How happy are you with you Macbook Pro 2016?

[Altis]

Not what you said.

Whether not updating lately amounts to neglect depends on how much relevant technology has changed. For the Mac Pro, it hasn't changed enough to make the current model unable to efficiently perform. I don't know about the Mini.

A) It wasn't me who said it.

B) The Mini is using 4th generation Haswell CPUs in 2017 when 7th-gen is upon us, not to mention lack of USB-C and TB3. Apple is charging premium prices for dated tech -- the least they could do is reduce the price. There have most certainly been advances since 2013/14 that would be well suited for the Pro and Mini.
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Make no mistake though, the best experience is on a Mac.

Depends quite a bit on the tasks at hand and the user taste.

 

[Sanpete]

A) It wasn't me who said it.

Oops, sorry. In any case, what you said wasn't what I was replying to. The tech for laptops and iOS devices is more diverse and changing faster these days than that for desktops. The iMac was ahead of its time with the fastest-changing part of its technology, the screen, and it's still among the best. The Macs without screens will no doubt incorporate new ports when they're refreshed, and new chips, but the changes probably won't be as significant.

 

[Mr. Dee]

A) It wasn't me who said it.

B) The Mini is using 4th generation Haswell CPUs in 2017 when 7th-gen is upon us, not to mention lack of USB-C and TB3. Apple is charging premium prices for dated tech -- the least they could do is reduce the price. There have most certainly been advances since 2013/14 that would be well suited for the Pro and Mini.
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Depends quite a bit on the tasks at hand and the user taste.

The touch pad, ability to update your system without worry, certain user experience features on macOS are only available on a Mac. I don't think you can even use continuity on a hackintosh.

 

[samiwas]

Your original point was "there's no damn dock available yet to be able to plug in peripherals." Of course there are numerous docks, just not one that will do everything.

At the time, every dock I looked at was "coming soon". There are some USB-C options, I guess. So far, the temporary one I have requires a computer reboot every time it is attached. Not very helpful.

And no, your alternative is obviously not to buy all-new gear, as you also suggested originally. You can get adapters, and if you have some peculiar allergy to adapters, you can get appropriate replacement cables instead in most cases.

Please re-read. Pretty sure I said that the alternative to buying a bag of adapters or a dock is to buy all new gear. Of course, I'm going to have to buy a bag of adapters. But I did actually have someone on another thread tell me that any gear that cannot connect to this MacBook natively should be replaced, and that all the existing stuff is now "legacy". That's flat-out insane.

It would have been nice, when buying a $3,000+ laptop that cannot connect to anything without adapters, that they would include at least a USB-A adapter. But, then Apple couldn't sell a bunch of overpriced adapters (which seems to be their business model as of late).

If you're only running one of two monitors available to you, that's on you, not Apple. Even if you only have two ports, you can power your machine and drive two monitors in various ways. You can even do it from one port in many cases, depending on what ports your monitors have. See the discussion here for example:

http://apple.stackexchange.com/ques...evices-to-the-2016-macbook-pro-with-touch-bar

Your link seems to support my assertion that there is no possibility of driving two monitors from a single dock. It is a software limitation in OS X. So, that would, in fact, be on Apple. I was only running one monitor at the time because I was awaiting a dock which could drive both. Since it appears that is not possible, due to Apple not maximizing the abilities of the port, I have since bought a second adapter in order to drive the second monitor.

Look, let's get real...Apple has NOT maximized the abilities of the port and put out something which absolutely requires adapters or new cables to do literally anything. Even a USB key.

There is what appears to be a software limitation on daisy-chaining (apart from TB monitors), but the hardware seems to be there (so you can apparently daisy-chain in Boot Camp). If so, no doubt the software will match the hardware eventually. For now, you have options enough with two ports.

Crazy that the company with more money than God and some of the highest price tags on their hardware doesn't support something that Windows has supported for years. And before you take me for a Windows fanboy, I have never personally owned a Windows computer, even though all of my work equipment is Windows.

If you have trouble remembering your USB-A adapter, keep one on a keychain or in your pocket. They're very portable.

