2017 MBP Thoughts - two weeks in

[jerry16]

I feel compelled to write this post based on all the hate I see for the new MBP's on this forum. I had a 2015 13" MBP but wanted to upgrade to a 15" MBP. All of the negativity almost stopped me from picking one up but now that I have, I am so thankful I did. I skipped the 2016 as a result of the negativity but when the 2017 came out, I reevaluated. In the short amount of time I have had it, it has been a great machine. So, let this post stand as a record for all those on the fence, my thoughts as a happy purchaser.

I'm going to keep this simple and list what I like:

• I enjoy the keyboard. There is an adjustment period for it, but once you're past it, it is a pleasure to use, IMO. The reduced key travel doesn't bother me at all because the "clickiness" of the keys gives me great feedback. The keyboard is a little loud, but I actually like the clicking sound.
  
  
• I love the touch bar. It is sleek, looks sharp, and highly customizable. It is great to answer and end calls (this is a little thing that is honestly just so enjoyable), pull up a quick emoji, iMessage tapback, scrub through video, quickly flag/trash e-mails, and is better to change volume/brightness IMO. Being able to slide the brightness or volume to desired levels with one swipe IS more convenient than repeated taps to get it where you want it. When I learned I could just touch those and swipe all in the same move, that was huge.
  
  I keep reading that the TB is a waste of time because keyboard shortcuts are faster. That may very well be true but for someone who uses few keyboard shortcuts past CMD V & CMD C, it IS a time saver. For someone that also doesn't live and die by function keys, this is a much better use of the area. I can't wait to see what else I gain from it the more I use it.
  
  
• I'll take the large touch pad any day of the week. My biggest complaint using any notebook has been with dragging and selecting while using a touch pad and reaching the edge - not any more.
  
  
• Sound is great and loud.
  
  
• Gorgeous design. So sleek compared to the 2015 model.
  
  
• TouchID and ApplePay - amazing to have on a MacBook.
  
  
• USBC - glad to be future proofed. A couple adapters as necessary doesn't bother me. I have a MBP to be mobile and don't have it connected to many peripherals in the first place.

To be fair, some things I miss:

• Mag safe - such a thoughtful feature but not a deal breaker. The versatility of USBC trumps MagSafe.
  
  
• For nostalgia purposes the startup chime and glowing logo. Not a deal breaker though as these things are so minor.
  
  
• SD removal hurts a little but again, nothing I can't work around.
  
  
• Price. Ouch. Resale value and years of usage as well as the fact that this is a tool and hence a money maker help in this department.

• I was annoyed having to buy the extension cable separately. It was only $19 - but still.

In short, I'm very satisfied with my upgrade (from a 2015). There are a few small compromises but for my use, the good outweighs the bad by a mile. If you're on the fence I highly recommend going to the Apple Store and taking advantage of the 14 day return window and taking a MBP for a test drive. It takes some time to appreciate some of the changes and features. Don't let all the hate scare you from giving it a try - it's the best notebook I've ever owned*. If these forums are all you're reading, I'm sure you're convinced it's a flop which just isn't true.

*Before anyone starts ragging on about the XPS being a great alternative, I will add this:

My work provides me with a Dell XPS15. I have a top spec'd 2017 model that I have used extensively since spring - it wasn't cheap. I had a 2014 model before that, and a 2013 model before that. It's a great machine (for Windows) and I very much appreciate having a quality machine if I have to use Windows. As great as it is compared to everything else out there, it is still miles behind the Mac. Bloat ware out of the box, Windows 10 convoluted control panel (the settings App and traditional control panel housing different settings), a weird buzzing noise that I'm not sure if it's the processor or something to do with the power (I can hear it in my office just flipping through e-mails - any time I input to the computer, it gets louder), driver issues, lack of parity between hardware and software, abhorrent update situation (windows update, dell update, driver updates, software updates - 100 different places to check/perform updates), and weird keyboard light leak out of the box. Windows just isn't there yet despite how far they've come - same with Dell hardware.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Nice comments - Thanks for sharing your perspective..

The keyboard is a little loud, but I actually like the clicking sound.

