OK, I feel like I can help here. I purchased a the base model 2019 13" MBP (8gb ram, 128 GB SSD, i5 1.4ghz) to use for live music production/performance, running multiple audio tracks and multiple midi inputs at once. I was super worried about the 8gb ram, but it performed like a dream. Whatever they did with this new processor makes this thing super smooth.

That said, the only reason I didn't get the 16gb ram is because it would have been a custom order with a two week wait and I needed it ASAP. If I could go back, if I'd had the time, I would have gone with 16gb. Monitoring CPU and memory usage through performances, I can see it pushing up into the upper third of its capabilities. Still very much within its limits, but I would've liked to have the extra leeway. Zero issues with overheating, I hardly ever even hear the fan running. And I'm a huge fan of the keyboard. Sooo smooth and responsive.

I was also super worried about the tiny 128 gb SSD. I got the 1TB SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD, which uses USB-C, and ran all of my sound patches and tracks straight from the hard drive. The data transfer rates are pretty much the same as an internal SSD and I've actually found that I love having all of my big data files on a separate drive now. So the tiny internal drive hasn't been an issue at all and it encourages to be pretty minimalistic as far as what I'm actually keeping on the local drive.

I think the machine with the stats you're looking at is going to be MORE than capable of what you need, and I think the pros of the MBP is still very much worth the extra cost. It's an incredible computer that I expect to have for years to come. And just for reference, my laptop before this was a 2010 MacBook Pro with SSD and 8 gb ram that still runs like an absolute champ, so that should speak to how long these things can last.

​

Good luck!!

This is the suggestion I gave someone in another thread. I'll share here to offer my honest personal opinions:


First of all, I like to use products all from the same brand, and products that matches my macbook pro color. I've seen too many products advertised as space grey but comes in a different shade of grey than my macbook pro. So I'm more nit-picky than usual on this aspect.

Secondly, I live in Asia, therefore the products that I buy are mostly directly from China. Here's the tricky part about Chinese products. Since Apple is now very popular and widely used in China, there is a very very broad spectrum of quality for Apple accessories. You can go from dirt cheap knockoffs to products with better quality and design than Moshi/Incase/etc. Most of the time, American branded products are still made in China, but with better quality control. My favorite brand right now is Baseus. You can browse AliExpress for both quality and dirt-cheap one use products. User reviews/videos definitely makes a big difference.

1. Hub. When I first started looking online for a hub, I was advised to not purchase those attachable (sit-flush-with-your-mac hubs). They're known to lose connection easily, and may even snap off your ports if something heavy drops onto it. Not sure how true it really is, but my go to rule for hubs and all connections to my macbook pro is, cables cables cables. This is my current hub that I use at work, and its beautiful. It powers my 34" monitor, charges my mbp, connects to my desktop HD via usb type A, reads off my SD card all at once. I have not had my HD suddenly disconnect once for the 1.5yrs I've used this hub. It's also very hidden and props my mbp up for cooling. Baseus' space grey is also exactly the same as my MBP. I also have this for portable use.
   
2. Get a keyboard cover. Some people also advise against it because apparently the mbp cools and vents from the keyboard. I'm not sure how true this is, but I'd rather my mbp keyboard not fail due to dust particles getting caught inside. I've had my 15in late 2016 mbp since 2016, and I haven't had to replace or fix my keyboard yet despite all the issues mentioned on this sub. Shop around for a quality thin keyboard cover. I've used a shitty one that shifts and sticks to keys. Once I decide to spend a little more on one ($3 vs $10), the typing experience is much much better. Keep in mind though, the keyboard film will leave a slight mark on your screen every now and then, so grab a cloth and lightly wipe away. If left too long on your screen, it might stay permanently.
   
3. Screen protector is not necessary. Do not clean/wipe your screen with liquids other than water. Water should be enough to wipe away dried stains and oils. I've heard that rubbing alcohol might ruin a protective layer on your screen.
   
4. The smooth glass-like feeling of your touchpad is the best feeling in the world. Don't cover it. It does not get scratched easily as long as you don't wear your watch while type on your mac.
   
5. Palm protector also not necessary if you don't wear a watch with a metal buckle. Edit: May be necessary if you have sweaty palms.
   
