Is the new MacBook Pro a dud?

[Matt Leaf]

I am in the market for a new MacBook, and I feel so torn. It's hard to believe laptops from 2013 are a viable option, but it certainly seems that way. I guess there is no way to know when Apple may release an updated MacBook Pro, but its hard not to feel like a sucker if I buy the new Touch Bar model, when there is potentially a new improved model just around the corner.

What do people think, is this new MacBook Pro a lemon in a long line of excellent MBP's?

 

[keysofanxiety]

Personally I think it's the best MBP Apple have ever made. Others feel the complete opposite.

There's always a potential new model around the corner. Buy what you need to, when you need to. Ultimately if you get your money's worth from using it for your work, it doesn't matter which gen it is. If a better option for you is an older MBP or a Windows machine, then buy that.

 

[Mefisto]

No need to repeat what was said in the post before this one (which I agree with), but in case someone's taking a poll, I'm going to say no. It is not.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Its their best selling laptop release of all time and from all reports the best they've ever made, it may not be for everyone for a variety of reasons (general fear of change seemingly a big one) but that's fine if its not for you buy something else.

 

[Matt Leaf]

It's crazy to be looking at Windows machines for the first time in 15 years. And apologies for a generic, repeated thread.

It's as if the Dell is everything I want from a laptop - minus one thing - MacOS.

 

[bigjnyc]

The problem is that people go on the internet to complain.... so all you see are the complaints about the laptop, those that are happy and love it don't take the time to post about it. So it may seem like the bad is overwhelming because it's all you see. I'm sure the majority of people are very happy with their machines, but you'll never know it from reading forums

 

[Samuelsan2001]

It's crazy to be looking at Windows machines for the first time in 15 years. And apologies for a generic, repeated thread.

It's as if the Dell is everything I want from a laptop - minus one thing - MacOS.

Not crazy at all if a windows machine fits your needs better then buy that, most pro apps are cross platform these days so unless you rely on mac only software its not a big deal to swap anymore.

I have heard a few people talk about the dell and a few have taken the leap some love it, some hate it, as always if you just want performance then the dell is better value for money no doubt, if you want apples attention to detail and OSX ease of use then it may well just not cut it for you. You have to sort out your priorities and buy on that.

 

[maflynn]

Its true the latest version of the MBP has garnered unprecedented levels of criticism, and from what was previously Apple's most staunchest allies and supporters. The 2016 is not a bad computer but its not one that I think that apple missed the mark on in a few areas.

The issues I have with it are the new keyboard and we seem to get a new thread almost daily about some sort of problem with it, whether we're talking some key stopped working, or it leaving a mark on the screen (when closed), or when getting it repaired the machine is worse off.

The ports is another issue, though that's correctable by way of buying more equipment, such as a SD card reader. My problem is after spending close to 3k, for a premium computer and premium experience why should I buy more equipment to get the MBP working the way I need it too

What the new MBP has going for it is a beautiful machine, and I don't discount the fact that its a wonderfully designed laptop, though I do question some of the decisions such as the ginormous track pad and I've see enough posts on that, to know that its palm rejection isn't perfect.

The Dell has a lot going for it, newer processor, upgradable components 4k screen. more ports and a lower cost.

The bottom line is what machine do you feel gives you the most value for your money. I'm not discounting the OS X experience and working within Apple's ecosystem. That's something that definitely gives you value.

 

[sunapple]

It's crazy to be looking at Windows machines for the first time in 15 years. And apologies for a generic, repeated thread.

It's as if the Dell is everything I want from a laptop - minus one thing - MacOS.

They do a lot of things right, but specs aren't everything. The new MBPs as a whole are awesome machines.

They're quite expensive of course. The way I see it, if I take into account how much my laptop is worth after x years, a Mac can cost the same as a Dell. We're at a first gen now that's more expensive so I'm not so sure it still holds true.

New models won't come out before October I think, but who knows. Buying one now is fine IMO.

What's your use case btw? Are you in the market for high end machines or are you after a base 13" for example?

 

[SDColorado]

It's as if the Dell is everything I want from a laptop - minus one thing - MacOS.

That was a big factor for me. I came from Dell back in 2006, when I bought a MacBook Pro, largely out of frustration with the current PC offerings and Windows. Since then I have become heavily invested in the MacOS ecosystem, with several laptops, a desktop, iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, etc. I still look at Dell and other brands from time to time, when shopping, as I did this time. There was much to like with the XPS, but for me at least, it wasn't nearly enough to pull the trigger on a switch back to Dell.