Wow. Thanks for the advice. Doesn't change the point.

What monitors and what connections? You shouldn't be having this trouble. Most people don't. Generally it's a matter of matching the hardware to the right connectors.

USB-C to HDMI. Possibly a crappy adapter. I've never had any trouble with external monitors until this laptop. So, it's either the computer or the adapters, because the monitors have not changed. I also get a pop-up to update my USB-C Dongle literally every time I start my computer, and I've done it numerous times. This started after I bought the Apple adapter.


I've been an Apple user since 1983. But lately, I've just kind of gotten sick of the direction they have gone. This might be the last piece of Apple gear I buy.
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ability to update your system without worry

Well, that's not true. When I updated a couple of years ago, it bricked my iMac to the point that I had to take it to an Apple Store to restore, and lost whatever was on it in the process. Luckily, I was mostly backed up.

 

[Ethosik]

A) It wasn't me who said it.

B) The Mini is using 4th generation Haswell CPUs in 2017 when 7th-gen is upon us, not to mention lack of USB-C and TB3. Apple is charging premium prices for dated tech -- the least they could do is reduce the price. There have most certainly been advances since 2013/14 that would be well suited for the Pro and Mini.
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Depends quite a bit on the tasks at hand and the user taste.

And? Intel themselves states that the newest processors were only 25% faster than ones three and a half years ago.

People REALLY need to stop thinking this is the late 90s and early 2000s where one processor generation will be a MASSIVE boost compared to the previous one.

We have plateaued people. A new Mac Mini might just NOW be beneficial. A new Mac Pro just NOW might be beneficial. Especially with USB-C and TB3.

I agree that reducing the price at least should be done. But let's be realistic here. Do companies really lower their prices "just because"? I can go out and buy a brand new (as in not used) Intel processor that is a few generations old (from Newegg) and it is the same price as it was when it was released.

 

[Sanpete]

There are some USB-C options, I guess.

Yup, have been all along.

Please re-read. Pretty sure I said that the alternative to buying a bag of adapters or a dock is to buy all new gear.

You said, "And before anyone starts on the "you should ditch all of your old peripherals and buy all new stuff", NO. Just stop." Of course that's not what people generally advise, whatever someone might have said once.

It would have been nice, when buying a $3,000+ laptop that cannot connect to anything without adapters, that they would include at least a USB-A adapter. But, then Apple couldn't sell a bunch of overpriced adapters (which seems to be their business model as of late).

Really, if Apple included a $5 adapter that would be the thing? I'd rather have the ones I bought than the Apple one. Which is the point, Apple doesn't make anyone buy an overpriced adapter.

Your link seems to support my assertion that there is no possibility of driving two monitors from a single dock.

No, it says exactly what I said. You can drive two monitors with one port. The Apple ports remain the most powerful and flexible available, the most powerful and flexible set of ports on any laptop, which is indeed maximizing the efficiency of the ports.

And Apple does support daisy-chaining as well, with Thunderbolt.

HDMI has been problematic with the new ports, so you do need to have a good adapter for that. (DP is better for now, adapter-wise.)

Apple's own multiport adapter has been problematic too. Better ones are out there.

Wow. Thanks for the advice. Doesn't change the point.

The point is that your complaining is largely silly and misinformed. Carrying a USB-A adapter isn't the burden you make it out to be; it's smaller than most keys. You blame Apple for not getting the equipment you need, acting as though it doesn't exist. You complain about the best ports out there not doing something you don't need instead of focusing on what they can do that will work just fine for you.

I've been an Apple user since 1983. But lately, I've just kind of gotten sick of the direction they have gone. This might be the last piece of Apple gear I buy.

What direction is that? If you don't like your machine, sell it and get one you do like. Why be so burdened? But make sure you actually know what's going on, and what the alternatives are.

 

[thesaint024]

At the time, every dock I looked at was "coming soon". There are some USB-C options, I guess.

