New MacBook Pros Said to Launch in 2017 With Price Cuts and Up to 32GB of RAM

[Ethosik]

Hey, if you feel like getting ripped off by large corporations, (especially Apple, with more money than anyone), is ok with you, then all good. Don't expect everyone else to bend over and take it quietly.

Greed is ugly in all its forms and I'm happy to call Apple out for it.

My rMBP was $3,499 at the time I bought it. Looking at a replacement 2016 model, it will be $3,299 because I don't need the best CPU in it. I do not experience the $300 price increase.

Sure, maybe it is an additional $300 for some, did people expect to get the touch bar for free?

 

[tentales]

Just found this review by a "pro" user, since some people say to stop whining:

https://medium.com/@trentlapinski/w...ook-pro-and-touch-bar-a9a094af1e0b#.hz4hlkogg

The reviewer has very valid points. There are many pro reviews out there calling out Apple for messing up.
IMO, this line-up should be considered the successor to the Macbook Air line, not the pro line, but then the prices don't match the Air line.

 

[Santabean2000]

I didn't expect the touch bar to cost as much as $300 more. And then then the base model to be an extra $400 than before. And $200 for an extra 8GB RAM?! And $600 for 1Tb SSD?! [$1400 for the 2Tb in the 15"?!]

Apple has always charged a premium, but in the past there was always a lot more that you could do later to upgrade the machine to have it work for longer. This is just price gouging and planned obselence at its worst.

edit: not to mention all the new adapters that Apple is only too willing to SELL you, rather than soften the blow by bundling a couple in the box.

It's no longer about the customer and their user experience, but rather growth and the insane profit targets set by Mr Cook and his money-grub friends.

 

[tentales]

My rMBP was $3,499 at the time I bought it. Looking at a replacement 2016 model, it will be $3,299 because I don't need the best CPU in it. I do not experience the $300 price increase.

Sure, maybe it is an additional $300 for some, did people expect to get the touch bar for free?

No, we expected to get a pro machine with faster CPU, GPU, storage etc.. not introduce gimmicks like a mini iPad strip and then charge a premium for something that isn't useful to a lot of pro users.
This isn't the invention of the Mouse or the Trackpad.

 

[Ethosik]

No, we expected to get a pro machine with faster CPU, GPU, storage etc.. not introduce gimmicks like a mini iPad strip and then charge a premium for something that isn't useful to a lot of pro users.
This isn't the invention of the Mouse or the Trackpad.

Right I forgot my 2013 rMBP is much faster than the new ones. Touch bar not useful to you doesn't mean it's not useful for others. Just like I do not need a 32GB of RAM on a LAPTOP. But others might. I already find huge benefits of the touch bar for what I do.

 

[fpsBeaTt]

No, we expected to get a pro machine with faster CPU, GPU, storage etc.. not introduce gimmicks like a mini iPad strip and then charge a premium for something that isn't useful to a lot of pro users.
This isn't the invention of the Mouse or the Trackpad.

Your demands, as you've stated them here, are met, especially on the storage and GPU side. The touch bar is a great innovation, and clearly adds an extra dimension to functionality, versatility, and usability from app to app.

I don't believe you're in any position to determine whether it's useful or not to a lot of pro users, or a position to determine the effect it has before it's even available. Speaking of the trackpad, that's another huge area of improvement.

Objectively speaking, the only lack of improvement is on RAM capacity, and there are technical reasons for that which will be remedied with Kabylake. In terms of speed, versatility, design, and quality of life, this is an improvement in every respect. If you don't care for the improvements made in every area, fine, this product isn't for you. Just don't resort to dishonesty in a desperate and fervent attempt to criticise at all costs.

 

[Ethosik]

And complaining about the storage upgrade pricing. These aren't SATA SSDs you find on Newegg for cheaper. Those drives top out at 400-500MB/s due to SATA 3. These are 3GB/s SSDs.

 

[tentales]

I don't believe you're in any position to determine whether it's useful or not to a lot of pro users, or a position to determine the effect it has before it's even available.

You have no idea of my background or how many pro users I've worked with. Your condescension doesn't warrant any further discussion. BL'd.

 

[Feenician]

No, we expected to get a pro machine with faster CPU, GPU, storage etc..

You got all of these things. I feel like you should take a break from complaining to remember what it is that you were supposed to be complaining about.

 

[Santabean2000]

And complaining about the storage upgrade pricing. These aren't SATA SSDs you find on Newegg for cheaper. Those drives top out at 400-500MB/s due to SATA 3. These are 3GB/s SSDs.

I hate this argument. Everyone knows what you said already. But once we moved on from HDDs to SSDs, for day to day use, the speed advantage suffers a huge hit of diminishing returns.

