2015 refurb vs. 2017 new

[TomOSeven]

Hi all,

I'm trying to decide between two Macbook models.

First: 2015, refurbished, 40 cycles, base config, with Jetdrive to expand storage, 900 Euro.
Second: 2017, new, 256 GB, base apart from that, 1570 Euro including education rebate.

So obviously the price is a big consideration. The old model is about 700 Euros cheaper, and I would save further money by not needing any obnoxious dongles. I also prefer the old keyboard, if I'm being honest. It also helps that it doesn't scream "steal me", like a new model does.

On the other had, the new model is a bit more portable (at least slightly so), has proper speakers, a nicer screen (though I never considered the old screen to be bad) and better resale value. And of course 256 GB faster SSD beats the hell out of 128 SSD + 128 GB SD card. Even the slightly lower weight would be of use because I carry around the laptop all day every day.

My use-case is mostly programming. Web-development, Java, Unity 5 (with Unityscript) and I'm also i-curious, meaning I'd like to check out iOS programming in Xcode.

So yeah, not sure which way to go here.

I have two screens, a Dell u2715h (1440p) and a new, in box LG 4k display with USB-C, so either laptop would have a suitable external monitor.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Patcell]

My knee-jerk answer would be to go with the new one, but that is a huge price difference...

Your needs should be well-served by the 2015 model. The only major downside I can see is the 128GB SSD; I could not get by on that. I know you mentioned the Jetdrive, which may work well, but I have no experience with that... could it be as reliable as the internal storage?

Based on that price difference, I would seriously consider the 2015 refurb. Is that from the Apple Online Store? In that case it would be eligible for additional AppleCare as well.

 

[TomOSeven]

Yeah the 128 GB SSD is a bit restrictive, but for that price difference, I would consider juggling two different storage solutions. I don't have that much media anyway.

The price difference is even higher because if I go with the 2015 MBP, I would also go with the cheaper monitor and wouldn't need a dongle. So the real difference could well be 800 Euros.

 

[Patcell]

Yeah the 128 GB SSD is a bit restrictive, but for that price difference, I would consider juggling two different storage solutions. I don't have that much media anyway.

The price difference is even higher because if I go with the 2015 MBP, I would also go with the cheaper monitor and wouldn't need a dongle. So the real difference could well be 800 Euros.

I think the 2015 will serve you well! And for a number of years to come. They are excellent machines. It is not so terrible to use external storage for movies/ pictures and the like if needed. Just make sure to backup the external media!

Good luck and let us know what you go with. I'd save the 800 euros if I were you - that's huge...

 

[Fishrrman]

If money is a consideration, that's a great enough "price differential" to throw the odds towards the 2015.

When the 2016 models first came out, I weighed my options against one of them vis-a-vis the 2015.
I like the keyboard and full complement of legacy ports on the 2015, so that's what I got.
No regrets.

 

[spacebro]

The 2015 has magsafe. There hasn't been a major cpu improvement since haswell. I'm sticking with 2015 until apple releases something impressive.

 

[TomOSeven]

I think the 2015 will serve you well! And for a number of years to come. They are excellent machines. It is not so terrible to use external storage for movies/ pictures and the like if needed. Just make sure to backup the external media!

Good luck and let us know what you go with. I'd save the 800 euros if I were you - that's huge...

Yeah, I just went back to school and though I have enough savings to get the degree, I'd rather put the 800 in savings. Or rather, 700 in savings and 100 in crypto.

You guys are right, so I just bought the 2015 MBPR. Now I only need to find a vendor who sells nice skins without an apple cutout.

 

[Patcell]

Yeah, I just went back to school and though I have enough savings to get the degree, I'd rather put the 800 in savings. Or rather, 700 in savings and 100 in crypto.

You guys are right, so I just bought the 2015 MBPR. Now I only need to find a vendor who sells nice skins without an apple cutout.

Hmm... dbrand sells skins with no Apple cutout, but only for the new models (2016/2017). There has to be another company.

 

[TomOSeven]

Yeah I thought of Dbrand first, but they don't have a skin that covers the logo for 2015 model. No matter.