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2015 or 2016 MBP for my purposes

OneSon

OneSon

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jan 6, 2013
130
120
I need a new laptop as my 2012 MBA is really struggling. I would like either a 2015 or 2016 MBP. I went into the Apple store and to be honest preferred the keyboard on the 2015 and also liked the extra ports. However, the sales guy obviously tried to convince me the 2016 would be more future proofed.

I use the machine for work and play. I do a lot of writing, audio data processing, and also view photos of my family. I occasionally watch television (Sky go etc).

Which would you guys recommend?
 
Either one should work great for what you do. There are certainly some nicer things about the newer one, screen, speakers, size/weight, etc, but if you tried both and like the 2015 better, get that one.
 
Sanpete said:
By the way, you're talking about a 13", right?
Click to expand...
Yeah 13". Thinking of going entry level in both cases. 8GB RAM is fine for me and don't see the need to upgrade the processor or storage.
 
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What lixuelai said. If you like the keyboard more, get the 2015. It's a mystery to me how anyone can believe the keyboard on the 2016 is adequate.

As for "future-proofing," the Apple Store person is just trying to get you to spend more. Neither are remotely "future-proof."
 
I think you would be happy with either. If you use the speakers a lot or you do a lot of work in bright areas, the 2016's better speakers and brighter display can be a big plus. If you use SD cards much, or like using the SD bay for a secondary flash hard drive, the 2015 is more favorable. From a keyboard/port perspective, I think either situation is usually adaptable. The new keyboard is a little uncomfortable at first, but after a week many people can type on it faster than they could the previous design. You may also find you prefer the larger or smaller trackpad of the 2016 v 15. They are both good computers.

One major advantage with the 2015 right now is pricing. Brand new entry level models (13's) are now seeing sales at $1,000 and a bit below (when you can find them.) The 2016 has seen a few sales putting its base model in the $1,250 range. For that matter, I've seen brand new 2015 MBAs below $700, if you like the Air design.

If you go for a 2016, I would recommend purchasing a larger SSD than you would with the 2015, because you cannot add internal storage with the newer model, where as you can add 256GB to the 2015.
 
+1 for 2015. If you want the 2016 MBP i suggest to wait the next update...
 
OneSon said:
I need a new laptop as my 2012 MBA is really struggling. I would like either a 2015 or 2016 MBP. I went into the Apple store and to be honest preferred the keyboard on the 2015 and also liked the extra ports. However, the sales guy obviously tried to convince me the 2016 would be more future proofed.

I use the machine for work and play. I do a lot of writing, audio data processing, and also view photos of my family. I occasionally watch television (Sky go etc).

Which would you guys recommend?
Click to expand...




Last years model is fine, but the new one is really much nicer. If you talk with actual owners you'll see that the majority PREFER the new keyboard and so do I. It does take some time to get used to, but for me it was due to key spacing rather than travel.

Beyond that the new machine really does offer a LOT more...better screen, trackpad, touch bar, speakers. It's a vastly revised and superior tool.

B&H Photo selling the 13" Touchbar for 1729.00 at the moment. Killer value against last years models.


R.
 
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I don't think there is much of a difference between the 2014 and 2015 models if you're trying to save some money
 
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I choose a 2015 instead of a 2016 for the same reason you've mentioned:
The keyboard.

Also, I -prefer- the legacy ports.

If you like the 2015 better, get it. If you shop carefully, they can be found and very good prices...
 
eyeseeyou said:
I don't think there is much of a difference between the 2014 and 2015 models if you're trying to save some money
Click to expand...

Good suggestion. Can go as far back as late 2013 in fact. The CPUs are pretty much the same. Only difference is GPU and Force Touch on the 2015.
 
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