous ports on their computers. That means, if you happen to leave your charger somewhere, there’s a good chance you will not have an extra one in your house. Yes, this happened to me, and yes it was annoying.
It also means that you will need a dongle to do anything with any USB cables (for me it was my USB podcast microphone and regular lightning cables I used to charge my phone).
True, it’s not the biggest pain in the butt in the world, but it’s enough to make me question why I didn’t just get a newer version on my previous MacBook Pro, versus getting this model. Add to the fact that the USB-C ports, at least on my computer, have been very sticky and completely stopped working a few months ago, and well, it’s annoying AF. Oddly, they started working again after I spent an hour talking to an Apple Genius tech, and scheduled an appointment for myself to go in and have my computer checked out.
Related: 2 great stands for your MacBook Pro
The Keyboard
One of my favorite features on the new MacBook is the keyboard, which has a very short travel. That means the distance, which is usually around 2.0 mm is now down to 1 mm. For a fast typer like me, it’s a dream. It feels amazing! But, it also gets stuff stuck very easily. And I know, I shouldn’t be eating by my computer, but you know, I’m a human who works on her computer 8-10 hours everyday. It’s bound to happen. And that it did, which my command key on the left side getting stuck so badly I couldn’t use it.
Then, sort of like the USB-C port, it miraculously fixed itself and it’s now working again. I suppose until the next time I get food stuck underneath it? I’m not even sure what it was or how it happened.
I personally don’t miss the heavier keys or the clicking sound like many people have said they do, but if you’re someone who doesn’t type quickly or type in large amounts at one time like me (oh hey. blogger here), I’m not sure t’s worth it.
Related: 3 Apple accessories I just can’t live without
Bottom Line
As much as I love the battery life, and the keyboard (even with all its quirks), I’m wishing that I had just upgraded myself to a slightly newer model, versus the new MacBook Pro. There are definitely a few kinks that need to be worked out, which might make me less annoyed about the USB-C port overall. Maybe.
