Get 2016 rMB or refurbished 2015 rMB?

[deeddawg]

ok why you dont have first gen ssd then ? why upgrade at all if your machine still working?

Huh? Irrelevant to the OP's question, but I have a 2015 model I bought at discount a month ago and saved substantially vs. the cost of the equivalent 2016 model. While I could easily afford to upgrade, I see no reason to do so for my usage.

ssd cpu ram gpu works together and all of them are a little bit faster to make a difference

So in other words you have no answer to my question.

It's fine to have no objective basis for your recommendation that the OP spend an extra £200, just so long as your honest that it's just a subjective opinion.

 

[ZEVIN]

Thanks for all of the replies. I have already ordered refurbished 2015 base model.

Given that i have no need to any heavy work with my laptop, I can't see any reason not to save 370 bucks. I believe that the new model has much better performance, but there are also lots of people saying that the first generation do well on their daily works.

Anyway, if the old model doesn't meet my need then I can just return it and buy a new one. There is no harm to do that. Why shouldn't I give it a try?

 

[Emergo]

Refurb base 2015 MacBook or new 2016 base MacBook?

Is there any difference? The m5 is way too expensive...

 

[Fuzzball84]

Hi, all,

When rMB just updated, the price of refurbished 2015 rMB also drops a lot. Now it is $929 for the base model (last night it was 1099). So I hesitate. Should I get the new one or refurbished old version?

All I want to do with my macbook is just reading pdf, writing paper by Latex, iWork, browsing website, watching movie, listening music....etc. Definitely no heavy work like editing photos, making films, or computer programming. I rarely need to use Matlab but not to run a big program or deal with huge data. I do need portability so rMB is my first choice. But I am not sure if 2015 rMB is enough for me and the new one always looks attractive......Since the price of refurbished 2015 rMB is much lower.....I do need some advice.

Id say the 2015 model would be fine for you. I currently have the rMB 2015 base model and since its first year warranty is coming to an end in the next few months I'm wondering whether to buy apple care or sell and buy the new version.

What Im most attracted to is potentially longer battery runtime :/ (apple are often conservative with this). Everything else is more than fine for me, I don't think id notice the increased speed so much with what I do on it.

With the rMB 2015 Ive been getting real good battery runtime. Since I use it at home mostly for web surfing and a little word processing and PDFs (and the brightness is mostly between 30-70 %) Ive found I get as good or better than what they first said for this model on release.

With regard to the extra hour they report for the new model, some of this could be due to the gains from El Capitan (The rMB 2015 was released with Yosemite, and they reported battery runtime for that operating sys version), some from skylake, and obviously some is def from the ~4-5% increase in battery capacity. Therefore I wonder what the real increase in battery runtime for the rMB2016 over the rMB2016 is if both are compared running same version of OSX.

Thats why I'm going to wait for reviews before I make a decision. Currently, I fell like I'm going to buy apple care and get version 3 or 4 lol
[doublepost=1461202209][/doublepost]

Thanks for all of the replies. I have already ordered refurbished 2015 base model.

Given that i have no need to any heavy work with my laptop, I can't see any reason not to save 370 bucks. I believe that the new model has much better performance, but there are also lots of people saying that the first generation do well on their daily works.

Anyway, if the old model doesn't meet my need then I can just return it and buy a new one. There is no harm to do that. Why shouldn't I give it a try?

Awesome, hope you enjoy it! One great thing is that since they use identical case, screen res, webcam and keyboard etc its almost the same user experience lol which is cool for us first gen buyers!

 

[Serban]

Huh? Irrelevant to the OP's question, but I have a 2015 model I bought at discount a month ago and saved substantially vs. the cost of the equivalent 2016 model. While I could easily afford to upgrade, I see no reason to do so for my usage.



So in other words you have no answer to my question.

It's fine to have no objective basis for your recommendation that the OP spend an extra £200, just so long as your honest that it's just a subjective opinion.

again, why don't you buy a macbook air? why do you need new tech ?
[doublepost=1461222720][/doublepost]So for you its clear a money problem since you mention it. I wonder if the companies think like you, why they do research and make ssd faster and faster, why pci-e why why..

 

[deeddawg]

again, why don't you buy a macbook air? why do you need new tech ?

rMB is substantially smaller and lighter than the MBA13, and the rMB's does 1440x900 nicely while the MBA11 is stuck with an abysmal 1366x768.