6. MBPs aren't light, and plastic covers to my experience adds more weight and bulk than you'd like. MBPs are designed to be thin and portable, keep it that way. Buy a leather or canvas sleeve. Buy a matching pouch to store your charger, mouse, hub, external hd, and one or two usb type c to type a converters. My pouch is about 9.5x4.5x2.5in and everything fits perfectly.
   
   Additional suggestions and pointers:
   
   Buy a cable with type c connector on one end and micro type b on the other if you want to directly connect devices to your mbp. The micro type b end connects to most portable hard drives made for PC. Saves you the hassle of buying extra expensive products with built-in type-C connectors.
   
   Buy a backup type-A to micro type-b cable when you need to plug your accessories into non-type c devices. My type-A to micro type-b cable is my main cable as carry I use my portable hub with me at all times.

Ok.. here's my final update. I found another monitor it's more expensive but it is 4k and better on my eyes for coding. I am not coding at UHD resolution though - I'm coding at the 1920x1080 so I can read the text lol.

However for video or such i can switch it back to UHD and enjoy an amazing picture..

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XPJYVF2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And then the doc for my office I am using ( one monitor on usb-c and one on display port)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CZPV8DF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The mini doc i use for traveling around which has my usb adapter for my travel mouse and connects to the hdmi monitor at home is :

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074J79WWJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

All are working great!

If you use 4K, it will (by default, but it is really the only way to run it) run as Retina with the usable space of a 1080p display. This is great, in my opinion - it is how I run it - but not every one agrees. My logic is that this makes the user interface elements that I cannot zoom (menu bar, window title bars etc) the correct size compared to what they were designed to, and I can zoom the window of any application in or out as I please.

The alternative is to go with 2560*1440 and not use Retina. This is what the 27" iMacs used to use before they went Retina. This is fine as well - everything is smaller and not being Retina it is not as sharp, but the usable space is great.

As for connections... Avoid HDMI, it is only problematic. Either get one with a DisplayPort and a USB-C to DisplayPort cable or a mini-dock like this one, or spend more to get everything over USB-C. I use a mini-dock, and it works fine for me.

I use an LG display (27MU67, which is an older model). Works great. Only issue is that the menu system was designed by a monkey, but it's not like I spend any time fiddling with that.

I just got this one, seemed low profile, inexpensive enough, and decent reviews. I think I definitely needed the one for sure but only because I play my PlayStation on it.

nonda USB Adapter CAD store, but I believe you can get it in the USA

I don’t recall having damage to the screen back then with the keyboard cover. Just the it was more work than it was worth. If I do do it again I may opt like the other person who said they just use it when the laptop was open.

I’ve always been against hard shell cases for the safety of the hinge. I’m happy with how my 2011 aluminum withstood the test of time. So I likely won’t opt for either when my 2019 gets delivered. I did check out dbrand though out of curiosity. They look pretty cool but personally skins aren’t for me anymore.

> I want to upgrade my SSD to 512 GB with NVME. But I heard a lot of converter that would actually affected to system caused not to boot up from sleep. Any good converter from NVME M.2 to PCIE?

If you have a little extra money to spend on it, the OWC Aura doesn't even need a converter, it's a native Apple connector SSD. If you want to save money with an M.2, I hear good things about the Sintech NGFF M.2 nVME SSD Adapter but I have no personal experience with any of them; hopefully someone else can chime in here. If you do find out, let me know. I'd love to make the upgrade myself.

> Should I put on a case or just a skin on my Macbook to prevent scratches?

It's all subjective. Sources say even the vinyl coverings like DBrand (especially on the bottom case like over the keyboard) cause the MacBooks to run even hotter, and a case would be even worse, so it should be avoided. I don't know if it's true or not, but it seems logically sound. (And I personally don't use either one.)

> How to prevent "Staingate"

You can slow it down using a nice microfiber cloth to clean the screen, and no chemicals like Windex or other glass cleaner. And not cleaning it too often. The whole issue is just the anti-reflective coating peeling off the screen.

> How to charge Macbook properly?

Just like any Li-ion battery; repeated deep dischargings, and never discharging is what's bad for the battery. If you're near a plug, go ahead and plug it in. But if you're just leaving it on a desk in one place, take it off the charger once a week or so and use it. If you ever want to store it for a long period of time without using it, storing it full and storing it empty both hurt the battery. What you want to do is discharge to about 50% and then turn it off and store it.

> Any idea to make a signature Apple lighting logo on the back of Macbook?

