Wow, this topic... with so many complainers reacting to the Frontpage/Mac Blog, you'd think they're the only ones. But reading these pages, it seems so many people are very, very content with their new hardware.
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Actual MBP 2016 users, please tell me the truth!
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I have a 13/tb/16gb/512 and I think it's very good. I'm really impressed. I am a web developer and use parallels with Windows 10. I have no issues with the machine.
I like the switch to usb c. I like the touchbar. The design of the machine vastly beats anything else available.
I'd definitely recommend it. I imagine the next version will be cheaper though, but I needed a machine now.
I wouldn't have been anywhere near as happy with a 2015.
I like the switch to usb c. I like the touchbar. The design of the machine vastly beats anything else available.
I'd definitely recommend it. I imagine the next version will be cheaper though, but I needed a machine now.
I wouldn't have been anywhere near as happy with a 2015.
I had a 15" 2.7/1TB/460 and had zero problems. Battery life in macOS was reasonable and amazingly, under Bootcamp was still around 4.5 hours when actually working hard (compiling, running gfx intensive stuff).
I had the new Doom running between 50 and 70fps with medium settings (and high quality AA) at 1680x1050, so was fairly impressed at the quality of the little GPU.
I loved the keyboard so much that going back to my mechanical one felt like a lot of work for my fingers. The huge trackpad worked fine too, making it easy drag things around.
My only beef was with the touchbar which, under Windows, made for very lousy F key replacements. I couldn't get used to it (and need to use windows for work a sadly) so I sent it back in the end. If you get on with the touchbar, I'd say the new MacBook is a lovely little laptop
I had the new Doom running between 50 and 70fps with medium settings (and high quality AA) at 1680x1050, so was fairly impressed at the quality of the little GPU.
I loved the keyboard so much that going back to my mechanical one felt like a lot of work for my fingers. The huge trackpad worked fine too, making it easy drag things around.
My only beef was with the touchbar which, under Windows, made for very lousy F key replacements. I couldn't get used to it (and need to use windows for work a sadly) so I sent it back in the end. If you get on with the touchbar, I'd say the new MacBook is a lovely little laptop
I have the non touchbar Pro. The keyboard takes some getting used to, but you can get used to it. It's plenty fast enough. My biggest and only complaint is poor battery life. To put it in perspective, the battery life of the new Pro is no better than my six year old MacBook Air's original battery.
A complete disaster is an over exaggeration.
Keyboard, speakers, overall performance is great. Dongle life complaints are over blown. Touch bar is meh, battery life is below expectations and the device itself is overpriced. Wait for the next gen if you can.
Keyboard, speakers, overall performance is great. Dongle life complaints are over blown. Touch bar is meh, battery life is below expectations and the device itself is overpriced. Wait for the next gen if you can.
I remember a year ago trying to decide if I should buy a MBP or wait until the new ones came out. If I'd waited I might still not have one (because of supply/shipping times) and I'd be ordering one you recommend I skip.
It's always a gamble to order a tech product.
Here's my take: it's not any different than any other Apple product since about 2007.
Once you put aside the "reality distortion field" they're marketed with that sets the expectation that it's going to change your life, revolutionize everything you do, and only Apple can provide you with this amazing new thing/it is an Apple original, it's a pretty good/acceptable product.
The Touch Bar is neat. It's even useful (especially when you get BetterTouchTool and customize it). I really like USB-C (and a lot of things it enables, like universal charging, single-cable desks, etc, not to mention a much thinner machine that isn't just sexier but fits better in my bag). The display is really nice.
Once the shine/sexy/"oooohhhh new machine" thing wears off I've found that the best additions to my productivity have been the things people aren't talking about. It's not the Touch Bar, the gamut of the display, etc.
-The blazing fast SSD (it's just crazy fast) has been the best. HUGE difference between my 2014 rMBP.
