Apple MacBook Pro 16″ (2019)
Without any big event or fanfare, Apple has just released a new 16″ MacBook Pro, and what a machine!
This model is not for the casual user unless they have the cash to burn, but instead, the digital creative who spends more time travelling than tied to a desk.
Yes, there are Windows-based laptops that pack a similar hefty power punch, such as a fully loaded Lenovo X1 Extreme, and this is Apple’s response.
The current 15″ model has been dropped to make way for the new MacBook Pro.
Features
Before we get into the big numbers, the most important inclusion of the new Apple MacBook Pro 16″ is that of the new Magic Keyboard.
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I’m sure some will disagree with me here, but I’d go as far as to say Apple has not released a good laptop since 2015!
Why?
Because they’ve all had woefully bad keyboards for typing!
No matter how good the OS or laptop, in general, is, if I cannot interact with it using the primary feature designed for me to do so, the experience is affected.
….the 16-inch MacBook Pro delivers the best typing experience ever in a Mac notebook
Apple.
New Keyboard
Apple clearly heard the complaints of MacBook Pro users like myself and made some welcome changes.
The new keyboard has a redesigned scissor mechanism which Apple claims will deliver the best typing experience on a MacBook to date.
There’s more good keyboard news, the physical Escape key returns, having previously been moved to the Touch Bar which remains on the new Pro.
More Space for Power
Apple has really focused on the power users with this machine and the configuration options are eye-watering.
It’s powered by either a 2.6GHz 6‑core Intel Core i7 or an 8-Core 2.3GHz. The later is upgradable to a 2.4GHz 8‑core Intel Core i9.
Out of the box, the new 16″ MacBook Pro has 16GB DDR4 RAM but if that’s not enough you can tweak it up to 64GB of onboard memory
In order to keep the new MacBook working smoothly, Apple has redesigned the thermal flow inside which will allow the notebook to run more power-hungry applications for longer periods of time.
Display
With a bigger chassis comes a larger display, and Apple has now discontinued the 15″ model in favour for the new 16″ MacBook Pro.
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Apple boasts this is its largest Retina display ever with a 3072×1920 resolution with each one individually calibrated before being shipped.
There is a bigger 100W battery pack, that Apple claim will deliver on a full day of use even with the larger display and internal power. Around the keyboard, there are now 6 Front-facing speakers for better audio playback.
With the bigger display and chassis, the overall dimensions and weight has increased, not something we normally see with MacBooks.
However, there is still no additional ports with room for just 4 x Thunderbolt 3 and a 3.5mm Audio outlet. But with most power users now investing in units such as the new BentoStack PowerHub this is hardly a showstopper.
Specifications
On paper, this is the MacBook Pro Apple users have been wanting and there’s a growing number of digital creative nomads who need this power with them when travelling.
But with power comes a hefty price tag.
The optional 8TB SSD storage drive, for example, costs more as an add-on than a new, nicely customized 13″ MacBook Pro!!
- Dimensions – 1.62 x 35.79 x 24.59 cm
- Weight – 2KG
- Colour Options – Silver | Space Grey
- 16″ LED Backlit Retina Display
- Front Facing 720p FaceTime HD Camera
- 4 x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)
- Audio Port
- 3 Internal Microphones
- Base Model (all upgradeable) –
- 16GB Memory
- 512GB Storage
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
- 2.6GHz 6-core Intel Core i7
How Much Does the Apple MacBook Pro 16″ Cost?
A base model 16″ MacBook Pro starts at £2,399/$3,095 and can be customized up to £5,769/$7,444, all direct from Apple.
All shipping is free and times vary depending on your model and configuration.
Join the Conversation
Are you a travelling digital creative? What’s your view on the new Apple 16″ MacBook Pro? Were you as unhappy with the previous keyboard experience?
Comment below or join the conversation on Twitter.
For the full Apple range visit apple.com.
16 inches is huge in a laptop these days. I don’t think I would normally travel with a laptop that big unless I was an artist, engineer or someone who really needed the screen size. Otherwise it looks good.
It is, and what’s more is many of the high-end backpacks only support around the 15″ model laptops, which is often a tight fit anyway! So anyone going for this may want to consider a new pack as well.