If you really think about it, it's not a big deal as most of us are finding. I've used this since week one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FMP3B5S/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It would have been nice, when buying a $3,000+ laptop that cannot connect to anything without adapters, that they would include at least a USB-A adapter. But, then Apple couldn't sell a bunch of overpriced adapters (which seems to be their business model as of late).

Look, let's get real...Apple has NOT maximized the abilities of the port and put out something which absolutely requires adapters or new cables to do literally anything. Even a USB key.

Again, not a big deal. I carry around this $3 adapter, was $5 when I bought it. It's an inch long, and there are even smaller ones available. I've used this about 3 or 4 times since I've had the MBP, that's less than once a month. YMMV, but I like to meet the guy that plugs usb-a peripherals several times a day. In Apple's eyes, you're doing it wrong. Of course everyone uses and prefers different workflows so there are other options if this is incompatible with your work.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EL4PVFE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also bought this. I've used it twice. I stopped carrying it around because of the infrequent use. $25, was $30+ when I bought it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012PS8TEI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

All this talk about Apple nickel and diming and squeezing MBP owners for adapters is misdirected and irrational. They are going for a clean, small design as per usual. They don't even offer good adapters or docks. It's almost like a stopgap for the accessory market to catch up. They don't advertise or push any of these. I have not bought a single MBP accessory from Apple. Dock was $180, includes power adapter for single cable connection. The other 2 purchases total $30 now. None of this money went to Apple. There offerings are thin or non-existent. USB-C is truly universal. Market will catch up with choices and prices will continue to drop.

Your idea of a $3k computer is different from mine and many like me. Just because something is expensive, does not equate to meeting every single one of your needs. This is a conscious design choice. The design itself does not support the argument of squeezing money since these are open, universal TB3/usb-c ports. In reality, I single plug my MBP into my dock most days. On the days I'm on the go, I pack my charger and the single usb-a adapter. I rarely use the charger or the usb-a adapter so those might get left at home too.

People use these differently. This design is the most flexible for ALL users, not the "pro" group or the "consumer" group or the legacy mac group or the coming from PC group or anyone else. I'm adapting to the minimalist setup and I love it. Change works out sometimes. If your setup is still too hard to change, you probably want to look at the plethora of options in the PC world that everyone talks about.

 

[samiwas]

If you really think about it, it's not a big deal as most of us are finding. I've used this since week one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FMP3B5S/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

From the listing: "Only Windows devices support dual video." So, yeah...I will just have to bite the bullet and get something like this, and a separate adapter for the second screen. Sucks that Apple can't seem to support this.

Again, not a big deal. I carry around this $3 adapter, was $5 when I bought it. It's an inch long, and there are even smaller ones available. I've used this about 3 or 4 times since I've had the MBP, that's less than once a month. YMMV, but I like to meet the guy that plugs usb-a peripherals several times a day. In Apple's eyes, you're doing it wrong.

And at least someone admits it. Apple dictates your actions, essentially. You change to meet Apple.

I work with many different people, in different places, and with different equipment. My life is not centered around just my laptop and an iPhone. I have to interface with all sorts of stuff. And it will be years before the rest of the world moves to USB-C. So, for now...yes, I plug in USB-A stuff consistently. We also have equipment that requires (*gasp*) wired networking...wifi is not an option there. So I plug that in, too. And I'm aware that port has been gone for a while. Unfortunately, the adapter I bought for that for the last mac I bought is no longer relevant.

I also bought this. I've used it twice. I stopped carrying it around because of the infrequent use. $25, was $30+ when I bought it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012PS8TEI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have no use for a USB-C jump drive at this point. I have no other devices anywhere with USB-C.

Your idea of a $3k computer is different from mine and many like me. Just because something is expensive, does not equate to meeting every single one of your needs.

And, in my opinion, that kind of makes it lose the "Pro" moniker. It can interface with exactly nothing without adapters. That used to be the point of buying the Pro...it had ports aplenty and could do almost anything natively. Not so much any more. And that's what it is, and thats's fine, but let's not pretend that this thing is versatile. It's versatile once you buy additional equipment to make it versatile. Never before have I had to carry around additional equipment in order to do the most mundane things.

