MacBook Pro

The First Generation

This was the first Notebook by Apple which had an Intel-based processor. It was the first laptop that came with the prefix ‘Mac’. It weighed around 5.6 pounds with just a 1-inch thickness and had an aluminum casing. It had several features to boast, such as a Backlit keyboard and MagSafe magnetic power connector. The other features, such as a bright screen, responsive trackpad, and motion sensor, helped it gain a significant market share. It carried a price tag of $1999 for the basic version, whereas the power-packed version for intensive resource utilisers was priced at $2499. Further, in October 2006 and June 2007, Apple updated RAM, Video Card, and some additional features. The price range started from $1099 for the 2.1 GHz, 13-inch white MacBook to $2,799 for the 2.5 GHz, 17-inch MacBook Pro.

The Second Generation

The second generation of MacBook was introduced in October 2008. It had an updated version of Processor as now it boasted an Intel Core2Duo processor, which clocked at 2.4Ghz ($1999 version) and 2.53Ghz ($2499). Some minor changes in the design were brought, such as shifting the ports to the left and optical drives from the front to the right side. One more significant change was the option of toggling between two video cards; Nvidia GeForce 9600 MT and 9400M. The first launch of the MacBook Pro, the second generation, had a 15-inch screen, further updated in 2009, and the 17-inch version was created. Further, in 2010, Intel Core i5 and i7 were introduced in the 15 and 17-inch models, including the latest AMD Radeon 6000 series GPUs.

The Third Generation

The year 2012 marked the entry of the MacBooks with a Retina display. This was a huge boost for Apple enthusiasts, and the new introduction worked like a charm for the people waiting for the next version of the MacBook. Apple’s Phil Schiller introduced the next generation MacBook pro by saying, “It’s thinner than my finger”. Apple had kept the thickness at 0.71 inches by eliminating the laptop’s optical drive, inviting several people’s wrath. The new model included Intel’s Core i7 processors, USB 3.0, and a high-resolution 15.4″ IPS 2880×1800-pixel Retina Display. There were some drawbacks to the new MacBook Retina, such as a soldered memory board which made it un-upgradable, and the lack of Ethernet and Firewire 800 port, among other things.

Apple rolled out several updates to the MacBook Pro, such as increasing the RAM of the high-end 15-inch model to 16 GB, slimming down the chassis of the 13-inch model, and adding support for a 15-inch model for dual-cable output to multiple 5120×2880 displays, and so on. The price range for the MacBook Retina pro started from $2199, which was even more than models with higher specifications.

The Fourth Generation

It was the year 2016, and now was the time to launch another MacBook Pro series. On 27 October, Apple introduced the Touch Bar, a new feature that its already existing users adored. In terms of ports, Apple introduced USB C, with either two or four USB-C (and Thunderbolt) compatible ports on the new MacBook Pro models. There were three variants launched: Basic 13-inch MBP, 13-inch MBP with a touch bar, and the high-end MBP with a touch bar, 2.6GHz Core i7, 256GB SSD storage, and 16GB RAM. The price range of the three starts from $2199 for the basic 13-inch version to $3499-$4249 for the top-end 15-inch version.

Then in 2017, the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models significantly upgraded their processors and GPU. The price for the MacBook Pro without a touch bar was brought to $1299 for the model with 128GB Memory, and the 256 GB MBP was made available to the general public for $1499.

The Fifth Generation

On November 13, 2019, Apple unveiled the fifth generation 16-inch MacBook Pro, which replaces the previous generation’s 15-inch edition. It has a larger 16-inch 3072×1920 Retina display with a thinner bezel than its predecessor. As a result, it is the biggest MacBook screen so far after the discontinuation of the 17-inch unibody MacBook Pro in 2012. It has a physical Escape key, and a Touch Bar placed above the keyboard, replacing the function keys with a multi-touch-enabled OLED strip. Not only this, it has a separate Touch ID sensor covered with sapphire glass which also acts as a power button. It has a scissor mechanism keyboard with more travel than the previous version’s “Butterfly” keyboard.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro features four Thunderbolt 3 ports with USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 and dual DisplayPort 1.4 signals, increasing performance so that it can run the Pro Display XDR at high resolution, similar to its predecessor. It comes with a 96 W USB-C power adapter that can be used to charge from any port. The included adapter and the Pro Display XDR offer the highest host energy at the time of launch.

