Macbook Pro Keyboard Differences

1. Macbook Pro Keyboard Layout
2. Macbook Pro Keyboard Guide
3. Macbook Pro Keyboard Differences Shortcut
4. Macbook Pro Keyboard Differences Trackpad
5. Macbook Pro Keyboard Differences Surface Pro

Touch Bar MacBook Pro Q&A

My question may be already in the headline but I 'd like to know what the differences between the English and the us keyboard are More Less MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.3), Keyboard. Aug 20, 2019 Apple notebook built-in keyboards do not include a numeric keypad, and may have slight variations. MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016) and later and MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) and later have the Touch Bar in place of physical function keys.

Update Published December 11, 2020

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What are the major differences between the Retina MacBook and 'Touch Bar' MacBook Pro models? Which is best for me?

What are the major differences between the Retina MacBook and 'Touch Bar' MacBook Pro models? Which is best for me?

The Retina MacBook as well as 15' MacBook Pro models have been discontinued. The '4 TB 3' 13' MacBook Pro and 16' MacBook Pro still are sold as new. This Q&A has been updated subsequently, is up-to-date, and can be quite helpful to anyone considering a used Retina MacBook or a new or used Retina MacBook Pro.

The final 'Retina' MacBook and final Intel-based MacBook Pro models have a great deal in common in terms of design and concept but also have important differences.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Retina MacBook -- Space Gray)

EveryMac.com collectively refers to the most recent MacBook models as the 'Retina' MacBook series because they have displays that are higher resolution than the display in any previous non-Pro MacBook.

These formally consist of the 'Early 2015,' 'Early 2016' and 'Mid-2017' MacBook models.

EveryMac.com collectively refers to the last Intel-based MacBook Pro models as the 'Touch Bar' MacBook Pro series because many models have a small second display above the keyboard that replaces the traditional function keys with macOS and application specific functionality.

These formally consist of the 'Late 2016,' 'Mid-2017', 'Mid-2018', '2019', and '2020' MacBook Pro lines.

External Differences

All of these MacBook and MacBook Pro models use essentially sealed and disposable aluminum and glass case designs of a similar style.

The most immediately noticeable difference between the notebooks is physical size. The MacBook is smaller and lighter. It weighs a bit more than two pounds. The MacBook Pro models are larger and weigh three pounds or more.

Likewise, all of these models have high quality 'Retina' displays, but the MacBook Pro models have larger displays. The MacBook models have a 12' 2304x1440 (226 ppi) display. The MacBook Pro models have a 13.3' 2560x1600 (227 ppi, 500 nits), 15.4' 2880x1800 (220 ppi, 500 nits), or 16.0' 3072x1920 (226 pp, 500 nits) display. The 'Mid-2018', '2019' and '2020' MacBook Pro models go a step further even and provide an even higher quality 'True Tone' display with more accurate color.

The MacBook Pro models also have a higher quality 720p 'FaceTime HD' webcam whereas the smaller MacBook models only have a 480p non-HD 'FaceTime' webcam.

The MacBook has been offered in as many as four colors -- silver, gold, dark 'Space Gray,' and a pink-tinted 'Rose Gold' (which was discontinued for the last Mid-2017 models on October 30, 2018). The MacBook Pro models, on the other hand, only are available in 'traditional' silver and the Space Gray color.

Input Differences

The keyboard is another significant point of differentiation between these MacBook and MacBook Pro models.

All of these models have keyboards with keys that have limited 'travel' so typing takes some getting used to compared to earlier keyboards. However, the first two MacBook series in this era -- the 'Early 2015' and 'Early 2016' models -- are particularly flat whereas the 'Mid-2017' MacBook and MacBook Pro models use a 'second generation' keyboard with improved travel. The keys don't move further, but the movement has been refined to feel a bit better.

The subsequent 'Mid-2018' MacBook Pro uses a 'third-generation' keyboard with a sealed rubber membrane to make typing quieter and reduce the risk of damage from debris. Finally, the 13-Inch and 15-Inch '2019' MacBook Pro models use a 'revised third-generation keyboard' with material and possibly structural changes to again endeavor to improve reliability. The final 13-Inch '2020' and 16-Inch '2019' MacBook Pro models use a different -- and hoped to be better -- keyboard design, with a 'scissor mechanism and 1mm travel.' How to make apple faster.

