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Good idea to get a MBP right now?

Tapiture

Tapiture

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Oct 1, 2016
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I’m going to need a laptop for the fall, and after doing a lot of research I’ve concluded the MacBook Pro is the best laptop for me. I’m looking at the 13” with Touchbar, i7, 16 GB RAM and 256 GB of storage. With a student discount this comes to $2,109. The closest thing I currently have to a laptop is my iPad Pro. I’ve read a lot about some keyboard problems with the current MBPs and also updates in September, but I’m having a hard time sorting through it all. From a financial and practical standpoint, does it make sense to buy at this point in time?
 
No, I would wait if you can. While no release date has been announced updates to the Mac lineup should be coming soon since the current hardware is over a year old. In reality Mac refreshes could happen as early as this week and as late as next year sometime, but my guess is later this summer in order to get those back to school sales. Even if it is just an internal update (which is the most likely scenario), a switch from 7th gen to 8th gen Intel core processors means moving from a dual core to quad core processor on the 13" MBPs so it's actually a bigger deal than many of the refreshes in previous years. Also a good bet that Apple will make some tweaks to the keyboards so they are less prone to failure. Just my 2 cents.
 
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I've got a feeling Apple is dragging its feet because the current MBP design overheats with 8th gen Intel processors. I wouldn't be surprised if the refresh came early next year.
 
coolX said:
I've got a feeling Apple is dragging its feet because the current MBP design overheats with 8th gen Intel processors. I wouldn't be surprised if the refresh came early next year.
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Aghhh that’d be really frustrating
 
I was going to wait until the next iteration of the laptop, but I decided to spend my extra money on clothes and stuff.

I bought a max spec late 2016 TB MBP from B&H Photo and Video for more than $1000 off and no taxes. I couldn't pass up the offer.. especially after hearing about Apple's decision to do the keyboard replacement program.
 
wxkkeup said:
I was going to wait until the next iteration of the laptop, but I decided to spend my extra money on clothes and stuff.

I bought a max spec late 2016 TB MBP from B&H Photo and Video for more than $1000 off and no taxes. I couldn't pass up the offer.. especially after hearing about Apple's decision to do the keyboard replacement program.
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B&H has had some really good deals on the 2016 MBP. Just have to wait for them to post the sale.
 
I’m still perseverating over that EBAY deal. Seems legit but I’m just not sure. I’ve been looking at the flagship retailers and they don’t have any deals on ‘17 Pros worth taking about.
 
This is one of those rare times, where "buy it if you need it" doesn't apply.

If you need it, don't buy it, because there's a good chance it's gonna be out to service to replace the topcase several times. Unless you have a good backup device.
If you don't need it, wait. With this keyboard fiasco the new Macbook needs to come out sooner rather than later.
 
Tapiture said:
I’m still perseverating over that EBAY deal. Seems legit but I’m just not sure. I’ve been looking at the flagship retailers and they don’t have any deals on ‘17 Pros worth taking about.
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Ebay is pretty safe for buyers as long as you pay using paypal. If what you get isn't exactly as advertised simply report it. I ordered something that turned out to be a scam once and was issued a full refund by Ebay.
 
Why waiting 2018th gen? Just wait 2019 or even 2020. The endless process. Grab now if you really need it now. How much will it take to pass early release disease?
 
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miric said:
Why waiting 2018th gen? Just wait 2019 or even 2020. The endless process. Grab now if you really need it now. How much will it take to pass early release disease?
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Yeah I do get what you’re saying, the viscous cycle of “waiting” is prevalent in this community, but in this case I think it is worth waiting until I absolutely need it in case they do come out with a model that fixes the keyboard and adds better processors.
 
Tapiture said:
Yeah I do get what you’re saying, the viscous cycle of “waiting” is prevalent in this community, but in this case I think it is worth waiting until I absolutely need it in case they do come out with a model that fixes the keyboard and adds better processors.
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The same thing with photo cameras. And where is a warranty the current gen won't become a lovely classic comparing to the new one as 2015 models now comparing to 2016/2017? Better processors? 7th gen is better than 4/5th. How better 8th will be to it? 9th ones 99,(9)% won't reveal in this year MBPs, Apple is so slow and careful to something new. It would be nice finally have 32GB RAM on LPDDR and better keyboard but who knows if they reinvent it dramatically?
 
Get it now if you can find a good deal (same specs and model for maybe $1500-1600, idk if it's possible or not). We don't know what you're going to use this device for in college, but $500 savings is a ton of savings, and will be of more use than a 2018 model (unless you need to take advantage of a quadcore). DO NOT BUY NOW AT MSRP.
 
How about don’t waste your money on current gen that has gaurenteed KEYBOARD issues.

I can’t imagine spending so much on a unit that is currently under a warranty extension program due to the still existing design fault. Wait until they have fixed it on the inevitable late 2018 model.
 
I have 2 and we love them both. One with extended care and not on the other after they granted the keyboard warranty extension. Prices are good and who is to say newer will be better. I actually like the 2017. My daughter came over with a new XPS-13. I use to have one and they are still workhorses but honestly after typing on it awhile I still prefer the short stroke on the Mac Pro.

Each will have their own conclusion on them but I wouldn't hesitate to buy one now.
 
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