How happy are you with you Macbook Pro 2016?

[screamlikeasiren]

As for the speakers, as a regular user whom just watch light Netflix and youtube, it is suitable for me!
The keyboard is amazing, I love it way better than the previous one I was on, the black MacBook lol.

 

[davetwo]

I hate it.

The touchbar is either irrelevant or (more usually) a hindrance. The lack of ports is a pain. Lack of serious RAM is disappointing. Keyboard feel and sound is cheaper than the 2015. And the price is excessive. (It does look good though).

At the minute the competition isn't providing a real alternative though. I would have bought my first ever windows machine - but the razer blade pro isn't available in europe.

I do 'heavy' work. 3D rendering, large scale image editing etc. But the ergonomic problems (keyboard/touchbar) probably annoy me more than the lack of power.

 

[RobinInOR]

Ecstatic. And that's even with being without it for a month because the logic board died. Love the screen, love the keyboard. (though I like the old wireless apple keyboards better), and it's handled everything I've thrown at it. I was stuck on an old iMac as a desktop for years, and my iPads are limited, so it's a real treat to have something new that multitasks and can go with me when I need it.

 

[MrGuder]

I'd imagine those that read it got the gist of it. That's all that matters. I do appreciate your input though.

I usually try to read every post on a thread topic that interests me however (and I'm not being mean) I couldn't read your post because it wasn't broken up in paragraphs. It was way too long and I skipped it.

 

[Sanpete]

But the ergonomic problems (keyboard/touchbar) probably annoy me more than the lack of power.

The dGPU and heat management are much improved for those doing heavy work, so there's no lack of power in comparison to earlier models for that kind of thing. (The price for that and many other improvements is $100 more for the 15".) For those who don't use the dGPU much, the differences will be small, though. If you're comparing to a Windows gaming laptop, you'll never be pleased with a MBP.

 

[James.K.Polk]

Had the 15" for only two days now, but my answer is... extremely. I have to say, I love the new keyboard, like the new screen (not *that* different from the older retina) and don't mind the TouchBar... with BTT, it's certainly as functional, if not more, than the extra row of keys. And, the 15" feels even easier to carry around. Hope this thing lasts me a good long time.

 

[Dave245]

In terms of the screen is there a noticeable difference for someone coming from a 2011 MacBook Pro and or the 2012 27" iMac? Just wondering how good the screen is in comparison to what I've got now, especially when planning my upgrade for later this year!

 

[Mefisto]

I switched from a 2010 MBP, and the difference in the screen is almost literally night and day. Brightness, the colors being more vivid, and the upgrade to retina alone were quite nice surprises. Well not surprises, but you know what I mean. The 2011 doesn't have retina, correct?

If possible, go check one out at a store, but even then keep in mind the lighting conditions there vs. the ones in your home / office etc. and how they affect what you see.

 

[Uofmtiger]

While I can agree that the 2015 offers a better value for the money, and is a very, very good laptop, I don't see how it's superior in anything compared to 2016, let alone 80%. In fact, it is worse in almost every way (still great, though).

If you got a 2015. one - it's a good choice, maybe even a smarter choice, but let's not get unrealistic here. The new MBP is faster (faster GPU, RAM, SSD, CPU doesn't throttle as much - so faster), it is lighter, it is smaller, it has a better and brighter screen, has better battery life for the most part, it has a better build, it has a better trackpad and - for a lot of people - a better keyboard.
In fact, there are a lot of reasons. You don't have to agree with them, though. I prefer the USB-C ports to the old ones.

If you are in the market, I would not recommend a 2015 unless you can get it at a huge discount or trade in often. The lack of USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 is going to age it A LOT in the coming years. While USB-C is backward compatible, old ports are not forward compatible.

When I bought my 2011 iMac, people were complaining about the inclusion of 2 thunderbolt slots. They went on and on about how the ports were useless. A year or so later, I was using the port to daisy chain SSDs and used one of them for booting....which made the computer feel new again because it ran so much faster. I also attached a dock, which gave me an HDMI out, a few USB3 ports, etc. Anyway, if they had just put in a couple more USB 2 ports, I would not be using it today because it would be too slow and feel too outdated.

We can't really tell how much the USB-C will benefit us yet. However, I keep my machines long enough that I am confident that it will be a worthy addition. Personally, I would have waited it out another year if the MBP was missing thunderbolt 3.

 

[Sanpete]

In terms of the screen is there a noticeable difference for someone coming from a 2011 MacBook Pro and or the 2012 27" iMac? Just wondering how good the screen is in comparison to what I've got now, especially when planning my upgrade for later this year!

The extra detail and contrast are quite noticeable for me coming from a 2011 17". The differences in native color temperature and saturation are just as striking, though I don't know how much of that could be changed by calibration.

