Need a new 15" Macbook Pro, can't decide which year?

[Dr_Charles_Forbin]

Are your referring to getting a new Macbook pro? The main issue is the cost. The one I would wnat or need is over £3000, where as a 2015 model of similar specs is £1500 ish used. I just dont think I can stretch to the new one

No, I’m referring to not needing 1TB on board which jacks up the price so high. You need the 16GB of RAM so don’t cheap out on that. Use an external thunderbolt SSD like a Lacie. You can pick up one on eBay for around $200 and you need only 512GB on board... increases your options. I have one and I love it. You’ll always see them used in videos, they’re bright orange.

I wouldn’t get a new MBP. They’re way too expensive and the features are mostly cosmetic. I paid about $2500 for my 2015 rMBP in 2016 new. I think it says something that they were still selling 2015’s well after the new ones were released.

 

[robodelfy]

No, I’m referring to not needing 1TB on board which jacks up the price so high. You need the 16GB of RAM so don’t cheap out on that. Use an external thunderbolt SSD like a Lacie. You can pick up one on eBay for around $200 and you need only 512GB on board... increases your options. I have one and I love it. You’ll always see them used in videos, they’re bright orange.

Ah I see. Well I have a lot of stuff, related to music, old projects and video and photos. Currently after getting rid of everything I could, I use about 750gb of space. So I think I'd struggle with 512gb unless I end up storing everything on seperate drives which is a hassle for backing up.

I've really confused myself. I was so close to going for a 2015 model which I think will go for about £1600 on ebay, no applecare. I've just seen a local used listing for a 2017 Mabcook pro, top specs, 31.ghz cpu, 1tb ssd, radeon gpu, 16gb ram. Its going for £2500 with 3 years of apple care. As much as I hate the keyboard I'm considering it may be a good option to have the newest machine. Although it is essentially £1000 more!

Ah my head

 

[Dr_Charles_Forbin]

Ah I see. Well I have a lot of stuff, related to music, old projects and video and photos. Currently after getting rid of everything I could, I use about 750gb of space. So I think I'd struggle with 512gb unless I end up storing everything on seperate drives which is a hassle for backing up.

I've really confused myself. I was so close to going for a 2015 model which I think will go for about £1600 on ebay, no applecare. I've just seen a local used listing for a 2017 Mabcook pro, top specs, 31.ghz cpu, 1tb ssd, radeon gpu, 16gb ram. Its going for £2500 with 3 years of apple care. As much as I hate the keyboard I'm considering it may be a good option to have the newest machine. Although it is essentially £1000 more!

Ah my head

May I suggest saving the money and just get the 2015? You can get one of those cheaper aftermarket insurance plans like Square Trade because Apple charges a flat rate on all repairs. Another options, and I’m not in the UK so I don’t know the WiFi situation, is to just get 2TB of cloud storage from Apple (or 200 GB). You can stick old projects on a small external device and copy them in. This is a laptop, not a desktop. That’s why I like the LaCie. Almost the same speed and portable. If you’re going to be using it at home, get an Airport or some other storage device. All I’m really suggesting is that you do have options that you may not have considered.

 

[robodelfy]

May I suggest saving the money and just get the 2015? You can get one of those cheaper aftermarket insurance plans like Square Trade because Apple charges a flat rate on all repairs. Another options, and I’m not in the UK so I don’t know the WiFi situation, is to just get 2TB of cloud storage from Apple (or 200 GB). You can stick old projects on a small external device and copy them in. This is a laptop, not a desktop. That’s why I like the LaCie. Almost the same speed and portable. If you’re going to be using it at home, get an Airport or some other storage device. All I’m really suggesting is that you do have options that you may not have considered.

Yeah I'm really undecided. Its nice to have applecare so you can just go in and get help at any apple store. The main thing I'd like to find out is if there is much of a perfromance difference for video editing between teh 2015 and 2017 models.

