Well, not really crazy, but the update is most likely around the corner. Why not wait 2 weeks and see if anything is coming up?
I purchased a refurb 13" with touchbar i7, 512 GB SSD and 16 GB Ram late last week so I am out of the return window if there's an update. I've been debating on if I should return but I saved $400 with this refurb that's in perfect condition and I don't think the upgrades will justify a $400 (or $250-300 if there's a price drop) difference. I'm still deciding but I think this is where I am gonna land with my decision.
There's always a new computer around the corner...and a new car and super-tech toaster.
Then there's today. I'm really enjoying my 13" and 15" touch bar models along with my fast car and dazzling toaster.
If that is true and does happen to materialize in the refresh, you may be looking at a much bigger battery life jump than just Kabylake efficiency.Apple’s new MacBook Pro with Touch Bar has been a huge disappointment when it comes to battery life, and a report from Bloomberg this morning seems to indicate why. According to the report, Apple was hoping to use a higher-capacity battery that was form-fit to the inside of the computer. But the design is said to have failed a “key test,” leading Apple to scrap those plans and ship the laptop with an older battery design.
[source] https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/20/14024322/macbook-pro-battery-development-failure
Wait, don't listen to replies claiming it will be a negligible upgrade. If it was, Apple would not be doing it (if they are indeed updating the specs). Some in here are just feeling nausea of knowing their 6 month purchase is already in the rear view mirror.
Benefits you might get in this rev 2 Mid 2017 Update:
- Improved battery life with Kabylake
- Better 4K support
- Likely 32 GB RAM option if you can afford it.
- Standard 512 GB on base 15 inch
- There could be technological improvements, like better mic for Hey, Siri
- Likely price drop.
- Improved GPU options.
- Touch ID + optional Touchbar/Function Key
- Improved butterfly keyboard
I ordered a 15" MacBook Pro, but then saw the rumor that new models might be introduced. I kind of need the computer before June 1, when I go on a long trip. But if the new model is (speculated) to be a lot better, I could perhaps wait until I come back. As far as I can read, probably it will just be a CPU upgrade? Would that make a huge difference?
Q: Is it crazy to buy <item> right now?
A: if you need it buy it. If you don't need it, don't buy it yet. If you WANT it, then sure. Decide how bad you want it NOW vs the rumours. Do your industry research on component suppliers to know what is coming down the pipe.
There is always something better on the horizon.
Yeah, but if you have the option to wait and see what they announce in just a few weeks time, it's a prudent move. Any changes they make will at the minimum likely mean better deals on 2016 models, so it's a win win.
This is not the usual "buy now or wait for 8-16 months" type of thing.
So waiting for some little upgrades is not worth a nickel to me. If a BIG upgrade comes and it's something that helps my workflow, then I'll upgrade.
There's nothing I can't do with the 2016 that the 2017 will let me do
So by waiting a couple of weeks you could save some money and/or get a better computer.
Make some money on some projects off it over the next 12 days, then return it on the 14th day.My new 2016 Macbook Pro just arrived today. Considering that I do in fact want the new 2017 update, do I have the option to start using the 2016 now then return/exchange when the 2017 is released? Or should I just return now and wait?
Edit: (I now know the return policy is 14 days, not 30)
Buy AppleCare
Oh, I have it
Would not buy a modern Apple product without it, honestly.
To be fair, year-to-year refreshes and spec bumps are almost never something that fit in that description you just laid out.
It's all about component refinement and polish, possibly more SKUs and options to choose from and also possibly lower pricing for a given amount of performance and features.
In short - value and refinement
So really, even if the new model comes out tomorrow, with better spec, i'd still suggest perhaps holding off a few months whilst the early production bugs and firmware/driver issues are sorted out.