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How do you justify the cost of the 2016 MBP?
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Mine isn't fully spec'd but if I think about the cost of it over ownership for even a modest period of time it's not a big deal. Whether it's still worth it is up to you individually.
I tend to use computers for around 3 years before I start feeling like I want to upgrade. They often last longer but my windows machines seem to start slowing after that. Ater tax, $3043 for the model I purchased. That's $84.55/mo for 36 months. If I cut out one happy hour or dinner out a month it's a wash more or less.
I imagine people who are using it to do work are going to just factor it in as a cost of operating like anything else.
I tend to use computers for around 3 years before I start feeling like I want to upgrade. They often last longer but my windows machines seem to start slowing after that. Ater tax, $3043 for the model I purchased. That's $84.55/mo for 36 months. If I cut out one happy hour or dinner out a month it's a wash more or less.
I imagine people who are using it to do work are going to just factor it in as a cost of operating like anything else.
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Some people use their Macs for work to make money. I make tens and tens of thousands of dollars doing freelance design on my fully specd out 2015...I'd say thats justified.
Computers are tools. I use my computer to make money. I decided I could make more money by upgrading my computer from the one I was using previously.
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It's a fantastic machine that fulfills my needs and I had the means to buy one. I can appreciate it's very expensive but in the end it's about whether you believe it's worth it.
I had a need for a new Mac (last laptop was bought in 2010 so I consider I get good value/cost of ownership) and fortunate to be able to afford a new fully-specced MBP, so otherwise don't feel any reason or need to justify it. It's a good, but expensive buy. Old computer goes to a charity, where they will either find a deserving new home or sell it.
I justify it by getting what I need. I used a mid 2009 MBP (the last Core 2 Duo model of MacBook Pro) until I upgraded to this model. That's nearly 8 years of hard life on one MacBook. It pays for itself over time, easily. I'm counting on this MacBook Pro to last equally as long; that's exactly why I got the 2016 over the 2015.
I bought my last Macbook Pro on 2013 for 2000, and sold it 3 years later for 1000. On top of that I got almost 300 from tax return. That means I paid like 700 for a great computer.
I expect this one to cost me around 1k+ after I am done with it. For a 15 inches laptop with the same specs and format, I am pretty sure you have to pay at least 2k-.
Really easy to justify after doing the math.
I expect this one to cost me around 1k+ after I am done with it. For a 15 inches laptop with the same specs and format, I am pretty sure you have to pay at least 2k-.
Really easy to justify after doing the math.
Using this machine for the upcoming 3-4 years which will give me an income.
Not having to frustrate myself about windows justifies the cost completely for me.
Not having to frustrate myself about windows justifies the cost completely for me.
I am speaking from a base 13" nonTB version but I'll answer the Q anyways...
2015 13" base with 256GB SSD = $1499
2016 13" base with 256GB SSD = $1499
I didn't need any justification because in my case, the pricing stayed exactly the same for the 256GB versions..
2015 13" base with 256GB SSD = $1499
2016 13" base with 256GB SSD = $1499
I didn't need any justification because in my case, the pricing stayed exactly the same for the 256GB versions..
I think the only way to justify the cost is by truly needing it and hence paying for it, or spending on it because you think you can use the new machine to make money more efficiently or faster than from your current one.
Wanting it and buying it, with no need of it right now for anything, you will end up asking questions (say if you have a 2015 or even a 2014 rMBP). To the person who really needed to spend that money on the machine, he knows he has to spend it, no two ways.
Wanting it and buying it, with no need of it right now for anything, you will end up asking questions (say if you have a 2015 or even a 2014 rMBP). To the person who really needed to spend that money on the machine, he knows he has to spend it, no two ways.
Its very simple, there is no other computer currently on the market that would fulfil my needs as well as the 15" MBP. This makes it the cheapest option available
Or, from another perspective: projected on 3 years of usable lifetime, my 15" MBP costs 90$ per months. Which is basically the same as what I pay for my monthly internet.Yes, I could do my job using a much cheaper computer. However, that would be associated with many smaller and larger frustrations and inconveniences. Given that fact that I spent 7 or more hours per day with the computer — on average, I think its silly to try and save few euros per months and getting a computer that would negatively impact my user experience.
For me, I base it on long term use. The money I'm spending for something that's going to last me 4-5 years is worth it over time. That and when I do decide to make the purchase, I have some money saved up from things I've sold to help offset the cost.
Used education discount and a retailer that didn't charge sale tax in my state.
My previously laptop was a 2010 MBP, and I'm planning on getting a similar longevity out of my 2016 model.
My previously laptop was a 2010 MBP, and I'm planning on getting a similar longevity out of my 2016 model.
For the 15 inch:
I live in Europe and the price for a new last generation model isn't that different from the new one.
I have the money so I wanted to invest in the best.
I've never used a PC and I never will.
I got a hefty family discount from the Apple store.
I didn't get the fully spec'd model. I just upgraded the SSD to 512 and the GPU to 460. I wanted to get a terabyte but I was buying it through someone else and their credit card couldn't go above 3k. I'm actually pretty disappointed about that. the terabyte upgrade was hella expensive but I'd have done it. I'm afraid I'll feel cramped for space eventually...
I like how thin and light it is, and I think the touch bar will come in handy with Logic Pro.
That said I won't receive it for another couple of weeks so I'm keeping my fingers crossed it won't have issues.
