Future of Mid 2012 13" MBP?

[Mac 128]

it seems pretty obvious that the last MacBook with a built-in DVD and replaceable RAM is not long for this world.

But how much longer will Apple sell it and support it?

Could it survive another major MBP upgrade like what's rumored to be on the horizon?

As it is, a mid2012 MBP bought new will be covered for 3 more years under Apple Care+ and my 2009 MBP has gotten 7 years of OS X upgrades, even though it's technically now an obsolete product. So theoretically if they stop selling the old MBP this fall, it will still be covered under warranty for up to 3 more years, but will the support clock begin in 2012? Or is it sufficiently future-proofed to make it as long as my 2009 MB?

And what's the possibility that Apple would continue to sell it, with an internal spec bump like the iPhone SE? Maybe adding a Retina display, and replacing some ports with USB-C and HDMI (rather than continuing to sell the current 13" MBP as an entry level model)?

If not that, then what about continuing to sell it with yet another significant price drop? Of course selling it that way would surely limit its longevity and performance? I'd be curious to know what the least supported MacBook model was.

 

[keysofanxiety]

They definitely won't update it, so hopefully they'll kill it. Too many consumers buy it because it's the cheapest MacBook Pro and don't realise how poorly it performs in its vanilla state.

 

[Fishrrman]

Even though Apple may stop selling this model, a recent-issue one will remain a usable, viable, upgradeable MacBook for years to come.

I have the 2010 version of it (13"), still doing fine.
I'll upgrade someday, but it still does what I need right now...

 

[Mac 128]

They definitely won't update it, so hopefully they'll kill it. Too many consumers buy it because it's the cheapest MacBook Pro and don't realise how poorly it performs in its vanilla state.

While I agree to $1000 base configuration is a poor comparison to most current MacBook models, it still uses the same i5 tech as in current models and it is easily upgradable by even a novice to be a much better performer -- an extra $350 will get it to 16GB, with a 1TB SSD, when they can afford it.

I wonder if there will be Thunderbolt or FW800 to USBc adapters for older machines. That would be one major shortcoming for future proofing it.

 

[keysofanxiety]

While I agree to $1000 base configuration is a poor comparison to most current MacBook models, it still uses the same i5 tech as in current models and it is easily upgradable by even a novice to be a much better performer -- an extra $350 will get it to 16GB, with a 1TB SSD, when they can afford it.

True, though it's so much better value for money with the rMBP, I just don't think the plus of upgradability is worth the tradeoff anymore.

Nothing wrong with picking up a 2012 13" used for about £400-500 I suppose. But new, as you said -- just too much for too little.

 

[Mac 128]

True, though it's so much better value for money with the rMBP, I just don't think the plus of upgradability is worth the tradeoff anymore.

Nothing wrong with picking up a 2012 13" used for about £400-500 I suppose. But new, as you said -- just too much for too little.

I'd mostly agree, though new does get you an optional three year warranty which protects technology Apple might quickly leave behind when they discontinue it.

In the end I think the appeal is less about the upgradeability, and more about the self contained nature of what is truly the last "Pro" MB, where Pro is defined as offering built-in everything a current professional may need to access in the field without a lot of extra adapters. That's why I wondered about a USBc adapter for it, which would truly future proof it as long as possible.

 

[keysofanxiety]

In the end I think the appeal is less about the upgradeability, and more about the self contained nature of what is truly the last "Pro" MB, where Pro is defined as offering built-in everything a current professional may need to access in the field without a lot of extra adapters. That's why I wondered about a USBc adapter for it, which would truly future proof it as long as possible.

Yeah, very good point. Of course, the best thing would have been for Apple to continue updating it, but keeping the same shell. Then everybody would be pleased.

But as the the rMBP gets you better battery life, thinner, lighter, 2 Thunderbolt ports, 1 HDMI, better GPU, better CPU, more RAM as standard, quicker RAM, 802.11ac AirPort, and an SSD at least twice as quick as a SATA one, it's practically a no-go for the cMBP

 

[robvas]

Probably whenever Intel quits making that CPU or whoever makes the LCD panel calls it quits. Maybe at some point Apple will quit making the 13" MBP case (need the aluminum tooling for other work)

 

[jerryk]

Didn't they just announce that production is being halted.
[doublepost=1468000955][/doublepost]

i
And what's the possibility that Apple would continue to sell it, with an internal spec bump like the iPhone SE? Maybe adding a Retina display, and replacing some ports with USB-C and HDMI (rather than continuing to sell the current 13" MBP as an entry level model)?

