2015 vs 2016 : any advice is welcome

[Lollo]

Hi guys, I'm searching for advices.

I strongly want to leave Windows and that's why I'm not considering XPS and similars: I'm coming from a 2010 15" Vaio (i5 m430 and ATI HD5400) which has been my primary machine for everyday needs (University life, gaming, writing, internet) and it still runs, but it's time to change.

What do you think is better and worth the money between:

(italian prices with education discount)

· 2015 Retina Macbook Pro 13" - 1530€

with Intel Core i5 dual-core 28w 2,7GHz (Turbo Boost 3,1GHz), 8GB ram, 256GB, Intel Iris 6100

· 2016 Retina Macbook Pro 13" NON-touch, 1530€

with Intel Core i5 dual-core 15w 2,0GHz (Turbo Boost 3,1GHz), 8GB ram, 256GB, Intel Iris 540

· 2016 Retina Macbook Pro 13" NON-touch, 1850€

with Intel Core i7 dual-core 15w 2,4GHz (Turbo Boost 3,4GHz), 8GB ram, 256GB, Intel Iris 540


Is there a noticeable CPU/GPU difference between the old and the new one?
The low wattage could be a problem?

I absolutely don't need OLED while I need portability, good battery life and occasionally gaming (not newest demanding titles and obviously with Bootcamp, something like old Assassin's, FM2017... basically just something newer than my old laptop).

Thank you in advance.

 

[BenTrovato]

Nobody needs the 2016 model. Nobody ever needs the latest Apple laptops as they are always over priced. If you have the cash and want the shiny new machine, go for it. There is always better value in the older models.

 

[ytech]

Hi guys, I'm searching for advices.

I strongly want to leave Windows and that's why I'm not considering XPS and similars: I'm coming from a 2010 15" Vaio (i5 m430 and ATI HD5400) which has been my primary machine for everyday needs (University life, gaming, writing, internet) and it still runs, but it's time to change.

What do you think is better and worth the money between:

(italian prices with education discount)

· 2015 Retina Macbook Pro 13" - 1530€

with Intel Core i5 dual-core 28w 2,7GHz (Turbo Boost 3,1GHz), 8GB ram, 256GB, Intel Iris 6100

· 2016 Retina Macbook Pro 13" NON-touch, 1530€

with Intel Core i5 dual-core 15w 2,0GHz (Turbo Boost 3,1GHz), 8GB ram, 256GB, Intel Iris 540

· 2016 Retina Macbook Pro 13" NON-touch, 1850€

with Intel Core i7 dual-core 15w 2,4GHz (Turbo Boost 3,4GHz), 8GB ram, 256GB, Intel Iris 540


Is there a noticeable CPU/GPU difference between the old and the new one?
The low wattage could be a problem?

I absolutely don't need OLED while I need portability, good battery life and occasionally gaming (not newest demanding titles and obviously with Bootcamp, something like old Assassin's, FM2017... basically just something newer than my old laptop).

Thank you in advance.

My 2 cents: I would go with the 2015 model for a lot of reasons but mainly because it is still a very powerful machine (even at the "low end" model 8gb/2.7ghz) , the difference between iris 6100 & 520 is unnoticeable and it has normal function keys as well as normal ports!

 

[Lollo]

Nobody needs the 2016 model. Nobody ever needs the latest Apple laptops as they are always over priced. If you have the cash and want the shiny new machine, go for it. There is always better value in the older models.

My 2 cents: I would go with the 2015 model for a lot of reasons but mainly because it is still a very powerful machine (even at the "low end" model 8gb/2.7ghz) , the difference between iris 6100 & 520 is unnoticeable and it has normal function keys as well as normal ports!

Thank you for your answers, I really appreciated that.

In addition to normal ports, I consider really important also living (at least 2 years) without dongles and the great traditional keyboard. If the 2015 model would have had a minimum price drop, I'd have no doubt about it.

The only thing I'm really worried about the old model is the GPU: 540 and 6100 are really so similar? The new CPU doesn't improve in any way the graphic unit?

 

[fate0311]

Here is some food for thought, I purchased a maxed out 15" laptop last year.

2.8GHz Quad Core i7 (Turbo boost of up to 4.0GHz), 16MB RAM, and 1TB SSD.

This year, even the maxed out 2016 option is not superior aside from the GFX card and the option to hold 2TB SSD.

 

[ytech]

Thank you for your answers, I really appreciated that.

In addition to normal ports, I consider really important also living (at least 2 years) without dongles and the great traditional keyboard. If the 2015 model would have had a minimum price drop, I'd have no doubt about it.

The only thing I'm really worried about the old model is the GPU: 540 and 6100 are really so similar? The new CPU doesn't improve in any way the graphic unit?

1.Regarding the CPU, check out this compression between the latest model 2.7GHZ and the new 2.00GHZ here.
2.Regarding the GPU, check a compression between the two here.
What you will find is that the difference is minor..

 

[Lollo]

Regarding the GPU, check a compression between the two here.
What you will find is that the difference is minor..

That's really useful, thanks!

 

[fate0311]

That's really useful, thanks!

Why is the 4980HQ which is found in the maxed out 2015's not even available to compare?

 

[RHD 42]

Thanks guys, that's really helpful!

 

[Lollo]

1.Regarding the CPU, check out this compression between the latest model 2.7GHZ and the new 2.00GHZ here.
2.Regarding the GPU, check a compression between the two here.
What you will find is that the difference is minor..

I just saw you edited the message with another link, thanks!

 

[Altis]

I'd get the 2015 and possibly try to get one with 16 GB of RAM if you want to spend the extra money.

The extra RAM won't make a difference in gaming but it could extend the usable life of the machine and cannot be changed later.

The 2015 with 16 GB RAM would still be cheaper than the 2016 with 8 GB, and you wouldn't have to deal with adapters for your kit.

 

[cltd]

My last Macbook Pro was early 2008 (so called Penryn). I've been waiting so long to upgrade. When I saw "hello again" conference I made up quick decision and today morning purchased brand new MB Pro 15" from 2015 (base model - i7/2.2ghz/16 gb ram/256 SSD) with huge educational discount. I can't justify new MB Pro price tag.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

+1 for the 2015 MacBook Pro w/o a doubt.