Question Last Intel MacBook Pro 16" versus a modern laptop like HP Victus 16.1" or other alternative ?
Question Last Intel MacBook Pro 16" versus a modern laptop like HP Victus 16.1" or other alternative ?
I’m dealing with a few older devices at home—the DIY desktop from 12 years ago and the laptop from seven years ago. The biggest issue is that my graphics card has failed completely. I’m weighing my options between upgrading with an older MacBook Pro or purchasing a newer one, which my nephew calls “el Cheapo.”
Here are the main choices:
1) MacBook Pro 16" (late 2019): Intel i9 2.4 GHz, 8-core, 1TB SSD, 32 RAM, AMD Radeon Pro 5500M, four TB-3 ports. Verified and sold by a trusted Apple repair shop. Supports multiple external desktops. Price: 900 EUR.
2) HP Victus 16.1", GeForce RTX™ 4050 (6 GB), Intel Core i5-13500H (12-core, up to 4.7 GHz), 512 GB SSD, 16 GB RAM, HDMI 2.1, USB-C, 3× USB 3.2, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 802.11ax, numeric keypad, backlit keyboard. Originally around 1,100 EUR, now discounted to 800 EUR.
3) A DIY build for a new desktop. This would likely exceed these costs, which fits within my budget.
My thoughts: The MacBook Pro looks solid and would handle multiple monitors well. However, the HP Vitus seems like a solid value if you find a good deal. The newer i5 processor is better than the older i9, but I’m not sure it’ll make a noticeable difference since my previous i7 still works fine. Most of the time, I don’t need much power. Still, I do video editing occasionally (Adobe Premiere Pro CS6) and handle many browser tabs at once. I also value a fast, quiet machine.
Size and portability are fine; I mainly want a desktop replacement, but could use it for home office or NGO visits. For travel, my current 2017 MacBook Air 13" is sufficient.
For 900 euros you can get an apple silicone Mac with a base M1/M2 air. Avoid getting an Intel Mac right now. Starting with the i7 in my previous model overheated, not an i9, and the battery life was bad. They’re also nearing the end of their lifespan, so I’d expect them not to receive more than two OS updates. They might even miss next year’s release.
I would prefer to invest in the M1 or M2. However, the latest Macs can no longer run bootcamp, and most of my files are Windows-based, including purchased standalone software such as Adobe Premier Pro CS6 and ten Windows Office licenses. That’s not a viable choice.