2015 or 2016 15" MBP?

[sparky777]

I never thought this would be a dilemma. Want to replace an aging iMac with a 15" laptop. These computers are essentially the same price: around $2,000.

Refurbished 2015 15" 2.2GHz i7 512GB Intel Iris Pro

New 2016 15" 2.7GHz i7 512GB Radeon Pro 455(2GB GDDR5)

I will not be using the machine for anything too taxing - just some graphic design. I'm not concerned about the lack of ports on the 2016. I don't buy new systems often so I would much prefer the latest update. But - reliability is extremely important. This should be an absolute no brainer but the defective keyboard issues on the 2016 has me worried. I take care of my stuff and expect to get at least 5 worry-free years out of a MBP. Please advise!

 

[Samuelsan2001]

“Just some graphic design” that can be very taxing. Anecdotally the 2017 keyboard is better why aren’t you looking at that??

No electronic device is reliable every single one released has units that can and will fail at any time for any one of 1000’s of reasons it’s the nature of the beast.

 

[Fishrrman]

My vote is for the 2015.
Real ports and a keyboard THAT WON'T BREAK ON YOU.

They're even available "as new units" if you wish.
Apple-refurbished is a good deal, too.

 

[keysofanxiety]

My vote is for the 2015.
Real ports and a keyboard THAT WON'T BREAK ON YOU.

They're even available "as new units" if you wish.
Apple-refurbished is a good deal, too.

C'mon man, "real ports"? I know you're not fond of the new MBPs but still!

USB-C/TB3 with bandwidth of 40Gb/s that can charge the machine, run an external display, become any legacy interface you need it to, or do all three at the same time and more with a hub. And there's four of them on the machine.

Versus... USB-A. You can plug in your iPhone charger without a dongle. Hoozah!

One's a "real port" I'd say!

 

[Naimfan]

If reliability matters at all, the 2016 is disqualified.

Get the 2015.

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

I love the screen and large trackpad for graphic design, haven't had any issues with the keyboard. Probably better to consider a computer with a dGPU for graphics rather than one without for a potential keyboard issue. But each to their own, 2015 is a safer computer as it was at the end of its run. 2016 is newer and more modern. If you only wanted it for a couple of years I'd say get a 2015 as the keyboard will potentially make you second guess it if you're going in with a biased concern. Otherwise if you want this for a long time, do you really want old ports and slower I/O in 3 years time when everything is USB-C?

At the same price it's really hard to recommend a 2015, no dGPU, slower SSD, slower CPU, slower RAM, slower I/O, lesser screen, heavier, and bulkier. You can be worried about a keyboard but I think you owe it to yourself to at least consider the better computer over living with an older unit for the sake of a keyboard. Try one out in the return period.

 

[Naimfan]

[Y]ou owe it to yourself to at least consider the better computer . . .

Hence the 2015 recommendation.

(Says the person who has a 15, 16, AND a 17.)

 

[sparky777]

I'm leaning 2016. Both computers are probably overkill for what I use them for - but I need the bigger screen. A 2017 refurb would cost about $400 more so I've ruled it out. The 2015 is built like a tank though-

Hence the 2015 recommendation.

(Says the person who has a 15, 16, AND a 17.)

You have all 3 and prefer the 2015? Please share-

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

Hence the 2015 recommendation.

(Says the person who has a 15, 16, AND a 17.)

I thought you got shot of the others? Why do you go through so many Macs?!

As I said still no issues with mine, most reliable Mac I've owned (Never had an issue with any Mac, hence I still buy them). For the purposes of the OP though the 2016 is going to be a better specced and capable machine, you must admit that. If they were comparing a like for like spec wise it'd be different. Just looking for that middle ground.