Classic Macbook Pro Lives On

[maflynn]

Lots of people forget that lots of other people buy what is good enough in the brand they want, not everyone buys the top/maxxed out spec.

No, and I think there's a case to be made for buying what you need, but spending over a 1,000 bucks (non-refurb) for a computer that has 3 year old technology is a waste of money. You can buy a dell, HP or lenovo with current specs in the 600 dollar range. I'm not advocating buying a windows machine but if I were to spend over a thousand bucks, I'd rather not throw it at 3 year old obsolete technology.

 

[venom600]

No, and I think there's a case to be made for buying what you need, but spending over a 1,000 bucks (non-refurb) for a computer that has 3 year old technology is a waste of money. You can buy a dell, HP or Lenovo with current specs in the 600 dollar range. I'm not advocating buying a windows machine but if I were to spend over a thousand bucks, I'd rather not throw it at 3 year old obsolete technology.

Two things... I don't know anyone who pays MSRP on this machine. It's routinely on sale for less than $900. A friend got one new for $800.

Second, you lambast it for being 3 year old tech, but what does the newer tech get you? The older processor benchmarks are virtually identical to the current 2015 machines. You get better graphics and battery life, but at the expense of losing dedicated firewire and ethernet (this is a big deal for companies like mine), any semblance of upgradeability and the internal SuperDrive.

My point is that if I were in the market for a 13" Macbook Pro on a limited budget, I'd choose the classic over the lower end retina models every time.

 

[ThisOldMacHead]

You know... I rarely ever jump into innately inflammatory threads, because they serve no real purpose. But this one exemplifies one of my biggest beefs in the post-Intel era...

First off, the problem with many "enthusiasts" (which are the majority of those who frequent sites like these) is they also consider themselves to be "experts" in a particular area. Experts on any given subject are great at fixing problems, but not so much at dispensing advice. I learned a long time ago not to advise people, especially on purchases, since they'll ultimately do whatever they want. So I may as well save myself the grief.

As for my post-Intel beef... Spec chasers drive me nuts. It used to be very much a Windows thing, but the subsequent influx of switchers has brought this into the Mac world as well. Most people do not care about specs in any meaningful manner. Most lifelong Mac users (that I know at least) don't really care about specs. Most importantly- people should not care what others choose to buy. Talk about a completely innocuous situation.

With regard to the 13" cMBP... It's still for sale because people are still buying it. It's really that simple and there's no reason to be morally offended by it. Especially since, historically speaking, new Macs are cheaper today than they've ever been. Frankly, if your reasoning is the price vs comparable competitors... Then there's no way to sugar-coat this - you really don't get the Macintosh. There is no alternative. There is no comparable competitor. If you like Windows, then why they hell are you using a Mac in the first place? Even worse, why are you buying a Mac to run Windows on a regular basis? Mac users buy Macs because they believe they're better and pay the requisite price of admission, period.

I just don't get it... If I were cash strapped and Windows were my only option for a new machine, I'd rather use my G4 running Leopard. Hell... I'd rather use my 117MHz 5300ce running OS 8.5 than a new Windows machine. And no, I'm not kidding. Then again, I also didn't have my Mac revelation post-2006.

Stop preaching about specs. Stop getting fixated on minute architecture changes. Most importantly, stop assuming you know what's best for everyone else.

 

[rawweb]

I can't believe someone is complaining that the 13" 2012 offering is still available. I moved heaven and earth to get my hands on a Late 2011 17" cMBP matte. With ram and a new SSD (in place of the optical drive) this computer is just about as fast as my brand new work issued 15" retina. With Metal coming in El Capitan my old workhorse should be even more responsive. I love having thunderbolt, firewire, ethernet and the huge screen for mobile video and photo editing. Just because the original poster doesn't agree with it doesn't mean there isn't still a demand for these devices. Guess you shouldn't take my word for it though, I stand with few wishing a 17" offering returned.

 

[Fthree]

gave my classic to my 9 year old and to her its the business. perspective is interesting.

 

[deepen03]

One other thing I like doing on the 2012 13" MBP is using YouTube or watching videos on other sites. Why? This computers fans stay between 2000-2600RPM when doing so. On my 15" 2015 retina MBP, the fans spin up to 4500RPM or so and that gets annoying.

enjoy your 720P videos in 2015. while most of us are watching on 2k and 4k screens.

