Macbook Pro with Touch Bar Review! Worth it?

The 2016 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar is introduced as a visually striking, exceptionally crafted notebook that marks a notable shift in design and internal engineering. The review highlights the unibody aluminum build as a key value proposition, noting that the chassis feels premium and solid compared to plastic or rubbery laptops, even as the outside retains a similar silhouette to the previous generation. We learn about the display advancements, including higher brightness up to 500 nits and a wider P3 color gamut, which contribute to a vibrant Retina experience. The keyboard switches to a second-generation butterfly mechanism, which the reviewer initially found unusual but grew accustomed to after several weeks of use, while acknowledging the slightly cramped arrow keys. The trackpad receives emphasis for its massive surface area, which enables effortless cursor control but introduces occasional palm rejection issues. The touch bar sits above the keyboard as a configurable OLED strip, offering contextual controls that adapt to the active app, with a dedicated Touch ID sensor on the right for quick unlocks and purchases. Overall, the reviewer appreciates the touch bar for tasks that benefit from contextual controls and precision, such as video editing with final cut pro, but remains cautious about its usefulness for everyday keyboard shortcuts compared to traditional keys. The conversation about ports emphasizes the shift to USB-C exclusively, framed as a necessary step toward a dongle-reliant future, while noting the trade-offs of dongle costs and the lack of a built-in SD card slot. The bottom line is nuanced: the MacBook Pro is praised for performance, display quality, and the touch bar’s potential, yet the high price and adoption challenges keep it from being a universally practical choice for all users, suggesting a wait for broader USB-C ecosystem support or a newer revision.

Topics · technology · laptops · product_reviews · apple · usb_c · display