 

[touchstoned]

Real world differences between the two:


at 1299

2015
1.1Ghz Base
2.4Ghz Turbo
PCIe 2.0 12 lanes


2016
1.1Ghz Base
2.2Ghz Turbo
PCIe 3.0 10 Lanes
Larger Battery (41wHr)
Skylake provides 2.4% increase in IPC



I didn't mention the extra 266Mhz in RAM speed because you'd be hard pressed to find even a synthetic benchmark that would show a significant improvement derived from RAM. The performance increase skylake provides is quickly eaten by the decrease in boost clock between the two models. The BTO options, however, are nicer


$1749
BTO 2015
1.3Ghz Base
2.9Ghz Turbo
PCIe 2.0 12 Lanes

BTO 2016
1.3Ghz Base
3.1Ghz Turbo
PCIe 3.0 10 lanes
Larger Battery

The 2016 BTO option provides a 33% increase in boost clock over the base model, which is huge. I will probably give my mom my 1.1Ghz 2015 model for mothers day and just buy this model.

 

[Serban]

Real world differences between the two:


at 1299

2015
1.1Ghz Base
2.4Ghz Turbo
PCIe 2.0 12 lanes


2016
1.1Ghz Base
2.2Ghz Turbo
PCIe 3.0 10 Lanes
Larger Battery (41wHr)
Skylake provides 2.4% increase in IPC



I didn't mention the extra 266Mhz in RAM speed because you'd be hard pressed to find even a synthetic benchmark that would show a significant improvement derived from RAM. The performance increase skylake provides is quickly eaten by the decrease in boost clock between the two models. The BTO options, however, are nicer


$1749
BTO 2015
1.3Ghz Base
2.9Ghz Turbo
PCIe 2.0 12 Lanes

BTO 2016
1.3Ghz Base
3.1Ghz Turbo
PCIe 3.0 10 lanes
Larger Battery

The 2016 BTO option provides a 33% increase in boost clock over the base model, which is huge. I will probably give my mom my 1.1Ghz 2015 model for mothers day and just buy this model.

based on deeddawg, any upgrade is useless , so better use a 2-3 years old mac
[doublepost=1461239871][/doublepost]

rMB is substantially smaller and lighter than the MBA13, and the rMB's does 1440x900 nicely while the MBA11 is stuck with an abysmal 1366x768.

useless differences, like your ssd difference you wont notice them. if you can live without double the ssd performance, you can live with some little weight and big macbook air

 

[Queen6]

I already have a 2015 1.2, equally if I was in the market for a new Retina MacBook I would buy the 2016, as it`s a solid improvement over the 2015, albeit the gains are not significant. I tend to push my 1.2 hard so the upgrade would be tangible for my usage/workflow, however at this point in time I am more interested updating my rMBP`s

Depending on the result of the 2016 13" rMBP refresh, I may revisit the idea of a M5/M7 512 2016 rMB, as portability is key factor.

Q-6

 

[deeddawg]

can you say why you want retina? FOR you, 720p res is still good.

Again you dodge the question. Anyway...

I don't care about retina in and of itself. I prefer 1440x900 or better. The rMB provides that in a substantially smaller/lighter package than the MBA13 or rMBP.

You're completely wrong about 720p meeting my needs. I'm unsure if you're truly having trouble comprehending what's written or if it's something else.

Actually, the SSD speed on my 2011 MBA13 was fine. I'd outgrown the storage, wanted better than USB2 connectivity without needing a TB dock. Moving to the rMB provided these plus less weight and smaller size.

 

[Three141]

Wow. I wouldn't tolerate that for a second. That is NOT to be expected from an Apple refurb. Maybe some third party refurbisher but not Apple.
I've ordered multiple computers and other devices from Apple US refurb store and every single one has been indistinguishable from brand new. Literally the only discernible difference has been the box they were in.

Surprised by this all stories I've heard and my experience with buying a refurb iPod is quality is top notch.
I would call Apple.

 

[Serban]

Again you dodge the question. Anyway...

I don't care about retina in and of itself. I prefer 1440x900 or better. The rMB provides that in a substantially smaller/lighter package than the MBA13 or rMBP.

You're completely wrong about 720p meeting my needs. I'm unsure if you're truly having trouble comprehending what's written or if it's something else.