 

[deepen03]

My mid 2012 13" cMBP runs like a champ. I'm just spoiled by the 2015 rMBP retina screen now. But, otherwise, my cMBP is a great machine.

shift your head at a 15-20 degree angle when looking at the screen and see how atrocious that non-IPS 800P panel looks.. I would get a base Air over a cMBP

 

[deepen03]

Easy upgradeability? Replaceable battery (as in not glued into the top case)? Ethernet and Firewire 800 without external dongles? Built-in optical drive that can be replaced with a second hard drive?

ok so if it's so great, why won't Apple update it to Broadwell and make it 1080P with 8GB ram standard? Instead of charging $1100 for 4 year old hardware?

 

[JackieInCo]

enjoy your 720P videos in 2015. while most of us are watching on 2k and 4k screens.

You would be surprised at how many people I see on a daily basis that are sitting down watching TV on 20 year old tube TVs.

 

[osnola ibax]

You would be surprised at how many people I see on a daily basis that are sitting down watching TV on 20 year old tube TVs.

Anyway, there is a lot to be said for watching 720p videos. They are still very watchable and the bandwith required is comparatively small not to mention the space taken up on your hard disk.

 

[JackieInCo]

Anyway, there is a lot to be said for watching 720p videos. They are still very watchable and the bandwith required is comparatively small not to mention the space taken up on your hard disk.

I have an HD TV and an Apple TV for that.

 

[ThisOldMacHead]

Why even bother trying to argue with someone who's avatar reads "Do Windows 10?"

 

[TechZeke]

ok so if it's so great, why won't Apple update it to Broadwell and make it 1080P with 8GB ram standard? Instead of charging $1100 for 4 year old hardware?

This is one thing that baffles me. If the cMBP is selling SO well that they're keeping it around for 3 years now without an update, why not update the architecture? Wouldn't the R&D be worth it if it is still supposedly making them money? Also, when is the limit? Can people still defend the cMBP when it's 2017 or 2020 and they're still selling it?

 

[brand]

If the cMBP is selling SO well that they're keeping it around for 3 years now without an update, why not update the architecture?

I think the obvious reason is to steer people toward the Retina model.

 

[T5BRICK]

This is one thing that baffles me. If the cMBP is selling SO well that they're keeping it around for 3 years now without an update, why not update the architecture? Wouldn't the R&D be worth it if it is still supposedly making them money?

Because it still sells. There isn't a good reason to put any money into it at all since they're just going to kill it eventually.

Also, when is the limit? Can people still defend the cMBP when it's 2017 or 2020 and they're still selling it?

I'm not buying one, but some folks will. My sister bought one because it was cheaper than the retina model and she wanted the 500GB HDD(SSDs were too expensive at the time). If people keep buying them, Apple will keep selling them. Does that offend you?

 

[2984839]

This is one thing that baffles me. If the cMBP is selling SO well that they're keeping it around for 3 years now without an update, why not update the architecture? Wouldn't the R&D be worth it if it is still supposedly making them money? Also, when is the limit? Can people still defend the cMBP when it's 2017 or 2020 and they're still selling it?

If it still does what people want in 2020, then what's wrong with it?

 

[Taz Mangus]

enjoy your 720P videos in 2015. while most of us are watching on 2k and 4k screens.

I am sure the OP will do exactly that, enjoy using his cMP. Why does his purchase bother you and it clearly seems to bother you from your reply, so please don't deny it.

Some people are not happy unless they are ruining others peoples' enjoyment.

 

[Fthree]

it doesn't make any sense that people want to give the OP grief about liking the model of macbook he/she has. Who really cares I actually am jealous that someone can find happiness in cheaper comps.

 

[Wreckus]

it doesn't make any sense that people want to give the OP grief about liking the model of macbook he/she has. Who really cares I actually am jealous that someone can find happiness in cheaper comps.

100% agree.

 

[TechZeke]

I think the obvious reason is to steer people toward the Retina model.

Wouldn't it just be easier to cut the price of the retina model by $100 and discontinue the the non-retina model though?

Because it still sells. There isn't a good reason to put any money into it at all since they're just going to kill it eventually.



I'm not buying one, but some folks will. My sister bought one because it was cheaper than the retina model and she wanted the 500GB HDD(SSDs were too expensive at the time). If people keep buying them, Apple will keep selling them. Does that offend you?