That said, over the various iterations of the MBP and a couple goes with the MB Air, the 2016 MBP is my favorite of the bunch so far. No regrets on the purchase and no regrets on not having more than a flirtatious glance at the Dell

 

[Matt Leaf]

What's your use case btw? Are you in the market for high end machines or are you after a base 13" for example?

I need the higher spec GPU model 15" for graphics work. I love MacOS for its robustness, its funny but its all the stuff between the cracks that i love it for, the way it generally 'just works' and the excellent nature of the software that gets released for MacOS.

I tried out a tbMBP in store and was definitely irked by the Trackpad. It's unnecessarily huge. And even in that brief test, I sensed problems and sluggishness due to the palm-rejection (or lack thereof) tech.

How does this kind of thing get past Apple QC? Such a huge and profitable company with a ginormous global team, and yet we get clacky keys, a buggy trackpad, and marks on the screen from the keyboard. I'm into the Touch Bar and think its cool, and I can even live with dongle-gate, but these design decisions which have obvious negative effects which are apparent after immediate use, it just bewilders me how these things got on the shelves in this state, given how long Apple have had between updates.

 

[Phil A.]

I absolutely love my tbMBP 13" - it is, without a doubt, the best laptop I've ever owned.

I really like the keyboard; the trackpad is superb; the display is simply gorgeous and the 1TB SSD is ridiculously fast

On top of that, it's incredibly light and feels solid and well built.

Before I got it, I had a top of the line Surface Book that looked like a brick compared to it and (despite having similar specs) felt sluggish compared to the MBP (I've since got rid of it as I simply never used it after I got my MBP)

I will say, though, that I really don't see the point in the touch bar: It's not that it's bad or makes my life more difficult, but it just doesn't really add anything of value. I got the TB version because of the other upgrades it includes (faster processor, faster memory and more ports) so don't really mind about the TB itself being largely superfluous

 

[jerryk]

The new MBPs are the first version of the latest generation. That means they get the latest features, but also come with the new bugs and frustrations. The new features like USB-C/TB3 are great, and have not yet fully realized their promise. I suspect in a couple of years we will not accept any device that does not have USB-C/TB3. Today the Touch Bar adds questionable value at a price. But, perhaps Apple will come up with better uses for it. But the new screen is great. The new keyboard is a love/hate thing.

So all and all, the new machines are very good, but they are a bit ahead of the mainstream and not without their flaws. IMHO, If you have an old MacBook and need to upgrade now they are a great choice. But if you have a recent unit MBP and can wait a year or two, the machines will be even better and the peripheral landscape richer.

 

[Mr. Dee]

This has got to be most polarizing generation of MacBooks in history. Based on my short time, I just can't stand that keyboard. I think for Rev b, then should go back to the old chassis, keyboard, trackpad and keep the USB-C ports just to save face.

 

[NT1440]

I tried out a tbMBP in store and was definitely irked by the Trackpad. It's unnecessarily huge. And even in that brief test, I sensed problems and sluggishness due to the palm-rejection (or lack thereof) tech.

By all means by whatever suites your needs, if it's a Dell this go around then go for it. I'd just highly advise against HP Zbooks, I stay away from those like the plague.

That said, I can't even begin to describe the level of nonsense in a statement like "sluggishness due to palm rejection tech"......you sensed "sluggishness" in the fastest notebook apple has ever made...from the trackpad?

 

[MBP_187]

It's crazy to be looking at Windows machines for the first time in 15 years. And apologies for a generic, repeated thread.

It's as if the Dell is everything I want from a laptop - minus one thing - MacOS.

Is it possible to run Mac OS on other laptop?...

 

[leman]

Yes, the new MBP is a dud. It doesn't explode.

(What is this thread actually about?)

 

[SDColorado]

Yes, the new MBP is a dud. It doesn't explode.

(What is this thread actually about?)

It's about pie, in the end every thread is about pie

 

[Shermy]

A month ago I bought the 2015 13" MBP thinking that I didn't want a potential problematic touchbar MBP. It felt wrong when I was using it that there was a newer model that I could afford, but "didn't want to take the chance".

I ended up returning the 2015 within the two week period for the 2016 13"...and I feel head over heels for it! It's gorgeous, thin, FAST, light and the screen is super bright. It also felt good I had a newer laptop then the 2015 internal-wise. The only issue was it was so small (to me at least). So I returned the 13" for the 15" 2016...and coming from a lifelong windows user....this is the best and sexiest laptop I've ever owned. I plan to be with this beauty for a good 5 plus years.