Actually, the SSD speed on my 2011 MBA13 was fine. I'd outgrown the storage, wanted better than USB2 connectivity without needing a TB dock. Moving to the rMB provided these plus less weight and smaller size.

i was just make the thing obvious that for you nothing is a big change, so why you don't use something like chromebook for 200$. retina is useless, why you change and move away from usb2?is not such a big difference, right ?faster ssd as well faster ram...if you were CEO at apple we will still having hdd and old school macs. you just pointing out that you are in a budget and for you small changes don't makes value for your wallet
[doublepost=1461245306][/doublepost]for me loosing 500$ and getting faster ram, ssd,gpu and cpu is nothing, and this macbook outperform every macbook air(minus gpu)

 

[deeddawg]

i was just make the thing obvious that for you nothing is a big change, so why you don't use something like chromebook for 200$. retina is useless, why you change and move away from usb2?is not such a big difference, right ?faster ssd as well faster ram...if you were CEO at apple we will still having hdd and old school macs. you just pointing out that you are in a budget and for you small changes don't makes value for your wallet

I'm not particularly sure what you're trying to say or whom you're arguing against in the above.

I'm still waiting for your answer to a very simple question:

With what specific applications and in what specific instances does a ~850MB/s SSD write speed make a discernible difference from a ~450MB/s SSD write speed? Note the read speeds are close and both in the 800-900MB/s range.​

Seems like you're unable to answer since every response is off in a different direction.

 

[c0mm0n]

Refurb base 2015 MacBook or new 2016 base MacBook?

Is there any difference? The m5 is way too expensive...

I went for the refurb base model and will see how it goes.

I'm still unsure about sending it back and getting the new one, I'd go for m5/512 ou m7/256 which would nearly double the price.

 

[Serban]

go with the new one since outperform current macbook air in every way except gpu

 

[Macgied]

I have the chance to pick up a base model refurb. 2015 rMacBook for $790 plus tax.
Currently I am using a 13" MBP 2015. I was thinking about getting the rMB and selling the MBP that I have since I don't really need the power. I mean I just finished my CS Studies and I would use the rMB for coding, but nothing too major.
To be honest I am disappointed by the performance of the 2015 MBP since I get the spinning beachball quite often although I have less than 10 apps open and never more than 10 or 15 tabs in Safari. Plus it's heavy to take to school, which won't happen anymore now but you know.
I think the rMB 2015 can handle what I throw at it(after reading through the forum here), and by selling the MBP I could even get some money back out of it.

What do you guys say? Or is the 2016 rMB worth the extra money?

 

[Serban]

I'm not particularly sure what you're trying to say or whom you're arguing against in the above.

I'm still waiting for your answer to a very simple question:

With what specific applications and in what specific instances does a ~850MB/s SSD write speed make a discernible difference from a ~450MB/s SSD write speed? Note the read speeds are close and both in the 800-900MB/s range.​

Seems like you're unable to answer since every response is off in a different direction.

questions like yours can be many...and you wonder, based on those questions, why update at all your 1 year or 3-4-5-6 year old pc mac whatever. But never mind, i will end up this discussion, i have a lot of money so i don't have any idea why shouldn't my secretary order my new macbook

 

[deeddawg]

i have a lot of money so i don't have any idea why shouldn't my secretary order my new macbook

Another dodge -- It's such a simple question, why can you not answer?

"Update the latest just because its better" says the poster with a two-generations old MBP15 and a two-generations old iMac in his signature.

By the way, if you think claiming to have a lot of money impresses anyone here, you're deluded.

 

[Serban]

you have a kid logic... i forgot to update my signature, but yes the 15" MBP wasn't updated by Apple,but you like to insult rather than do a research.
i answer your question with other question...its easy to blame but harder to do something. And i like you speak for everyone here, but hey, im the grown man. I just said to you many times i dont care since i have the money, i just care to have the latest and greatest. You are the one who cry why you shouldn't buy the new one. Because the big difference for you between 2015 model and 2016 one, is the money.

 

[deeddawg]

you have a kid logic... but hey, im the grown man. ... You are the one who cry

... so who's doing the insulting?

i answer your question with other question...

Another dodge -- and you then don't even ask a question. LOL.

For some strange reason you're either continuing to argue with someone else or you're thinking I've said things I've not said. Also, if you've embarrassed yourself by not updating your signature in a couple years you have nobody but yourself to blame.

I'm done. It's clear you can't behave like an adult.

 

[ZEVIN]

[doublepost=1461245306][/doublepost]for me loosing 500$ and getting faster ram, ssd,gpu and cpu is nothing, and this macbook outperform every macbook air(minus gpu)[/QUOTE]
Thanks for your opinion. Perhaps for you money is not a big problem, so you can safely choose the newest model. But for me , and for some other people, the budget is a little bid tight. I am not saying I can't afford a new one, but saving some money is always welcome. Therefore, what I want is not simply a faster laptop; what I want is a laptop which can meet my demand.