This is a conscious design choice. The design itself does not support the argument of squeezing money since these are open, universal TB3/usb-c ports. In reality, I single plug my MBP into my dock most days. On the days I'm on the go, I pack my charger and the single usb-a adapter. I rarely use the charger or the usb-a adapter so those might get left at home too.

Cool. So essentially, you fit into Apple's minimalist vision. Congrats. That's not "Pro" to me. More, than ever..this video comes to mind...

This thread is entitled "How happy are you with you Macbook Pro 2016?". I am expressing something I do not like about it. You can keep trying to convince me that I am wrong, but the simple truth is, you need adapters. That's what I don't like about it, and hence my contribution to this thread. It's unfortunate that I had to replace my 18-month old Pro with this one, but I did. I probably should have gone for the lesser model, but I wanted the horsepower. Next time, I'll consider the ramifications.

 

[thesaint024]

And at least someone admits it. Apple dictates your actions, essentially. You change to meet Apple.

What's to admit? Unless you run Apple or any of the other computer manufacturers, we all adjust to meet the products we buy. Not sure why you feel entitled to not need to do this. Like I said in another post, I adjusted to the XPS fan coming on at random times just because it was there. Or Windows intrusive updates, I have adjusted and I live with these things.

I work with many different people, in different places, and with different equipment. My life is not centered around just my laptop and an iPhone. I have to interface with all sorts of stuff. And it will be years before the rest of the world moves to USB-C. So, for now...yes, I plug in USB-A stuff consistently. We also have equipment that requires (*gasp*) wired networking...wifi is not an option there. So I plug that in, too. And I'm aware that port has been gone for a while. Unfortunately, the adapter I bought for that for the last mac I bought is no longer relevant.

This is kind of a fact of life for computer products. I have to buy new stuff all the time, sometimes on my schedule, sometimes on the manufacturers'. I actually bought the dock I use with my MBP because of the XPS I had. Nature of technology is that it moves forward. I have a bunch of CD's somewhere too.

And, in my opinion, that kind of makes it lose the "Pro" moniker. It can interface with exactly nothing without adapters. That used to be the point of buying the Pro...it had ports aplenty and could do almost anything natively. Not so much any more. And that's what it is, and thats's fine, but let's not pretend that this thing is versatile. It's versatile once you buy additional equipment to make it versatile. Never before have I had to carry around additional equipment in order to do the most mundane things.

The great "debate" on MR is what defines "Pro". You have a very specific definition that many agree with. Ports = Pro.

This thread is entitled "How happy are you with you Macbook Pro 2016?". I am expressing something I do not like about it. You can keep trying to convince me that I am wrong, but the simple truth is, you need adapters. That's what I don't like about it, and hence my contribution to this thread. It's unfortunate that I had to replace my 18-month old Pro with this one, but I did. I probably should have gone for the lesser model, but I wanted the horsepower. Next time, I'll consider the ramifications.

Not trying to convince YOU actually, was giving suggestions on how some things made my work easier. YMMV. This is also the point of forums, to help people with problems. These replies also try to show sometimes these criticisms are overblown and people pull out the same "I paid $3k and I need to buy a bag of dongles" line. You and I both know that is bulls**t, but some people like to keep saying it anyway. I openly admit I am rebutting some over the top comments/criticisms of this MBP, not necessarily you. I really am not trying to convince anyone to buy it, I'm just trying to get those who are getting scared off by one off, specific workflows where it's inconvenient to not get scared off and just take a look. I read a lot of that on this forum too - people who are mad about the over the top criticism and waiting to buy one and regretting waiting so long. MBP is what it is with it's benefits and faults. It's not a completely "unacceptable computer" and "non-pro". Depends on the usage. Do your research for any computer and people will end up with what they need.

 

[Sanpete]

From the listing: "Only Windows devices support dual video." So, yeah...I will just have to bite the bullet and get something like this, and a separate adapter for the second screen. Sucks that Apple can't seem to support this.