 

[iRabbit]

I read all the criticisms and was very torn between the 2015 model and 2016 model (with touch bar). I ended up going with the 2016 13" tbMBP. So far, about a week in, and I do not regret it one bit. As someone who has been buying Apple devices since 2001, it falls right in line with what I expected in performance and experience. No disappointments at all.

And, I do find the touch bar immensely useful. It's amazing how I'm already integrating it into my daily workflow. (I do recommend downloading BetterTouchTool).

 

[sunapple]

I need the higher spec GPU model 15" for graphics work. I love MacOS for its robustness, its funny but its all the stuff between the cracks that i love it for, the way it generally 'just works' and the excellent nature of the software that gets released for MacOS.

I tried out a tbMBP in store and was definitely irked by the Trackpad. It's unnecessarily huge. And even in that brief test, I sensed problems and sluggishness due to the palm-rejection (or lack thereof) tech.

How does this kind of thing get past Apple QC? Such a huge and profitable company with a ginormous global team, and yet we get clacky keys, a buggy trackpad, and marks on the screen from the keyboard. I'm into the Touch Bar and think its cool, and I can even live with dongle-gate, but these design decisions which have obvious negative effects which are apparent after immediate use, it just bewilders me how these things got on the shelves in this state, given how long Apple have had between updates.

I've used that tbMBP for two months and I thought the trackpad was just glorious. No issues at all, was hard to go back to the tiny 2015 trackpad (same for keyboard btw).

Oh and my 2015 model also gets marks on the screen from the keys.

I feel like the 2016 model is better in every way, the only reason I went for the older model was the price. I saved 700€ and got double the storage (512GB). Lost the 460 graphics, but not really noticeable for me.

If the money is no issue maybe give the 2016 model a fair try in your own environment. Otherwise go look for the older model or a Dell if nothing works out. In that order though.

 

[danf1]

It's a great laptop. Try it for yourself and don't believe everything you read online. People love to have a moan - and those who are satisfied rarely take the time to post.

 

[ilifecomputer]

best laptop ive ever used and Ive gone through quite a bit. but yea these threads are getting old and now i have bumped one up.

 

[JMacHack]

I am in the market for a new MacBook, and I feel so torn. It's hard to believe laptops from 2013 are a viable option, but it certainly seems that way. I guess there is no way to know when Apple may release an updated MacBook Pro, but its hard not to feel like a sucker if I buy the new Touch Bar model, when there is potentially a new improved model just around the corner.

What do people think, is this new MacBook Pro a lemon in a long line of excellent MBP's?

There's a lot of fair criticism regarding the new MacBook Pro, but after using mine since January I wouldn't call it a lemon in any sense of the word.

I bought the 15" i7/455 512gb model, and have been using it for adobe suite work. I actually like the new keyboard (it feels more "substantial" than the old models), the large trackpad is wonderful for touch gestures and doing detail work in Illustrator and Photoshop (I have not had to use a mouse the entire time, and that's not a small praise), and with BetterTouchTool I've even found the TouchBar useful. I've also not really noticed problems with the lack of ports, sure I had to get an external CD drive, but they did away with optical drives in the MBP awhile ago, and most of my files are transferred wirelessly or through flash drive.

It is without a doubt, the best laptop I have ever used.

But a lot of the criticisms leveled at it are valid. USB-C, while the port of the future, does not have widespread adoption enough to make it the only port on the machine. The large trackpad, while useful for gestures, gets in the way of people who type with their hands resting on the laptop. The keyboard mechanisms have less travel than before, and to a lot of people that's a big problem. The TouchBar (should've come with BetterTouchTool standard, that's inexcusable) replaced the function keys which people have used for various purposes since the advent of the keyboard. The hardware isn't running on the "latest and greatest" offerings (which I've not understood since processor development has become so incremental, but I'll still call it valid criticism), and Apple's been having some serious quality control problems as of late. And it isn't upgradeable either.

Mine was perfect right out of the box, but there are an abundance of posters here who have complained of various issues with their machines.

In short, it's really up to you to decide. I wouldn't trade my MBP for the world, and switching to Windows is a disgusting thought to me. But depending on your needs you might want to consider your options.

 

[maflynn]

I wouldn't call it a lemon in any sense of the word.

Nor would I. I do think its a good laptop, but for my needs, I question if its the best tool for the job.

I may very well end up buying a MBP, though If I do, it will be a 2017 model. I'll wait and see what happens at WWDC and what the newer model has before deciding on my purchase.