As for storage I feel pretty set on teh 1tb ssd still, but I will need to store video projects too, so your ideas make sense and I'll give it some thoughht

 

[Brammy]

I'd get the 2017, especially with the extended repair warranty happening.

At this point the 2015 model is 3 years old. Apple doesn't upgrade the stuff fast so I don't know I'd want to invest in 3 year old tech anyway.

As far as dongles, I don't use a lot anyway. I have the USB/Power/HDMI adapter from Apple. But, my monitor is 4k so I have a display port to USB-C cable coming from it. Have a combo USB-C/USB-A flash drive I keep in my bag. At my desk at work I just have a USB-C-HDMI cable to connect to our projectors.

 

[robodelfy]

I'd get the 2017, especially with the extended repair warranty happening.

At this point the 2015 model is 3 years old. Apple doesn't upgrade the stuff fast so I don't know I'd want to invest in 3 year old tech anyway.

As far as dongles, I don't use a lot anyway. I have the USB/Power/HDMI adapter from Apple. But, my monitor is 4k so I have a display port to USB-C cable coming from it. Have a combo USB-C/USB-A flash drive I keep in my bag. At my desk at work I just have a USB-C-HDMI cable to connect to our projectors.

I'm quite confused, and everyone has a different opinion. I was hoping it would be more clear cut. Its a shame that Apple didnt just make the new macbooks better than the old ones! They may perform a bit better, but lots of stuff holding them back. I was just reading a few articles about peopel who type a lot, writers. And they said after a few weeks tying on the new MBP keyboards was just horrible. I think this is still a big reason for me to go with teh 2015 model.

Also, its £1000 more for the new one, and thats still used, but with Applecare. Im going to try for teh 2015 model on ebay and hopefully get a reasonable deal. Otherwise, back to the drawing board

 

[Dr_Charles_Forbin]

I'm quite confused, and everyone has a different opinion. I was hoping it would be more clear cut. Its a shame that Apple didnt just make the new macbooks better than the old ones! They may perform a bit better, but lots of stuff holding them back. I was just reading a few articles about peopel who type a lot, writers. And they said after a few weeks tying on the new MBP keyboards was just horrible. I think this is still a big reason for me to go with teh 2015 model.

Also, its £1000 more for the new one, and thats still used, but with Applecare. Im going to try for teh 2015 model on ebay and hopefully get a reasonable deal. Otherwise, back to the drawing board

Everyone does have a different opinion, and it's actually a good thing. Everyone brings their own experiences to the table.
I'm going to ask what be a stupid question - have you tried the 2016/2017's? I've heard you adjust to the keyboard eventually despite bitching and moaning and the touch OLED is IMHO a gimmick until other software developers leverage it, so discount that. Pro's: AppleCare (which is a biggie, no lie, I don't buy anything without AppleCare - I just had my 2015 fixed because the thunderbolt port went loose for a second time, replaced the main board and the battery for $0 - I'm a big AppleCare promoter); better dGPU, newer hardware, nicer colors (I like that space grey), OS support (remember, Apple has that annoying habit of not allowing older models to upgrade to the current OS, whether it's a 32-64 bit architecture limitation or they just want to drive you to a new buy. Cons: Cost, no user replaceable SSD (I've heard the storage is soldered in), keyboard issues (which should be fixed), better speakers. Variable: larger touch pad. 1000 pounds (whatever that is in US) is a lot of money. If AppleCare is included, remember to factor that into the cost comparison - that's another $150??? Keep in mind, no matter what you choose, you will have regrets. You also have the other option of waiting for next year For me, the only thing that would make me budge at this time is if they released a 17" version (that's not happening). My next buy will be whatever they replace the Mac Mini with.

Good luck.