Actually, I'd throw the question the opposite way. People seemed to be offended that others don't agree that Apple should still be selling it. Also, I completely agree with the advantages of the cMBP and I wouldn't mind if Apple continued to update it. It's more so the age and the price they are selling it for. I feel the same way about the non-retina iMacs and the Mac Pro, which haven't been touched for 2 years. If people want to blow money on it, more power to them. That doesn't mean I agree with it, or that I can't voice my disapproval.

If it still does what people want in 2020, then what's wrong with it?

That's not the issue and completely misses the point. A 2009 Macbook still works for many people I know. Should Apple still be selling the 2009 Macbook new for $1000 still?

Like I said, it doesn't really bother me, but I think for what Apple charges for it without updates is in poor taste. That is all.

 

[JackieInCo]

Like I said, it doesn't really bother me, but I think for what Apple charges for it without updates is in poor taste. That is all.

I waited to buy mine until it was $899 at BestBuy and then used my $60 in rewards certificates on top of that.

Now the price is $1049, way to expensive just as I think the Air is for what you get which is lack of ports.

shift your head at a 15-20 degree angle when looking at the screen and see how atrocious that non-IPS 800P panel looks.. I would get a base Air over a cMBP

How many people are using their computer at that angle?

 

[deepen03]

I waited to buy mine until it was $899 at BestBuy and then used my $60 in rewards certificates on top of that.

Now the price is $1049, way to expensive just as I think the Air is for what you get which is lack of ports.


How many people are using their computer at that angle?

I am able to, on the gorgeous IPS 3200x1800 panel on my ASUS Zenbook. I paid $1160 for it and it's better than the rMBP

 

[JackieInCo]

I am able to, on the gorgeous IPS 3200x1800 panel on my ASUS Zenbook. I paid $1160 for it and it's better than the rMBP

Enjoy it. I also have a 2015 15' Retina MBP that I can do these things on. If I thought any other computer was worth what I get on a MBP, I would buy it instantly. Nothing beats Apple support.
Both of my MBPs have different uses.

 

[deepen03]

Wouldn't it just be easier to cut the price of the retina model by $100 and discontinue the the non-retina model though?



Actually, I'd throw the question the opposite way. People seemed to be offended that others don't agree that Apple should still be selling it. Also, I completely agree with the advantages of the cMBP and I wouldn't mind if Apple continued to update it. It's more so the age and the price they are selling it for. I feel the same way about the non-retina iMacs and the Mac Pro, which haven't been touched for 2 years. If people want to blow money on it, more power to them. That doesn't mean I agree with it, or that I can't voice my disapproval.



That's not the issue and completely misses the point. A 2009 Macbook still works for many people I know. Should Apple still be selling the 2009 Macbook new for $1000 still?

Like I said, it doesn't really bother me, but I think for what Apple charges for it without updates is in poor taste. That is all.

Exactly my point! And first of all, the Air is more advanced than the cMBP. How the hell can Apple get away with selling it for more than the latest models?

The Retina is always on sale for like $1199 plus Student discounts. Nobody in their right mind should be coughing up $1049 for a cMBP in 2015! Ethernet and a SuperDrive are invalid excuses in 2015, with the speed and reliability of Wi-Fi, Mobile Hotspots available and the fact that we get all of our content digitally. You can get a Desktop Tower with a CD/DVD drive if you want, or just buy any random $20 Portable off of Amazon.

No modern company should be able to get away with selling 5 year old hardware (Yes, hardware, not the 3rd gen Intel update in 2012), for over $1000. I know it goes on sale for $899 here and there, but the Air is on sale today at Best Buy for $849 and I would take that over the cMBP in a heartbeat! The SSD would make up for the 1.6ghz speed of the Air.

 

[JackieInCo]

Exactly my point! And first of all, the Air is more advanced than the cMBP. How the hell can Apple get away with selling it for more than the latest models?

The Retina is always on sale for like $1199 plus Student discounts. Nobody in their right mind should be coughing up $1049 for a cMBP in 2015! Ethernet and a SuperDrive are invalid excuses in 2015, with the speed and reliability of Wi-Fi, Mobile Hotspots available and the fact that we get all of our content digitally. You can get a Desktop Tower with a CD/DVD drive if you want, or just buy any random $20 Portable off of Amazon.

No modern company should be able to get away with selling 5 year old hardware (Yes, hardware, not the 3rd gen Intel update in 2012), for over $1000. I know it goes on sale for $899 here and there, but the Air is on sale today at Best Buy for $849 and I would take that over the cMBP in a heartbeat! The SSD would make up for the 1.6ghz speed of the Air.

But then you get less ports and no built in optical.