You can get vinyl stickers to make it glow all sorts of colors or patterns. I personally have a pink one that I used to have on my 15" 2011, and is now on my 13" 2015. (They're reusable.) You could probably even find someone who would make them with a custom graphic.

Well, the reviews look OK on that one. What I do on Amazon is I use the review search feature to search for "MacBook Pro" in the reviews to see what people's experiences are with it. Seems like a safe order since Amazon should let you return it if something is wrong.

I forgot to include the adapter links you asked for. There are two kinds. One is a very compact adapter that is cheap and easy to carry around:

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Adapter-Transfer-Compatible-MacBook/dp/B078NKPGW9/

The disadvantage is the USB-A end can be so wide that it blocks the adjacent port. To solve this is another type is on a short cable to get the wide USB A-part away from the laptop body.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074DRG8RR/

As you can see these are often sold now in 2-packs for less than USD$10. Both kinds are so cheap I got a pair of both, so I have one of each type at the desk and one of each type in my bag.

Note that those adapters support USB 3 gen 1 at 5 Gbit/sec. This is fine for most things. But if maximum speed data transfers are a high priority (for example external SSD with USB 3.1 Gen 2 port), you could spend a little more to make sure you have adapter cables supporting the full 10 Gb/sec speed of the USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports on a current MacBook Pro.

Thank you all so much for the advice. I finally pulled the trigger this weekend and upgraded my mac and the difference is incredible. It would normally take up to 5 minutes for my mac to fully turn on and login. Now its under 30 seconds!

For those looking to do the same thing here's what I did:

1. Crucial MX500 1TB SSD drive : https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-MX500-NAND-SATA-Internal/dp/B077SF8KMG
   
2. NewerTech NuPower Battery: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/BAP15MBU78W/#owctabs
   
3. Sata to USB Cable: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJZJI84/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
4. A computer tool kit. (I already had one, but any basic kit will do) Heres one I found that seems fine: https://www.amazon.com/Kingsdun-Precision-Screwdriver-Repair-MacBook/dp/B01E9RLF1W/ref=sr_1_28?crid=2GIVKIC5PVMUC&keywords=laptop+screwdriver+kit&qid=1555941998&s=electronics&sprefix=laptop+scre%2Celectronics%2C130&sr=1-28
   
5. Flash drive with at least 8gb space and USB 3.0 for speed: https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Ultra-Transfer-Speeds-s-SDCZ48-032G-UAM46/dp/B00KYK2AKO/ref=sxin_2_ac_d_pm?crid=1JNUES6V59YY3&keywords=32gb+flash+drive+3.0&pd_rd_i=B00KYK2AKO&pd_rd_r=e3b71c2f-31f3-48ca-b07c-83203b9d1fe4&pd_rd_w=DdDhT&pd_rd_wg=sef5B&pf_rd_p=eadd3af5-2f5b-4e14-9c3d-ff9268352f18&pf_rd_r=N5T0Q3BEBVJ8CDMW226Q&qid=1555942155&s=electronics&sprefix=32gb+flash+dri%2Celectronics%2C122
   
   ​
   
   

   How to upgrade your Mid-2012 15-Inch MacBook Pro
   

   
   Step 1 - Backup your files
   For me this took the longest, I'm not the most organized person. I also saved my keychain, apple mail logins, stickeys, etc. I was in the middle of projects that I needed to jump right back into after the upgrade.
   
   Step 2 - Create a macOS installer on the USB drive
   Follow this ---> https://9to5mac.com/2018/10/22/how-to-create-macos-mojave-usb-installer-easy-video/
   
   
   Step 3 - Plug the new harddrive in via Sata cable usb
   This is where my first issue came into play. I skipped ahead and swapped out my harddrives only to try and boot up and my system not recognize the new SSD. I first thought I purchased a dud. The truth is you need to format the new drive for the computer to see it. Plug in the new SSD and follow these instructions to erase and format. I chose Mac OS Extended (journaled) https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208496
   
   NOTE::: you dont have to use the usb drive, you can install the new SSD first if you want and format from the bootable USB.
   
   
   Step 4 - Install the new SSD
   Follow this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfiGF_pjqvM
   
   When installed, hold Option on your keyboard and then turn on. Select the USB macOS installer and follow instructions. Install onto the new SSD. Should take 20-30 min
   
   ​
   
   Step 5 - The Battery
   
   Follow the instructions in the videos on this page: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/BAP15MBU78W/#owctabs
   Make sure you set aside some time to do this. The install is very fast however its the calibration that takes some time. After you install your new battery, turn the computer on to test, there should be a little charge in it. Shut your computer down and then plug in. Let it fully charge, the light on plug should turn green. Then leave it for another 2 hours. Turn the computer on, unplug, turn all power settings off (follow video) and let the computer run until the battery is completely dead. Then wait a number of hours. This will calibrate your battery with your system.
   
