Linus Tech Tips - Is the MacBook Pro 2018 REALLY Bad?

[Gamer-Dad]

Having made my original purchase at Best Buy and being an Elite member, saved me on my return of the 2017. On the 45th day which is the last day for an elite member return the 2018's were announced. 2 days later they had the 2018 in stock and picked up the 13". As much as I liked the 13", the screen size was my biggest problem. Not enough real-estate. So I returned the 13" and purchased the 2018 15" from Amazon. However, the day I received my 15", Amazon dropped the price by $200 ($2789 20 $2589) but would not honor either a price match nor a price guarantee. Kept it for 2 weeks, pissed about price I paid, was going to return it and possibly go to the 2017 15" and bang, B&H had there sale Labor Day weekend. Amazon has 30 days for returns. Ended up picking up the new 1 at Best Buy who price matched B&H and because I bought it in Delaware saved money with no taxes. And again I have 45 days if something should pop up.

Good luck with your purchase. I think you will be fine and happy with your purchase.

 

[grillface]

To answer the original question: NO.

I feel like I need to provide my view to counter some of the hysteria in this thread.
My 2018 15" works fine. More than fine actually: I can't believe how powerful it is for such a thin package. It runs quieter and cooler than my 2011 15" that it replaced too.

Obviously if a particular example has serious defects that is unacceptable. However, I don't think these flaws are systemic - this is a great machine.

 

[FocusAndEarnIt]

To answer the original question: NO.

I feel like I need to provide my view to counter some of the hysteria in this thread.
My 2018 15" works fine. More than fine actually: I can't believe how powerful it is for such a thin package. It runs quieter and cooler than my 2011 15" that it replaced too.

Obviously if a particular example has serious defects that is unacceptable. However, I don't think these flaws are systemic - this is a great machine.

Totally with you. really not sure what to make of all the hysteria. Not doubting you guys, but I know I'm not experiencing any of this. I love my 15" 2018 2.2, having had it replaced by a 2016 15" that had 3 failed keyboards.

 

[borgranta]

Taking the MacBook out of the oven was pretty funny!

I think his take was reasonable. He pointed out the thermal problem exists on Windows laptops as well, but Apple didn't mitigate it with an updated thermal design. I suspect Apple was in a tough spot timing-wise, where either they release a MacBook with the updated processor, or they waited to redesign the line. Since the Mac group probably had their hands full working on the new Macs coming in the fall, they may have decided to compromise as they have.

I think this episode will only increase Apple's motivation to transition to their own processors, so they have more control over performance/heat/battery/timing compromises of the CPU and GPU. In some ways, Intel's design decisions boxed them in.

I think I would thermal limit a 2018 MBP if I had one like @maflynn does. Among the other issues they mentioned, I would also worry about the long-term health of the battery...

It is like a celebrity roast with the MacBook Pro being the celebrity.