2013 vs 2015

[capathy21]

Hey all,

I need some advice. I am going to be picking up a MacBook for my wife to use and there are a couple of models to choose from. Her work load is light and will consist of web browsing, email, videos, Word Docs, Excel spreadsheets and that's about it.

I know that both models in question can most likely handle all of her work just fine. She will be using the machine for 2-3 years most likely.

Option 1: 2013 13" MacBook Pro 2.4/4/128-$450 on local Craigslist.
Option 2: 2015 13" MacBook Pro 2.7/8/128-$725 on local Craigslist.

I have the exact config of model 2 as my machine so I know how it performs and it'd be more than enough for her needs. My main question (especially to those who own a 2013 model) is, does it still perform smoothly for basic daily tasks? I don't really worry about the 4gb of ram since she won't be doing many different things at once.

Since she uses a Windows desktop at work, this will mainly be for working from home or when traveling.
My inclination is to go with the 2013 and save $275 bucks. Good idea or no?

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

Hmm interesting question. On the one hand 2012 was just at the end of the financial crisis but a bit more promising, however 2015 was a blissful year, pre Brexit and Trump, so full of hope and optimism for the future, wishful speculation of a new MBP. So I'd choose 2015!

Oh wait you wanted advice on computers. Well I think you've answered your own question, all you'll get here is varying opinions, none of which will help you in the long run... But! 2013 and save some cash today, or the 2015 and save some cash in 2 years when you need to upgrade it 'cause it's old 'n stuff. Simple, expect the 2013 to 'last' about 3 years, the 2015 to 'last' about 5 years.

 

[acorntoy]

4GB of ram is slowing down the OS now with just one or two apps open. Or safari open with a couple of tabs, gifted somebody 8GB of RAM for their 2012 for that reason this christmas (they just use their computer for netflix and such), had to upgrade a MBA to the NTB MBP this christmas as well because the 4GB just wasn't cutting it. I would suggest going for the 2015, because I think the ram is going to sting.

 

[capathy21]

4GB of ram is slowing down the OS now with just one or two apps open. Or safari open with a couple of tabs, gifted somebody 8GB for that reason this christmas (they just use their computer for netflix and such), had to upgrade a MBA to the NTB MBP this christmas as well because the 4GB just wasn't cutting it. I would suggest going for the 2015, because I think the ram is going to sting.

That's the only thing I was worried about. In 2013, I owned that model and everything was good. But I wasn't sure how it performed now after the Sierra update.

 

[acorntoy]

That's the only thing I was worried about. In 2013, I owned that model and everything was good. But I wasn't sure how it performed now after the Sierra update.

I'm pretty sure siri and such take extra because the performance is really dismal on 4GB now, if you can find an older one with 8GB though I'd recommend that. It really shows when Apple is willing to make 8GB the new standard on all their devices.

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

That's the only thing I was worried about. In 2013, I owned that model and everything was good. But I wasn't sure how it performed now after the Sierra update.

Sierra is pretty good on RAM usage. You could just leave the OS the machine came with on it. Either way I think the point is you're very much pushing 4GB at this point, 8GB is a healthy amount for many more years.

 

[acorntoy]

Also- you might want to consider looking on eBay. I know this forum hates it, but that's mostly from the sellers side, because the buyer protection is so GOOD, it'll actually help you in this case if something is amiss. Was able to help my friend get a 2011 15' with the upgrade 1680x1050 screen, 10GB of ram, and a 750GB HD for around $600, got the device and it looked picture perfect, a perfect example of the MBP from that time, and it runs like a dream. It's possible to find some really good deals if your willing to look.

 

[capathy21]

Also- you might want to consider looking on eBay. I know this forum hates it, but that's mostly from the sellers side, because the buyer protection is so GOOD, it'll actually help you in this case if something is amiss. Was able to help my friend get a 2011 15' with the upgrade 1680x1050 screen, 10GB of ram, and a 750GB HD for around $600, got the device and it looked picture perfect, a perfect example of the MBP from that time, and it runs like a dream. It's possible to find some really good deals if your willing to look.

Okay great I'll take a look. Also found a Late 2012 13" retina with 8gb of ram for $500. Would you go with a 2012 rMBP with 8GB of ram over a 2013 rMBP with 4gb?

 

[acorntoy]

Okay great I'll take a look. Also found a Late 2012 13" retina with 8gb of ram for $500. Would you go with a 2012 rMBP with 8GB of ram over a 2013 rMBP with 4gb?

Yes, that honestly looks like the perfect deal!

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

Okay great I'll take a look. Also found a Late 2012 13" retina with 8gb of ram for $500. Would you go with a 2012 rMBP with 8GB of ram over a 2013 rMBP with 4gb?

Each generation will effectively be the same machine at this point, maybe a 2015 will be (Generously) 20-30% 'faster' than a 2012, but you wouldn't really notice it in real life. So the 8GB would be a better buy.