   ​
   
   Then plug in and enjoy your new laptop!

I got the Caldigit TB3 dock about a month ago and it's been great. I really did my research and I just wanted the best one. I'm running 2 HD monitors and tons of peripherals. I WFH so I wanted the most useful ports + reliability + not a million bucks. Highly recommend.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CZPV8DF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_5U6XCbN4D2P5A

Here's what I did, worked for me:

Backup your files( lots of ways, cloud, external).

Order new external SSD (mine was Corsair 480gb)

Put new SSD in external enclosure and plug into USB:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OJ3UJ2S/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1500516994&sr=1-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&dpPl=1&dpID=31nOEoFxlKL&ref=plSrch

format SSD using disk utility and make bootable. create 12gb partition on the SSD drive at this point for OS and download macOS to this partition and whatever else you want to do to this drive.

Now, safely remove SSD from enclosure, swap the SSD into the MacBook and put original HDD into enclosure.

Install macOS from new internal SSD, plug in enclosure and copy files over you want using migration assistant.

Now, you can keep your files backed up on your new external drive or format it, if you please.

Also, if you are taking all this time, I recommend at least 8gb of ram and you will get optimal speeds.

Hope this helps.

Here's a video:

https://youtu.be/cfiGF_pjqvM

I use Satechi.

You can get one Satechi USB C Hub that is a passthrough which has USB-C, two old USB, SD and MicroSD.

I use this Satechi USB C Hub - it doesn't have a power pass through/USB-C port, but does have an extra old USB port.

It works great, small size, and looks awesome with the MacBook Pro.

Haven't found any that with well as a dock. The HooToo for example doesnt pass through 87w for power and due some USB devices you need to replug them after connecting.

Also note none that I know do 4k @ 60hz yet.

As a travel adapter this is my favorite though and works awesome, super tiny:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B012DT6KW2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487755006&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=dell+type+c&dpPl=1&dpID=31MqG-cX7SL&ref=plSrch

Hi foocux,

I updated my 2015 13” MBPr with a Samsung evo 970 (I got the 1TB version)
To do this you will need an adapter which will adapt the standard nvme PCI SSDs to the port on the logic board of your MBPr.

Since I am from Germany I can only give you the link to the german version of Amazon. But you should be able to get this adapter on the internet.

https://www.amazon.de/Sintech-M-2-PCIe-2280-SSD-Karte-MZ-JPU128T-SD6PQ4M-128G/dp/B01CWWAENG

Here are the steps I did to upgrade my MBPr.

1. Make a bootable backup with Carbon Copy Cloner (https://bombich.com/) on an external disk
   
2. Shutdown MacBook and replace the Apple SSD with Samsung Evo 970 and the adapter
   
3. Boot from backup disk I did create in step 1
   
4. while booted from backup disk clone the backup to the new Samsung Evo SSD
   
5. Reboot the Macbook from the new disk
   
6. enjoy the doubled (in my case) capacity
   
   Good luck!

Well. All you would need is an external SATA to USB cable. Should be pretty cheap. Maybe $20.

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-SATA-Drive-Adapter-Cable/dp/B00HJZJI84

Once you replace the drive, and get MAC OS installed on the new drive, simply plug in the old drive to the adapter and copy everything over.

As for the replacement drive, I would splurge a little and go SSD. The performance gains are awesome.

You get a sintech nvme adapter for that

https://www.amazon.com/Sintech-Adapter-Upgrade-2013-2017-ST-NGFF2013-C/dp/B01CWWAENG

Check the pictures. Note that u need high sierra installed for nvme drive support (u dont need the os, just the firmware update performed along with the install)

Samsung ssds are the best i think, oem apple drive use their controller as well

And oh yes you get 1500+MB/s with them ( i get 2500 MB/s write 2145 MB/s peak) on my 15” retina 2015. Using samsung 970 pro nvme and a sintech nvme to apple connector.
( you write 28GB in half a minute )