On this one - My main problem is that the keyboard is loud enough now that others may not enjoy it around me. That was simply never a problem before. Now one must be mindful of the environment due to these boards.

I keep reading that the TB is a waste of time because keyboard shortcuts are faster. That may very well be true but for someone who uses few keyboard shortcuts past CMD V & CMD C, it IS a time saver.

This particular comment somewhat supports my personal theory that they really should have TB on the MacBooks also, or if only in one place, on the MB.

The traditional pro user knows loads of shortcuts and nothing will be faster than those, where you hands are and flying along with muscle memory, if you know them.

 

[carestudio]

I like TouchBar, but it seems to consume more power than the non-TB models.

 

[malikkamran]

what about battery life

 

[maerz001]

I like TouchBar, but it seems to consume more power than the non-TB models.

Really? How come that a touch display uses more than a passive button?

But don't forget that the tb version has a 10% smaller battery and 28W CPU instead of 15W as the non touch...

 

[csurfr]

I was very satisfied with my 2017 until a few days ago when 1) it started pinging with thermal expansion, and 2) today when the B key randomly stopped working for about 5 minutes and then started working again. I am just outside the 14 day return window (of course).

 

[jerry16]

Nice comments - Thanks for sharing your perspective..

On this one - My main problem is that the keyboard is loud enough now that others may not enjoy it around me. That was simply never a problem before. Now one must be mindful of the environment due to these boards.

This particular comment somewhat supports my personal theory that they really should have TB on the MacBooks also, or if only in one place, on the MB.

The traditional pro user knows loads of shortcuts and nothing will be faster than those, where you hands are and flying along with muscle memory, if you know them.

There's way too much hate out there right now. If I listened to this board I would be missing out on a great machine - I felt like I had to put my two cents in, TBH.

I can see your point on keyboard sound with others present. That isn't a huge factor for me fortunately but can see where it may come in to play. Also see where you're coming from on the shortcuts - muscle memory is a powerful thing - I've never been much for anything beyond the basic shortcuts so TB has been great for me. The 15" form factor is what pushed me to the MBP w/o even considering a MB.

I like TouchBar, but it seems to consume more power than the non-TB models.

I feel mine is about on par with my 2015 model. Totally anecdotal though.

what about battery life

Anecdotal but seems to be about the same as my 2015 - no mind blowing improvements but no regression either. I'm satisfied with it - it seems reasonable to me for such a powerful and sleek laptop.

I was very satisfied with my 2017 until a few days ago when 1) it started pinging with thermal expansion, and 2) today when the B key randomly stopped working for about 5 minutes and then started working again. I am just outside the 14 day return window (of course).

That's a bummer. I have read before that Apple Stores have a little bit of discretion when it comes to that return window as long as it's reasonably close (15 or 16 days). Might be worth a shot to see if they'll help you out. I exchanged my original unit for a faulty gasket and they were great about it.

 

[Mr. Dee]

For what I do, I can't see myself upgrading from early 2015 13 inch MBP for now. Sure, the extra 2 inches would be nice, but its certain not worth 2,400 dollars.

 

[Pbrutto]

I was very satisfied with my 2017 until a few days ago when 1) it started pinging with thermal expansion, and 2) today when the B key randomly stopped working for about 5 minutes and then started working again. I am just outside the 14 day return window (of course).

Sent my 2016 15" back about 2 months ago because my "x" key stopped functioning properly......they fixed it no questines asked....but it took a week

 

[jerry16]

For what I do, I can't see myself upgrading from early 2015 13 inch MBP for now. Sure, the extra 2 inches would be nice, but its certain not worth 2,400 dollars.

Yeah most would probably agree with you but for me it's well worth it. Some people like to fish, some people golf, some people ride Harley's - for me, I love technology and photography. Photography is always an excuse to upgrade the MBP. It's my hobby and something I enjoy. Not to say I was disappointed with my 2015.. 15" was the primary reason for my upgrade.

Sent my 2016 15" back about 2 months ago because my "x" key stopped functioning properly......they fixed it no questines asked....but it took a week

Apple's customer service post sale and the availability of a nearby Apple Store is a HUGE selling point over Dell in my book. They have always done their best to make things right in my experience.