If not that, then what about continuing to sell it with yet another significant price drop? Of course selling it that way would surely limit its longevity and performance? I'd be curious to know what the least supported MacBook model was.

So essentially you want an up-gradable Retina MacBook Pro. From Apple??? Come on.....

 

[MacInTO]

I imagine its days are numbered. It would make sense that Apple will discontinue it when the next MBP is released. It doesn't make sense to have a machine two generations ago to be sold with the new.

I love these machines. They're put together well (except the 2011 15") and the RAM and HD/SSD are easily upgradeable and parts are mostly interchangeable from 2009 to 2012. I also like the ports. I still have firewire enclosures so that's important for me.

I wouldn't buy one new, but there are lots of good used ones. The machine I'm currently using is a 2012 and has Applecare until the end of 2016!

 

[tubeexperience]

The non-retina MacBook Pro could be a good option if Apple has just done the bare minimum and upgrade it with the latest processors.

...but, Apple couldn't even keep its retina MacBook Pro up-to-date with the latest processors.

 

[Mac 128]

Yeah, very good point. Of course, the best thing would have been for Apple to continue updating it, but keeping the same shell. Then everybody would be pleased.

But as the the rMBP gets you better battery life, thinner, lighter, 2 Thunderbolt ports, 1 HDMI, better GPU, better CPU, more RAM as standard, quicker RAM, 802.11ac AirPort, and an SSD at least twice as quick as a SATA one, it's practically a no-go for the cMBP

No argument that the rMBP is a better value overall. I recently had a friend make a similar decision when comparing all the current choices, despite being the most expensive choice, but she could also easily afford it.

That said, a comparable new MBP (RAM & storage) is going to cost $800 more -- and that's a pretty significant difference for some; especially if the customer doesn't need all the other benefits, and prefers a DVD drive. A graphic designer would likely want the Retina display. But for the average user, the display likely doesn't matter on a laptop. While new Macs get better battery life new, there's something to be said about being able to easily replace the battery when it starts losing performance. SSD speeds are not likely to make a huge difference to the average user as well. At the end of the day, port configuration is personal. For instance, most corporate types who give presentations are going to need an adapter to VGA or DVI over a built-in HDMI. Many consumers are going to stream content via AirPlay than plug it in via HDMI. And by the looks of the rumors, HDMI will be dropped in the next update.

I also find the 13" Retina display too small, despite the improved clarity, so there are other practical considerations as well.

But I am surprised they haven't upgraded the AirPort card. I didn't realize they were still selling any products that didn't support 802.11ac. So that could make a big difference to some, where the MacBook is mainly a portal to the Internet.

I suppose the deciding factor is whether the DVD is officially dead for most professionals, and we've probably gotten very close to that point if we haven't arrived. In which case, keeping the 13" MB Air around at the under $1000 price point is likely the best strategy.

 

[lcseds]

And my university bound daughter wants her 2012 Macbook Pro 13 replaced with.....a new Macbook Pro 13" (from 2012). She loves the built in optical drive, does not care about screen quality or weight. She just likes it. Fair enough. $999 with edu discount and some Beats in the deal. Not, IMO, the wisest choice but at least she is not asking for a rMBP 15 with a 512 $$D.

 

[MacInTO]

And my university bound daughter wants her 2012 Macbook Pro 13 replaced with.....a new Macbook Pro 13" (from 2012). She loves the built in optical drive, does not care about screen quality or weight. She just likes it. Fair enough. $999 with edu discount and some Beats in the deal. Not, IMO, the wisest choice but at least she is not asking for a rMBP 15 with a 512 $$D.

You could replace the hard drive with a SSD yourself and make the machine even faster!

 

[tubeexperience]

You could replace the hard drive with a SSD yourself and make the machine even faster!

960GB SanDisk Ultra II SSD is selling for $165 right now.

 

[MacInTO]

960GB SanDisk Ultra II SSD is selling for $165 right now.

Where?

Edit. never mind, just bought one! Thanks!

 

[tubeexperience]

Where?

http://www.adorama.com/idsu2960ssd.html?utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_source=rflaid62905

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1075748-REG/sandisk_sdssdhii_960g_g25_ultra_ii_960gb_ssd.html