2015 MBP vs 2016

[Rorosbutt]

I'm very unsure which MBP to buy. Have 2 (maybe 3 if including TB MBP)
1) 2015 with 512SSD $1,699
2) 2016 with 512SSD $1,699
(3) 2016 TB 512SSD $1,999

The fact that I'd have to keep up with dongles for 2016's is crazy. (3) is really a ton of money. 2) only has two ports. 2015 has the "normal" ports.

Anyone out there in this spot?

 

[Apple 26.2]

I'm sure there are lots out there in your shoes - if money is no object, go for the latest & greatest. No matter what you choose, I don't think it'll be a bad choice.

 

[Rorosbutt]

I'm sure there are lots out there in your shoes - if money is no object, go for the latest & greatest. No matter what you choose, I don't think it'll be a bad choice.

And the whole many and different ports vs only 2 ports fiasco. I'd get $100 off for student discount so $1,599 doesn't hurt that much. Getting near $2,000 is LOL I'll have to rebuy software too.

 

[TigerWoodsIV]

And the whole many and different ports vs only 2 ports fiasco. I'd get $100 off for student discount so $1,599 doesn't hurt that much. Getting near $2,000 is LOL I'll have to rebuy software too.

The $1,999 TB model has 4 TB3/USB-C ports, the cheaper non-TB model has 2 ports.

I bought a pretty high spec 15" because I felt like splurging on something and because I hadn't gotten a new MBP since 2008. I spent nearly $3k on that one, and it lasted 8.5 years, and all I did was put an SSD in it over that period. Keeping it for that long, I can confidently say that was $3k well spent. I hope this one lasts a similar amount of time. If your budget is more prohibitive to spending a huge chunk all at once and/or you plan on upgrading sooner than I do, then I don't think you can go wrong with any of them at a lower price. I imagine the 2016 will last longer considering the trend of going toward USB-C. I spent about $15 on dongles since all I needed was USB-A converters. I might buy an HDMI dongle, but in a few years, most computer peripherals will be using USB-C I imagine.

 

[No. 44]

There are a lot of people in the same situation. I was too. My last laptop was an early 2011 MBP, and I had waited to replace it, because I was expecting "great things" from this newest model. However, when the 2016 MBP finally came out, I was "underwelmed" and bought a 13" 2015 model (3.1, 16, 512) instead. I don't like the new keyboard; I wanted the variety of ports, and I wanted the reliability of a mature design. I'm very satisfied with my new computer, as I have been with all of my previous Macs.

One can make a case for buying either model, but in the end you have to decide what you want and need. The price isn't nearly as important as picking a machine that will make you happy you bought it.

Good luck!

 

[motime]

2015 is a no brainer over 2016, especially with the refurbished pricing and all the issues/downgrades on the latest model.

 

[idark77]

No match: go for 2015 now or for the 2016 model wait 1-2 years

 

[x-evil-x]

I don't see dongles being crazy in 2016. The move to newer technology has its sacrifices at the start doesn't mean its a downgrade. With devices getting thinner and more and more people switching to usb-c there has to be a transition period with new tech. Usb-a is too big to fit on a lot of new laptops. If you aren't ready for some adapters till things change over then you should be happy buying older technology. Having a few adapters is nothing to cry about imo

 

[Rorosbutt]

When do you guys think apple will no longer sell the 2015's? I see that they finally killed the 2012 one off since you can't buy it new from apple.
[doublepost=1482992159][/doublepost]

I don't see dongles being crazy in 2016. The move to newer technology has its sacrifices at the start doesn't mean its a downgrade. With devices getting thinner and more and more people switching to usb-c there has to be a transition period with new tech. Usb-a is too big to fit on a lot of new laptops. If you aren't ready for some adapters till things change over then you should be happy buying older technology. Having a few adapters is nothing to cry about imo

You need a dongle just to use your flash drive. Is it a real issue? It depends on the use. If you're someone that edits videos and uses external displays then it's a huge upgrade because of 4K etc but for someone like me that will only push it when editing pictures it's not that big of an update. I'll need either 1 USB-C to card reader or 2 dongles USB-C to USB then USB to card reader.

I do have legitimate concerns when it comes to the non-magnetic charging cable. That was a huge plus for when you're on campus or at a coffee shop and you pull it or someone bumps the cable.

I get that innovation will happened but it should be responsiblely. Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. You can still push the form limits without compromising function.