I live in Europe and the price for a new last generation model isn't that different from the new one.
I have the money so I wanted to invest in the best.
I've never used a PC and I never will.
I got a hefty family discount from the Apple store.
I didn't get the fully spec'd model. I just upgraded the SSD to 512 and the GPU to 460. I wanted to get a terabyte but I was buying it through someone else and their credit card couldn't go above 3k. I'm actually pretty disappointed about that. the terabyte upgrade was hella expensive but I'd have done it. I'm afraid I'll feel cramped for space eventually...
I like how thin and light it is, and I think the touch bar will come in handy with Logic Pro.
That said I won't receive it for another couple of weeks so I'm keeping my fingers crossed it won't have issues.
You are going to be spending a lot of money regardless. So first decide, can I afford to spend that kind of money at all. If you can't, or it would significantly impact your life to lack that money for other purposes, just stop right now and don't buy.
If you can afford it, do you want/need to upgrade? This is always the trickiest part, but if you do decide you are 100% buying a 2016 Macbook Pro you have done the hardest part.
After that just buy the one that will make you feel best about spending that large sum of money. Absolutely do not buy "almost" what you want in an effort to save money because you will just want to kick yourself later, and will probably end up upgrading again (and spending more money) sooner. Been there. Done that.
For what it is worth, I have stopped at step 2 and decided I did not need an upgrade at this point. But I've opened up a saving account just for the 2017 MBPs. I put $1000 to start and I've got an automatic monthly deposit set up which I'll keep going until the next version comes out. Then I can buy exactly what I want with zero guilt because the money has already been earmarked for this purpose only.
If you can afford it, do you want/need to upgrade? This is always the trickiest part, but if you do decide you are 100% buying a 2016 Macbook Pro you have done the hardest part.
After that just buy the one that will make you feel best about spending that large sum of money. Absolutely do not buy "almost" what you want in an effort to save money because you will just want to kick yourself later, and will probably end up upgrading again (and spending more money) sooner. Been there. Done that.
For what it is worth, I have stopped at step 2 and decided I did not need an upgrade at this point. But I've opened up a saving account just for the 2017 MBPs. I put $1000 to start and I've got an automatic monthly deposit set up which I'll keep going until the next version comes out. Then I can buy exactly what I want with zero guilt because the money has already been earmarked for this purpose only.
Very good point - like I want the touch bar MBP but would be willing to get the nTB because of the cost.. I probably will end up kicking myself later.
2 different scenarios here. This one's for work, and they did pay for it, but who pays doesn't matter if it's for making money in one way or another. In work situations, cost of computers are not material compared to the cost of employees. It's an investment in the employee, and you get whatever makes them happy. You can cheap out and force cheaper PC's or something else, but it'll just send a bad signal about what your company is about.
For personal use, my last MBP in 09 has lasted me to this day. I didn't use for work, so I didn't use it every day like my new one, but still. I've never had a PC laptop come close to that longevity. I don't mind paying extra for quality builds or superior every day usability. It makes every task a little easier. Everyone has experienced IT hell and troubleshooting stupid s**t. The less of that happening makes everyone happier. Not saying this doesn't happen with Mac's, but given my experience, I'll take my chances with Apple. No need to justify anything in my mind. I'll pay for quality every time.
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For personal use, my last MBP in 09 has lasted me to this day. I didn't use for work, so I didn't use it every day like my new one, but still. I've never had a PC laptop come close to that longevity. I don't mind paying extra for quality builds or superior every day usability. It makes every task a little easier. Everyone has experienced IT hell and troubleshooting stupid s**t. The less of that happening makes everyone happier. Not saying this doesn't happen with Mac's, but given my experience, I'll take my chances with Apple. No need to justify anything in my mind. I'll pay for quality every time.
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I don't know if you'll be kicking yourself between the tb and ntb. I think the other benefits of the 16 are more impactful (but touchID and 4 ports is nice). I would kick myself for going 2015, but that's just me.
I can afford it, and I needed to replace my 2011 personal MBP.
Like what Saturn1217 said, I was struggling a bit with deciding to pull the trigger now or later. If I wait, I'd have to wait till next Mar/June ish before a refresh happens which is too long of a timeframe for me. It's also unlikely in terms of features to expect much difference other than just hardware.
Like what Saturn1217 said, I was struggling a bit with deciding to pull the trigger now or later. If I wait, I'd have to wait till next Mar/June ish before a refresh happens which is too long of a timeframe for me. It's also unlikely in terms of features to expect much difference other than just hardware.
Every Apple computer I ever purchased and the one iPad are still going strong: iMac 2009, MacBook Pro 2010, MacBook Pro 2011, iPad Mini 2013. Actually, my original iPhone 4 is still here on the desk. It still works. I replaced its battery a few months ago. The old iPhone 4 still makes an excellent iPod.
Quality and value: Apple equipment is built to last and feature packed. I can't say that for the many other brand computers I have had since the 70s.
YMMV, Jeff
Quality and value: Apple equipment is built to last and feature packed. I can't say that for the many other brand computers I have had since the 70s.
YMMV, Jeff
I had the TB and returned it due to poor battery life and the fact that for me, the TB was a pure 100% gimmick that I'd never use... You might find value in it but I did not..
The only thing I miss from he TB version is the 2 extra ports but I am getting along without them.. I went from 6 1/2 hours of battery with the TB to over 10 with the nonTB..
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