Also there is magic in the adapter, its just that apple uses proprietary connector and the adapter just passively electronically connect it to a female ngff m.2 connector ( which is compatible with pc part)

Hey,

The Aukey one you mentioned is really nice. Dell also makes one thats nice and compact - https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Adapter-Type-Ethernet-470-ABQN/dp/B012DT6KW2/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1503069195&sr=1-9&keywords=USB+C+VGA+Hub - Cable Creation has another one thats larger and not so travel friendly but offers tons of ports - https://www.amazon.com/CableCreation-Thunderbolt-Multiport-DisplayPort-Ethernet/dp/B01MFC2KM2/ref=sr_1_16?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1503069195&sr=1-16&keywords=USB+C+VGA+Hub - Enjoy your new Mac!!

I have 2 options for the type of Macbook Pro that is best suited for you:

• 3.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor, Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz
  
  
• 16GB 2133MHz memory
  
  
• 512GB PCIe-based SSD
  
  
• Intel Iris Graphics 550
  
  
• Four Thunderbolt 3 ports
  
  
• Touch Bar and Touch ID
  
  However, if you do not care about having the Touch Bar, and since you are in IT, you might have a hard time using the function keys on the Touch Bar, then go for this build:
  
  
• 2.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor, Turbo Boost up to 3.4GHz
  
  
• 16GB 1866MHz memory
  
  
• 512GB PCIe-based SSD
  
  
• Intel Iris Graphics 540
  
  
• Two Thunderbolt 3 ports
  
  To solve your USB-A usage, here is a USB Hub that is a steal at $35, which contains 2 USB-A slots and a SD Card (if that might be helpful one day ;p) https://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Type-c-USB-3-0-Combo/dp/B015YRD8MA?th=1
  
  

20@5 is a great machine. 996 battery cycles is pretty high. I bought a 2015 256GB 13 inch a few months ago on ebay for $680. Soon after receiving it I upgraded the internal ssd to 1TB. Something you can’t do with a 2016-2018 MBP. This is the adapter and this is the SSD I'm using in my 2015 MBP. This is how I installed the Intel 760p SSD.

Spacegrey is so nice.

I bought the incase one that Apple sells. I like it because it's slim, but the corners are already broken after ~3 months. At least it's been protecting my computer, though? I'll probably buy a different case next time because I can't afford $50 every few months lol.

I also bought https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077ZT29P2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 but never put it on because I heard it might? crack your screen.

Got one of these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EZ0X23W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 but haven't used it yet.

one of these too https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015Z7XE0A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 but haven't used it yet either haha.

And I bought a magsafe adapter but ended up ditching it. It doesn't stay connected and I never tried a different brand because I heard they all suck.

If I were you I would avoid buying any of the items I listed, unless you absolutely need them. I bought a bunch of accessories that I never use. I would buy 1) a nice case and 2) Better Touch Tool.

When I first got my mac I watched a bunch of youtube videos on how to set it up right. Some things I remember:

1. Download Chrome, install Adblock, and maybe Lastpass or one of its competitors.
   
   
2. brb class

This sleeve is $10, fits nicely, and has a zipper compartment where I keep my adapter/dongles(The small ones). I bought it and I use it nearly everyday, I even store the MacBook in it.


The trick is to cross reference the dimensions of the MacBook Pro with the internal dimensions of any sleeve. You don't necessarily have to get one specifically made for the MacBook. Generally, 14" sleeves seem to work best with the 15" 2016 Pro because of its smaller footprint.

Picked up this case the other day:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HCF15HC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Fits the 16" really well and has a side pocket for cables/charger. Seems nice but obviously I haven't had much time to truly test it out on the road yet.

This is GREAT! It's small, durable, 1TB and fast! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078STRHBX/?coliid=I1C3LI5BMCA5ZC&colid=3C272EN14AC&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Your main issue is MST setting. Apple doesn't support it because their hardware doesn't really need it. Technically, they do support it and here's the page where you can get more info. However, they don't implement the full standard (i.e. Daisy Chaining monitors).

In the link above, you'll notice that your MacBook can, and should, run 2 4K displays without issue but I don't believe you'll be able to do this from your dock.

Primary MST (Multi Stream Transport) takes the entire bandwidth of a DisplayPort 1.2, which runs at 4K/5K 60Hz. From this article, I'm gathering that you can't really drive so many monitors from a single USB type-C cable on MacOS. It's possible on Windows because of full MST implementation, hence why Dell advertises that option.