-USB-C for a few wins (yes, people malign it for USB-C but once you spend the $150 on replacing all your cables, it's awesome):
----One cable desks: I have offices in 4 cities and instead of an octopus of cables I have to plug-in and out each time I go to a meeting or something or travel between offices, it's one cable to a monitor that's power, all USB devices, etc
----Power Delivery: I can charge my MBP from an Anker battery pack while I'm in an Uber/whatever in between meetings and the computer is suspended or use it to reduce the battery drain while I'm using it (not enough output to actively charge it, though)
----3rd Party Chargers! So much yes here. Bum a charge off a Dell or Lenovo user? Yes. Buy Innergie's charger that is 25% the size of Apple's brick? YES.
-Speakers are awesome: I no longer carry a portable speaker for hotel rooms/traveling, built in speakers are great
-Battery: It's not the 10 they claim, but I've never seen any MBP I've purchased get the rated time, those tests are worse than the EPA mileage ratings. It's better than the 4-5 I got even when new on my old MBPs, I can pull 6-7 hrs, and with better on-the-go-charging options with USB-C, I'm just fine with that.
-TouchID: it's awesome. It's a little thing but I really appreciate it.
-Build Quality: this thing is a rock. You can hold it by one edge and it doesn't noticeably flex/warp and it doesn't bow while typing. The hinge on the display is bombproof. This is not just aesthetic for me (although it does help that), from aircraft to lounge to Uber to meeting rooms and back, this thing is solid. It cleans up very well, too (I use the Bausch and Lomb clens wipes), oils come off the keyboard and body and the display cleans up very easily (not that I touch it but dust and oils from the keyboard when its closed do end up on it).
It's not the amazing life-changing thing Cook, Schiller, etc want you to believe. Hell, it won't even much change the way you use a computer (I don't think that's a bad thing, I don't feel the need to be "disrupted" in how I use my laptop). It's a laptop without a touch screen that is really expensive, but it is a very well built machine that is a great next step.
Once you put aside the "reality distortion field" they're marketed with that sets the expectation that it's going to change your life, revolutionize everything you do, and only Apple can provide you with this amazing new thing/it is an Apple original, it's a pretty good/acceptable product.
The Touch Bar is neat. It's even useful (especially when you get BetterTouchTool and customize it). I really like USB-C (and a lot of things it enables, like universal charging, single-cable desks, etc, not to mention a much thinner machine that isn't just sexier but fits better in my bag). The display is really nice.
Once the shine/sexy/"oooohhhh new machine" thing wears off I've found that the best additions to my productivity have been the things people aren't talking about. It's not the Touch Bar, the gamut of the display, etc.
-The blazing fast SSD (it's just crazy fast) has been the best. HUGE difference between my 2014 rMBP.
-USB-C for a few wins (yes, people malign it for USB-C but once you spend the $150 on replacing all your cables, it's awesome):
----One cable desks: I have offices in 4 cities and instead of an octopus of cables I have to plug-in and out each time I go to a meeting or something or travel between offices, it's one cable to a monitor that's power, all USB devices, etc
----Power Delivery: I can charge my MBP from an Anker battery pack while I'm in an Uber/whatever in between meetings and the computer is suspended or use it to reduce the battery drain while I'm using it (not enough output to actively charge it, though)
----3rd Party Chargers! So much yes here. Bum a charge off a Dell or Lenovo user? Yes. Buy Innergie's charger that is 25% the size of Apple's brick? YES.
-Speakers are awesome: I no longer carry a portable speaker for hotel rooms/traveling, built in speakers are great
-Battery: It's not the 10 they claim, but I've never seen any MBP I've purchased get the rated time, those tests are worse than the EPA mileage ratings. It's better than the 4-5 I got even when new on my old MBPs, I can pull 6-7 hrs, and with better on-the-go-charging options with USB-C, I'm just fine with that.
-TouchID: it's awesome. It's a little thing but I really appreciate it.