 

[Zeiss]

I like parts of mine, it is a powerful portable machine. I'm an academic though, and i can't use it in meetings or lectures I attend because the keyboard is too loud and people around me complain.... which I think is fair because the keyboard is stupidly loud! Even my 4 year old complains when I use it at home. Go figure, of the all issues, a loud keyboard. So now I am still using my first gen iPad Air with a logitech keyboard for most admin stuff!!

 

[Sanpete]

I like parts of mine, it is a powerful portable machine. I'm an academic though, and i can't use it in meetings or lectures I attend because the keyboard is too loud and people around me complain.... which I think is fair because the keyboard is stupidly loud! Even my 4 year old complains when I use it at home. Go figure, of the all issues, a loud keyboard. So now I am still using my first gen iPad Air with a logitech keyboard for most admin stuff!!

Yeah, those used to typing with some force find the new keyboard annoying both for sound and, sometimes, physical discomfort. I don't know how much Apple can do about the latter. Some have said the 12" MacBook version was quieter, so maybe the former can be remedied somewhat.

 

[MrGuder]

Yeah, those used to typing with some force find the new keyboard annoying both for sound and, sometimes, physical discomfort. I don't know how much Apple can do about the latter. Some have said the 12" MacBook version was quieter, so maybe the former can be remedied somewhat.

Apple could make everyone happy on this forum by implementing a toggle switch in setting, settings>general>accessibility>keyboard>Toggle loud>Toggle quite
Ha

 

[SDColorado]

I have only had mine since Monday, but so far I am absolutely loving it. I have a lighting touch typing, and very much prefer the new keyboard to that of the previous '11-13 model. The large touchpad I also really like, even with Tap to Click enabled, which seems to bother some folks. The display is fantastic. The sound quality better than my previous models. I really like the 4 USB-C ports, because it allows me to plug whatever I want, into whatever side I want. Don't care about the loss of the memory card slot, I just connect the cameras via USB. I will add a Satechi Type-C USB 3.0 3 in 1 Combo Hub later if I ever change my mind about that. As for the touchbar, been playing with Better Touch Tool and Rocket, but find I make more use of it than I did the function keys.

 

[CaptRB]

The keyboard of my 15" is no louder than my other machines because I've learned that it needs far less force than before. As others reported, I'm typing faster, though initially I had more errors.

But overall I do see a consensus here with actual owners reporting mostly positive experiences with the new machines.

I will continue to list my small complaints in case Apple is listening...

1) Bring back the SD slot. It's good for extra storage on the go.
2) Make the touch bar brighter and adjustable like the light for the keys.
3) Make the USB-C ports light up when the connector gets near them...so I can see!
4) Make the MBP a bit smaller and lighter.
5) Extend battery life to 15 hours, even though I don't need it.
6) I want a wireless external keyboard that is the exact duplicate of what I have on the laptop.
7) Matching space grey mouse please.
8) Upgrade camera (though I rarely use it)
9) 16 GB and 512 GB SSD standard on all machines to keep people quiet.

But really...this is the best laptop I've ever owned.


R.

 

[Mefisto]

3) Make the USB-C ports light up when the connector gets near them...so I can see!

Now this would be a nice feature! I oftentimes have to fiddle around in shady backroom areas and the like, and this could save me a good amount of time (and nerves) in the long run. One of those "not necessary, but definately useful" -features. We're halfway there with USB C -connectors that can be plugged in regardless of orientation, but this would be the pièce de résistance, if you will.

But really...this is the best laptop I've ever owned.

Same here.

 

[bluush]

I own the non-tb 13" and absolutely love it. Bought it in late November and I've had absolutely zero issues whatsoever. For the price of the base model, it's worth every penny. Personally I found the touchbar feature a bit gimmicky and not something I'd ever use.

 

[RPhoto]

In regards to reading the forums at least, I appear to be one of those in the minority who loves it. Far and away the best portable computer I've owned from Apple. The 13" TB is small, light, portable and packing an incredible punch for that size which I've been appreciating even more than expected when working away from home. There isn't a single thing about the new additions (or removed ones) that I'd change, except maybe having it even lighter...and of course cheaper would have been nice.

 

[nm1300]

im not happy with mine, rattling issues + clicking issues. so annoyed by very low quality .

 

[Dave245]

The 2011 doesn't have retina, correct?

No it doesn't the retina screen was added with the retina MacBook Pro in 2012, i don't think the 2012 iMac has a retina screen either.
[doublepost=1488018813][/doublepost]

The extra detail and contrast are quite noticeable for me coming from a 2011 17". The differences in native color temperature and saturation are just as striking, though I don't know how much of that could be changed by calibration.

I'm using the 15" 2011 MacBook Pro, i'm thinking of picking up a new MacBook Pro maybe later this year. I'm thinking with the better screen, Touch ID the Touch bar and the SSD (my 2011 MacBook Pro is HDD and my iMac is a fusion drive) it will be a big upgrade.

