Is your 2016 MBP TB reliable?

[ElJonny]

Ordered a refurbished 2016 13" MBP TB (2.9ghz i5, 512GB/16GB), but already having second thoughts!

My main worry: I spend a lot of time working from my machine in Brazil where there are no Apple stores.

Reading many posts about issues and folks taking theirs back to Apple repeatedly really has me scared.

If you were in my shoes and absolutely needed reliability, would you still go for the 2016 MPB?
I like everything about it in theory. The alternative is a 2015 MPB because it seems to be tried and tested.

 

[wiffle]

Eh. You're kind of asking in a biased place because people who have had issues will search about it and in one way or another end up on this forum. Reliability is a bit of a mixed bag of opinions because we are a very very small sample of the millions in the world who have purchased these 2016 machines.

Nevertheless, my personal opinion is that no they're not and you're better off purchasing a 2017 (or waiting for the 2017 refurbs to come out). At least that is what I would do as long as there isn't an immediate need. I purchased a 2016 refurb which had display issues and high-pitched keys - eventually had it replaced through multiple failed repairs and visits to the Genius bar. The replacement 2016 also had high-pitched key issue, which after another visit they're going to replace the topcase on that now too. In the meantime, I picked up a 2017 and the keyboard build quality is noticeably different, and I don't notice any other manufactural issues..... but this is all anecdotal. You'll find other horror stories if you browse around this forum haha

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

No issues with mine (2016). Occasionally this 'high pitched' keys issue, however I clean my Mac regularly and that fixes it; I think the keys get stuck easier on the new keyboards, so any spec seems to cause an issue. I'd imagine the 2017 will be exactly the same reliability as it's effectively the same computer with a different CPU.

As @wiffle says though, you'll get very mixed opinions. Nothing is going to be 100% reliable and nothing is going to convince you really. You'll have to rely on Apple's credibility and hope for the best, same thing we all do.

 

[ElJonny]

I purchased a 2016 refurb which had display issues and high-pitched keys - eventually had it replaced through multiple failed repairs and visits to the Genius bar. The replacement 2016 also had high-pitched key issue, which after another visit they're going to replace the topcase on that now too. In the meantime, I picked up a 2017 and the keyboard build quality is noticeably different, and I don't notice any other manufactural issues..... but this is all anecdotal. You'll find other horror stories if you browse around this forum haha

Geez that sounds like it was a major pain! That's exactly what I'm afraid of. Great that you moved on to a 2017 though.
In a place like NY its not a problem I can get on the subway and be at an Apple store in 30 min, in some other countries thought it can get tricky. And you're right I imagine the people on here are a small sample so its hard to know whats really what, but there do seem to be a high number of complaints. Thanks though hearing about your experience definitely helps
[doublepost=1497920413][/doublepost]

As @wiffle says though, you'll get very mixed opinions. Nothing is going to be 100% reliable and nothing is going to convince you really. You'll have to rely on Apple's credibility and hope for the best, same thing we all do.

I've just been researching about that very issue to try and see how widespread it was lol, the keyboard clicks. Does yours happen when the cpu is working hard or just at random?

You're right we all have to trust Apple's reliability which I always have but the fact that it seems to have gotten somewhat questionable is worrying. I'm upgrading from a 2012 mbp (the thick boy, non retina), and man, this thing has been through battle, its built like a tank! Asides from a couple dead HD's, its been rock solid and have never had to take it to an Apple store once. I think that as "Pro" users, this is what we all have come to expect from a 2K+ machine

 

[wiffle]

Geez that sounds like it was a major pain! That's exactly what I'm afraid of. Great that you moved on to a 2017 though.
In a place like NY its not a problem I can get on the subway and be at an Apple store in 30 min, in some other countries thought it can get tricky. And you're right I imagine the people on here are a small sample so its hard to know whats really what, but there do seem to be a high number of complaints. Thanks though hearing about your experience definitely helps

Bleh.. unfortunately, I'm not permanently onto a 17. If the topcase replacement ends up being defective again, I'm going to kick and scream (not literally.. I hope) that they'd replace it for a 17. I'm on work deadlines right now as well and having the computer away from me for extended periods of time just simply wouldn't work.. which is why I put a '17 on a credit card to use for the time being while my '16 is being repaired. Will be returning the '17 when the repair is done.

