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I think alienware just refreshed their 13 inch. Now it has quad core skylake 6700hq, 32gb ram, nvidia 1060 6gb, fast ssd, and a 1080p display option in case you will mostly use it docked. It also has a proprietary external gpu plug that seems redundant for a mac user where a 6gb 1060 performs better than any graphics card in any mac ever. I never even considered getting a 13" because they are usually dual core but this looks like a great machine for an engineer who mostly keeps it docked.
 
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I just tested the new MBP base model at the store and will add to the growing number of complaints about the keyboard: absolutely awful. Honestly, for the life of me I cannot understand how Apple greenlighted this. It is so ridiculously loud and clicky, and the feel of the keyboard when you type makes you want to stop typing. Something about it is very offputting in the way that it feels while typing.

I'm really bummed out. I waited longer than any sane human should for an updated MBP and the end result is a total bummer.

FWIW, the MBP keyboard is actually louder than the 12" Macbook keyboard. I'd feel self conscious clacking away on the keyboard in public, it'll definitely annoy those around you. Just a massive letdown.
 
I went to try the new keyboard at the local Apple store and I have no problem with it and I'm one of "those older people who don't like change". I found it comfortable to type on and not too loud (though the Apple store environment probably isn't the best place to evaluate that). I'm coming from a 2012 rMBP and love the keyboard on it, but I think I will like the new one just as well. I can't wait to get my new computer - base model 15" in space gray.
 
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I've been using the new keyboard on the new MBP for better part of this week. I went back to my 2011 MBP to look at some files and the keyboard feels bulky now.
 
The purpose of a keyboard is input and control. It does that well. As for feeling cheap, that's not my impression, but that's highly subjective and what I may think is wonderful others may hate.

My advice is anyone interested in the MBP take a visit to the local Apple Store, if you can, and try the keyboard yourself. They do have a 14 day no questions asked return policy as well.

Last year if you bought an Apple device on or after November 1, you could use it until mid January then return it. Plenty of time to decide for yourself. Don't know if they are doing the same program this year or not
 
I owned a 2016 Macbook 12" and sold it just before the new 2016 MacBooks came out to buy the new Pro. I was able to purchase a base Macbook Pro 2016 in an Apple store.

The good - screen is definitely better/brighter and the new space grey looks great.

The undecided - I'm not sure the reduced size is of any benefit. I suppose its a bit easier to transport but its really not night and day like the 12" is to the rest of the product line. Like many other posts they should have maintained the previous size and more ports. The bigger trackpad seemed like a great new feature but in real use not so much for me.

The bad - 1 port on my macbook 12" is bad but almost expected based on the size. 2 ports on the pro is not good when compared to the old unit. I hate the keyboard even more on the new Pro than my 12" - some say its improvement over the 12" but not for me. I found the enter key to be extremely clicky and loud, and it annoyed the hell out of me. The price is whacked - I am in Canada and over $1900 for the base unit with what I got is no way worth it.

Needless to say I returned the 2016 Pro unit and went back to the 12" and couldn't be happier, especially having some extra money in my pocket. Yes I am missing out on the power and slightly larger screen size but I am ok waiting slightly longer for the same tasks to complete. I really didn't find anything the 12" couldn't handle.

Unfortunately for now I am tied to the mac ecosystem as I hate Windows hardware compared to Apple. I definitely don't like where Apple is heading however as this is the first new product line that I have returned within days.

The retina screen on the 12" is beautiful. I got one for my wife recently, and it fits the bill perfectly.
 
I hate the keyboard on the current 15" MBP.

I'm not a fan either, but I wasn't expecting much. I was planning to tote around one of the older Apple Wireless Bluetooth keyboards anyway. I do like that keyboard the most and find that it's also better than the equivalent built in MacBook Pro keyboards. I actually only use the keyboard on my 2012 MBP only when I don't have the Bluetooth one around.
 
I actually prefer the new keyboard a lot. Now I enjoy typing more, it just feels like I can never get enough of it ;)
But I must admit keyboard is a personal thing, and I respect anyone out there who doesn't like the keyboard.
 
I initially hated the keyboard when I tried it in the store and typed for 10-15 minutes--slowed me down to 40 wpm and I had a ton of errors.. On a second trip, I didn't hate it so much after typing 20-25 minutes, I was up to 45-50 wpm and fewer errors. Now on my third, fourth, and fifth times using it, it feels perfectly normal typing on it, up my normal 50-55 wpm and only occasional errors.

Even folks who hate it may discover they *can* get used to it--though that might not be the same as growing to love it.
 
I'm so bummed. I think I'm taking my 2016 15" MBP back tomorrow, 12 days in. I REALLY gave it a try.

I wonder if the new keyboard is better for people who type properly? I'm a pecker (that's right) and I can peck pretty darn fast and accurately without looking after 18 years as a motion graphics designer and college instructor. The new keyboard is killing me. It has all the characteristics of typing on my iPad Pro. Then you get my flailing fingers hitting the Touch Bar and activating Siri and taking screen grabs. All problems that are new to me.

And as a designer.... the arrow keys!!!??? I can NOT tell what I'm feeling. Is it the right arrow? Is it the bezel around the keyboard? Did I just hit "return" feeling around?

And I keep typing "thong" instead of "thing" and "toy" instead of "you". This thing is going to get me fired.
 
