Macbook for Graphic Design student

[bjscheel]

DD18 is going to take graphic design and we plan to get her a new laptop. She will do some of her schoolwork on the school computers, since they will already have certain programs loaded and she won't have to purchase them. But she will also do things on her own laptop and has a Wacom tablet. It is a 2 year program, so we expect the laptop to last beyond graduation as well. Her school didn't have a particular recommendation other than waiting a semester to see what you like, but she'd want a laptop before then. She is used to working with our MacBook Air.

She thinks she likes the Macbook Pro. I know she needs at least 256 of storage which is what the links are below. She thought a larger screen would be nice, but going into a 15" is quite a price jump from 13" and I can't hack spending over $2000. However, I found still new 2015 models with a 15" screen for $1879. She thinks it is annoying that the newest Macbook Pros have the new USB-C ports and she would need an adapter.

2015 15" at $1879:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1151713-REG/apple_mjlq2ll_a_15_4_macbook_pro_notebook.html
Pros: Larger screen, 16GB RAM, has regular USB port
Cons: Already 2 years old

2017 13.3" at $1479:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1342540-REG/apple_mpxt2ll_a_13_3_macbook_pro_mid.html
Pros: Cheaper, newer model
Cons: smaller screen, USB-C

Any thoughts from those familiar with Macbooks and/or graphic design?

 

[dina444444]

If she needs at least 256gb of storage make sure to start with double that if you want the laptop to last a long time. I have the new MacBook Pro 13" with touch bar and I really like it but the ports could be an issue if you need to link cables. I did buy a USB a to c adapter and I bought a lightening to USB c cable to charge my phone through the computer. For graphics the standard graphic card that is in the 15" is better than the one in the 13" and the upgrade options are better on the 15". With buying a MacBook Pro you can't change the inside specs later on so if you need more ram, ssd, faster processor etc you have to make the upgrades at purchase.

 

[tvguy]

If the school suggests waiting, I would wait. They have experience with this, and I suspect what she should buy will be impacted by the specific demands of the specialty she ends up wanting to pursue and she needs time to sort that out. Which is why I suspect the school suggests waiting.

 

[DawnM]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/apple-m...-flash-storage-silver/8532502.p?skuId=8532502

This is a 2017 model and Best Buy gives another $100 off for students.

 

[msmayor]

My daughter is a graphic designer and when she graduated from high school we bought her a MacBook Pro brand new, 15" screen. It was a godsend to her for her studies because when it comes to graphic design, Mac is it.

She attended a great art school and the ONLY discipline that did not use Macs was architecture, as the CAD programs all are Windows-based. Her school recommended Macs for her discipline.

Her first MacBook lasted six years with only one issue at the three year mark...she needed a new battery. She was still covered by her AppleCare plan and the battery was replaced for free.

 

[princessfionasmom]

Apple has a college student discount so make sure you look at those prices. Plus right now they have their back to school where she’s get wireless beats too.

https://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop/buy-mac/macbook-pro/13-inch

 

[stratus]

Honestly, USB-C is the future. I personally would go with USB-C (I'm an "IT Professional"). If she has nothing invested one way or another, get an adapter for any legacy things. It will be better than getting a new adapter for every thing she buys in the next few years.

However, ultimately I would take the larger screen. Screen size is personal choice, but for me I have been on a 14" screen for the last 4 years and I will be getting at least 14" or greater with my next laptop