Going from a 15" 2015 MBP to the 16" version?

[ozziegn]

So here's my dilemma. I have a mid 2015 15" MBP that's worked perfect since day one. I recently had the battery replaced for free under the Apple recall notice. So now my laptop is basically brand new again. Of course the recently released 16" version has my attention mainly because of the larger display. I'm 51 years old and of course my eyes aren't what they use to be so I can always appreciate larger displays. Plus the new laptop has a brighter display which would also be a nice plus.

But here's my dilemma. My 2015 model still works great but the itch within me is wanting the 16" version. I'm trying to find another reason besides the larger display that'll convince myself it'll be worth the extra expense. I'm pretty sure I can get close to $1K for my current MBP and I can get $200 off a 16" model. So when it's said and done, getting a new laptop will cost me about $1400 out of pocket.

Now here's the crazy part. I literally do nothing with my laptop besides check email and of course browse the web and watch YouTube videos. So I'm asking the peeps on the forum, what's a guy like me supposed to do? lol

 

[LeeTom]

If I were you, I’d save the money. You’ll get it and even the display will be kinda the same and you’ll have parted with $1400.

 

[Zwhaler]

I'm against it. If you have so much money that you don't know what to do with it, sure, go for it. You could probably sell that 15" for more than $1000 here on the Marketplace. Otherwise, the display is less than 5% bigger and the upgrade isn't worth the cost based on your usage. You'd be better off using your fantastic current machine until Apple releases ARM-based laptops in the next few years.

 

[iKrivetko]

Sounds like you don't need it.

 

[Nacho98]

lol I'm nearly the exact same as the OP. Mid-2015 model, 14 cycles on battery, pristine, do basically nothing on the computer in terms of real use, but thinking about getting the 16".

The screen on the 16" will be a lot brighter, 500 nits vs. 300-350 or whatever it is on the 2015 models.

 

[ozziegn]

Sounds like you don't need it.

Well yeah, I don't "need" it.... But it'd be nice to have something new with a larger screen. I'd just hate to regret getting rid of my '15 model that's been perfect since day one. Even better now in days with the recently replaced battery from Apple.
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lol I'm nearly the exact same as the OP. Mid-2015 model, 14 cycles on battery, pristine, do basically nothing on the computer in terms of real use, but thinking about getting the 16".

The screen on the 16" will be a lot brighter, 500 nits vs. 300-350 or whatever it is on the 2015 models.

I think the '15 models are 300 nits.

 

[Strangedream]

If I were you I'd make the jump. I myself like to upgrade my MacBook every 4 years.

 

[caoimhe]

I’m also using a 2015 that is fine for what I do (email, internet, videos, games and some graphics software). The only reason I don’t have a 16” ordered already is the 32 bit software I’m not ready to lose. One app is supposedly being updated and once that’s released I will very likely place my order. I know I don’t need it, but at my age WANT is a good enough reason. I bought an XPS15 earlier this year for my Windows digitizing software and the screen is gorgeous. If the 16” screen is even close that’s reason enough.

 

[ozziegn]

If I were you I'd make the jump. I myself like to upgrade my MacBook every 4 years.

I have never kept any computer as long as I have with my MBP. It's been such an awesome machine which means it has never given me any reasons to upgrade. However, I always have slight paranoia of it dying from age just because. Not really sure how long MacBooks last but I'd hate to keep it and have it die on me before having the chance of selling it. But like I said, it still works as good as day one.

I know I don’t need it, but at my age WANT is a good enough reason. I bought an XPS15 earlier this year for my Windows digitizing software and the screen is gorgeous. If the 16” screen is even close that’s reason enough.

Okay, you just sold me. Like I said, I'm 51 years old and at my age, anything can happen. Might as well get what I itch for while I'm still around. I will pick up the 16" version and use it for a few days. Hopefully it will "wow" me in to keeping it and selling my 15" model. If it doesn't, then I'll return the new one and appreciate my 15" all the more.