I'm not a fan either, but I wasn't expecting much. I was planning to tote around one of the older Apple Wireless Bluetooth keyboards anyway. I do like that keyboard the most and find that it's also better than the equivalent built in MacBook Pro keyboards. I actually only use the keyboard on my 2012 MBP only when I don't have the Bluetooth one around.
I was specifically talking about the 2015 rMBP.
 
I actually prefer the new keyboard a lot. Now I enjoy typing more, it just feels like I can never get enough of it ;)
But I must admit keyboard is a personal thing, and I respect anyone out there who doesn't like the keyboard.

I like the new keyboard as well. :apple: :)
 
OP:

Why did you upgrade to the 2016 Pro in the first place? Sounds like the 12" was suiting your needs just fine?

I find it hard to believe you preferred the keyboard on the 12" over the Pro, as they're pretty much the same... Sounds more like you couldn't justify the extra cost for features you wouldn't use, so went back to the 12"?
 
I have the 12 inch MB, 2016 non-touch bar MacBook Pro and am typing this on the latest Apple bluetooth keyboard. I would concur that the new bluetooth keyboard is my favorite. I seem to type a little easier on the smaller MB for some reason, but I don't mind either keyboard. Now my wife alternates between a MacBook Air and 2016 MacBook Pro and says she doesn't feel much difference. I have noticed the clacking sound being louder when she type on the MBP, but my typing style doesn't seem to make much noise. She probably types twice as fast as I do, so maybe that makes a difference.
 
I have the 2016 TB 13 inch Mac and I came from a late 2013 13 inch.

The keyboard is louder and you can definitely hear the clicks, and the backlight of the keys is a lot less brighter.

As for using the keyboard it is somewhat harder to type but I feel it's a matter of practice and I've mostly gotten used to it. I'm at the point where it doesn't really bother me.

If you have large fingers then I definitely understand why you wouldn't like the keyboard.
 
So you sold your 12, went with the new 13 pro, returned the 13 pro and how exactly did you get your 12 back? Did you buy a new one? Seems like a loss and mightve been better to keep the 13 as it seems like a value issue for you rather than performance/preferences.
 
I just don't get these weird complain topics anymore.
Almost all of your complaints you could've realized before buying it:
1. You already knew the size of the MacBook and the number of ports it came with
2. The keyboard is a matter of taste and people complaining about the keys being 'clicky' and 'annoying the hell out of you', please. That really upsets you?
3. You knew the price before you bought it. Nobody made you.

The only valid point I see is the keyboard and that is a matter of taste, I love it and I honestly think it's the best keyboard I've ever used.
It took me two days to get used to it but now every time I use a 'normal' keyboard I feel so much less comfortable when typing.

Can we just stop these ridiculous posts? Thanks.
 
I just don't get these weird complain topics anymore.
Almost all of your complaints you could've realized before buying it:
1. You already knew the size of the MacBook and the number of ports it came with
2. The keyboard is a matter of taste and people complaining about the keys being 'clicky' and 'annoying the hell out of you', please. That really upsets you?
3. You knew the price before you bought it. Nobody made you.

The only valid point I see is the keyboard and that is a matter of taste, I love it and I honestly think it's the best keyboard I've ever used.
It took me two days to get used to it but now every time I use a 'normal' keyboard I feel so much less comfortable when typing.

Can we just stop these ridiculous posts? Thanks.

Nobody is forcing you to read it. Guy paid a lot of money and he doesn't like the product it happens

I'd rather wish some hardcore fans would stop posting in threads were people are raising valid concerns
 
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Nobody is forcing you to read it. Guy paid a lot of money and he doesn't like the product it happens

I'd rather wish some hardcore fans would stop posting in threads were people are raising valid concerns

A keyboard being too loud is a valid concern? Sounds like a trivial concern to me :eek:

I think the 'hardcore fans' are more irritated by the amount of people posting "Brought a new computer, and then sent it back!" as it's not really providing any kind of discussion, or benefiting anyone in any way. The OP was aware of the computer before purchasing, and it reads like they just wanted to try it out more than anything, so posting that it's been sent back because of a loud keyboard is helpful how?
 
A keyboard being too loud is a valid concern? Sounds like a trivial concern to me :eek:
Depends on the situation, if you're in a setting where its fairly quiet and trying to take notes, your clicking may be disruptive and/or cause undue attention to be brought to you.

I can think of some situations where I'll be working in a hotel room with my daughters in a bed. I'd rather not wake them up at 5:00am as I work, and they sleep. Would that keyboard wake them, I have no idea, but it would be a concern for me.
 
I love the new keyboard. This is such a sore subject between two sides that its confusing. One of those hate it/love it scenarios.
 
Love the new keyboard! Took a few days but it is such a pleasure to use. Much less energy required for even paster input. The keys strike solid no matter where my finger lands.

Just one of the many things I'm enjoying with my MBP 13" (YMMV).
 
Depends on the situation, if you're in a setting where its fairly quiet and trying to take notes, your clicking may be disruptive and/or cause undue attention to be brought to you.

I can think of some situations where I'll be working in a hotel room with my daughters in a bed. I'd rather not wake them up at 5:00am as I work, and they sleep. Would that keyboard wake them, I have no idea, but it would be a concern for me.

It's actually very easy for it to be just as quiet as any other keyboard if you don't smash down on the keys like an enraged hulk.
 
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