 

[robodelfy]

Everyone does have a different opinion, and it's actually a good thing. Everyone brings their own experiences to the table.
I'm going to ask what be a stupid question - have you tried the 2016/2017's? I've heard you adjust to the keyboard eventually despite bitching and moaning and the touch OLED is IMHO a gimmick until other software developers leverage it, so discount that. Pro's: AppleCare (which is a biggie, no lie, I don't buy anything without AppleCare - I just had my 2015 fixed because the thunderbolt port went loose for a second time, replaced the main board and the battery for $0 - I'm a big AppleCare promoter); better dGPU, newer hardware, nicer colors (I like that space grey), OS support (remember, Apple has that annoying habit of not allowing older models to upgrade to the current OS, whether it's a 32-64 bit architecture limitation or they just want to drive you to a new buy. Cons: Cost, no user replaceable SSD (I've heard the storage is soldered in), keyboard issues (which should be fixed), better speakers. Variable: larger touch pad. 1000 pounds (whatever that is in US) is a lot of money. If AppleCare is included, remember to factor that into the cost comparison - that's another $150??? Keep in mind, no matter what you choose, you will have regrets. You also have the other option of waiting for next year For me, the only thing that would make me budge at this time is if they released a 17" version (that's not happening). My next buy will be whatever they replace the Mac Mini with.

Good luck.

Thanks, all good points. Its so much more expensive here than in the US. Applecare here is about £300 I think for 3 years, which is about $500.

I wonder if its a bad idea for me to get a used 2015 macbook pro with no Applecare, its very rare to find one that still has it, and if so its only for a few months. It is nice to have that peace of mind.

The one I have been watching for a week ends in 2 hours. I was so set on it, but now I'm starting to consider the newer one a bit more! I'm going in circles

The keyboard really is the big sticking point for me, and I've given it a fair chance on my mums one, but it just feels horrible! Maybe I would get used to it.

Part of my thinking is also that when they bring out the next model, maybe this year or hopefully early next, they might have listened to peoples complaints and actually done something about it. But thats not really Apples style is it! I doubt they will go back to a decent keyboard with nice travel, and I doubt the touchbar is going away.

hmmm, I'm terrrible with decisions even if its just what chocolate bar to buy! So you can imagine how I get with these big buys

 

[MBAir2010]

can't get any newer than 2018.....

kidding

get the one with MeTAL and without the keyboard issues and upgradable options as in HDs and Ram. seems to me they are great except the butterfly keyboard.
i would buy a refurbished from sites like OWC or others that offer refunds, support and longevity, they had been in business since last century whereas an ebayer is not, if something goes wrong.

 

[robodelfy]

can't get any newer than 2018.....

kidding

get the one with MATAL and without the keyboard issues and upgradable options as in HDs and Ram. seems to me they are great except the butterfly keyboard.
i would buy a refurbished from sites like OWC or others that offer refunds, support and longevity, they had been in business since last century whereas an ebayer is not, if something goes wrong.

Sorry whats MATAL?

You can only upgrade the SSD in the 2015 model, but I will be getting the largest one anyway.

 

[Dr_Charles_Forbin]

Thanks, all good points. Its so much more expensive here than in the US. Applecare here is about £300 I think for 3 years, which is about $500.

I wonder if its a bad idea for me to get a used 2015 macbook pro with no Applecare, its very rare to find one that still has it, and if so its only for a few months. It is nice to have that peace of mind.

The one I have been watching for a week ends in 2 hours. I was so set on it, but now I'm starting to consider the newer one a bit more! I'm going in circles

The keyboard really is the big sticking point for me, and I've given it a fair chance on my mums one, but it just feels horrible! Maybe I would get used to it.

Part of my thinking is also that when they bring out the next model, maybe this year or hopefully early next, they might have listened to peoples complaints and actually done something about it. But thats not really Apples style is it! I doubt they will go back to a decent keyboard with nice travel, and I doubt the touchbar is going away.

hmmm, I'm terrrible with decisions even if its just what chocolate bar to buy! So you can imagine how I get with these big buys

I was going to say if you makes you feel any better, they're still selling the old 15" 2.2 Ghz processor/16GB RAM with 1TB for $2599. It should come with a robbers face mask.