 

[Itsedstech]

Same boat, except I have a maxed out Late 2018 model (besides storage). Yet here I am just ordered a maxed out 16” (except for storage). I’m considering it my Christmas present this year lol

 

[jdelgado]

I have a 15'' 2015 MBP and I am happy with it. Considered upgrading a few times before and I am glad I did not.
Regarding the 16'', I am tempted to get one. But
- what I have now works great; and considering getting another one as backup.
- I will be forced to use Catalina.
- It has a T2 chip
- I would have to give up the ports and Magsafe

If you really want to get one, I would wait a bit and see how it behaves and if there are any issues with it.
If it had a power/sleep led, it would seriously consider getting one. I really dislike not having feedback from the computer.

 

[JagRunner]

Keep your current Mac.

 

[Flabasha]

I also have the legendary 2015, max-ed out. I actually bought a 2018 a year and a half ago, and returned it when I realized it was WORSE than the computer I already owned. Aside from the obvious no-ports, terrible keyboard stuff, it was LOUD, ran hot, and almost was destroyed WHILE transferring the data over, when my cat jumped up, got caught up in the non-MagSafe power cable, and nearly pulled it off the desk. I was delighted to return that model. Now...

I'm strongly considering the 16". I push my machine hard with editing RAW video, and Photoshop/After Effects, so I would benefit from larger SSD/memory. However, I'd still lose ports, and Mag-Safe. I know there are MagSafe-style adapters, but I'm not sure if they're dependable or not. Plus, it comes with Catalina pre-installed, and the Adobe apps aren't totally working yet with that OS.

So, I debate...

 

[ozziegn]

Just came back from Best Buy and here it is. I’m transferring my data from old to new. The new one looks very nice and it’s a tad bit lighter than my 15”. I’ll give it a few days of trying it out before I decide to keep it or return it.

Anyone wanna buy a very sweet, hardly used 2015 15” MBP? lol

 

[jerryk]

I am a bad sample, but went from 2015 15" to 2018 15, and now 2019 16". This last upgrade was for more SSD space and memory.

 

[AMTYVLE]

I was also considering upgrading to the new 16" MBP but my Mid-2015 15" MBP still operates like the day I unboxed it 4 years ago...and that is on MacOS Catalina. Plus I'm still not ready to give up the MagSafe Charging or my ports just to carry around dongles. 🙄 Oh yeah, the Apple logo still glows, which I love.

IMO, the Mid-2015 15" MBP is still the best MBP to this day...I would hang on to that until it completely dies.

 

[ozziegn]

I hear you about the glowing Apple logo on the 2015 version. That’s going to be a tough thing for me to live without. I know that might sound dumb but still. It’s always been an Apple icon that for whatever reason they decided to remove the glowing logo for who knows why.
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So far here's a couple things I do and don't like about the 16" version.

Like(s): It's a little lighter and I do feel the difference. I'm a paraplegic that has somewhat limited hand/arm strength so if something is lighter or heavier I will definitely notice. The speaker system on the new version is awesome. Much, much better than my 2015 version.

Don't Like: Like many others have said, the Touch Bar on the newer laptops is just a dumb idea. I much prefer the physical FN buttons that have been tried and trued since the beginning of time. Also, I don't know why but my eyes can't seem to get use to the color tone on the 16" version. I hate TrueTone which of course was the first thing I turned off. But even then, I swear the colors and the display looks better on my 15" for some crazy reason. I know this doesn't make sense because in theory the display on the 16" version is supposed to be better all around. So for that, I don't know....

- I'll give it a few days and see if the new laptop grows on me. Meanwhile, I will put the idea of selling my 2015 model on hold. Oh, did I also mention how much I will miss the MagSafe connection?

 

[deconstruct60]

... Of course the recently released 16" version has my attention mainly because of the larger display. I'm 51 years old and of course my eyes aren't what they use to be so I can always appreciate larger displays. Plus the new laptop has a brighter display which would also be a nice plus.

it is only 0.6" larger. And pixels are smaller. The "retina" scaling with the smaller pixels may or may not work better with older eyes.