-Build Quality: this thing is a rock. You can hold it by one edge and it doesn't noticeably flex/warp and it doesn't bow while typing. The hinge on the display is bombproof. This is not just aesthetic for me (although it does help that), from aircraft to lounge to Uber to meeting rooms and back, this thing is solid. It cleans up very well, too (I use the Bausch and Lomb clens wipes), oils come off the keyboard and body and the display cleans up very easily (not that I touch it but dust and oils from the keyboard when its closed do end up on it).
It's not the amazing life-changing thing Cook, Schiller, etc want you to believe. Hell, it won't even much change the way you use a computer (I don't think that's a bad thing, I don't feel the need to be "disrupted" in how I use my laptop). It's a laptop without a touch screen that is really expensive, but it is a very well built machine that is a great next step.
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I am sorry to throw the supposed facts about the MBP into question but my machine works beautifully. My battery gives me on average 8 hours (10 hours with light usage) and I have no hardware or aesthetic faults at all. There are a few software glitches but certainly nothing that interferes with my use of the machine and I do believe that these will be ironed out in any event.
In my opinion the 2016 MBP is the greatest laptop ever made and will only get better when the TB is further developed and the glitches ironed out. Make no mistakes that duds do exist and should be exchanged without hesitation. What I disagree with is people having faulty units and then determining that the entire line is flawed in some weird neurotic protest on here.
If the MBP suits your needs buy it and enjoy it thoroughly. I know I do!
In my opinion the 2016 MBP is the greatest laptop ever made and will only get better when the TB is further developed and the glitches ironed out. Make no mistakes that duds do exist and should be exchanged without hesitation. What I disagree with is people having faulty units and then determining that the entire line is flawed in some weird neurotic protest on here.
If the MBP suits your needs buy it and enjoy it thoroughly. I know I do!
I am becoming forever more confident in my order -- and forever more impatient to receive it!
I have the upgraded 15, but I doubt it's much different compared to the base model.
It's an ok laptop overall.
The Good: The screen is very good. The speakers are pretty good as well, although to be honest I don't care that much about this. The touchpad is good at tracking, in line with other Apple laptops, although I did have a complete DnD recognition failure so far. I think it's pretty fast and the base model would be too. It's quite portable. When you can use Touch ID, that's very nice, but they didn't put much software support for it. The USB-C charging cable they give is quite long.
The Indifferent: The keyboard is so-so. Definitely better than the 12", but still not that great. And it's quite loud. I find the touch bar to be nearly useless when holding the laptop in my lap: my hands obscure it most of the time. It's quite fuzzy too. I'm not crazy about the haptic trackpad, it feels fake. There was no need for the trackpad to be so large, I'm finding myself typing at uncomfortable angles to avoid it - no palm detection problems but I just don't like feeling the edge. Battery life seems ok so far but now of course they removed the time indicator and I haven't timed it myself.
The Not-So-Good: This computer has sharp edges all around, and these very sharp vents underneath on the sides, which I dislike. Again, when used in the lap, it cuts into my wrists in a way the Air didn't. I definitely don't like the 4xUSB-C port setup, not having anything USB-C. The laptop feels like having 4 charging ports and the only useful connection is the headphone jack. It's too expensive by I think $500.
You should not bought it
the 4 tb3 ports and trackpad is the best things with it imo (and the screen)Perhaps for you, certainly not for me. I feel that both connectivity and trackpad were much better and respectively better on my Air.You should not bought it
Yes I think this is not quite the laptop for me but I needed a fast OSX machine for work stuff.
Let me put it this way: I'd never buy an iPhone, and if someone gave me an iPhone I'd give it away or sell it. But if I had to use an iPhone - which to me is just a mediocre, overpriced phone with a stilted OS - I wouldn't cry myself to sleep.
I think the 15" Macbook Pro is better than that, but unfortunately not a fantastic machine, which it should be, given the price. Unless you need one for a specific reason, I'd look elsewhere.
For me it was, as you say, 'a complete disaster'.
Got rid of it after trying to get used to the keyboard for about a month.
Simply can't live with it.
It's one step away from typing on the glass panel on the iPad.