 

[robodelfy]

I was going to say if you makes you feel any better, they're still selling the old 15" 2.2 Ghz processor/16GB RAM with 1TB for $2599.View attachment 767486

Its ridiculous!

My cousin is in Hong Kong and coming back soon, I was trying to see if he could get me one. The refurbished top spec model there is £1500 cheaper than a new one here, its crazy! Thats a huge difference. But he lost all his credit cards so not sure it will happen. I also think you need to do something with the box or they will charge you tax for it

 

[glhiii]

Thanks, so any 2015 model will be good if I want the older keyboard style and legacy connections? But 2016 model was when that changed?

Yes I would love a 1tb hard drive. I've always had 1TB in my laptops and then used 2tb backup drives with time machine. It just makes backing up so much easier, as I dont have to think about multiple disks. But if its going to be a big price difference maybe I need to consider the 512 and how I can make it work.

Are the 2015 models all glued together, so you cant change the SSD yourself?

I replaced the ssd on my 2015 MBP with no problems -- it takes 2 minutes if you get the right screwdrivers (you need 2). Works perfectly, but be careful if the new drive has an older OS, because it will not recognize the Apple file system. You have to upgrade to the latest MacOS and then it will recognize the new drive.

 

[robodelfy]

I replaced the ssd on my 2015 MBP with no problems -- it takes 2 minutes if you get the right screwdrivers (you need 2). Works perfectly, but be careful if the new drive has an older OS, because it will not recognize the Apple file system. You have to upgrade to the latest MacOS and then it will recognize the new drive.

Thanks yeah I was considering doing this but ended up getting a 1tb model anyway so there no need. Its such a shame they dont let you upgrade parts anymore

 

[Dr_Charles_Forbin]

Thanks yeah I was considering doing this but ended up getting a 1tb model anyway so there no need. Its such a shame they dont let you upgrade parts anymore

It was 2016 and 2017’s that had the soldered in storage. Did you bite for the OLED or stick with the 2015? Congrats on whatever you picked and when they release the 2018’s in the fall (surprise) you can kick yourself like a lot of Mac owners do Opportunity cost cannot exist in the Mac world.

Actually, what I would love them to do is spin off their software from hardware. It won’t happen but can you imagine the uproar if Windows required Microsoft hardware? Yes, you can rightfully say that there’s a lot of pro level hardware that requires a dedicated OS (IBM/AIX, Cisco/IOS) but Mac is a consumer product... they certainly don’t market solely commercial. But then again, I couldn’t get the level of service that I get now. I’m a DBA/App Admin, I’ve been doing battle with these things for almost 30 years @10+ hours a day, Hackintosh is not for me.
[doublepost=1529877787][/doublepost]

I replaced the ssd on my 2015 MBP with no problems -- it takes 2 minutes if you get the right screwdrivers (you need 2). Works perfectly, but be careful if the new drive has an older OS, because it will not recognize the Apple file system. You have to upgrade to the latest MacOS and then it will recognize the new drive.

Just out of curiosity, did you use Apple Proprietary SSD or non-apple? I may have to upgrade the storage on my daughters 13” 2015 rMBP (128->256) and I just don’t like the thought of having to use the Sintech adapter.

 

[Garage Battle]

I think its the wrong time to buy one. I just picked up a 2015 15" w/1year of AppleCare left for $1200. Barely a mark on it. Even if they come out with new ones in July-October the 2015 is still going to be very sought after unless Apple really pulls out all the stops.

 

[czerney]

Any chance you can wait a little longer? I was in a similar dilemma in March/April 2017 waiting for the 2017 imac. I let my 'desire' for a new imac get the better of me and I bought the late 2015 imac just a couple months before it was refreshed. I'm perfectly happy with my 2015 imac performance but disappointed that I didn't wait a little bit longer.

If I were you and IF waiting is a possibility I'd hold off until Sept/Oct in the chance that apple releases a 2018 MBPupdate.