 

[acorntoy]

the 2012 MBP computers processor gets slightly better marks on Geekbench in single core than best MacBook you could buy last year. (Would be largely more powerful if converting video or such but that isn't relevant (I'm assuming it's the 2.5). You can assume that Apple will be making the OS still smooth for a processor of that power for some time, and with the SSD and 8GB of ram I believe that computer could last for 4+ years light use.

 

[tryrtryrtryrt]

Okay great I'll take a look. Also found a Late 2012 13" retina with 8gb of ram for $500. Would you go with a 2012 rMBP with 8GB of ram over a 2013 rMBP with 4gb?

By buying mid-2015 over late 2012 or late 2013 you get marginal performance/battery upgrades (that your wife will likely not notice), ability to hook up 4K instead of 2K external display (again, might go unnoticed; on late 2013 you can hook up 4K via HDMI but it will work on 24 Hz frequency instead of 60 Hz) and ForceTouch trackpad (I like older mechanical one more for example). Obviously you lose some battery time and have a risk that battery will fail soon and you will have to replace it if you buy older ones (4 year old and 1 year old is quite different period for batteries).
[doublepost=1484093516][/doublepost]Late 2013 and mid-2015 also have much more performant internal GPU than late 2012. But again, late 2012 performance should be enough for web surfing, watching videos etc, and if your wife does not edit photos and videos like a maniac she might not notice the difference.
[doublepost=1484093613][/doublepost]If you find late 2013 with 8GB this would be ideal IMHO.

 

[acorntoy]

By buying mid-2015 over late 2012 or late 2013 you get marginal performance/battery upgrades (that your wife will likely not notice), ability to hook up 4K instead of 2K external display (again, might go unnoticed; on late 2013 you can hook up 4K via HDMI but it will work on 24 Hz frequency instead of 60 Hz) and ForceTouch trackpad (I like older mechanical one more for example). Obviously you lose some battery time and have a risk that battery will fail soon and you will have to replace it (4 year old and 1 year old is quite different period for batteries).

Good point on batteries. Try to ask the sellers the cycle count and status of the battery- System Information- then power from the selection it gives you. This will give you a good indication of the battery health, for example the computer I found for my friend had around 650 charge cycles (Apple claims the battery should hit around 80% at 1000) but the computer was still within 300mAh of its original capacity. However on my mid 2015 15' at 337 charge cycles, i've lost 1000mAh of my battery.

 

[tryrtryrtryrt]

Good point on batteries. Try to ask the sellers the cycle count and status of the battery- System Information- then power from the selection it gives you. This will give you a good indication of the battery health, for example the computer I found for my friend had around 650 charge cycles (Apple claims the battery should hit around 80% at 1000) but the computer was still within 300Mah of its original capacity. However on my mid 2015 15' at 337 charge cycles, i've lost 1000Mah of my battery.

Pretty much ask Coconut battery screenshot and/or launch it yourself before giving the money.

 

[boss.king]

I use a 2013 model every day at work (advertising), my use include having dozens of tabs open in chrome, Dropbox syncing, iTunes streaming music by airplay, Photoshop, multiple PDFs and documents open, all at once.

I've never had any issue with the performance.of the 2013 MBP, but I would strongly recommend 8gb of RAM. 4 simply is the enough in 2017.

Lastly, another thing to consider is the track pad. The 2015 model doesn't actually move, thus won't break even with extended use. The old one, while sturdy, could need replacing/fixing down the track.

All in all, both are decent machines, just dont skimp on the RAM.

 

[CE3]

2015 for sure, but I wouldn't get either from Craigslist. eBay offers similar deals, and both eBay and PayPal have buyer protections in place for defective items.

 

[capathy21]

Just an update. We ended up getting the 2013 4/128 model for $400. We started to pass but the guy lowered the price to $400. Everything is in good condition and the machine is almost as fast as my 2015 model. I've played around with it and it handles everything pretty much instantly, just like my 2015. Thanks everyone for the help.

 

[acorntoy]

Just an update. We ended up getting the 2013 4/128 model for $400. We started to pass but the guy lowered the price to $400. Everything is in good condition and the machine is almost as fast as my 2015 model. I've played around with it and it handles everything pretty much instantly, just like my 2015. Thanks everyone for the help.

Glad it works well, thats a great price! Hopefully it'll continue to work great for years to come, I just probably wouldn't update the OS unless Apple makes it a point to improve RAM management.

 

[capathy21]

Glad it works well, thats a great price! Hopefully it'll continue to work great for years to come, I just probably wouldn't update the OS unless Apple makes it a point to improve RAM management.

I already updated it to Sierra. Just to play around, I opened up about 10 different programs, including several videos playing in different web browsers, all while copying files to it. It didn't show any sign of slowing down. I can tell just a little difference between my 2015 and this one, but we are talking a half a second difference in opening programs or switching. It's much more impressive than I was anticipating.