I’m not sure if this is even the right place to put this, so feel free to move it if it isn’t. I want a new Mac. I’m debating between the M1 and M2 pro. I’m also debating on getting one with the Touch Bar. Given the fact that I have an Apple keyboard with numeric keypad, I feel that I wouldn’t be missing anything if I got one with the Touch Bar. Now, as the subject states, what are the pros and cons of a Touch Bar in my case, given the fact that I have the aforementioned Apple keyboard which has the function keys already. :-)
Comments
Touch Bar = hard to use
IMO the Touch Bar is hard to use and honestly the 13 inch pros (both M1 and M2 variants) are a horrible deal. Either get yourself an air or pop up to the 14 inch MacBook pros.
the 13 inch M1/M2 pros are simply glorified MacBook airs with older designs that have the pro name for people who need to feel they are "pro".
Touch bar
I have an older MBP with a touch bar, and I seldom use the bar. Like you, I use a full sized keyboard with the MBP most of the time so no problem with the function keys. If I needed to use the laptop without the external keyboard more frequently I would opt for no touch bar. Apple made the bar accessible but I think it's more appealing or useful for a sighted user, even then I don't think the touch bar is all that popular even with the sighted community.
My Thoughts
I got a Mac with a touchbar in December. I like the bar to use the display and volume sliders. Finding where the f keys isn't hard at all, just count the number row if need be. Some commands have changed of course, but it's honestly not that difficult.