Apple MacBook Pro 2018 - Why this ultimate laptop is what many pros have been waiting for

Apple fully refreshed its line-up of laptops back in 2016 with the introduction of the radically new MacBook Pro.

This device came packed with upgrades including a stunning new look, updated keyboard and the interactive Touch Bar which transforms as you switch between tasks and software.

With a sharper Retina screen, lighter design and much-improved processor the general consensus has been hugely positive but things have just got even better for those wanting to buy a new MacBook - especially if you are a pro user.

Apple has just pushed out a big update for its top-end laptops which add key improvements such as an eye-pleasing True Tone screen and overhauled keyboard for much quieter typing.

However, perhaps the most important addition to these new machines lies under the aluminium hood.

The US technology firm has made some hugely significant improvements to the performance of its latest MacBooks with the 15-inch model seeing speeds that are up to 70 percent faster than its predecessor.

This added grunt comes via an 8th-generation 6-core Intel Core processor on the 15-inch MacBook Pro and an 8th-generation quad-core Intel Core processor on the 13-inch model.

On the larger laptop, there’s also the ability to add up to 32GB of DDR4 memory which will allow users to run more apps simultaneously.

Another bonus for professionals is the ability to configure the new Macs with a massive 4TB of storage which should mean the end of carrying around extra external hard drives.

From the spec sheet there’s certainly plenty to be excited about but what are these new portable powerhouses really like to use?

Express.co.uk has spoken to a number of professionals who have already made the switch to the MacBook Pro 2018 and the feedback is hugely encouraging.

In real-world situations such as video editing, special effects, photography and app design the MacBook Pro is setting new standards for speed and efficiency.

One app developer told us that he is seeing huge savings in time with the new Pro able to render projects at much faster speeds.

Spruce Campbell, student and BAFTA-winning game developer, said: “Normally when I’m rendering it would take between five and ten minutes on my old MacBook Pro but I’ve seen this sliced up with it now taking seconds to complete.

“My iteration time has been so much faster on the new MacBook with it taking just a week to go from concept to a playable prototype.”

Peter Eszenyi, Territory Studios. Visual FX Supervisor and creative lead who worked on films like Guardians of the Galaxy, The Martian and BladeRunner 2049 has also seen huge improvements since he switched to the new laptop.

“On set every second costs an insane amount of money it’s extremely important to be able to react extremely quickly and with these new MacBooks we are able to render tremendously faster.”

Video editing appears to be an area where the new MacBook Pro is excelling with James Tomkin, Director of Hangman Studios explaining how it’s improving their workflow.

Hangman is a production and post production company that makes films for bands and brands for digital, broadcast and cinema.

“The current MacPro ‘trashcan’ (2013 models) changed how we could work on the road when it was released,” explained Tonkin.

“As for us its size and form factor made it the perfect Mac for taking out on tours packed neatly in our carry on luggage complete with a 15” screen and RAID drives.

“This became our touring rig from 2014 until now, a supercharged laptop if you will, that allowed us to throw any camera types at it, (mostly RED 6K) and edit quickly in multicam within FCPX anywhere and everywhere.

“We literally set up this workstation up in hotels, venues and on planes and trains around the world for the last 5 years.

“Apple’s latest 2018 MacBookPros take our tour workstation to the next level.

“We’re always looking for faster yet smaller technology to use on the road. The physical footprint of the equipment we use has a big impact on our day to day on the road, especially considering we’re literally carrying it around all the time with us.

“As the camera formats we shoot evolve from 6K to 8K so must the hardware we use to edit and finish with.

“The combination of fast 6-core CPU with external eGPUs makes the new 2018 MacBookPros look like a great portable workstation for us, combining both power and portability along with a flexibility we need when working on the road.

“Deadlines demand that sometimes we need to work wherever we find ourselves and not always with the luxury of a desk and mains power.

“Laptops will always be the best workstations for this reason as many times we’ve edited content for delivery on the back of a tour bus leaving the venue or on the way to the airport for the next show.

“Every bit of equipment we choose has to enable us to work quicker, more efficiently and to a higher standard from the last.

“These 2018 MacBookPros certainly look like they fit into this criteria and will become the basis of our portable workstations moving forward.”

So the new MacBook Pro seems to be making an impression on the creative industry who are demanding more power for more intensive tasks.

Express.co.uk will be bringing our own thoughts on the new MacBook 2018 in the coming weeks but early signs appear to be good.