 

[Queen6]

I was very satisfied with my 2017 until a few days ago when 1) it started pinging with thermal expansion, and 2) today when the B key randomly stopped working for about 5 minutes and then started working again. I am just outside the 14 day return window (of course).

This is what is starting to really concern. Keyboard travel one can adjust to the short throw (2015 rMBP), ports remain problematic, equally this is more related to individual workflow. The reliability of the keyboard something else, as MBP was always renowned for it's very solid keyboards, guess time will tell with the new design...

Q-6

 

[jerry16]

This is what is starting to really concern. Keyboard travel one can adjust to the short throw (2015 rMBP), ports remain problematic, equally this is more related to individual workflow. The reliability of the keyboard something else, as MBP was always renowned for it's very solid keyboards, guess time will tell with the new design...

Q-6

Yep hard to comment on longevity at this point but I won't knock Apple for something that hasn't happened yet. I have AppleCare and should be covered for the foreseeable future.

 

[Queen6]

Yep hard to comment on longevity at this point but I won't knock Apple for something that hasn't happened yet. I have AppleCare and should be covered for the foreseeable future.

True, I'm more sensitive as depend on my systems as a major component of my living, so failure is very much unwelcome. There is definitely a trend in the forum, tend to think AppleCare is pretty much mandatory with these new MBP's as any issue is likely to be an expensive fix, not that Apple is in isolation with such matters.

Q-6

 

[jerry16]

True, I'm more sensitive as depend on my systems as a major component of my living, so failure is very much unwelcome. There is definitely a trend in the forum, tend to think AppleCare is pretty much mandatory with these new MBP's as any issue is likely to be an expensive fix, not that Apple is in isolation with such matters.

Q-6

Absolutely. I just went through a failure with my 2014 XPS15 and that was a PITA. Ended up being the motherboard and Dell was back ordered on the part for two weeks - just outside of my extended warranty. Ended up having to buy a new XPS while I waited for the part just so I could do my work. Eventually got the part and fixed it - now I have two XPS's. Not sure what I'll do with the old one yet.

My macs are more for personal use and my photography. If it fails, it's annoying but not annoying like it was when my XPS failed and the e-mails and projects kept rolling in.

Also important to mention - my experience with Dell Support when it mattered most was absolute crap. I have no doubt Apple would have went above and beyond in this situation if they were backordered on a part and knew it was my lifeline on stake. Just one more reason to stick with Apple.

 

[csurfr]

This is what is starting to really concern. Keyboard travel one can adjust to the short throw (2015 rMBP), ports remain problematic, equally this is more related to individual workflow. The reliability of the keyboard something else, as MBP was always renowned for it's very solid keyboards, guess time will tell with the new design...

Q-6

Yesterday I returned the 13" to my local Apple Store and ended up picking up the 15" 2.8/16/256. So far so good. No thermal expansion noises, and no sticky keys.

 

[Queen6]

Absolutely. I just went through a failure with my 2014 XPS15 and that was a PITA. Ended up being the motherboard and Dell was back ordered on the part for two weeks - just outside of my extended warranty. Ended up having to buy a new XPS while I waited for the part just so I could do my work. Eventually got the part and fixed it - now I have two XPS's. Not sure what I'll do with the old one yet.

My macs are more for personal use and my photography. If it fails, it's annoying but not annoying like it was when my XPS failed and the e-mails and projects kept rolling in.

Also important to mention - my experience with Dell Support when it mattered most was absolute crap. I have no doubt Apple would have went above and beyond in this situation if they were backordered on a part and knew it was my lifeline on stake. Just one more reason to stick with Apple.

Surprised as when I was in corporate Dell was very expedient with onsite repairs. I'll be straight up I am very far from having any interest Dell, not utilising their hardware for my individual business need or any companies I have involvement in.

The Mac is becoming ever more consumer biased, I totally get it Apple needs to follow the money. That said it's real exercise in frustration, hence the verbosity. Straight up am done with the 13" MBP, people can believe, disbelieve my Surface Book is just killing it. I don't want to be that guy, equally Apple just need to apply some common sense...

