2015 vs 2016 MacBook Pro

[JustJon]

First post, so hello.

Apologies for asking this question... I'm trying to choose an Apple Laptop for a Christmas present for my girlfriend. She currently has a 13" MacBook Pro that must be about 8 years old or more.

Her usage is not very demanding, she wants a bigger screen and will use it for email, web browsing, business use etc she doesn't even really store anything on it except a fews bits of software.

A major consideration is how long it will last and stay functional before needing replacement. So the hardware itself needs to be as reliable as possible but also the processing speeds, RAM etc needs to be as capable as possible to accommodate updated OS versions for as many years as possible into the future. On the flip side of that, cost, as always, comes into play, so I'd be prepared to spend the extra if she gets another year or 2 out of it, but if there's nothing in it then I'd probably opt for the cheaper option (problem is it's not that much cheaper).

Options are...

2015 MacBook Pro 15.4" 256GB SSD i7 2.2 GHz, 3.4 GHz with TurboBoost 16GB RAM
£1,465

2016 MacBook Pro Core i7 2.6GHz 16GB 256GB SSD 15 Inch
£1739.97

MacBook Pro Core i7 2.7GHz 16GB 512GB SSD 15 Inch
£1909.97

Anyone have any opinions?

Thanks.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Well the 2016 has quite a few reported keyboard issues but the 2017 is better, the 2015 has 3 year old hardware and is a few generations of chip behind.

I would go with the non touch bar mbp for that use case a new 2017 one, why you are looking at the 15 inch versions is anyone’s guess for that use case the MacBook would be just fine as well and silent.

https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-mac/macbook-pro?product=MPXT2B/A&step=config#

https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-mac/macbook?product=MNYG2B/A&step=config#

 

[ISKOTB]

If money isn't an issue get the 2017 but I'd probably skip the 2016 model due to some keyboard issues and if she doesn't care about the lastest like me I'd go with 2015

 

[SarcasticJoe]

The 2016 has a rather serious dirt ingestion problem with the keyboard and it's only partially fixed with the 2017 model. Hell, I'd suggest the 2015 model regardless with that price difference.

 

[eddjedi]

I've seen so many threads spreading plain wrong information on this forum. There is no 2017 MBP keyboard! It's the same as the 2016 one. Proof here:

https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/09/teardowns-show-new-macbook-unchanged-design/

Everyone, please stop telling potential buyers that the 2017 keyboard is better. Apart from the decals on two keys, it's EXACTLY the same! Only the MB got an improved keyboard, NOT the MBP.

 

[BenTrovato]

For real.. a couple of people had an issue with the keyboard and they branded it "2016 Keyboard issue". Also seems like it's the people who don't have the new models who continue to say the 2016 had keyboard issues.

OP it's up to you if the extra 150 is worth the extra 256gb in space. The 2015 is still a good machine but the 2016-2017 models are so much nicer.

 

[Fishrrman]

I say get the 2015 model.

It will probably run longer with fewer problems than will the newer "2016/17" design models.

The price is right, too.

 

[jerryk]

Does the Apple UK site have a refurbished store? If it does, you can probably save a lot on a refurbished 2015 model. In the US refurbished systems come with the same warranty as new systems.

 

[tinnyms3]

Newer stock of 2016 has the updated keyboard fitted. Also if you care about size and portability, the 2016 is noticeably smaller and lighter. But if longevity is primary concern, stick with 2015.

 

[Spudlicious]

Does the Apple UK site have a refurbished store? If it does, you can probably save a lot on a refurbished 2015 model. In the US refurbished systems come with the same warranty as new systems.

Apple UK do have a refurb section, although I get the impression from this site that refurb is a much bigger thing in the US. The refurb pricing always seems brutal to me. For example, there's just one 15" MBP listed this evening, it's a 2015 16GB/256GB model and they're asking £1609. That's an awfully steep price for a secondhand laptop, it's merciless, even though yes, they do give a one year warranty.

Besides, the guy's buying a present for his girlfriend, how impressed is she going to be with a used item? She might ask why the original purchaser rejected it - I would - and she might consider ramming it down his throat.