2019 MBP vs. 2018 or older MBP

[twanj]

I'm so with OP. I have a 2012 MBP and I've been wanting to upgrade since 2015.

Butterfly keyboard & i9 running too hot are my main issues. It sounds like the Vega20 model is cooler.

Also annoyed by not having LPDDR & the same resolution as my 2012 model.

 

[theapplehead]

realistically its more likely than not hit your 5 year mark without any patching of a future potentially unsupported OS regardless so still not a issue.

even worse case scenario hypothetically if in 4 years the 2015 becomes unsupported when 10.17 MacOS <Insert California Place Here> gets released is there a software reason you couldn't stay on 10.16?

its not uncommon for professionals to run older versions of software for compatibility and/or stability.

I myself run my rMBP primarily high sierra because of needing modern Nvidia Drivers/CUDA support.

if its a no go thats fine, this just feels like the same fear people had of a lack of a disc drive that kept people away from retina's back in 2012.

I'd hate someone to suffer with a 2016+ MBP because of FUD

Personally I have no problem with running old software like High Sierra. Especially since High Sierra isn’t even that old. But it’s disappointing to know that I’m missing out on features from newer software builds.

I’ve also considered the possibility of purchasing a refurbished 2015 MBP and then buying a new Mac mini with better specs since it’d be cheaper. I have always had a secret attraction to them. I love the amount of ports on them as well. Is there any advice anyone could give me on whether or not I should consider a Mac mini, and if so, what specs should I try to get?

 

[pshufd]

Personally I have no problem with running old software like High Sierra. Especially since High Sierra isn’t even that old. But it’s disappointing to know that I’m missing out on features from newer software builds.

I’ve also considered the possibility of purchasing a refurbished 2015 MBP and then buying a new Mac mini with better specs since it’d be cheaper. I have always had a secret attraction to them. I love the amount of ports on them as well. Is there any advice anyone could give me on whether or not I should consider a Mac mini, and if so, what specs should I try to get?

I bought a bare-bones 2018 Mini to replace my wife's old Dell and it's a great system. It's way overkill for what she does but it has meant that I don't have to answer Windows tech questions. The thing that you miss with the Mini is a discrete graphics card. It's not an issue for just home use but some people need it for their work.

The ports are great. I added a four-port USB-3 adapter so plenty of USB-A ports. I have been thinking of setting one up at home as a compute server but it would take an investment in time to be able to use it remotely.

 

[Cashmonee]

If you need a laptop now, I would not wait for the 2019's at this point. No one knows when or even if Apple will release a 2019 MacBook Pro. Talk to people who were waiting on the Mac mini or those still waiting on an iMac or Mac Pro. If it were May, I would tell you hold off until the end of June, but right now, I would go ahead and buy. There is no reason to believe the 2019 will be any more than a spec bump.

 

[pshufd]

On High Sierra: I'm running it on three MacBook Pros because my workplace doesn't support Mojave yet. I'm running Mojave on my wife's mini and El Capitan on a 2008 MacBook Pro. They all work fine.

 

[Donoban]

That’s true. But I can’t wait because I need a new one asap. Also, we already know how he issues with the 2018 and 2017 models so I’m nervous to even consider those at this point

Dude... I just purchased a 2018 MBP. Best machine I've ever owned (coming from a Mac mini 2012 and multiple PCs before).

Meltdown and Spectre? Really? This is what is keeping you up at night?

I'm tipping you're going to feel buyers remorse no matter what you do.

 

[theapplehead]

Dude... I just purchased a 2018 MBP. Best machine I've ever owned (coming from a Mac mini 2012 and multiple PCs before).

Meltdown and Spectre? Really? This is what is keeping you up at night?

I'm tipping you're going to feel buyers remorse no matter what you do.

It’s not just Meltdown and Spectre I’m concerned about. It’s also the issues about some users with a damaged flex cord in the hinge and also the keyboard issues. I cannot deny it’s speed and performance as I personally believe it is unparalleled. However, these other issues do give me cause to have concern.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I was hesitant on getting the 2018 MBP, but I haven't had any issues so far, and I do love typing on the butterfly keyboard. I can't speak on the i9 model though.

 

[theapplehead]

I was hesitant on getting the 2018 MBP, but I haven't had any issues so far, and I do love typing on the butterfly keyboard. I can't speak on the i9 model though.

So you would say that the claims about unenjoyable typing on the butterfly keyboards is unfounded?

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

So you would say that the claims about unenjoyable typing on the butterfly keyboards is unfounded?

Maybe it's just preference. Some people are more finicky or stuck in their ways.

I myself type faster and more accurate on this versus any previous MBP I had, and PC laptops. It also has a very satisfying feel to it. This keyboard would suck to game on, but I never game on a MBP.

 

[Donoban]

It’s not just Meltdown and Spectre I’m concerned about. It’s also the issues about some users with a damaged flex cord in the hinge and also the keyboard issues. I cannot deny it’s speed and performance as I personally believe it is unparalleled. However, these other issues do give me cause to have concern.

Sorry to hear that man.

In life, nothing lasts forever.

If flex cables and keyboards are your biggest worries, then you're doing better than most.