Q-6

 

[csurfr]

Surprised as when I was in corporate Dell was very expedient with onsite repairs. I'll be straight up I am very far from having any interest Dell, not utilising their hardware for my individual business need or any companies I have involvement in.

The Mac is becoming ever more consumer biased, I totally get it Apple needs to follow the money. That said it's real exercise in frustration, hence the verbosity. Straight up am done with the 13" MBP, people can believe, disbelieve my Surface Book is just killing it. I don't want to be that guy, equally Apple just need to apply some common sense...

Q-6

I used to work for Price-Waterhouse in St. Louis, and we were repairing all of our Dell's, Thinkpads, and (then) Compaq's in house. we would troubleshoot the problem, call Dell, IBM, or Compaq, and they would send the parts next or 2-day to us. The Dell machines weren't terrible, but for some reason IBM wanted to put 1000 screws in those Thinkpads.

I often wonder if it's still done that way for big corporations. With laptops getting thinner and thinner (MacBook Pro) everything is on the logic board. It's easier to just replace the the entire machine as opposed to tearing it down to replace the entirety of what's inside.

 

[jerryk]

I used to work for Price-Waterhouse in St. Louis, and we were repairing all of our Dell's, Thinkpads, and (then) Compaq's in house. we would troubleshoot the problem, call Dell, IBM, or Compaq, and they would send the parts next or 2-day to us. The Dell machines weren't terrible, but for some reason IBM wanted to put 1000 screws in those Thinkpads.

I often wonder if it's still done that way for big corporations. With laptops getting thinner and thinner (MacBook Pro) everything is on the logic board. It's easier to just replace the the entire machine as opposed to tearing it down to replace the entirety of what's inside.

A lot of companies also are cutting IT staffing since it is a big part of overhead. If they can just field swap units in an hour or so is cost less and the end user is happier.

 

[jerry16]

Surprised as when I was in corporate Dell was very expedient with onsite repairs. I'll be straight up I am very far from having any interest Dell, not utilising their hardware for my individual business need or any companies I have involvement in.

The Mac is becoming ever more consumer biased, I totally get it Apple needs to follow the money. That said it's real exercise in frustration, hence the verbosity. Straight up am done with the 13" MBP, people can believe, disbelieve my Surface Book is just killing it. I don't want to be that guy, equally Apple just need to apply some common sense...

Q-6

I had a two year plan on that 2014 XPS15 that included next day service. I never had a problem with them being speedy about it but when that expired, of course that is when my MOBO decided to take a dive. My big problem is that they couldn't even give me an estimate on a new MOBO - it was just, "check back in two weeks". Fortunately they had it at the two week point but what was I supposed to do? Sit without a computer for two weeks? What if it had been four weeks before they came back in stock? An XPS is an awfully expensive laptop to just be a paperweight - and it's not like it is an ancient model. Also fortunate to have the means to replace it with a newer machine - what would I have done otherwise?

Beyond the MOBO debacle my only other complaint with their onsite service were the techs - very incompetent. They scratched up the case, messed up tape on the keyboard and light was leaking everywhere, lost screws, forgot to plug the NFC card back in, and totally missed a swollen battery that was causing the touchpad to not click. They probably sent me three new touch pads in the span of six months and missed the root cause of the problem (battery) every time. Finally one day I cracked it open and saw the battery was swollen. Called them up, they sent me a new battery, I installed it, and haven't had a problem since. It's just disappointing they kept missing it. Premium product, premium warranty service, subpar experience.

I used to work for Price-Waterhouse in St. Louis, and we were repairing all of our Dell's, Thinkpads, and (then) Compaq's in house. we would troubleshoot the problem, call Dell, IBM, or Compaq, and they would send the parts next or 2-day to us. The Dell machines weren't terrible, but for some reason IBM wanted to put 1000 screws in those Thinkpads.

I often wonder if it's still done that way for big corporations. With laptops getting thinner and thinner (MacBook Pro) everything is on the logic board. It's easier to just replace the the entire machine as opposed to tearing it down to replace the entirety of what's inside.

Honestly surprised how accessible the XPS still is. HDD, RAM, battery, MOBO - everything is fairly simple to get to and replace.