Best of luck making your decision!

 

[Mefisto]

I have no complaints about my 2016 MBP. It has served me very well.

The thing is, when you really think about it no machine is "100%" reliable. Part of the experience for me at least is to take the plunge and roll with the punches. If I made purchasing decisions based on internet chatter I don't think I'd be able to even buy bread.

 

[ElJonny]

Bleh.. unfortunately, I'm not permanently onto a 17. If the topcase replacement ends up being defective again, I'm going to kick and scream (not literally.. I hope) that they'd replace it for a 17. I'm on work deadlines right now as well and having the computer away from me for extended periods of time just simply wouldn't work.. which is why I put a '17 on a credit card to use for the time being while my '16 is being repaired. Will be returning the '17 when the repair is done.

Best of luck making your decision!

Ouch!! Whatever it takes to keep working haha I know that feeling. My 2012 is on its last leg, had to revert back to the original slow HD and the whopping 4GB of ram that it came with to keep it afloat, barely getting through a few chrome windows lol. The new machine will be a god send when I finally make up my damn mind. Best of luck to you too!
[doublepost=1497921692][/doublepost]

I have no complaints about my 2016 MBP. It has served me very well.

The thing is, when you really think about it no machine is "100%" reliable. Part of the experience for me at least is to take the plunge and roll with the punches. If I made purchasing decisions based on internet chatter I don't think I'd be able to even buy bread.

hahaha great point! The amount of research we can do nowadays before buying something can almost be a full time job its just insane.
Great to hear from someone that hasn't had any problems thought, if I roll with the 2016 will be psyched if I also end up in the no problems to report group

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

I've just been researching about that very issue to try and see how widespread it was lol, the keyboard clicks. Does yours happen when the cpu is working hard or just at random?

You're right we all have to trust Apple's reliability which I always have but the fact that it seems to have gotten somewhat questionable is worrying. I'm upgrading from a 2012 mbp (the thick boy, non retina), and man, this thing has been through battle, its built like a tank! Asides from a couple dead HD's, its been rock solid and have never had to take it to an Apple store once. I think that as "Pro" users, this is what we all have come to expect from a 2K+ machine

For me at least, the keyboard clicks seem more closely related to dirt and not heat or use. The keys have a low travel and are quite tight fitting, so whenever they 'click' I've always assumed it was slightly blocked. Anyway, a blast of compressed air has always solved it. I'm sure there are some genuine defective keyboards out there, but I think the situation is massively overblown.

Also remember you're on a forum that people are largely going to be seeking help from, so reading this you might get the impression that there are more prevalent issues. More people are also using Internet forums to seek help than they were 4 years ago. So it's not necessarily an indication of more widespread issues, just that more people are reporting them directly here. Also remember it tends to be the same people who pop up in threads complaining of the same issues over and over... There may be a larger group of prosumers too who can be over sensitive to the minutest of issues, as they've spent a lot and for them pristine is more important than functionality.

For what it's worth I did return my first 2016, there was a slight indent on the left fan recess and a barely visible scratch under the right speaker. This did not bother me that much as I brought this to work on and wasn't prepared to suffer loss of work due to it being away (You try telling a client their work will be late as you've returned your computer due to a scratch...). Anyway, Apple did a advanced replacement thing for me and sent out the replacement before I returned, so I had about 1 hour switch which was fine.

So really no issues, and there's not really a lot to go wrong assuming you treat it with care. Basically keyboard/screen/ports/touchpad at this stage, if you clean it and don't crush it in a bag you needn't worry of scratches on the screen. If you clean your keyboard you shouldn't get any issues with it. If you only put reputable stuff into the ports you shouldn't get any issue with them.

Lastly, it's worth noting Apple's return percentage and units sold. Apple sell a lot of MacBook Pros as a single device when compared to Dell XPS or Razor, so there will naturally be a greater number of laptops with issues. It's also a lot easier to find support for your "2016 MBP" as opposed to "Dell XPS 812390, made early 2017, the one with a 4K screen not 2K, upgraded to twin SSD etc..." so again you'll get more reports. However Apple historically have an incredibly low return percentage, usually in the 2-5%, when most companies accept 5-15% as standard. So yes, you could be unlikely, but the chances are always lower.