All of these models also have a large 'Force Touch' trackpad that doesn't physically 'click.'

Applicable 13-Inch MacBook Pro and all 15-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro models also have an integrated 'Touch Bar' that replaces the traditional function keys with a touch-sensitive display that presents customized controls for the macOS and different applications. This 'Touch Bar' often provides Touch ID login and Apple Pay support, too.

Connectivity Differences

Connectivity is a major difference between these MacBook and MacBook Pro models.

Compared to earlier models, both lines have limited connectivity, but the non-Pro MacBook is particularly limited with only a singleUSB-C port and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

These MacBook Pro models also have a 3.5 mm headphone jack, but they pack Thunderbolt 3 ports instead of USB-C. However, Thunderbolt 3 is size compatible with USB-C and also can use USB-C devices.

Thunderbolt 3 connectivity is a significant point of differentiation for these MacBook Pro models:

*The 'Late 2016' and 'Mid-2017' 13-Inch Touch Bar models (A1706) have four Thunderbolt 3 ports, but the two ports on the right side of the notebook operate at reduced speed.

All of these models support 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 or 5.0, as well.

Identification Differences

Applicable MacBook models can be collectively identified by the A1534Model Number, but it is not possible to uniquely identify specific models within each MacBook Pro line by the same identifier. Accordingly, Model Identifier, in software, and EMC Number, externally, are better for precision.

For example, a 'Mid-2017' 15-Inch MacBook Pro model can be identified by the MacBookPro14,3 Model Identifier and the 3162 EMC Number.

Additionally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature -- as well as the EveryMac app -- can uniquely identify each one of these notebooks by their serial numbers, which are listed in software as well as on the bottom of the system.

Internal Differences

There are significant internal differences between models in each line, but in general, the MacBook Pro models are more powerful than the non-Pro models. The 15-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro models, in particular, have processors with more cores and dedicated graphics processors that smoke the other models and that are capable of supporting not only larger but also a larger number of external displays.

The processors and RAM are soldered in place on all of these models. The majority of models also have a soldered SSD, but the entry-level 13-Inch models without a Touch Bar have a removable SSD storage module.

All of these models have a battery that is glued in place and effectively cannot be replaced by an end user.

Comparison Chart

The major differences between these MacBook and MacBook Pro models are summarized below:

† RAM upgrades only are possible at the time of system purchase. RAM is soldered in place and cannot be upgraded after purchase.

* The storage on the non-Touch Bar models have removable storage. The Touch Bar models have soldered storage that cannot be upgraded after purchase.

Macbook Pro Keyboard Layout

** 13-Inch MacBook Pro models without a Touch Bar have two Thunderbolt 3 ports. With the exception of the '2019, 2 TB 3' and '2020, 2 TB 3' MacBook Pro models, all 13-Inch MacBook Pro models with a Touch Bar have four Thunderbolt 3 ports, but the capability varies depending on series.

** Apple still sells the '4 TB 3 2020' 13-Inch MacBook Pro models as new.

So, which is best for me?

Just compared to one another, and ignoring subsequent models, the non-Pro MacBook models are best suited for someone who wants a very small notebook with a beautiful display and who places less emphasis on performance or connectivity. The MacBook Pro models, particularly the larger models, are ideal for someone who wants a large, beautiful display and maximum performance alongside cutting-edge connectivity.

None of these models are ideal for someone who values internal upgrades or who is on a tight budget. If price is a consideration, a new MacBook Air or older MacBook or MacBook Pro models remain well worth consideration, too.

Site sponsor Adorama has new MacBook Pro Touch Bar models with free shipping throughout the US.

In the US, site sponsor OWC sells a variety of used MacBook Pro models to individuals. Evertek has extensive inventory of used MacBook Pro models, including Touch Bar models, at bargain prices for business customers. Evertek also ships bulk orders at wholesale prices worldwide.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used MacBook Pro models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.

In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise has a number of used 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models sold at low prices and available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.

Macbook Pro Keyboard Guide

If you need to sell a MacBook Pro, A+ BBB-rated site sponsors Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older MacBook Pro directly for fast cash. Bluestacks apple apps.

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