A lot of companies also are cutting IT staffing since it is a big part of overhead. If they can just field swap units in an hour or so is cost less and the end user is happier.

My company is just buying these Dell premium service plans with next day service. It's fairly painless when service is needed but some of the techs are just so incompetent. I suppose my old XPS is going to become the spare.

 

[nph]

I am really happy with mine as well, base one but for the first time ever I am considering buying Applecare for two reasons. One everything is soldered in and not replaceable. Second all issues with the keyboard and again they h´might have to replace the whole uppercase makes me considerate.
Is it worth going for plus version or not?

I did get Applecare through my employer for the time period when we actually were allowed to get Macs (those days are gone now) and there were no issue getting a new battery for my MBA right before it expired. I have always felt that Apple support is one of the best. You pay a lot but you also get a lot.

 

[csurfr]

I am really happy with mine as well, base one but for the first time ever I am considering buying Applecare for two reasons. One everything is soldered in and not replaceable. Second all issues with the keyboard and again they h´might have to replace the whole uppercase makes me considerate.
Is it worth going for plus version or not?

I did get Applecare through my employer for the time period when we actually were allowed to get Macs (those days are gone now) and there were no issue getting a new battery for my MBA right before it expired. I have always felt that Apple support is one of the best. You pay a lot but you also get a lot.

I have AC+ on mine. I don't expect to drop it, and it costs a bit more, but worth the piece of mind I think.

 

[jerry16]

I am really happy with mine as well, base one but for the first time ever I am considering buying Applecare for two reasons. One everything is soldered in and not replaceable. Second all issues with the keyboard and again they h´might have to replace the whole uppercase makes me considerate.
Is it worth going for plus version or not?

I did get Applecare through my employer for the time period when we actually were allowed to get Macs (those days are gone now) and there were no issue getting a new battery for my MBA right before it expired. I have always felt that Apple support is one of the best. You pay a lot but you also get a lot.

I think it is worth the plus version. Maybe not an iMac but the way laptops are mobile and the lack of mag safe it is just so much extra peace of mind to know that things are covered. Especially, as you said, the lack of repairability.

I have AC+ on mine. I don't expect to drop it, and it costs a bit more, but worth the piece of mind I think.

Agree 100%. These machines are too expensive to roll the dice.

 

[Queen6]

That's why I always have primary and secondary systems, price of the hardware is literally a fraction of what's loaded onboard and the cost of downtime significant. I generally swap out at the 24 month point.

If I do decide to opt for the 2017 15' MBP i'll get the additional cover as although i've never had an issue with a Mac nor previously purchased AppleCare, the new design presents a lot more cost in the event of any issue, admittedly more likely to benefit one of the family, as I generally gift my systems once done.

Also rather think at $3,200 before tax Apple should stand behind it's product too a higher level, not just the bare minimum, then again Apple is literally penny pinching at every corner these days; dongles, power extensions etc. When I bought my Surface Book and registered it with Microsoft I was pleasantly surprised to find a two year international warranty was included gratis...

Apple is a very smart company in how it deals with both it's suppliers & customers...

Q-6

I had a two year plan on that 2014 XPS15 that included next day service. I never had a problem with them being speedy about it but when that expired, of course that is when my MOBO decided to take a dive. My big problem is that they couldn't even give me an estimate on a new MOBO - it was just, "check back in two weeks". Fortunately they had it at the two week point but what was I supposed to do? Sit without a computer for two weeks? What if it had been four weeks before they came back in stock? An XPS is an awfully expensive laptop to just be a paperweight - and it's not like it is an ancient model. Also fortunate to have the means to replace it with a newer machine - what would I have done otherwise?

Beyond the MOBO debacle my only other complaint with their onsite service were the techs - very incompetent. They scratched up the case, messed up tape on the keyboard and light was leaking everywhere, lost screws, forgot to plug the NFC card back in, and totally missed a swollen battery that was causing the touchpad to not click. They probably sent me three new touch pads in the span of six months and missed the root cause of the problem (battery) every time. Finally one day I cracked it open and saw the battery was swollen. Called them up, they sent me a new battery, I installed it, and haven't had a problem since. It's just disappointing they kept missing it. Premium product, premium warranty service, subpar experience.