Junk.......in my book
At first I was excited with new macOS every year - and while I still look forward to the Apple "OS" event (WWDC) and like new macOS features, I can agree with this more. Every new version breaks some app, some workflow, even some drivers - and brings new bugs to the table. I would prefer a 2 year release schedule.
Btw, like the Leica of computers comparison, like that Jobs quote for iPhone 4. Makes sense. BTW, I've been meaning to ask you, I got the impression you weren't satisfied with the new MacBook Pros when they came out (could be wrong) but now I think you changed your mind. What happened?
Had the nTB and the TB for a week - agree with you here. However, as far as 2015 vs 2016, the Iris540/550 is significantly faster than the Iris6100 which preceded it. It's almost as fast as last years Iris Pro 5200, which was reserved for the 15"!
Thanks for this. I have been going back and forth on which one I want to get between the nTB and TB but it looks like the nTB is a really good machine and it'll save me some money too.
I'd ignore everyone here and try to form my own opinion. It certainly isn't a disaster, no matter what people say, emotionally charged, but whether it's a computer for you or not, depends on what you're looking for.
For me it's easy to a certain degree because I have built a sort of trust in Apple's design. In the lack of a better term, I "get" their choices. For example, when 3D touch came to the iPhone it was love at first touch (forgive the pun) for me - but I know some people who didn't care at all for it. When Apple announced the Pencil, I ordered my iPad without even thinking about it, I had a feeling they would do the stylus thing well, even though I am a long time Wacom (industry standard) user. And guess what - the Pencil is not just as good as Wacom's best - it's better.
Some people are different. They care only for performance, or they want the best value. Other want a touch-screen PC. Some people want a Mac, but they don't really care for all the Apple "niceties", they just want a Mac with the fastest components. Some people don't care about the "feel" at all.
For example - I just hate the fact that you can't lift the cover on the Dell XPS with one hand. At the same time I love the new hinge on the MBP. It feels so premium, so smooth - it's just great. One is cheap, one is premium. Do you care about details like this? Only you know.
So, what I'm saying - only you can decide if it's great or not. If you can try the computer at a store, I'd recommend it. There is a good chance you'll just know. You'll either get it and love it, or you'll just feel confused about it, not really understanding why you'd pay this much money for it. If you love it at first sight - get it, and don't worry about the whiny, crying posters here on these forums. Trust me, you'll love it every day afterwards. If you don't get it, then don't buy it - because you probably won't change your mind. The good thing is - today, there are good alternatives and you can find something that will suit you better. It's simple, really.
At first I was excited with new macOS every year - and while I still look forward to the Apple "OS" event (WWDC) and like new macOS features, I can agree with this more. Every new version breaks some app, some workflow, even some drivers - and brings new bugs to the table. I would prefer a 2 year release schedule.
Btw, like the Leica of computers comparison, like that Jobs quote for iPhone 4. Makes sense. BTW, I've been meaning to ask you, I got the impression you weren't satisfied with the new MacBook Pros when they came out (could be wrong) but now I think you changed your mind. What happened?
Yes, as you know from even last year I have always called Apple out when they perform badly. Remember how angry I was during the El Cap beta phase that the Finder was so slow compared to Windows 10?
In the last few days some people here who are spending disinformation and just want to troll Apple have called me fanboy and apologist. Because they aren't well acquainted around here they didn't know that I was highly sceptical about the new MBP when it came out. I dissed the keyboard, Touch Bar and ports.
But every time I saw the damn machine on display in the store it was so so classy. People just gawk at it and respect it so much. So Apple has a generous return policy. Why not try it?
So I did. When I used it for two days it dawned on me that the product is the first time Apple has moved the MBP completely into the luxury sector. They were always trying to be there before but they had their foot half way in the door for 15 years.
Apple aren't trying to compete with PCs anymore. They don't need to with the money they bank. They are trying to sell to the same crowd who like to eat well, dress well, appreciate art. People who care about their carbon footprint. People who don't like disposable goods and cheap knock offs. People who recycle and think about the planet's resources. So it's a modern, forward thinking device that preaches sustainability.
