Advice on buying 2016 mbp

[kadify]

i was looking at getting a new MacBook Pro because I'll be starting a data analytics course soon, and hopefully getting a job in the very near future afterward, and my current early 2011 mbp is starting to show some issues. Nothing crazy, it still works but occasionally the screen just won't turn on and it had two logic board replacements before so I worry it may be going out again.


Anyway I was looking at the new models with the touch bar. I wish I could get a 2017 because there is some slight evidence the keyboard is better but the fact is the 2017s are crazy expensive looking at the specs I was hoping for 16gb/1tb ssd compared to the 2016s. I saw on B&H they have a pretty good deal for a 2016 with those specs. $1000 off. Would I be able to just get one of those and one of those keyboard covers and maybe get another six or so years of use without too many crazy repairs do you think? I'd probably get AppleCare also just to be safe for at least 3 years.

I worry because it seems like a lot of people have had issues with the keyboard but then again it's 2018, I'd imagine if I had an issue I could get the computer fixed with a 2017 keyboard and then effectively have a perfectly adequately specced computer with the slightly upgraded keyboard. That's if I even have issues which not everyone seems to experience. Just seeking advice thanks

Update: another option is to wait and see what 2018 updates, if any, apple makes for the mbp. That would be decent but I'm honestly getting really worried I'm going to go to use my current computer one day and have it crap out completely which will put me in a very bad situation since for the duration of this upcoming course I'll need a computer everyday. I figure it's better to act preemptively.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Well it seems they are fixing using 2017 keyboards anyway, which anecdotally are better, so It should be fine from that point of view.

However you mention 2018 and that should have quad core 13 inchers and hexcore 15 inchers with improved graphics. if you can wait do so but if you can’t a 2016 at a good price is undoubtedly worth it.

 

[Naimfan]

Avoid the 2016 models. The keyboard on mine has failed AGAIN - the "G" key is failing after the top case was replaced - less than 2 weeks ago.

There are far too many similar reports from different people to put any trust and confidence in the 2016 models. Look at Apple's own support forums - replete with people having problems with keyboards.

 

[polee]

Avoid the 2016 models. The keyboard on mine has failed AGAIN - the "G" key is failing after the top case was replaced - less than 2 weeks ago.

There are far too many similar reports from different people to put any trust and confidence in the 2016 models. Look at Apple's own support forums - replete with people having problems with keyboards.

I wonder if they will ever be able to resolve this issue. Perhaps some drastic redesign of the present keyboard. Will this happen, I wonder?

 

[kadify]

No one has experience with the 2016 keyboard and one of those covers?

 

[doitdada]

I have no problems with my 2016. Keyboard works fine.

 

[kadify]

I have no problems with my 2016. Keyboard works fine.

Have you had any issues with the touchbar? I've heard that the toucher can be slow/unresponsive/delay changes at times?

 

[Naimfan]

I wonder if they will ever be able to resolve this issue. Perhaps some drastic redesign of the present keyboard. Will this happen, I wonder?

No.

The correlation I've seen is heat. When I run apps that heat it up, the keyboard has, without exception, failed within 48 hours. And every repair ticket that has been submitted describes the laptops condition as "New."

The Kaby Lake models appear to run slightly cooler and to thus have fewer issues. My 2017 replacement has been fine.

 

[kadify]

No.

The correlation I've seen is heat. When I run apps that heat it up, the keyboard has, without exception, failed within 48 hours. And every repair ticket that has been submitted describes the laptops condition as "New."

The Kaby Lake models appear to run slightly cooler and to thus have fewer issues. My 2017 replacement has been fine.

Did apple upgrade you to a 2017 model or did you end up just having to buy one? Is there a way of initializing the 2016 fans a little earlier so they can cool the computer before it gets so hot the keyboard breaks? I usually have about 3 different safari browsers open with 5-12 tabs each and only current computer that does cause it to get kind of toasty on occasion.

 

[Naimfan]

Did apple upgrade you to a 2017 model or did you end up just having to buy one? Is there a way of initializing the 2016 fans a little earlier so they can cool the computer before it gets so hot the keyboard breaks? I usually have about 3 different safari browsers open with 5-12 tabs each and only current computer that does cause it to get kind of toasty on occasion.