Apple unveiled redesigned 13-inch models with the Magic Keyboard on May 4, 2020. The four Thunderbolt port variant includes Ice Lake processing, up to 32 GB of memory, 4 TB of storage, and 6K performance to power the Pro Display XDR and updated graphics. The two Thunderbolt port models accompany the same Coffee Lake processors, storage, memory, and graphics as the 2019 Thunderbolt port models.

The Sixth Generation

On November 10, 2020, Apple released a 13-inch two-port MacBook Pro with a  processor Apple M1 designed by Apple. The first Mac comes in Apple’s new range of custom ARM-based silicon processors. The MacBook Pro has this Apple silicon that keeps the same form factor as the previous version while adding Wi-Fi 6, USB4, and 6K output for use with the Pro Display XDR. The number of external displays allowed was reduced to one from two in the previous-generation Intel-based model. The FaceTime camera is only 720p, but Apple claims to have upgraded the image signal processor for better video quality.

Buying Guide for MacBook Pro

MacBook Pros are high-end machines, and buying one would hurt many’s wallets. So, when determining which Macbook Pro to purchase, keep the following things in mind.

Performance

If you are a power user, creative designer, or video editor, it would be a great time to get the latest 16-inch or 14-inch Macbook Pro powered by the Apple’s M1 chips or the latest 13-inch Macbook Pro, which is powered by an M2 chip. Apple has ditched the intel chips for their future laptops. These chips run on ARM architecture, allowing the company to control the hardware and software to enhance efficiency and performance. However, if you are on a tight budget and can not afford the new Macbook Pros, then buying a refurbished MacBook pro is a great way to reduce the costs yet get a machine with strong performance and efficiency. Techable.com has a vast range of refurbished laptops starting from just $180. Every machine has a 90-day warranty that can be extended up to 3 years.

Size and Form Factor

Again you need to know what you will do with your laptop. If you are constantly moving, then MacBook Pro 14 and 13 inches are a good choice that is light and still are powerhouse machines. However, if you require a bigger screen size and you will be stuck to your chair most of the time and larger screen matters, then 16” laptops are a good choice.

Cost

For the majority of us buying a MacBook Pro, price is an essential factor while making the purchase. So, always understand your needs and what you will do with your laptop once you purchase it. If you are only buying a MacBook pro for internet surfing, making a purchase that would cost an arm and leg does not make sense. Refurbished MacBook Pros ranging from 2010 to 2017 would be a great catch to perform such activities. Similarly, getting a laptop with good specs is important if you want one to employ heavy tasks. That costs money. And if the price is an issue, we suggest you go through our latest deals of refurbished MacBook Pros vetted by our experts. You can choose the MacBook Pro specs per your requirements, which are protected with a warranty giving you peace of mind.

What are the differences between the intel-based chips and apple silicon chips in the MacBook Pro

What is the difference between M1 Apple Silicon and M2 Apple Silicon

Is it worth it to buy a MacBook Pro?

How can you “force” or “hack” the Retina Display MacBook Pro models to run at the native resolution or otherwise fit more on-screen than by default?

What are all the differences between the 13-Inch “Early 2015” and the 15-Inch “Mid-2015” Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Which is best for my needs?

What are the Differences between the MacBook Pro 13-inch and MacBook Pro 16-inch

What are the Differences between the MacBook Pro 14-inch and MacBook Pro 16-inch

Can you game on MacBook Pro

What are the major differences between the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro, the “regular” 13-Inch MacBook Pro, and the 13-Inch MacBook Air? Which is best for me?