Buying Advice for new Macbook Pro

[mxttmitchell]

Hi everyone,

Hope y'all had a great christmas! My main reason for posting is to ask some advice for which MBP i should purchase. I'm currently on a base model, early-2011 15inch MBP, and would like to upgrade to either a Mid-2015 15inch base model (new) or wait until there's a refurb mid-2017 15inch MBP on the online store...

They both end up being $3000 AUD. I mainly use it to edit music, do light photography and video work, and sometimes do a little writing. I don't mind paying to get a dongle for the 2017 version, but i don't really have a need/want for the Touch bar/ID...I also would like to keep it for at least five years, would buying the 2015 model be future proof till then?

I guess i'm just incredibly indecisive and would like your opinions on what you think is best!

Thanks so much!!

 

[kschendel]

I think that for your uses, either model would be fine, and I don't know that you would see a big difference between the 2015 and 2017. There's no question that the 2015 would last 5 years if you configure it right. I'd suggest 16 Gb memory and don't be stingy with the storage size. I don't think I would fuss over the processor or GPU options for what you do.

 

[Strelok]

Test out the keyboard before you purchase anything. If you are OK with the 2017 keyboard, then I would suggest that one. Otherwise, the 2015 will be fine for your usage for the next couple of years.

 

[tjwilliams25]

I agree with Strelok, see if you can try out the new form factor before deciding for sure. I don't mind the new keyboard, and I do a lot of writing, however a lot of people don't like it. I also agree that the 2015 would probably be fine for the next few years, but the 2017 is an absolute workhorse, especially if you top out its specs. Mine has been treating me very well over the last year and I feel like it will continue to for the next several.