Apple replaced my 2016 15" 2.6/460/1 TB with a 2017 3.1/560/1 TB. After trying to clean the keyboard with compressed, replacing the top case/keyboard twice, and having me go through a capture data process.

I'm not willing to go through any of that again, since Apple has already replaced the top case. Apple can either replace it with a 2017 or write me a check for what I paid for this one.

 

[kadify]

Apple replaced my 2016 15" 2.6/460/1 TB with a 2017 3.1/560/1 TB. After trying to clean the keyboard with compressed, replacing the top case/keyboard twice, and having me go through a capture data process.

I'm not willing to go through any of that again, since Apple has already replaced the top case. Apple can either replace it with a 2017 or write me a check for what I paid for this one.

Interesting, well at least you got upgraded to the current model. Have you had as many issues with your current model?

 

[Naimfan]

Interesting, well at least you got upgraded to the current model. Have you had as many issues with your current model?

No - as I wrote, the 2017 has not misbehaved under the same load that killed the 2016. The 2014 I had also did not misbehave under the exact same load.

 

[doitdada]

Have you had any issues with the touchbar? I've heard that the toucher can be slow/unresponsive/delay changes at times?

Had a few hiccups with Sierra, but with High Sierra 10.3.2 all the little quirks seems to be ironed out. My touch bar had some issue when High Sierra launched, but now it seems to be straighten out. The keyboard is different and more loud than 2015, but should feel better after 3-4 hours typing.

 

[parseckadet]

Update: another option is to wait and see what 2018 updates, if any, apple makes for the mbp. That would be decent but I'm honestly getting really worried I'm going to go to use my current computer one day and have it crap out completely which will put me in a very bad situation since for the duration of this upcoming course I'll need a computer everyday. I figure it's better to act preemptively.

You've answered one of your questions here already. It sounds like you can't afford to wait for the 2018 release. But I will point out one thing. Course work isn't usually all that demanding in terms of hardware. They're typically teaching you concepts that are well understood within the industry, not having you break new ground (assuming you're not a PhD candidate). The most demanding thing I ever did during school was for my 3D graphics programming class, and even that wasn't all that bad in terms of computation demands. As for work, they'll most likely provide you a computer once you get hired. The only thing you'll need your computer for once you're done with your course is creating your resume and applying to positions, which isn't very demanding.

 

[djgcue]

I have an UpperCase keyboard cover and I also use a Radtech fiber cloth on my mid-2016 15" MBP from B&H.

No issues with my keyboard or touch bar with heavy Serato DJ use.

 

[kadify]

You've answered one of your questions here already. It sounds like you can't afford to wait for the 2018 release. But I will point out one thing. Course work isn't usually all that demanding in terms of hardware. They're typically teaching you concepts that are well understood within the industry, not having you break new ground (assuming you're not a PhD candidate). The most demanding thing I ever did during school was for my 3D graphics programming class, and even that wasn't all that bad in terms of computation demands. As for work, they'll most likely provide you a computer once you get hired. The only thing you'll need your computer for once you're done with your course is creating your resume and applying to positions, which isn't very demanding.

True many of the people who I know will be applying for the course soon have macbook airs or plain MacBooks. But I want to not to have to buy a new computer again for at least a few years (I'm at 6 with my current computer) so it makes more sense to splurge now than to have to buy a completely new computer later one due to it slowing down beyond a useable point.
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Had a few hiccups with Sierra, but with High Sierra 10.3.2 all the little quirks seems to be ironed out. My touch bar had some issue when High Sierra launched, but now it seems to be straighten out. The keyboard is different and more loud than 2015, but should feel better after 3-4 hours typing.

That's good to hear.


I went to the apple store to just get a sense for the keyboard and trackpad and while the keyboard is differently I felt pretty comfortable with it quickly, no typos and my wpm stayed roughly the same in pages. And idk if high sierra corrected the issue with the trackpad getting triggered during typing but I was resting my hands on the trackpad and had no issues with it moving the cursor. I will admit after a while the minimal movement on the keys may get tiring though.