Honestly surprised how accessible the XPS still is. HDD, RAM, battery, MOBO - everything is fairly simple to get to and replace.



My company is just buying these Dell premium service plans with next day service. It's fairly painless when service is needed but some of the techs are just so incompetent. I suppose my old XPS is going to become the spare.

 

[MrGuder]

I've had my 2017 15" MBP for about 2 weeks now and I am really happy I waited for the 2017. I had 2 of the 2016 15" MBP that I had for a little over 2 weeks for each one, so almost 1 month of testing when you combine the times I had each one. It really gave me an idea how the 2016's worked and felt day to day. I sent both back because of keyboard issues, wobbly keys especially the space bar and I was getting a lot of beachballs going back and forth between websites and even within websites all with Safari. On one of the 2016 I literally had to close the laptop wait a minute for the processor to catch up and the pinwheel would stop. I was also finding lag in iTunes. The 2017 so far has not given me any lag, got the spinning pinwheel 2 or 3 times in the 2 weeks I've had it but no where near as much as I had with the 2016. I know the increase in going from Skylake to KB was small however I can tell you the 2017 is working smoother and quicker for me navigating websites, video and having multiple tabs open. The lag in iTunes is also gone. I'm really looking forward to High Sierra as well.

I even had a 2015 15" MBP that I tested and thought I'd just keep that one while I was testing the 2016's but after using the 2016 I really like things on the 2016 like Touch ID, nicer colors and brighter screen and even though I didn't like how the keys felt on the 2016 I still liked the keyboard and backlit was so much nicer.

So by that time I said I would just wait for the 2017 for those reasons and hoping there would be some kind of quality control put in the 2017 keyboard to fix some of these issues I was seeing. I don't have any evidence but I can say with certain that this 2017 I am typing on now feels so much different than both 2016 ones I had. The keys all feel much more uniform sounding, to me the click is not as loud and everyone of my keys have the same well built feeling. I think they did something under the keys to make them feel sturdier, firmer, there is no wobble or play in the keys. The keys in the center still have the hollow sound compared to the outer keys but I really think that's a design and probably won't change until the next re design. It actually doesn't bother me because for some reason it doesn't sound as loud to me as the 2016 did. I'm super happy with this 2017 keyboard.

I'm getting incredible battery life on my 2017, it's probably about the same as the 2016 maybe 20 or 30 mins longer but I always thought the 2016 battery was great after they fixed it with the software updates. As I mentioned I had the 2015 MBP 15" and the battery while larger did not last anywhere close to the 2016 or 2017. The 2015 seemed to consume more energy to do the same thing the 2016/2017 does. Coconut battery even proved to me it ran with slightly higher discharging watts.

I'm still not a fan of the touch bar and in fact if I could I would have purchased the 15" without it but I didn't have a choice. The ports have not been a problem for me and being able to charge it from either side is a bonus. I also like the fact that it charges pretty quick. The space gray color is terrific as I like the darker color surrounding the keys. I do need to purchase the Apple Care which I haven't done yet.

 

[SteveJUAE]

That's why I always have primary and secondary systems, price of the hardware is literally a fraction of what's loaded onboard and the cost of downtime significant. I generally swap out at the 24 month point.

If I do decide to opt for the 2017 15' MBP i'll get the additional cover as although i've never had an issue with a Mac nor previously purchased AppleCare, the new design presents a lot more cost in the event of any issue, admittedly more likely to benefit one of the family, as I generally gift my systems once done.

Also rather think at $3,200 before tax Apple should stand behind it's product too a higher level, not just the bare minimum, then again Apple is literally penny pinching at every corner these days; dongles, power extensions etc. When I bought my Surface Book and registered it with Microsoft I was pleasantly surprised to find a two year international warranty was included gratis...

Apple is a very smart company in how it deals with both it's suppliers & customers...

Q-6

Yes since the rMB and now the MBP AC seems mandatory IMO I got my eldest to add it to his rMB that I gifted

My sisters Surface Laptop came with 2 years warranty too

My sons Dell came with 1 year onsite support which is even better and due to an issue we managed to get it upped to 3 years, but having a tech pop around to your house next day was great for him.