is this laptop future proof?

[leman]

I disagree, you can choose a machine/configuration that exceeds your needs now, but may not in the future - that's future proofing. This will delay any possible computer purchase because the machine was configured correctly.

This might have been true some time ago, but I don't think it still holds nowadays. Imagine you have the choice between CPU A and CPU B, where B is 20% faster than A. Is B more 'future proof'? Well, no, its not! By the time A will start struggling with every-day software, the 20% will not make any difference. In another words, B will stay adequate just as long as A stays adequate. They will both be outclassed at around the same time. I don't see any point in paying a substantial premium for 20% CPU speed that you will not need now, when after 5 years even the cheapest CPU is likely to be twice as fast anyway. Even more, future software might take advantage of new CPU/GPU features (unified memory, new SIMD instructions, cache-optimised gather/scatter) which will leave the current gen in the dust. E.g. an entry-level dual-core AVX-512 CPU will be faster for audio/video/numeric operations than a quad-core Haswell.

A relevant practical example: the top-of-the-line 2009 MBP CPU (T9900) is slower than the entry-level ultra-low-voltage 2011 MBA CPU (i5-2467M). If someone would have payed almost $3000 for that MBP configuration to 'future proof' it — man, that would have been a huge waste of money.

I have a 15'' rMBP 2.5Ghz and I'm a computer science major... I'm guessing my MBP is probably overkill for my needs? Doesn't some programming need more power?

You don't need any processing power for programming. Of course, with so many development tools being hopeless resource hogs (*cough* Eclipse *cough*).

 

[2984839]

Future-proofing is a silly concept. The computer will do what it does now just fine. Plus, 5 years is not that long anymore because we've hit a plateau. Case in point: My X201 built in 2010 (i5-540M) and the 2011 MBP (i7-2620M) I recently sold are both monumentally faster than my 2006 T60 (T2400) and both my 2005 PowerBooks. That 5 year gap is enormous.

However, both the 2011 MBP and X201 are still faster than most low to mid range laptops on the market today, and they draw even with some of the higher end ones. The only disadvantage is that their CPUs require more power to do so. But pure performance wise, they are just fine. The 5 year gap from 2010/2011 to 2015 is miniscule compared to the one from 2005/2006 to 2010/2011. I'm willing to bet that a high end laptop sold today will still be a great laptop in 2020.

 

[maflynn]

This might have been true some time ago, but I don't think it still holds nowadays..

I don't see it that way. I think you can still configure a machine that is able to handle tasks now and the future. You're correct with the CPU/GPU and I mentioned that as well, but you can look at configuring ram and storage to better handle the future.

For instance, you can opt for 4GB of ram and 128GB of storage. That will work for a while, but as apps/operating systems increase in bloat, you'll run short in a couple of years. As of right now, you cannot upgrade the storage (other then eBay), and the ram is soldered onto the logic board. Bumping up the ram to 8 or 16gb sets you up for the future. Storage works the same, bump it up so you don't run short in 2 years.

 

[leman]

I don't see it that way. I think you can still configure a machine that is able to handle tasks now and the future. You're correct with the CPU/GPU and I mentioned that as well, but you can look at configuring ram and storage to better handle the future.

Ah, sorry, I have misread your posts. What you say makes a lot of sense of course. I also agree that there is a certain lower limit on (say) RAM that will make a laptop obsolete prematurely. On the other side, as all MBPs come with at least 8GB RAM nowadays, this is not a serious concern.

 

[redheeler]

I disagree, you can choose a machine/configuration that exceeds your needs now, but may not in the future - that's future proofing. This will delay any possible computer purchase because the machine was configured correctly.

Its harder now a days to do that with Apple's current line up, since there's so little you can change, but I think configuring a computer with an eye to the future is a wise move.

Well said. While no device is truly future proof (due to the possibility of component failure always being present), configuring one with the recent future in mind (future proofing) is still a good idea.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP asks:
[[ Is this laptop future proof? ]]

NOTHING you buy will remain "future proof".

Everything will become obsolete in time.

You -can- extend the "useful life" of current-day products, if you select wisely...