Good luck with your decision.

Make sure you come back and post a photo of your new piece of kit when you get there.

 

[studium4sk]

I m in the same seat as you.
Holding on to my 2011 MBP and elaborating if I upgrade to the 2018 or wait for the 2019, or even wait further to the 2020 MBP.

My thoughts why I m looking now for the 2018 are.
1. They fixed all major issues (keyboard, heating and dual core processor)
2. Resell value will be very good
3. The 2018 MBP can be purchased with a nice discount in several markets

In my opinion, the 2019 MBP :

1. The next processor "Sunny Cove" will most likely improve GPU (estimated 50% increase) and partially CPU (Though not too much due to battery life constraints)

2. RAM Upgrade from DDR3 to DDR4 - which will have a negative impact on battery life due to higher consumption

3. Butterfly keyboard will stay the same - due to the fix introduced in the 2018 MBP version

4. No 4k display because of too much battery consumption.

So in general, only marginal improvements.

2020 / 2021 MBP will be an complete new cicle
It will be the first iteration of a new cycle. Looking back at all previous first and second iterations (2016 & 2018 MBP) a lot of flaws had to be improved (keyboard, processor, GPU) which where not detected during the development phase.
Which means you get a "feedback MBP" version which Apple will improve on.

That means for me, a reliable new MBP product for the total new cycle will be in 2022 or later.


I believe a 2018 will cover for the time until a next reliable version is available.

What are your thoughts on that ?

 

[theapplehead]

I m in the same seat as you.
Holding on to my 2011 MBP and elaborating if I upgrade to the 2018 or wait for the 2019, or even wait further to the 2020 MBP.

My thoughts why I m looking now for the 2018 are.
1. They fixed all major issues (keyboard, heating and dual core processor)
2. Resell value will be very good
3. The 2018 MBP can be purchased with a nice discount in several markets

In my opinion, the 2019 MBP :

1. The next processor "Sunny Cove" will most likely improve GPU (estimated 50% increase) and partially CPU (Though not too much due to battery life constraints)

2. RAM Upgrade from DDR3 to DDR4 - which will have a negative impact on battery life due to higher consumption

3. Butterfly keyboard will stay the same - due to the fix introduced in the 2018 MBP version

4. No 4k display because of too much battery consumption.

So in general, only marginal improvements.

2020 / 2021 MBP will be an complete new cicle
It will be the first iteration of a new cycle. Looking back at all previous first and second iterations (2016 & 2018 MBP) a lot of flaws had to be improved (keyboard, processor, GPU) which where not detected during the development phase.
Which means you get a "feedback MBP" version which Apple will improve on.

That means for me, a reliable new MBP product for the total new cycle will be in 2022 or later.


I believe a 2018 will cover for the time until a next reliable version is available.

What are your thoughts on that ?

In my opinion, there are still a number of concerning issues present with the 2018 MBP. And I agree with you in thinking that the 2020 will also have its share of issues since it will more than likely be the first of its kind with a new body design. At this point I think it would be best, myself included, to wait for the release of the 2019 model and see what it has to offer. Chances are, it will just be a minor upgrade from the 2018 with gpu and cpu improvements and hopefully more improvements to the butterfly keyboard to improve its longevity, as well as fixes for the flex cable in the hinge, and of course a fix for the T2 chip issues that some users have complained about. If these improvements are effected, than I would be willing to purchase the 2019 model. Especially if Apple did the unlikely move and brought back the nontouchbar models. That would definitely convince me to get a 2019. Then I could use that extra money to upgrade some of the specs. Regardless of my final decision, for now I will probably just wait. I don’t see any need to rush and buy a 2018 model now. I can hold onto my 2011 for a little while longer, but I will need to make some kind of decision by the end of summer.

 

[blackicedcoffee]

Upgrades aside, do we see any cheaper, non-touch bar, quadcore options?

 

[theapplehead]

Upgrades aside, do we see any cheaper, non-touch bar, quadcore options?

That would be more than ideal if Apple designed a 2019 model without a Touch Bar. It’s still possible, and in my opinion it’s very likely. Apple may have just skipped it for 2018 to attempt to upcharge customers and force them to purchase the more expensive Touch Bar models. However they may bring it back for 2019 since it will be the last year of this style MBP. As of now, though we can only speculate

 

[Dave245]

I’m totally with OP here, I had a 15” MacBook Pro 2011, it was the best machine I ever had until it died towards the end of last year

After a few issues with my 2017 iPad Pro (which Apple ended up sending me a new iPad Pro 2017 in the end) I brought a Surface Pro 6, I really shouldn’t of! I will be getting a new Mac at some point (probably when I sell the Surface). But I’m in the same boat here, waiting until either this year or possibly the complete redesign next year. I may even try the new MacBook Air.

One thing I would say is if you want one now, buy now. Don’t be put off with the keyboard issues, yes it could happen but we just don’t know what the chances are, Apple have sold millions of Macs with these keyboards but that doesn’t mean millions of them will have the keyboard issue.