Have you looked yet at the link I gave yet to see how to drive two monitors from one port? It depends on what kinds of ports your monitors have. Probably doesn't matter in any practical way, as it's just as convenient to use two ports, but since it seems to matter to you, it can be done.

And, in my opinion, that kind of makes it lose the "Pro" moniker. It can interface with exactly nothing without adapters. That used to be the point of buying the Pro...it had ports aplenty and could do almost anything natively. Not so much any more. And that's what it is, and thats's fine, but let's not pretend that this thing is versatile. It's versatile once you buy additional equipment to make it versatile. Never before have I had to carry around additional equipment in order to do the most mundane things.

See, no one cares if you don't like adapters, but when you state unfactual things or jump to things like whether the machine is "pro," that's beyond stating your preference. If pro means for professionals, then there are various conflicting criteria. Among the most important is performance. Convenience for pro tasks also matters, though I don't think ports for every desire was ever "the" point. Those criteria can conflict. You're willing to trade off performance power for weaker but more convenient ports, or maybe to add size and weight for more ports. That only shows something about you, not about what's pro in general way. Other pros prefer more performance power and a smaller, lighter package.

 

[Altis]

The touch pad, ability to update your system without worry, certain user experience features on macOS are only available on a Mac. I don't think you can even use continuity on a hackintosh.

What I mean is all the major platforms have their pros and cons. These days, I don't think MacOS is really any better than the others, just different -- so it could be better, depending on the specific needs, but not necessarily.

 

[xxray]

And another thing... I was wondering why I was enjoying using this MBP so much. Yes, the obvious things that show up on the stat line, size, weight, screen, speakers, etc. But there are lots of intangibles that are hard to quantify but add significantly to the overall experience. When I was using an XPS, the fan would come on at seemingly random times and way more than necessary. It was annoying, but I just accepted it as the cost of doing business. This MBP is always silent unless I'm actually taxing it (rarely). It stays cool. These are the little things that don't show up in specs but really adds to the refined experience. It's like the touchpad, not really something to brag about in specs, but really affects use of the laptop. I find myself wondering why I like this computer so much, and it's always little details like this that don't show up in specs. Just a well designed machine. Of course to each their own, different things matter to people. These are things I never thought of that would matter to me.

"You know what the funniest thing about MBP's is? It's the little differences." - Vincent Vega

That's the thing. This computer seems idiotic from a pure specs/price sheet, but when you try it out, you see why the price is what it is. It's one of those products you have to use to understand. Granted, that doesn't mean it's the right computer for everyone. But it's definitely one of those things you have to experience to understand.

 

[samiwas]

"I paid $3k and I need to buy a bag of dongles" line. You and I both know that is bulls**t,

How is it BS? Unless I change everything about the way I work and the equipment I have, I need to buy a bag of dongles. There's no way around that.

I'm just trying to get those who are getting scared off by one off, specific workflows where it's inconvenient to not get scared off and just take a look.

One-off, specific workflows? So, wanting to use a USB key that fits in almost every other computer in existence (and really, almost every piece of electronic gear) is a one-off, specific workflow? Wanting to connect two monitors off one dock is a one-off, specific workflow? Hate to tell you, but adjusting yourself to this laptop is the one-off, specific workflow.

Have you looked yet at the link I gave yet to see how to drive two monitors from one port? It depends on what kinds of ports your monitors have. Probably doesn't matter in any practical way, as it's just as convenient to use two ports, but since it seems to matter to you, it can be done.

Yes, I believe I did. And my monitors, which are only six months old and not cheap monitors, can use HDMI and DP. Your link provided no evidence of being able to easily use two monitors off of one cable, even through a dock, unless you have specific monitors.

See, no one cares if you don't like adapters, but when you state unfactual things or jump to things like whether the machine is "pro," that's beyond stating your preference. If pro means for professionals, then there are various conflicting criteria. Among the most important is performance. Convenience for pro tasks also matters, though I don't think ports for every desire was ever "the" point. Those criteria can conflict. You're willing to trade off performance power for weaker but more convenient ports, or maybe to add size and weight for more ports. That only shows something about you, not about what's pro in general way. Other pros prefer more performance power and a smaller, lighter package.

