A Complete Review of Macbook Pro 2019

A higher-end product offered by Apple, the Macbook Pro has gone through many changes over the years. The history of the Pro starts with a 15-inch model introduced by Steve Jobs at the Macworld Conference and Expo in 2006. This first-generation model was followed by the second generation model in 2008, the third gen in 2012, the fourth-gen in 2016, and the fifth-gen in 2019.

This MacBook Pro 2019 review focuses on the fifth-generation model released in November 2019. The MacBook Pro 16 inch model released in Nov replaced the 15-inch model and was also followed by a 13-inch model the next year. Let’s look at what the 16-inch version has to offer.

MacBook Pro 2019 (16”) – Features and Drawbacks

The MacBook Pro 2019 specs are impressive. The model comes with a new and improved keyboard, quality speakers, improved thermal and battery performance, and the same price as the previous model.

Like any computer system, there are some negatives to go along with the positives. In the case of the Macbook Pro 16, the absence of an SD card slot is a possible negative point. Let's dive deeper into the features, advantages, benefits, and drawbacks of this fifth-generation Mac for pros.

The Keyboard

The second-generation butterfly switch system of the 2017 MacBook Pro wasn’t up to scratch. Apple has fixed this problem well with this MacBook by modifying how the keycap attaches to the scissor-switch, making it more stable. Another noticeable change in the Backlit Magic Keyboard is the keys' size – the keycaps are slightly smaller and are more spaced apart from each other.

Apple has also shortened the size of the touchpad, which, along with the inverted T design for the directional keys, makes the keyboard more user-friendly. Plus, there’s also a reintroduction of the Esc key. All this means is that you will have had a better experience using the keyboard even if you do a lot of typing work.

The Display

The 16-inch screen is an inch bigger than the previous model. The Retina display has a narrow bezel with a resolution of 3,072 x 1,920 and a pixel density of 226 pixels per inch. In comparison to these Macbook Pro 2019 specs, the 15-inch model has a resolution of 2,880 x 1,800 and a pixel density of 220ppi. This high resolution produces images that are crisp and vibrant.  Another interesting thing about the display is that it's the largest display on any MacBook Pro since 2012, when Apple discontinued the model having a 17-inch screen.

The Design

In terms of design, this Macbook has the same sleek, attractive design you can expect from Apple products. Available in silver and gray colors, the dimensions of the laptop are 1.62 x: 35.79 x 24.59cm. The difference between this model and the 15-inch one doesn't look that much when you see it in person. The reason for this is that they have made the bezels around the screen much thinner compared to previous laptops, so you get extra screen space without the equivalent increase in the size of the laptop.

The Speakers and Microphone

The speakers are another area where you see a marked improvement over previous models. There are a total of 6 speakers, three on each side, and two of those are woofers that cancel the vibrations coming from the other speaker. This design and arrangement gives a wide stereo sound and allows you to listen to louder volume without compromising on the quality of the sound. Besides the speakers, the microphones have also improved. The new three-mic array gives you less of an echo compared to its predecessors.

The Performance and Price

The Macbook Pro 16 lives up to the hype when it comes to performance. The macOS Catalina gives a swift performance, handling both light and heavy tasks with ease, thanks, in part, to its improved thermal design.

The processor configuration options vary with the price. The Macbook Pro price is $2399 for the one with comparatively lower specs and $2799 for the one with the higher specs.

The cheaper or less expensive model comes with a 2.6GHz 6‑core Intel Core i7, 512GB SSD, AMD Radeon Pro 5300M having 4GB GDDR6 memory, Intel UHD Graphics 630, and 16GB of 2666MHz DDR4 onboard memory. The Pro can be configured to 2.4GHz 8‑core Intel Core i9; 1, 2, 4, or 8TB SSD; 32GB/ 64GB memory; and AMD Radeon Pro 5500M having 4GB/ 8GB GDDR6 memory, or AMD Radeon Pro 5600M having 8GB HBM2 memory.

The full-spec model has a 2.3GHz 8‑core Intel Core i9, 1TB SSD, 16GB of 2666MHz DDR4 onboard memory, AMD Radeon Pro 5500M, Intel UHD Graphics 630. It can be configured to 2.4GHz 8‑core Intel Core i9; 2,4, or 8TB SSD; Radeon Pro 5500M having 8GB GDDR6 memory/ 5600M having 8GB HBM2 memory.

Battery life has never been an issue with Macbooks, and this trend continues with the MacBook Pro 16 with an impressive battery life of up to 11 hours for web browsing and movie playback.

The Ports

The one thing about the Macbook Pro that could be a drawback for some people is the absence of a slot for the memory card reader. It has four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, which are enough for any regular user. Apple has a history of making such decisions because of their philosophy of having stylish products. Not having a port means that you will need to plug in an adapter, which does affect the minimalist design philosophy a bit.

Is Macbook Pro 2019 suitable for kids?

Based on all the details mentioned above, it's clear that the laptop is designed for professionals. So, the suitability of the Mac for a kid will depend on their use for the system. If they need a laptop for regular use, then search for Macbook Air 2019 or other models designed for the regular users, because a system like this will be an overkill.

Of course, there will be a considerable price difference between regular models and the ones designed for pros. On the other hand, if your child requires a machine with exceptional processing power and speed, this Pro version is as good as they come.

The Macbook Pro 16 has a lot to offer, including a well-designed keyboard, a good cooling system, and powerful performance. In terms of screen size and screen design, it gives you the best you can find in an Apple laptop. The graphic quality is also just as good as what you will find in any other Macbook Pro.

The 16-inch Macbook Pro specs suggest that Apple has factored in the feedback of their customers into the design. It has some of the great style choices we have come to love about Apple laptops and some features that annoy us (no SD card slot). At the same time, some features further improve functionality (thermal features). To end it, I would say that if you are saving up for the right workstation laptop, then this is the best option out there in the Apple universe.

How can parents prepare a Macbook Pro for their kids?

Although macOS is one of the safest operating systems in the world. It still has some loops in the system that may bring troubles to young kids. As a parent, it is your duty to help create a safe internet environment for your young kids. You can use parental control apps like FamiSafe to monitor your teen's mac usage and protect them from malware or malicious websites.

FamiSafe, as one of the most powerful parental control app, provides the all-around protection for your kid's Macbook Pro. From website content filter to application blocking, it covers every aspect of the parent's concern.

Parents can even limit screen usage or set up a schedule for different occasions to help kids form good digital habits and prevent them from getting an addiction to the Mac.

Suppose you are worrying that your kids will access adult information online. FamiSafe is there to track browser history and filter unhealthy websites for you.

From the above Macbook Pro 2019 review, we can learn that Macbook Pro 2019 is a good choice for young kids for its performance and safety. To further ensure the smooth usage of the device, you can also use FamiSafe to help apply restrictions.