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

Still no issues with my 2016 keyboard. Heat would be the obvious cause of the issues but I do quite a lot of rendering and CPU intensive stuff with it, play the odd game too. It also peaked at 50'c over the summer here so at least on my specific 2016, heat appears to not be an issue.

Maybe think of it as they're all prone, maybe the 2017 is less prone.

If I were you as it sounds like you're not desperate. Just put the money to one side and grab one when your current one dies, which could well be several years. 2018 will bring upgrades in performance, likely around 20%, just as the 2017 provided an upgrade on the 2016. And sure as hell the 2019 will provide another upgrade... You can go on forever, anything will be a significant upgrade and it'll be a long time before you hit any performance ceiling with it.

 

[kadify]

Still no issues with my 2016 keyboard. Heat would be the obvious cause of the issues but I do quite a lot of rendering and CPU intensive stuff with it, play the odd game too. It also peaked at 50'c over the summer here so at least on my specific 2016, heat appears to not be an issue.

Maybe think of it as they're all prone, maybe the 2017 is less prone.

If I were you as it sounds like you're not desperate. Just put the money to one side and grab one when your current one dies, which could well be several years. 2018 will bring upgrades in performance, likely around 20%, just as the 2017 provided an upgrade on the 2016. And sure as hell the 2019 will provide another upgrade... You can go on forever, anything will be a significant upgrade and it'll be a long time before you hit any performance ceiling with it.

Yes I could just wait for this computer to officially give up but I'm kind of ready for something new also. I'd have ordered a computer by now if I weren't so hesitant with the keyboard issue. I honestly don't really care so much about incremental improvements. Now if the 2018 models came out with something amazing that would be a different story but honestly I'd rather save some money and get a one year old computer than the latest and greatest, which also may have issues like what happened with the touchbar equipped mbp and new computers that came preinstalled with high sierra.

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

Yes I could just wait for this computer to officially give up but I'm kind of ready for something new also. I'd have ordered a computer by now if I weren't so hesitant with the keyboard issue. I honestly don't really care so much about incremental improvements. Now if the 2018 models came out with something amazing that would be a different story but honestly I'd rather save some money and get a one year old computer than the latest and greatest, which also may have issues like what happened with the touchbar equipped mbp and new computers that came preinstalled with high sierra.

Get a 2016 with AppleCare for peace of mind, or grab a 2017 without if you feel they're less likely to have an issue. The truth is this is the primary failure point on the machine, previous generations have had issues with GPU or screen laminations, HDD cables etc. The keyboard is the main one here. No one is going to convince you there's nothing wrong and likewise no one should try convince you that they're all failed. As I said, it seems the 2016 is slightly more prone than the 2017, however that can be explained as the 2016 was more popular (Long overdue upgrade that many users were waiting for and grabbed), whereas the 2017 was brought by the initial skeptics or essentially sold less to users on this forum.

So get whichever really, you can do your research, as I said I've had no issues (As have several other users here), whereas others seem to have gone through several units to find a 'perfect' one. Really is up to you what you believe and what you think is best.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"No one has experience with the 2016 keyboard and one of those covers?"

You don't want to use a keyboard "cover" with one of the new MacBook Pro's.
There's not enough clearance when the top is closed.
The cover may come into contact with the surface of the display and ... eventually ... damage it.

 

[doitdada]

And idk if high sierra corrected the issue with the trackpad getting triggered during typing but I was resting my hands on the trackpad and had no issues with it moving the cursor. I will admit after a while the minimal movement on the keys may get tiring though.

I've had no issues with the trackpad getting pushed accidental. Still I could force an error by using extreme examples, but in normal use, it never occurs. I bought the 2016 version on discount as well, around 700 USD, and feel it was a good deal 7 months later.

 

[kadify]

OP wrote:
"No one has experience with the 2016 keyboard and one of those covers?"

You don't want to use a keyboard "cover" with one of the new MacBook Pro's.
There's not enough clearance when the top is closed.
The cover may come into contact with the surface of the display and ... eventually ... damage it.

Oh really? Those soft little things can damage the screen? I hadn't heard of that oh wow.