Sure. All true. Again...the title of the thread is "How happy are you with you Macbook Pro 2016?", not "Celebrate the MacBook Pro and don't dare criticize it in any way".

I mean, I guess by that definition, even if it had no ports at all except power, and everything had to be wireless, that could still be pro. I mean, I guess Pro can mean damn near anything.

I could really make everyone angry and rehash how I want a touchscreen iMac. Man, I was practically attacked for that one.

 

[Sanpete]

And my monitors, which are only six months old and not cheap monitors, can use HDMI and DP. Your link provided no evidence of being able to easily use two monitors off of one cable, even through a dock, unless you have specific monitors.

Actually, what the report at the link shows is that your case should work. The poster says he hooked one monitor up via the HDMI port on his dock, and the other via the USB-C port on his dock with a USB-C to DP adapter. If this is important to you (and it's hard to see why it should be, since you do have two ports), then it appears you can do it.

Sure. All true. Again...the title of the thread is "How happy are you with you Macbook Pro 2016?", not "Celebrate the MacBook Pro and don't dare criticize it in any way".

You say it's all true but then ignore what I said. Again, no one objects to you not liking things about the MBP. Criticize all you like, there are certainly valid criticisms. You go well beyond valid criticism into incorrect assertions, unwarranted generalizations, e.g. about what "pro" is, and some unreasonable complaints, e.g. when it comes to how difficult you make it seem to have a USB-A adapter on hand.

I mean, I guess by that definition, even if it had no ports at all except power, and everything had to be wireless, that could still be pro. I mean, I guess Pro can mean damn near anything.

No, it can only reasonably mean things that are tied to the core idea of what works best in professional contexts. If no ports was practical, that might well be an advantage in professional work, but it isn't practical for now.

I could really make everyone angry and rehash how I want a touchscreen iMac. Man, I was practically attacked for that one.

Fine with me if you want one. I don't, and hope Apple won't make everyone who doesn't want one pay for one to get an iMac. If there's enough demand to offer it as an option, fine by me. I'll just try to avoid eye contact with your greasy or scratched screen!

 

[thesaint024]

How is it BS? Unless I change everything about the way I work and the equipment I have, I need to buy a bag of dongles. There's no way around that.

One-off, specific workflows? So, wanting to use a USB key that fits in almost every other computer in existence (and really, almost every piece of electronic gear) is a one-off, specific workflow? Wanting to connect two monitors off one dock is a one-off, specific workflow? Hate to tell you, but adjusting yourself to this laptop is the one-off, specific workflow.

Alright dude. You're the guy that walks around needing to connect various devices everyday to your MBP, and a bag of dongles. I've not seen many of these guys, so I made an assumption that it was relatively rare. Good luck finding your computer, lots of choices.

 

[seeforyourself]

Horrible. My graphics card on my 2.9 ghz I7 460 AMD 4gb is acting up again with the current update. I am on my 12th MacBook Pro replacement because the keys click very uneven and also the trackpad rattles occasionally.

 

[mmomega]

Love mine.
Wife loves hers.

Not really much to say

I will say when I purchased mine I was not unaware of the ports on the laptop. There's USB-C and a little round hole on the right side, I think I saw someone plug a headphone into it once.

I have one single adapter. I USB-A to USB-C adapter maybe an inch long. I've used it maybe 4 times since I purchased the adaptor for my 2015 12" MacBook.

I picked up the 2.9 i5, 512GB. Very solid machine for what I use it for.

I'm on my 7th ever MacBook since 2009.

 

[Sanpete]

Your link provided no evidence of being able to easily use two monitors off of one cable, even through a dock, unless you have specific monitors.

I was wrong and you were right about this. I just took a look at the dock the poster refers to and its USB-C port is for power only, so you can't drive a monitor from it. He must be talking about using two ports. For one port it's probably only Thunderbolt daisy-chaining (or Windows) at the moment.