 

[aevan]

3) Make the USB-C ports light up when the connector gets near them...so I can see!

Would be fun

4) Make the MBP a bit smaller and lighter.

They are always trying to do that, as much as technology allows. I think they cannot reduce it further in 2017, without compromising certain things. A LOT of people here would tell you they've already crossed that treshold and that MBPs are compromised to make them thinner. I strongly disagree with that assessment, but still.

5) Extend battery life to 15 hours, even though I don't need it.

Why stop at 15? I would love 30. But that is just as realistic as 15, until the battery technology advances.

7) Matching space grey mouse please.

Hah, yeah! But I kind of like the idea that all Apple input devices/dongles/headphones/etc. are white. Apple Pencil is white. The Magic Trackpad is white. Lightning cables are white. AirPods are white. And so on.

9) 16 GB and 512 GB SSD standard on all machines to keep people quiet.

Yes, we would all love that. However, this is their way of making people buy a higher tier product. I know, it sucks. I hope they reduce their margins in the name of better customer satisfaction, but I'm sure they have some really smart people that balance that whole customer experience thing with profits - it's easy for me to say "give us more", but perhaps they need to hit a certain profit range in order for the Mac business to grow and please the investors. I have no idea how this works, but capitalism isn't simple.

But really...this is the best laptop I've ever owned.

Hear, hear.
[doublepost=1488025467][/doublepost]If I could choose one thing for the Mac it would be to make them GPU kings in laptop/desktop space just as iPhones and iPads are in the mobile space. I know this is not simple, and Apple relies on Intel, AMD and Nvidia here, but, you know, a guy can dream - like Apple working with AMD in some capacity to make some incredible advancements here.

I personally don't need more GPU power currently, but more performance = more capabilities.

 

[MrGuder]

I will continue to list my small complaints in case Apple is listening...
1) Bring back the SD slot. It's good for extra storage on the go.
2) Make the touch bar brighter and adjustable like the light for the keys.
3) Make the USB-C ports light up when the connector gets near them...so I can see!
4) Make the MBP a bit smaller and lighter.
5) Extend battery life to 15 hours, even though I don't need it.
6) I want a wireless external keyboard that is the exact duplicate of what I have on the laptop.
7) Matching space grey mouse please.
8) Upgrade camera (though I rarely use it)
9) 16 GB and 512 GB SSD standard on all machines to keep people quiet.

But really...this is the best laptop I've ever owned.R.

I'm afraid that the only item in your list that Apple liked was #4

 

[christophermdia]

I have flip flopped between MacBook's to MacBook Pro's to MacBook Air's ever since the first aluminum release ... all sizes as well, 11/12/13/15. I was most recently satisfied with the 12" MacBook, but now I have handed that off to my wife and use a 2016 MBP 13" and the line in thinness weight is so much thinner that I am amazingly satisfied with the MBP. This machine is great. I debated and still do debate the 15" mainly for the discrete GPU, wish they made a 13" with discrete GPU for when I need it, which is not often anyway, I guess my iMac can serve that purpose ... anyways, definitely worth the investment of the 2016 and battery life is excellent as well.

 

[CaptRB]

I'm afraid that the only item in your list that Apple liked was #4

Not true, now is it?

My 15" and 13" Touch bar laptops are better in every respect vs. my 2015 rMBP. They did listen and studied the market properly. These forums are virtually meaningless as a barometer for Apple. In the REAL world they are selling well and even in this forum actual owners are mostly happy.

Let's skip the alternative facts. Whether you LIKE the upgrades and scope of changes or not is not the point. They were made and now you can buy or buy something else.


R.
[doublepost=1488041229][/doublepost]

im not happy with mine, rattling issues + clicking issues. so annoyed by very low quality .

Bring it back. I've yet to encounter any of these issues, but Apple will certainly fix a problem. If your computer has those issues, you were unlucky. But EVERY review of the new machines touts the quality as the best in the business. But even Porsche and Tiffany sell a lemon from time-to-time.

R.

 

[navaira]

I would love to know the actual percentage of returns. Obviously MR is as skewed as can be which is partly because we have a comparison (for some dating 10+ years back). Would a new buyer who never owned a Mac laptop complain that Touch ID is slightly loose?

As for Apple quality I've been looking at other manufacturers' laptops, largely because I would love to have a Chromebook or Windows machine with tapered form factor of Air (I don't like the screen) or rMB (I don't like the keyboard and size) but there is nothing comparable really quality-wise (trackpad, screen, materials used...) I might not be a fan of the rMB as it is now or the 2016 rMBP but other manufacturers still don't have anything that I would want instead. And please don't say anything about Dell XPS or HP Spectre. So:

Whether you LIKE the upgrades and scope of changes or not is not the point. They were made and now you can buy or buy something else.

Yup. Except there's nothing else I'd rather have! Damn you, Apple.