My suggestion is to use the monitors as USB hubs themselves. The way I have it hooked up, and working, is:

• Monitor 1 --> Keyboard, and other USB plugged into monitor. Monitor USB plugged into Apple AV USB-C Splitter, HDMI 2.0 Cable from same splitter going into Monitor and power passthrough charging going into splitter.
  
• Monitor 2 --> plugged in via USB-C to DisplayPort, directly to MacBook.
  
  As always, my disclaimer is that YMMV and I'm not a computer engineer nor am I an expert of any kind. I've read forums, tried plugs, and got it to work. Also, there are some omissions about HDMI with regards to apple standards and stuff that some folks can nitpick on, however, this post is long enough and you can get your monitors to work without the additional information.
  
  P.S. One thing I did was when I got each monitor to work, individually, is to turned off MST support via the following steps: Monitor OST --> Menu --> Display --> MST --> Off. This allows for each monitor to work in 4K 60Hz, for me. Don't know if it helped or not, just something I did. This came from a Reviewer on Amazon named Bob.
  
  Edit: Formating.

Nevermind, I was looking at USB-C to DisplayPort cables and found a company that offers 60hz with 2USB 2.0 ports and 100mb Ethernet port. It only has 1 review though but it’s positive

Cable Matters USB C Multiport Adapter (USB C Dock with USB C to DisplayPort 4K 60Hz), 2X USB 2.0, Fast Ethernet, and 60W PD in Black - USB-C & Thunderbolt 3 Port Compatible for MacBook Pro and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y5N3YCD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0P6-BbA0007EW

I would also suggest you get a microfiber cloth and put it between the screen and keyboard to prevent marks/scratches on the screen.

I've seen people on Reddit reported this happened to them, MBP 2016 and 2017, especially when you have lots of stuff in your bag so it's better to be extra careful.

I got this, it has multi sizes and there's one that fits the 13 MBP 2017 perfectly. And it cleans the screen really well. A bit pricey but worth it. Check it out.

Another Alternative:

I have a 2015 Macbook Pro 13" with 128GB SSD, 8GB RAM and a Transcend JetDrive Lite 330 (128 GB) installed:

https://www.amazon.com/Transcend-JetDrive-Storage-Expansion-TS128GJDL330/dp/B00MTHLURE

I use the Transcend JetDrive Lite to store my large mp3 collection, pictures, documents, etc. and I really like it. It sits almost flush in the SD-CARD slot and out of the way.

My 2015 Macbook Pro is set up with 2 partitions (Sierra & Windows 10) and I use the Jetdrive to store most of my documents, music, pictures, etc. on it. The Transcend JetDrive Lite 330 is factory formatted as exFAT so both MacOS and Windows can access it.

If you have a 15" display:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K73NT1C/ref=s9_acsd_al_bw_c_x_3_w

This is another storage idea that may save you buying a new SSD you do not use your SD-Card slot...

The CalDigit TS3+ is an amazing dock. Gives you a ton of ports, and you only attach one cable because it acts as an 85W power supply too. Link to it on Amazon $300

This one is super solid for me: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CZPV8DF

Lots of ports, full charging speed, video out, etc...

you need something like this: sata to usb 3.0 cable or if you intend to use the harddrive as an external something like this*

This is the one I got and works great with dual 27 Dell monitors.

[Certified] Cable Matters Dual 4K@60Hz DisplayPort Thunderbolt 3 Multiport Adapter (Thunderbolt 3 Dock) with USB 3.0 & Gigabit Ethernet (Not Compatibl https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078MQST45/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Efq3gRM47sGsq

Do you mean Sleeve Case? Like this?
[Sleeve Case by Tomtoc 360](Tomtoc 360° Protective Sleeve for 15 Inch MacBook Pro Retina Ultrabook Netbook Tablet, Shockproof, Spill-Resistant, Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HCF15HC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-OvyybCK5STQ0)

Yeah if you want the full 60 Hz you’ll have to plug it into the HDMI 2.0 port and not the 1.4 ports. It usually is clearly labeled on the back of the monitor of at the very least in the manual.

I found this other solution that uses display port instead and doesn’t require any adapters if you prefer that. That way you don’t have to deal with the adapters or possibly putting in the wrong HDMI. And it’s only $22. I might get myself one too lol.