 

[Naimfan]

If you really think about it, it's not a big deal as most of us are finding.

What is not a "big deal" to you certainly is for others. Surely you're not so obtuse as to believe otherwise?

Secondly, kindly provide a citation to reliable statistics that support your baseless assertion that "most of us are finding." Failure means your statements can be safely categorized as no more than opinion.

 

[AZ Jack]

I am very, very happy with my 13" TB-MBP and have no regrets and am not looking back in any way.

I had very real concerns in advance of the purchase surrounding battery life, dongles, and how loud the keyboard is. Battery life has been spectacular for me. I have now used it in work situations and with very little exception, am able to get through an entire 8 hour day without once reaching for the charger. This includes some light excel work, editing and presenting powerpoint on a projector, and some other stuff. The dongle situation has not been bad, I mean I had dongles before. The most common one I use is a VGA projector adapter which I needed anyway on my old 2013 Retina MBP. So yes, I have to carry around some dongles, but I had to carry them around before as well. I have also worked with some colleagues that have been using Dell XPS laptops, which are really nice computers by the way (too bad they run windows ) but also have USB-C ports, so it was nice that we could share USB-C dongles. I also really like the touch and feel of the new keyboard, but it is louder than I would like. I can type more quietly in situations when I need to, but I guess my only complaint so far is that I wish it was quieter.

Another feature I was not happy about losing was the MagSafe charging port. I can honestly say though after using this laptop for 2 months, the convenience of charging the laptop on any port out weighs the old MagSafe. Sounds like a simple convenience but I have really grown to appreciate it.

The laptop display is gorgeous. I get a lot of wow comments when I drag it out and start using it, and its usually in reaction to the bright and gorgeous display and believe it or not, the touchbar. Now I don't buy laptops to get wows and ahhs from people, but it does give you some fresh perspective which really does validate how beautiful the laptop is. The touchbar is cool, but I don't use it a lot. I have found that there are a few commands like adding a tab in a finder window which is not readily available on the toolbar that do exist on the touchbar that I have really appreciated. This is where the touchbar can really shine. When it just repeats buttons that are already available in the toolbar, not very useful. Giving me added functionality is a big deal. This is where it can really evolve over time.

So there's my thoughts. My old 13" MBP-Retina was a great computer and work horse, but was showing a lot of wear and I needed to replace it. If you look at my post history, you will see I had talked myself into waiting or buying last years model, but in the end I could not bring myself to buy last year's tech. I am sure glad I made the choice I did. I know there are some that are not happy with it, but I couldn't be more thrilled with my choice at this time.

 

[thesaint024]

What is not a "big deal" to you certainly is for others. Surely you're not so obtuse as to believe otherwise?

Secondly, kindly provide a citation to reliable statistics that support your baseless assertion that "most of us are finding." Failure means your statements can be safely categorized as no more than opinion.

I see. I will kindly provide reliable statistics backing up my opinions when you provide yours for your idiotic statements spewed all over this forum.

"The pricing is still absurd for the value on offer."
"For the overwhelming majority of people, there is no performance difference between a 2016 and even something like a Late 2013 model."
"The 15" MBs are overpriced, absurdly in my opinion, for the performance and quality they offer."
"Instead, it waited over a year, and then released a product that has alienated a significant number of Mac users, for reasons ranging from poor quality control to absurdities like the touchbar, the atrocious keyboard, the absurdly large trackpad, and the ridiculous pricing."
...and it goes on and on.

Your assertions are pure hyperbole. Anti-2016 MBP fervor based on some personal feeling you have. Hardly based on facts or consensus. I don't know what your agenda is, but your negativity about all things Apple is tiresome and bordering on trolling. Has Apple wronged you personally? Are you some marketing or finance expert that can say unequivocally that Apple is wrong in their strategy or pricing, despite the fact that they are the largest market cap company in the world? Please kindly backup up your hyperbole, if even possible, before starting statistical fact finding missions with others. I apologize in advance for enjoying my MBP 2016 model. Apparently it really pains you.