 

[ronjon10]

A lot of data means get 16gb ram. You'll be good. If you want to do local installs of hadoop or similar multi-processor tools, it's worth stepping up to quad core. If not, no big deal.

 

[Meister]

Care to elaborate?

When you buy upgrades to "future proof" then you are investing in something you might need in the distant future, but you carry around your purchase until then. If you break it, then you lost an expensive purchase, you never used, but bought just in case.

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Well said. While no device is truly future proof (due to the possibility of component failure always being present), configuring one with the recent future in mind (future proofing) is still a good idea.

I agree that thinking about the nar future is a good idea. But specs in the near future don't really change anyway. My rmbp that I bought 2013 works better now than it did when I first bought it.

 

[bigchief]

Honestly, I would go for the $1499 refurb late 2013 haswell 15". 8GB RAM, 3.2GHz, 256GB SSD. And benches a crap ton over the 13". Driving the monitors it will likely be better due to having Iris Pro over the Intel Iris of the 13".

I bought this MBP last summer with Applecare Plus. Great price, runs like a champ, and you're covered for 3 years. I'm happy as hell with it.

 

[exizeo]

I bought this MBP last summer with Applecare Plus. Great price, runs like a champ, and you're covered for 3 years. I'm happy as hell with it.

Yeah, I was really tempted to get one when my cMBP was on its way out. Ended up fixing the cMBP, trying not to use it, using my desktop as much as possible, then get a Skylake 15". Did send the link to a friend, he got one.

 

[dmitrivich]

Although Apple's base models, at least for laptops, tend to be good deals with all things considered, their upgrades tend to be marginally very expensive.

Coupled with the relatively high resale value of Macs, this means that upgrades are really only worth it if you have a specific use for the extra specs now.

 

[Klae17]

Having less SSD and RAM wont affect me too much... but I do not care about graphics - I have no interest to play games and the maximum amount of external monitors I will use is 2, which the 13" can handle. Also, 15" seems just a little too big for me. I had a 2009 15" which was extremely heavy and luggish to carry around. I know the new ones are lighter but still...

Do you have the name of both of the CPU's of the 13 and 15" so I can see the benchmarks?

I highly recommend the 15 inch. It is lighter than your 2009 MBP. if you are compiling you need the extra cpu, if you are truly into future proofing. Also writing code is much better on the bigger screen. You might not be at your desk and monitors at all times and it's nice to have the extra space.

 

[gooser]

can you predict what your future needs will be? example: i surf the net, import cd's into itunes and rip dvd's, same thing i was doing 10 years ago. 10 years from now i will probably be doing the same thing and with that logic i will never need a mac newer than one built in 2009.

 

[Hieveryone]

rMBP 13"
i5 2.8ghz turbo boost 3.3ghz
500gb pci-e flash storage
16gb ddr3 ram
intel iris graphics

I'm planning to buy this and use it as my main comptuer for a good 4-5 years. My main use for it is programming in Java and python, as well as dual booting windows for c++. A lot of my programming works involves a lot of data.

Would this computer be good enough? I have two external 1080p moitors I will use with it also, and I enjoy the portability of the 13".

I want this to last about 5-6 years - is this achievable? Should I go for the 15" instead? I don't care about gaming, or photoshop or anything like that, just programming and watching movies.

Yes. That's a great computer. You should be fine.

 

[thetechfixer]

I used my 2011 13" for 4 years without an issue, and recently upgraded to the Retina, you should be fine.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

I don't believe in future proofing...

It is false economy. I

f you are asking if that computer will still be able to do your current workload now and in 5 years time I would say yes of course. Have you future proofed your laptop?? No of course not the base model will be able to do your current workload in 5 years time as well.

Buy what you want because you want it and it does what you need..... Change your computers when they don't do what you need anymore or you just want something else.

These days wanting a new one is the driving force behind my new computers the old ones are more than good enough I just want a newer faster, lighter, thinner, better screen, faster external connections etc. The CPU and RAM are much the same as my 5 year old one because the needs for these compionents has not changed much in 5 years Software has not changed much in 5 years either.

 

[vbedia]

buy what you want because you want it and it does what you need..... Change your computers when they don't do what you need anymore or you just want something else.

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