 

[danwells]

2019 probably won't bring Sunny Cove - the 45W processors the MBP 15 uses won't ship until 2020, and not in Apple quantities until well into 2020. I can see three possibilities for the 2019 model...

1.) Minor processor bump - a couple of hundred MHz, some added hardware fixes for Spectre and Meltdown - otherwise very similar to the 2018 (Vega may be standard on the 15"). Maybe a minor keyboard fix.

2.) Intel releases that minor-bump processor, but Apple ignores it, waiting for a 2020 model that will have Sunny Cove and quite possibly a redesign.

3.) No processor release suitable for MBPs to begin with - exactly the same effect on users as #2 (no 2019 MBP), but Intel is clearly to blame.

 

[happyslayer]

If you need a laptop now, then get one. If you are at all worried about current gripes like the possibility of keyboard failure (I've had mine since August and it's been great, no issues.) then be sure to get AppleCare Plus to extend warranty to 3 years. If you can wait, then do that and get the 2019 (though I personally think it's just going to be a minor spec bump) and still get AppleCare. AS to the whole argument about dongles... get over it. Apple will not be putting old ports on a new laptop. That I know of, they've never added back something they previously removed. I have a single small USB-3 dock that has 3 USB3-A ports, HDMI, ethernet, and USB-C power pass-thru I got on Amazon for $50.00 that works great. Good luck

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I m in the same seat as you.
Holding on to my 2011 MBP and elaborating if I upgrade to the 2018 or wait for the 2019, or even wait further to the 2020 MBP.

My thoughts why I m looking now for the 2018 are.
1. They fixed all major issues (keyboard, heating and dual core processor)
2. Resell value will be very good
3. The 2018 MBP can be purchased with a nice discount in several markets

In my opinion, the 2019 MBP :

1. The next processor "Sunny Cove" will most likely improve GPU (estimated 50% increase) and partially CPU (Though not too much due to battery life constraints)

2. RAM Upgrade from DDR3 to DDR4 - which will have a negative impact on battery life due to higher consumption

3. Butterfly keyboard will stay the same - due to the fix introduced in the 2018 MBP version

4. No 4k display because of too much battery consumption.

So in general, only marginal improvements.

2020 / 2021 MBP will be an complete new cicle
It will be the first iteration of a new cycle. Looking back at all previous first and second iterations (2016 & 2018 MBP) a lot of flaws had to be improved (keyboard, processor, GPU) which where not detected during the development phase.
Which means you get a "feedback MBP" version which Apple will improve on.

That means for me, a reliable new MBP product for the total new cycle will be in 2022 or later.


I believe a 2018 will cover for the time until a next reliable version is available.

What are your thoughts on that ?

Isn't 2020 when all these rumors are saying Apple is leaving intel for their own chip?

 

[Dave245]

Isn't 2020 when all these rumors are saying Apple is leaving intel for their own chip?

2020 is likely to be the year of the MacBook Pro redesign, I think Apple will introduce ARM in small stages, I think it will be on the 12" MacBook at first, then as it gets better and more powerful we will see it on things like the MacBook Pro and even iMac.

ARM would give Apple an advantage over Intel in that they can work to their own timeline for chipsets. Also Apple is killing it in the chipset area, just look at the latest iPad Pro chip, A12 Bionic is a beast! just imagine what they can do for laptops and desktops.

 

[fate0311]

can anyone comment on the SolidWorks performance paired with the Vega 20?

 

[idck_cn]

All aways from 2011 Mbp. You don't need to ask anyone.
Instead ask to yourself is there are perfection Mac exist?
Or It's there were any Mac's model that with zero issues?
About 2019 What we know is basely zero. If you do care about put an Navi GPU in a slim chases.
Don't waste your time. And appreciate what you most knows.

 

[MPW99]

So you would say that the claims about unenjoyable typing on the butterfly keyboards is unfounded?

Mate the keyboard is great especially for touch typers I can’t believe how fast I type on it (school reports).
I cannot comprehend the keyboard rants, Nor the advice to buy the 2015 mbp (worse screen, audio, older everything)

I use iCloud (use 128gb model) I touch type (love the keyboard) I airdrop (don’t need one million ports)

Ignore the McCrazies and get the base spec you won’t regret it

 

[theapplehead]

Mate the keyboard is great especially for touch typers I can’t believe how fast I type on it (school reports).
I cannot comprehend the keyboard rants, Nor the advice to buy the 2015 mbp (worse screen, audio, older everything)

I use iCloud (use 128gb model) I touch type (love the keyboard) I airdrop (don’t need one million ports)

Ignore the McCrazies and get the base spec you won’t regret it

Yeah I’m starting to think it may be worth it to just get the 2018 model, but I will need a RAM bump as well as a larger SSD. Still I am not in too much of a rush to get a new computer. I recently upgraded the logic board on my old one so I could keep that one a little while longer. The soonest I need a new Mac will be summer. So for now I think I’ll just wait and see what Apple does over the next months

 

[jaduff46]

Note that the 2018 13” nonTB has lower specs than the TB version. Two cores vs four, slightly slower clock speed, 2 vs 4 ports, etc.

I want the non TB model, don’t need 15” screen and as a result didn’t go for the release last fall.