Edit: had to add this one more objective fact of yours.
"The 2016 model is an abomination."

 

[samiwas]

I don't know what your agenda is, but your negativity about all things Apple is tiresome and bordering on trolling.

Well, I think the same could be said for some of the insane pro-Apple posters. Like, those people for whom there is literally nothing Apple can do wrong. And if you dare even want something that Apple doesn't provide, you are lambasted for such a desire. I was told I was being "unreasonable" when I said I wish Apple made a touchscreen iMac, because I would buy it on day one. Every excuse was given as to why they should not even be an option, and why I was wrong for even desiring one.

 

[thesaint024]

Well, I think the same could be said for some of the insane pro-Apple posters. Like, those people for whom there is literally nothing Apple can do wrong. And if you dare even want something that Apple doesn't provide, you are lambasted for such a desire. I was told I was being "unreasonable" when I said I wish Apple made a touchscreen iMac, because I would buy it on day one. Every excuse was given as to why they should not even be an option, and why I was wrong for even desiring one.

So glad you clarified that it isn't ME who is saying these things. Nevertheless, this is a Mac forum. Some Mac buyers, myself included, are understandably enthusiastic about the purchases of a shiny new toy we've made. The definition of a troll is to go on to fan sites and dump on products to illicit some response. Yes, people are unreasonable for saying dumb things like that to you, but you have to understand the enthusiasm, sometimes irrational as it may be. Trolling on the other hand is sad and speaks to a lack of enthusiasm and boredom (or worse) in life. Like I said to you previously, lots of choices out there, and I really hope you find the one that checks off your boxes. I've used many laptops, they all have their pros and cons that matter differently to different people. Good luck dude, sincerely.

 

[lambertjohn]

I gave it a try (max spec 13 inch tMBP) and returned to Apple after 2 weeks. ATM I have dell XPS 2016 and the previous gen MBP, both in my opinion are far superior to the new version. Component-by-component breakdown:

+++ build quality - no flex or anything, awesome
+++ screen - superbright and nice looking, obviously better than the previous gen. Also seems to be even less reflective, which I appreciate a lot.
--- speakers - mine were blown out after trying to install windows through bootcamp, so no idea
--- battery life - pretty much roll a D6 and add 2, extremely inconsistent. Chrome seems to be the battery killer for some reason, even though both dell XPS & MBP 2015 easily manage around 7-8 hours with it running.
? keyboard - was nice until theletter "a" got stuck one week in.
- touchbar - almost entirely useless, I haven't had a singe moment when I thought "Oh wow, I wish I had the touchbar earlier", also (I'm guessing) it is another battery killer along witch chrome
-- specs, cpu, gpu - a complete joke, for the price I am paying windows hardware just blows it out of the water. Compared to the previous generation, the speed increase is almost negligible.
--- port selection - abysmal, there is absolutely no reason not to leave at least one USB 3 port, as well as killing the HDMI and SD card slot for no reason at all.

Conclusion:
If you want a new MBP, either
1) buy a 2015 version, it's cheaper and far superior in 80% of the cases
or
2) wait for a 2nd gen tMBP and see if Apple manages to fix at least some of the issues

Spot on post! Especially the conclusion.

 

[Sanpete]

Well, I think the same could be said for some of the insane pro-Apple posters. Like, those people for whom there is literally nothing Apple can do wrong. And if you dare even want something that Apple doesn't provide, you are lambasted for such a desire. I was told I was being "unreasonable" when I said I wish Apple made a touchscreen iMac, because I would buy it on day one. Every excuse was given as to why they should not even be an option, and why I was wrong for even desiring one.

I sympathize, but the best place to complain about that is where it happens. No one is doing that in this discussion, but you've brought it up twice. Not everyone who takes issue with things you say is an extremist.
[doublepost=1490217002][/doublepost]

Spot on post! Especially the conclusion.

Ha, the claim in the conclusion that the 2015 is "far superior in 80% of the cases" is obviously and demonstrably false by any reasonable standards. But facts and reasonableness have little sway where people have strong feelings.