Big chance that

- huge performance increase if they move to 6 cores (great for editing)
- good chance of a better keyboard
- no buying 3+ year old tech

And if the new one doesn't rock your boat there'll be a whole lot more 2nd hand options available to buy as there are a heck of a lot of people waiting to upgrade.

 

[throAU]

As per others, the 2012-2015 models are similar design, and the 2015 is the last of the bunch.

Sad, isn't it :-\

 

[robodelfy]

Thanks everyone

So I ended up getting a 2015 model, 2.8 cpu, 1tb SSD, 16gb ram and Radeon dGPU. Basically the top of the line one from 2015. I very nearly spent £1000 more on a 2017 model, but after one more go on my mums keyboard I decided I couldnt deal with it! Not to mention the other bits I dont like.

I know this wont be a huge step up from my 2012 model, but it will offer some improved performance, be lighter...and it will work! My current macbook seems to be falling apart in every way

Im amazed you got a 2015 model for $1200 with applecare, maybe it wasnt as high spec as mine? Because in england what I got was a good deal. Shame it has no applecare. But the US is far cheaper for electronics

This way I feel that when the 2018 model comes out, I can possibly sell this and only lose a little bit as its already used. But if I bought the 2017 model, Im sure it will drop a lot more. But the reality is I need one now, so I cant really wait!

Thanks for all your help. I hope this one works, the first one on ebay I had to send back

 

[Dr_Charles_Forbin]

As per others, the 2012-2015 models are similar design, and the 2015 is the last of the bunch.

Sad, isn't it :-\

Really sad. The best Apple could do as an update is an OLED touch bar. It’s not that they don’t sell a quality product, they do. I’m curious to see what’s going to be the outcomes of these newer, low end product lines. My wife and daughter have the SE because they love the size, but their batteries don’t have anywhere near the life of my 8+ and my wife’s is now starting to get downright hot at times.

 

[Smeaton1724]

Thanks everyone

So I ended up getting a 2015 model, 2.8 cpu, 1tb SSD, 16gb ram and Radeon dGPU. Basically the top of the line one from 2015. I very nearly spent £1000 more on a 2017 model, but after one more go on my mums keyboard I decided I couldnt deal with it! Not to mention the other bits I dont like.

I know this wont be a huge step up from my 2012 model, but it will offer some improved performance, be lighter...and it will work! My current macbook seems to be falling apart in every way

Im amazed you got a 2015 model for $1200 with applecare, maybe it wasnt as high spec as mine? Because in england what I got was a good deal. Shame it has no applecare. But the US is far cheaper for electronics

This way I feel that when the 2018 model comes out, I can possibly sell this and only lose a little bit as its already used. But if I bought the 2017 model, Im sure it will drop a lot more. But the reality is I need one now, so I cant really wait!

Thanks for all your help. I hope this one works, the first one on ebay I had to send back

This thread is basically what I've been doing for the last 3 months. I had a 13'' rMBP 2015 I purchased new from Apple, I sold it via Gumtree without really looking at Apple new prices I just knew that I needed more power - it just didn't cut it for proper 3D work. Purchased for £1300 2.9Ghz Dual Core i5, 16GB Ram, 512GB SSD, sold it for £1000. However Apple really bumped those prices in 2016 after the Brexit Vote - a similar spec'ed 13'' Touch bar machine is now £1850!!

Anyway I was looking at 15'' 2017 Model Refurbished from Apple at £2000, 2.8Ghz, 16GB Ram, 256GB SSD. Tried it for 10 days and absolutely hated it, touchbar was pointless, trackpad too big, keyboard not nice to type on. Screen was nicer, I liked the darker grey and the weight reduction, however I Returned. Then I went down the second hand 15'' 2015 route with the dGPU, purchased from Computer Exchange for £1065, 2.5Ghz, 16GB Ram, 512GB SSD, dGPU.

To tell the truth I'm not happy, I'd prefer a newer processor - hexa cores are coming, newer design and new device and Apple warranty, I could afford to, but there's so little value going new I went old and saved £935.