Also, regarding other comments on “just” the 4 core CPU - it’s probably all they could squeeze in without having to redesign the chassis/thermal design. I’m going to hold off for a tear down to see if they have improved the cooling system like they did (Or claimed to) with the 16” version.
I think a lot of these are bought by corporate bean counters and people who assume that Airs must be awful if they’re the most affordable.
(Yes, I’ve used them, my current “burner” is a ‘17 escape key model)
* Svelte enough to watch Netflix in bed with or throw in my bag to take on a commute
* Powerful enough that I never had major performance issues when plugged in at my desk at work, driving an external monitor
I look back on that machine and those internships fondly, and I could see myself going for a 13" MBP (or 14", if they ever release it) when I next need to upgrade my laptop - after I finish undergrad :)
Ideally Macbook Pros would be thicker and heavier for better thermals and performance, and then Airs would have a purpose again.
For me the 13'' is the perfect balance between mobility and performance. At least for web dev, obviously not for video editing or gaming.
The Pro is barely any thicker and barely any heavier.
If you don’t need one, you won’t have to care about tweaking for power consumption (like adding utilities to force disable it) and your laptop will be less likely to take off like a jet engine.
I had to take the 15” to get the 32G RAM on the previous iteration, and it made me wish I could have had a 13” option at that time.