 

[Serban]

i do, i dont dodge, i have the money, i dont care like you. Poor people must care about what they do with the money.
you are acting like a kid, that is not an insult , maybe you are a 14 year kid, what the insult? i will give all my money to have again 14 years old...but hey, if for your the kids are an insult, im done.
what do you mean "Also, if you've embarrassed yourself by not updating your signature in a couple years you have nobody but yourself to blame." ??? if i don't care updating ? i care just for others to see maybe i can help them with something that i have, otherwise i don't see the meaning of updating . I mean if you are not updating your signature you feel embarrassed???? WTF is this logic? oh yea maybe someone who had a Ferrari and now has a VW maybe, but here in this case....my god are you for real?
[doublepost=1461253699][/doublepost]

[doublepost=1461245306][/doublepost]for me loosing 500$ and getting faster ram, ssd,gpu and cpu is nothing, and this macbook outperform every macbook air(minus gpu)

Thanks for your opinion. Perhaps for you money is not a big problem, so you can choose the newest model, enjoy faster ssd[/QUOTE]
exactly what i said to him, is like im spending his money. Thank you !
[doublepost=1461253926][/doublepost]bottom line for your question here is my answer and im done talking to you since everybody here understand me.

If you are a general computer user, there is no need for the latest in SSD technologies, but in the movie industry, music industry, engineering applications, real-time 3d modeling, space industry, military, server farms, and basically any other high throughput, big data applications, the latest PCI-e SSD technologies make a huge speed difference compared to SATA 3 drives.
SSDs saturate the available bandwidth of a SATA 3 bus, meaning that the fastest they can go is 600MB/s
PCI-e has a much higher threshold of around 2GB/s and as newer revisions are released, the available bandwidth tends to double.
M.2 is another standard that is very popular in ultrabooks, as it is as thin as a stick of RAM, but supports speeds up to 4GB/s.

 

[c0mm0n]

go with the new one since outperform current macbook air in every way except gpu

No need for more power, not even a money issue tbh, just fitting my need at the right price.
If need evolves, I'll just upgrade whatever the price.

 

[Serban]

No need for more power, not even a money issue tbh, just fitting my need at the right price.
If need evolves, I'll just upgrade whatever the price.

Good for you, i wonder if you like the keyboard after using it a while
[doublepost=1461255898][/doublepost]for me it was strange but after i wrote 2 pages, when i use my Mbp keyboard is strange, little keys bigger space between them, i mean is less travel on 12", i write faster on it. And i love it at night, the bleeding of my MBP keyboard looking so ugly, i really hope they update at WWDC the MBP with individual led keys

 

[meboy]

I'd be interesting to know if the 2016 keyboard has been improved over the 2015 model, especially given the problems a lot of people had on this forum.

Jesus people... He's talking about all the people that have had dead keys. Not user preference to shallowness.
[doublepost=1461256354][/doublepost]

Keep in mind that a first-gen MacBook may feel a bit slower than your 2013 MBP. For some, the decrease in speed is noticeable and for others it's not, but just keep that in mind. The Skylake Core M chips in the new MacBook are significantly faster, benchmarking even higher than the Core i5 in the 2015 Air's and nearly matching benchmarks of the Core i7. And that's not even based on benchmarks of the m7 (since it's BTO and doesn't deliver till next week), but I'm guessing it'll match or exceed the benchmarks of the Core i7 in the 2015 Air's since the scores of the m5 vs the i7 are already very close.

Also, have you thought about selling your current MBP and putting the money towards the MacBook? You could probably get at least $500 for it.

Careful comparing benchmarks of chips that boost and throttle with core i and fans. They are Not comparable.
[doublepost=1461256737][/doublepost]I just went through the same thing. I need a new laptop in the next month.
I compared the refurb 2015 to the 2016 with education discount and it's a $405 difference.
The 2016 is still not good enough and what I'd really like is a new Air with core i5/i7 and 13-14" screen.

So I decided to basically lease a refurb 2015 until later this year when hopefully we see the Air successor.

I was very ready to buy the Samsung Notebook 9 but where I'm located I can't play with one before ordering and all the return policies of the online retailers that carry it are horrible. But that machine out does Apple in either the MB or MB Air.