Apple has recently unveiled the new 15-inch MacBook Pro, which is a significant upgrade compared to its previous version. The new laptop is already drawing comparisons to the recently refreshed 13-inch MacBook Pro.
Apple users who are looking to buy a new MacBook Pro can choose between the two upgraded models. Aside from the obvious difference in size, the 15-inch and 13-inch models of the MacBook Pro have other defining differences, along with some striking similarities.
While one has a 13.3-inch screen and the other a 15.4-inch screen upon comparison, both laptops use an LED-backlit Retina display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, for crisp and gorgeous images. The 13-inch MacBook Pro has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, while the 15-inch MacBook Pro has a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels.
Both laptops measure only 0.71 inches in terms of thickness, making both MacBook Pro models very slim. The larger model is understandably heavier, though only by slightly over 1 pound.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro comes in either a 2.7GHz or 2.9GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor or a 3.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor, with a Turbo Boost option that can take the laptop's processor up to 3.4GHz. In comparison the 15-inch MacBook Pro comes in a 2.2GHz, 2.5GHz or 2.8GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, with a Turbo Boost option that can take the laptop's processor to 4.0GHz. Both laptops can have up to 16GB RAM and up to 1TB in flash storage.
The 13-inch Macbook Pro comes with an Intel Iris Graphics 6100 card, while the 15-inch MacBook Pro has two options. The cheaper model of the larger laptop comes with Intel Iris Pro Graphics card, while the more expensive model has the same card but additionally with an AMD Radeon R9 M370X with 2GB of GDDR5 memory.
Both laptop models use the Force Touch trackpad, which has the potential to make a significant difference in how users operate the machines. With the capability to determine how hard or soft a user is pressing down on the trackpad, the Force Touch technology adds another layer of control and precision to the input commands of the laptops. The gestures and commands connected to the trackpad are customizable, with the API for the trackpad to be sent out to third-party developers so that they could incorporate the capability to apps.
Other similarities between the two models are the HD camera for FaceTime, an SDXC card slot, a pair of USB 3 ports, a pair of Thunderbolt 2 ports, an HDMI port and Bluetooth 4.0.
Due to the larger screen, the 15-inch model has a shorter battery life, with an estimated nine hours of operating time while surfing the Internet and nine hours in playing back movies compared to 10 hours and 12 hours, respectively, for the 13-inch model.
The price of 13-inch MacBook Pro begins at $1,299, while that of the 15-inch MacBook Pro begins at $1,999. Users who need the extra processor power and larger screen and are willing to spend an extra $700 and sacrifice a bit of battery life should choose the 15-inch MacBook Pro, but the 13-inch MacBook Pro is definitely not a bad choice too.