(I'm sure that'll attract some flame from people with issues mind you...)

 

[leman]

Since last November, we have bought around a dozen of 2016 MacBook pros in various configurations. None have exhibited any issue yet. So far, yes, of say that they are reliable.

 

[smallcoffee]

No issues with the 2016. No more or less reliable than the 2017.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Apples computers are still some of the most reliable you can buy, that simple really, they consistently get the some of the highest consumer scores for just about every metric, reliability included, other than price.

If you are travelling a lot in countries where weather or environment may be an issue then a Panasonic Toughbook is your best bet but other than that Apples reliability is rarely beaten by anyone else.

Of course any electronic device can fail at any time for any one of 1000's of reasons but that is the risk you take when you buy one, if you are travelling to countries with no support for your device, whatever it is, you do so at your own risk.

 

[JMacHack]

2016 tbMBP 15", zero problems to report.
I will just say that others have not been so lucky, take my experience with a grain of salt.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Ordered a refurbished 2016 13" MBP TB (2.9ghz i5, 512GB/16GB), but already having second thoughts!

My main worry: I spend a lot of time working from my machine in Brazil where there are no Apple stores.

Reading many posts about issues and folks taking theirs back to Apple repeatedly really has me scared.

If you were in my shoes and absolutely needed reliability, would you still go for the 2016 MPB?
I like everything about it in theory. The alternative is a 2015 MPB because it seems to be tried and tested.

No, as you noted absolute reliability you really need 2 laptops, although that increases the chance of having a fault at least one should be working.

This is nothing to do with Apple as all OEM's have faulty devices but if you cannot find immediate support nearby then a back-up will always be required

 

[Queen6]

No, as you noted absolute reliability you really need 2 laptops, although that increases the chance of having a fault at least one should be working.

This is nothing to do with Apple as all OEM's have faulty devices but if you cannot find immediate support nearby then a back-up will always be required

Always travel with two notebooks, when in the field on a project, irrespective of OS and hardware provider as the downtime can easily exceed the cost of the hardware.

Have no field experience with the new MBP, however all my previous Mac's and Windows systems have never let me down, from the equator to the sub arctic, with little more than a decent sleeve and suitable bag. I do have a 2015 Retina MacBook, the keyboard has only had minor issue with the "e" sticking briefly, once cleaned the key works as expected, and that's a Mac that's done some serious milage Admittedly I do think more travel would make mores sense, for several reasons.

Q-6

 

[SteveJUAE]

Always travel with two notebooks, when in the field on a project, irrespective of OS and hardware provider as the downtime can easily exceed the cost of the hardware.

Have no field experience with the new MBP, however all my previous Mac's and Windows systems have never let me down, from the equator to the sub arctic, with little more than a decent sleeve and suitable bag. I do have a 2015 Retina MacBook, the keyboard has only had minor issue with the "e" sticking briefly, once cleaned the key works as expected, and that's a Mac that's done some serious milage Admittedly I do think more travel would make mores sense, for several reasons.

Q-6

Agreed

There are plenty of old wives tales on reliability re new vs old, cheap vs expensive etc etc, crap just happens so if it's critical a back-up is a sound investment especially where reliable support is limited

When I worked in Rio for a short period I did not carry any expensive laptops etc even Micky Mouse would of been embarassed by my watch LOL

 

[Populus]

My advice: If you think you'll get annoyed by the sticky keys or anything similar, go for the 2015 13" rMBP. It has a 28W TDP CPU as the 2016 one, but it is a bit less powerful... It is a tested machine, reliable, and you won't have to carry arround with dongles and stuff. It is a great machine, although a bit hot.

 

[SteveJUAE]

My advice: If you think you'll get annoyed by the sticky keys or anything similar, go for the 2015 13" rMBP. It has a 28W TDP CPU as the 2016 one, but it is a bit less powerful... It is a tested machine, reliable, and you won't have to carry arround with dongles and stuff. It is a great machine, although a bit hot.

Yes that and even a MBA as a back-up would make a fine combo

 

[kfscoll]

I've had no keyboard problems whatsoever with either my 2015 12" MacBook or my 2016 13" MacBook Pro. That said, I've used a keyboard cover on both machines (Moshi on the 12", Uppercase on the 13") from day one.