When people realise this is what Apple is selling then they stop making futile comparisons to Dells and gaming laptops.
The hardware really is on point and I haven't experienced any of the issues I read here, otherwise every regular member knows I would be pissed.
The software is another story. Like I said in my previous post above. This yearly OS releases need to end. They bring too much hassle and bugs because of the amount of recompiling and GUI changes to Quartz. In this respect Apple needs to borrow from Windows 10. They should stick to the same OS for a few years or even a decade and keep refining it and adding really good drivers and APIs to it.
This was an excellent explanation, and I agree 100%. And yes, I know you to be often critical, and I've argued with you before - but I've come to respect your opinion, even when I disagree. Simply put, you not only have the raw knowledge, you have good reasoning too.
The luxury comment is spot on. I was always surprised how people are perfectly fine with spending small fortunes on watches or clothes, but consider computers as something purely utilitarian. Yes, these are luxury computers that hit all the right spots - if you're looking for that sort of thing. If you just want a tool, there are options that offer greater value.
But even with all the luxury, there are some practical and useful benefits to these machines - this is the first time I don't need to use a mouse, for example. With older Macs, even though everyone praised trackpads, I still needed a mouse. And I'm a mouse person - I have two MX Masters and a Magic Mouse - but for the first time, I actually prefer the trackpad for certain things. And I use the Touch Bar and prefer it for some things too - it combines well with the Trackpad and I understand what Apple is trying to do here. People see touch and they think of touch screens, but the Touch Bar has it's own UI that is optimized for what it's meant to do, and it's additive to the interface on screen (I just don't see myself touching any of the mouse-designed UI elements). Also, the screen is great and beautiful and the weight difference, while subtle, can really be felt after carrying the MacBook in my bag for a longer period of time. It's not just luxurious, it has usability boosts for me as well. I didn't really need the extra performance for my work in Photoshop (I'm glad it's there, though, I can notice it with large brushes - compared to my old MBP), but I desired some of the non-spec related advancements and Apple really delivered.
As for software, yes, I think I agree completely. I would prefer a few more .1 upgrades, and a major upgrade at every few years.
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Curious as to your thoughts on the Esc key being mapped to the touch bar. I just couldn't get used to it as a developer for how often I use that key across IDEs and the terminal. Force touch on the touch bar would be a great addition, in my opinion.
Too true. On the desktop I really need my Logitech mouse for Windows and macOS.
Big brushes in Photoshop have always been tough on mobile GPUs. But it's still better now than it was 5-10 years ago. It was so painful if I accidentally made a 2000px brush and then everything turned into slow caramel
I just need the AMD Polaris to be optimised but it's a new GPU and I know Apple takes at least a year to perfect their video drivers. They should ask AMD to deliver regular drivers direct to Mac users the same like they do on Windows. But the problem is OEM chipsets are never directly supported by component maker. Even Samsung Magician on Windows won't support Samsung OEM SSDs.
I don't have trouble hitting the Esc key, but here's one tip: if you hate the new TB Esc, get the BetterTouchTool. You can set the Force Touch Trackbar to execute any key press. For example, you can set 2-finget force press to be Esc, or a touch on the lower bottom, or whatever. Hope this helps.
I think you're sort of half-right here. The thing is... What Apple's selling is not even close to what I want. But I like MacOS, and I can't just run MacOS apps elsewhere.
That's why people are upset; because Apple's abandoned a fair chunk of their historical market. And now we're dealing with all the hassles that come from needing to switch operating systems.
I absolutely agree that this is the intended marketing... But you're not gonna convince me that a machine you can't upgrade storage and memory in is aimed at people who "don't like disposable goods" and who "recycle and think about the planet's resources". Upgrading laptops to more memory than they came with, and often to more memory than was physically possible to obtain when you got them, is a great way to recycle and make machines last longer.
It's very much focused on superficial appearance. It's not aimed at people who appreciate art; it's aimed at people who make a point of being seen appreciating art. That's a significant distinction.
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