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Yeah, I would agree, the product stack is rather convoluted at the moment. I feel like it used to be pretty simple. Now, choosing the right one requires more research than I feel like it should, which used to be one of Apple's strong points over a Windows machine. You would just walk in, see the simple lineup of laptops, and know which was the best for you almost just by looking at them (i.e. Air vs Pro). Even as someone who is literate in computers and hardware, how am I really supposed to know if I need a 10-core or 12-core CPU... On the other hand, I appreciate that this sales model allows you to build one to your perfect desired specification based on your needs and desired budget. To me, the ecosystem remains very simple because I only use a MacBook and iPhone (maybe an iPad in future), so I don't have to deal with that many decisions or a wide mix of products. As far as my next MacBook goes, I will probably get a mid-spec 14" (i.e. 12-core, 16GB, 1TB) which will be plenty.

Agreed. It is really the perfect size. I avoided the 15" models previously because they were jusssttttt too big. And I've always preached that MacBook trackpads are amazing. I haven't felt one comparable on any other laptop. Price is steep for the latest models, I agree. If I decide to trade mine in to Apple for a credit on a new one, I am sure it will only be a few hundred dollars if I am lucky, but I'd rather them take it off my hands than just have it sitting around, only to dig it up when I eventually move in the future. Though, in fairness, $2,000 now gets you a pretty good 13". When I bought mine in 2018, $2,000 got me a quad-core i5, 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage. That same price now represents a 13" with 8-core M2, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD. Not bad. I wish they stopped offering the touch bar. I have it, and it was a mistake. Seemed cool at the time but ended up just being a huge gimmick. It doesn't even appear that you can get a 13" without it anymore, which kind of sucks. Interesting you mention iPad. My girlfriend uses one with a pencil for most, if not all, of her day-to-day tasks. She also owns a regular MacBook but uses the iPad for notetaking, reading textbooks, searching and browsing, and a few other things. She doesn't need to use programs like Office or anything more typical of a traditional computer, so it works really well for her. She just ends up giving her laptop to her younger sister to use most of the time. I think, for her, the selling point is the ease of taking nursing school notes and the subsequent ability to organize and categorize them all in the notetaking app she uses. Also, most school textbooks are digital now, so she can side-by-side the textbook app and the notetaking app. Personally, I couldn't get away with it, because I have to use Excel, BI, Dynamics, etc. each day, and having a full, non-iOS-based operating system to work with goes a long way in that regard, obviously. Edit: Went to check what Apple would offer me for my current laptop -

I am excited to get my hands on a new one. I think sometime later this year is when I will retire this one. For right now, it is doing totally fine at handling Chrome tab abuse and Excel, which is basically all I need it for right now. I am also very excited that, since purchasing this one years ago, they've introduced the 14" option. Having previously also owned a 14" Razer Blade, I really think it is a perfect size and was a bit bummed when I began using my 13" MBP. Improved battery life will be appreciated, as I currently need to charge this one often when power using.

Agreed with @johnt on the RAM comment. To add some input - I use a 2018 MacBook Pro 13in w/ 8GB and you would more than likely notice the performance hit when using, say, Lightroom + Chrome at the same time, under the assumption that you keep several tabs open at once (even if not tbh). I don't think there is anything wrong with going the refurbished route. If the option is available and within your price range, try to seek a refurbished Pro. They come with a one year warranty and they can still be covered under AppleCare after the warranty ends if you want to go that route. You are right about the lifespan. Mine has lasted me since then (>5 years now), getting me all the way through college + internships), though it is beginning to show its age. The display is still great and the battery is still in good health, but the hardware itself is becoming dated and you would definitely notice the increase in speed of a newer machine side by side in any real-world comparison.