 

[ElJonny]

Lastly, it's worth noting Apple's return percentage and units sold. Apple sell a lot of MacBook Pros as a single device when compared to Dell XPS or Razor, so there will naturally be a greater number of laptops with issues. It's also a lot easier to find support for your "2016 MBP" as opposed to "Dell XPS 812390, made early 2017, the one with a 4K screen not 2K, upgraded to twin SSD etc..." so again you'll get more reports. However Apple historically have an incredibly low return percentage, usually in the 2-5%, when most companies accept 5-15% as standard. So yes, you could be unlikely, but the chances are always lower.

(I'm sure that'll attract some flame from people with issues mind you...)

Some great points for sure, is undeniable that there are more people on forums than ever before and any slightest problem however small people now have many places to publicly voice their frustrations. So yeah very hard to gauge whats what. And looking back at most major new apple shifts in directions there are always plenty of critics but I have to admit with this 1st generation of this new line it has seemed more polarizing than usual at least from my perspective. But maybe that's to be expected with a first generation product that is a lot different in many ways
[doublepost=1498191046][/doublepost]

Since last November, we have bought around a dozen of 2016 MacBook pros in various configurations. None have exhibited any issue yet. So far, yes, of say that they are reliable.

That's a pretty good sample size with no problems, good to hear!
[doublepost=1498191414][/doublepost]

Of course any electronic device can fail at any time for any one of 1000's of reasons but that is the risk you take when you buy one, if you are travelling to countries with no support for your device, whatever it is, you do so at your own risk.

Agreed, no doubt about that! Every mac I've owned through man years has done me right for the most part and they've actually only gotten better over time. I've never had a 1st generation product however and I do believe that they perfect them with each release so I think statistically you might have slightly more of a chance for problems, but then again totally agree that can also happen to any machine at anytime
[doublepost=1498191815][/doublepost]

Always travel with two notebooks, when in the field on a project, irrespective of OS and hardware provider as the downtime can easily exceed the cost of the hardware.

Have no field experience with the new MBP, however all my previous Mac's and Windows systems have never let me down, from the equator to the sub arctic, with little more than a decent sleeve and suitable bag. I do have a 2015 Retina MacBook, the keyboard has only had minor issue with the "e" sticking briefly, once cleaned the key works as expected, and that's a Mac that's done some serious milage Admittedly I do think more travel would make mores sense, for several reasons.

Q-6

I'm in the same boat for sure, have traveled extensively (maybe not to the sub arctic though lol) and have always been able to count to my Macs. Have never brought a backup because my trips are usually long ones and I sometimes fear being robbed or somehow losing luggage/bags etc more than technical problems. And to me in that case it makes more sense to leave one at home and in an emergency it can be sent out, but thats just me
[doublepost=1498192109][/doublepost]

Agreed

There are plenty of old wives tales on reliability re new vs old, cheap vs expensive etc etc, crap just happens so if it's critical a back-up is a sound investment especially where reliable support is limited

When I worked in Rio for a short period I did not carry any expensive laptops etc even Micky Mouse would of been embarassed by my watch LOL

No doubt! Once I started using CrashPlan for cloud backups it became a lot less stressful to travel knowing at least the data is always safe.

You were wise to keep it simple in Rio lol, definitely not the safest of cities. In Brazil I barely take my phone out of my pocket out in the streets. They do have an Apple store in Rio now apparently.
[doublepost=1498193048][/doublepost]Thanks everyone for the input, it was definitely super helpful!

So in the end after much agonizing, the Apple refurbished page made me an offer I couldn't refuse and I ordered a 2015 13". It's a 2.7 i5 with 16GB / 512GB and came out to $1550 all in after tax. I've been watching that page and its one of the ones that rarely come up so as soon as I saw it I scooped it up.

I feel like I got a sweet deal, saved a good amount of money, and will still have a machine that will be able to do everything I need it to. And of course the fact that it's more of a tried and tested model weighed in. I do believe that the 2016 could have turned out perfectly fine as well with no problems, but i preferred to play it extra safe especially in my case with being out of the country most of the year and not having access to Apple stores.

That being said though I do think the new ones are awesome and can't wait to own one eventually! I'll wait until there are some refurbished 2017 models or maybe even wait to see what the next releases bring.

Thanks!!