Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (2017)

Stronger processor ; Faster RAM ; Same excellent design

Subpar battery life ; Keyboard learning curve ; Awfully pricey for the parts

The new MacBook Pro is a marked improvement, but clinging onto previously divisive design decisions only continue to hurt it in straight comparisons. While this update certainly doesn’t disappoint, apply due diligence before clicking the ‘buy’ button.

Plenty of power and long-lasting battery life ; Gorgeous display is basically unrivalled ; Fantastic keyboard/touchpad combo

You’d better be ready to live the dongle life ; Loses cool points versus the Touch Bar model

Performance, portability and a sensible price make this the go-to MacBook Pro for anyone that isn’t tied to a desk

Compact, yet powerful ; Solid battery life ; Gorgeous screen ; Kaby Lake ; Touch Bar

Pricey ; Integrated graphics

If you already own a recent Macbook Pro model and you’re considering upgrading to this 2017 model, you really don’t need to bother. That performance upgrade is an incremental improvement that simply brings the series more up-to-date, without adding any...

Beautiful, high-definition display; Good battery life; Plenty of power; Solid, attractive design.

No Ethernet port; Still pretty pricey.

The 2013 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro has a super, pixel-packed screen, looks great, has good battery life and gives you a healthy boost of power over the MacBook Air, without bulging out your backpack too much. It'll set you back a pretty penny though.

With all that in mind, and despite everything we’ve written above, if it’s a Mac you want we still think that the 13-inch MacBook Pro is a better option than both the MacBook and the MacBook Air currently.

Stunning Retina display. Sleek design. Excellent battery life. Above-average graphics performance

Expensive compared with entry-level, non-Touch Bar model. Very shallow key travel.

Don't get me wrong: There are countless ways to use the Touch Bar (here are 15 to start with), many of which could simplify the workflows of creative professionals. But most users likely won't get an extra $500 worth of enjoyment or productivity out of...

Excellent battery life. Thin and light. Crisp Retina display. Price drop from last year's model.

Connectivity limited to two USB-C ports. Small 128GB hard drive.

If you're willing to spend a bit more than the $1,299 base price, you can outfit the MacBook Pro with a 256GB SSD for an additional $200. That add-on will make its spec sheet nearly identical to the $1,799 Touch Bar version, with the only significant...