It's great to hear that you have a plan set in place to achieve a degree and become more qualified to take on other work. Apologies for perhaps not understanding one thing - the salary increase that comes with it. You mentioned a few hundred euro increase in pay. Did you mean per week, pay period, etc.? I think it would definitely pay off to explore other niches and interests during your free time. Also great to hear that you have found stability in your lifestyle as it relates to the people you surround yourself with. Lifestyle creep is a real thing and can definitely result in unhealthy spending habits, ultimately leading to an impact on mental health, financial stability, and so on. Ultimately, if you are content with your job and don't want to move around, that definitely speaks to your level of happiness with what you do in one way or another.

This is honestly quite accurate. Everyone has a threshold that they will operate within if it serves as a means to an end. Of course, not everyone has the luxury of being able to make the decision between multiple opportunities offering various types of environments, conditions, and compensation. I have some friends who are generally pretty miserable during the week because of the expected long hours that their careers require, but they tolerate it because they're young, have the energy to get through it, and are paid handsomely (allowing them to have the fun they want, buy some flashy things, and still save considerably) with the expectation of future growth - another important factor to consider. These people, like many others, work along the lines of the saying 'short-term pain for long-term gain,' in other words, they'll put in the hours, earn their stay, and use the present as an opportunity to build upon their foundational knowledge knowing that what comes next is worthwhile (i.e. their future selves won't have to work such long hours and will be earning considerably more). @Neroon, my question to you is, finances aside (not to make too many assumptions, but it sounds like you are doing ok) do you see yourself progressing professionally? Do you feel like you're hitting a wall? You mentioned you've been in this field for 15 years, how has your compensation for your experience changed over that time? Has your relationship with money changed since entering the field? Have you largely spent it with one company or multiple? @CerealExperimentsLain said it pretty well in mentioning the value of coming home (or signing off if you work remotely) and being able to look back on your day without feelings of disdain, or even worse, the feeling of "I can't believe I have to do it all over again tomorrow." Your mental well-being impacts your ability to perform your job, and if a company that you work for does not care to acknowledge this in the form of ensuring adequate staffing or other factors, the one you are hurting the most is yourself. On the bright side, it sounds like you already have a solid understanding of the type of environment you want to be in. For what it is worth, I am one of the people who are willing to accept a slightly lower compensation than some of my peers in exchange for a great work environment - which is true, I made that decision and live that reality now. And yes, this would obviously change if I wasn't making enough money to sustain myself and the lifestyle I've grown accustomed to. After all, if your chief concern is ensuring you have food to eat and a safe place to sleep each night, your attention should be primarily focused on increasing your income despite your feelings about the workplace. Cover yourself now, and worry about the rest later. But for now, it sounds like you are a step or two, or a few, beyond this concern, and are more concerned with fulfillment and joy in your job. If this is the case, and your current employer is unable to offer this, it might be time to find another opportunity.

If there are no reviews, I would just find a similarly priced and sized 1080p monitor from a reputable brand like Asus, Acer, etc. Assuming they are available where you live, I don't see the reason to go with the unknown when you could get from a better known name and peace of mind. Even if the reputable brand comes at a few dollar premium, I'd say it is worth it.

Yeah shouldn't be a problem.

Ah, in that case then switch it to the most power conserving option and it will perhaps give preference to the iGPU except for when you are gaming or doing something intensive?

I would try one of two things, either: Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options. Change setting to performance when not plugged in. This is assuming you have this issue when not plugged in. and/or Nvidia Control Panel > Manage 3D Settings > Power management mode > Prefer maximum performance. This should prevent it from trying to switch to the iGPU that is technically more efficient

Fair points. Yeah seems like we are circling a bit here. People have the right to be upset with the market. In my area particular there seems to be a lot of local options for buying secondhand, but I also live in an area not far from New York City, so that probably contributes to it.

Huh, interesting. I've honestly never really minded the weight. I came from a Razer Naga all those years ago so honestly the weight was kind of refreshing. The Naga was made from such light, cheap materials that the G502 felt like a quality improvement on the basis of weight and in-hand feel alone.

As a G502 owner I can second this. I've had one for around the same time if not longer. Super durable. Wheel is in fact loud lol. My friends on FaceTime are always complaining. I'm assuming you know/knew about this, but did you remove the weights that can be accessed from the bottom of the mouse?