Yup, what he said. You can grab something like the following to put your ssd into. Connect, run ccc. Make sure it's bootable then install.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OJ3UJ2S/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519721240&sr=1-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&dpPl=1&dpID=31nOEoFxlKL&ref=plSrch

You should get a monitor that support DisplayPort. The u2417h is a good monitor. And you should get a usb c - DisplayPort cable that support DisplayPort alt mode.

Choetech

Plugable

I have used both of them. I have had no problems at all.

This is the one I purchased. It says it’s for the 16 inch model. It fits the 16 inch perfect.



tomtoc 360 Protective Laptop Sleeve for 16-inch New MacBook Pro 2019, 15-inch Old MacBook Pro Retina 2012-2015, Surface Book 2 15 Inch, Ultrabook Notebook Bag Case with Accessory Pocket https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HCF15HC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ePS4Db534MM2N

charging + sending enough data to drive a display isn't easy.

just saying- you shouldn't be surprised that premium accessories for a premium product are expensive.

In the wirecutter list they also provided the CableMatters and Promise docks which may not be able to charge your computer if its an MBP 15. They're only going to charge the 13.

The promise dock supports 60w charging and an HDMI port with 4k 60hz.

If you want an adapter/dock to charge and drive a display its going to be pricey. If you can live with the extra cable for charging the adapters get much cheaper. Or you just get the single TB/HDMI 4k60hz dongle.

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-DisplayPort-Thunderbolt-Compatible/dp/B078MQST45/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=dock+4k+60hz&qid=1564339359&s=gateway&sr=8-3

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that help?

Maybe this one looks better

I don’t know if it’s available for shipping in your region though

>https://www.amazon.com/Sintech-Adapter-Upgrade-2013-2015-MacBook/dp/B01CWWAENG

thank you! I'll check it out.

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I've been using this one since I got my 2018 MBP and it works great. It's also pretty pricey though.

... and I guess it's DisplayPort and not HDMI. I'm a useless failure. :(

Probably this one:
Sintech NGFF M.2 nVME SSD Adapter Card for Upgrade 2013-2015 Year Macs(Not Fit Early 2013 MacBook Pro) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CWWAENG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_E.UrDb5HY0E6T

Wait so is this faster and smaller than those portable ones like SanDisk Extreme Portable https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-1TB-Extreme-Portable-SDSSDE60-1T00-G25/dp/B078STRHBX?

I can see that U28E590D has Display Port. Just buy USB-C to Display Port cable and forget HDMI. Something like this should be fine. I use similar cable on a daily basis and have 60Hz at 4K res with MBP 13.

All you will need is an external SATA enclosure similar to this one.

Sabrent 2.5-Inch SATA to USB 3.0 Tool-free External Hard Drive Enclosure [Optimized For SSD, Support UASP SATA III] Black (EC-UASP) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OJ3UJ2S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rCDcBbXAKSQNB

Buy a 2.5" bare internal drive, an external enclosure, put the drive in the enclosure and enjoy. This is a much better way to go because often when your typical passport type drives fail it's the sata bridge card that fails not the drive itself. You can then remove the drive and place it into a new enclosure or use a dock. Amazon links to the ones I use:


drive


enclosure

I got this since I really needed VGA and HDMI... it has worked flawlessly so far:
https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Adapter-Type-Ethernet-470-ABQN/dp/B012DT6KW2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483397157&sr=8-1&keywords=dell+usb+c+adapter

nonda USB-C to USB 3.0 Mini Adapter


https://www.amazon.com/nonda-Adapter-Aluminum-Indicator-Macbook/dp/B015Z7XE0A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500373772&sr=8-1&keywords=nonda+usb-c+to+usb+3.0+mini+adapter

This is my setup (2016 13" non-TB rMBP, 1080p monitor, 1440p/4k monitor).

I just use a Hootoo USB-C adapter for the 1080p one (HDMI), then a USB-C to DisplayPort cable (for 60hz on 4k).

I even added an additional USB hub, so I have 6 usable USB slots.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EXKDRAC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019R9ILTG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I hear the CalDigit TS3 Plus is the gold standard for docks, but it is a little pricey at $300.
https://www.amazon.com/CalDigit-TS3-Plus-Thunderbolt-Dock/dp/B07CZPV8DF/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1550169829&sr=1-1&keywords=caldigit+ts3+plus

Edit: This is the one I plan to buy for my MBP soon.

More of a Docking station than a dongle but this should work.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CZPV8DF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_G0NyDbTJX17CQ