If I was moving around 4K, 8K video in FCP, then sure the speed is great, but then the capacity/price ratio blows out badly. I.e the speed advantage is best when you have a SSD with high capacity - which in the 15"MBP cost the equivalent of a whole new computer in itself...

Apple is price gouging short and simple.

 

[tentales]

Right I forgot my 2013 rMBP is much faster than the new ones. Touch bar not useful to you doesn't mean it's not useful for others. Just like I do not need a 32GB of RAM on a LAPTOP. But others might. I already find huge benefits of the touch bar for what I do.

I never said it's not useful to others. Some yes, but I will take a guess and say that it will not be useful to a majority of pro users and certainly not worth the exorbitant price increase.

Why doesn't Apple offer it as an optional add-on for users like you?
After all, they have offered the "escape edition" of the MBP with regular function keys, but only on the basic version.

 

[Feenician]

Mate, you have no idea of his background or how many pro users he's worked with. It'll be YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEARS before you can face him, or his authority.

I must've been distracted by the number of Fortune 50's I've consulted at over the last 5 years. Sorry.

 

[Feenician]

I hate this argument. Everyone knows what you said already. But once we moved on from HDDs to SSDs, for day to day use, the speed advantage suffers a huge hit of diminishing returns.

If I was moving around 4K, 8K video in FCP, then sure the speed is great, but then the capacity/price ratio blows out badly.

Apple is price gouging short and simple.

Oh so now, in this particular metric that Apple have been industry leading in, we don't need "pro" speeds? Got it

All that matters is being huge and having gaming GPU's for fragging, er, pros

 

[Ethosik]

Oh so now, in this particular metric that Apple have been industry leading in, we don't need "pro" speeds? Got it

All that matters is being huge and having gaming GPU's for fragging, er, pros

Agreed. These are indeed Pro machines. Radeon Pro is workstation class, not gaming class. I think people just want gaming systems which I do not want.

 

[Feenician]

Agreed. These are indeed Pro machines. Radeon Pro is workstation class, not gaming class. I think people just want gaming systems which I do not want.

Could not teabag tweens in online shooters at sufficient framerates. 0/10. Would not pro again

 

[Randombilly]

The entry level prices for the new 13" and 15" are $500 more! For a stupid bar? When was the last time new MacBooks were so much more expensive, and then took a price cut? Never. I don't buy that the first MacBook Air is an example of anything. That was a specialty product, unlike the staple laptops that generally just get better with the same price point.

8GB RAM is like $40. But Apple charges us $200 for it - to escape being stuck at just 8GB which is not a pro level performance.

Before, it don't really matter because we would just put our own RAM in, but that's not an option anymore... Tim Cook is a disappointment.

If money is your main concern when buying a product, you shouldn't be buying a "pro" level product.
If $115 a month for 18 months is too rich for your blood, what on earth are you doing expecting to buy a pro??? You're priced out..

If you buy Ryobi tools (which are just fine to use around the house), then get the entry level MacBook; because you're not a professional carpenter (to follow my own metaphor).

Buy a top of the line computer because you want what it has. If you want what it has, but you can't afford what it has, well... you also can't have a 2016 Landcruiser.. Also, a 2016 LandCruiser isn't as fast as a souped up Honda Accord, and gets worse gas mileage than your 1998 Geo Metro. Costs a lot, though!

 

[wozmatic]

Let's say has similar specs. I just googled it a bit. It has a higher resolution screen (though that might be of limited utility at 15") but fails behind in colour gamut and brightness against the MBP. It has a higher RAM limit but it seems that is payed for with a shorter battery life (which generally seems to be lower on the XPS). I doubt it matches the SSD speed of the new MBP (3.1 GB/s). It also has only one port that is faster than 5 Gbit/s.

For sure the MacBook has better specs (it's also a year newer) but those spec margins vs the cost margins are pretty crazy.

Getting the XPS to your door for $2000 is pretty good. The MacBook with a 512SSD is gonna come to $3950 to get it in your hands after taxes. (In Toronto, Canada) which is pretty crazy.

I really love the build quality of MacBooks but this damn price is crazy, it's DOUBLE!

I could buy the XPS, get bored of it and upgrade in 2 years and still be at the same cost as this MacBook 2016

Cost aside, I really wanted to get the 15" but I despise the touch bar. If there was an option for no touch bar I would be more inclined to purchase.

If anything, I can't see myself buying a MacBook past the 2015 model, simply because that touch bar is awful, the type-C ports is also a bummer for convenience as we'll always have to be carrying accessories around.

Nice specs on paper, not very practical in the real world + dent to the wallet

 

[AZ63]

Would people please get a grip. Laptops are not desktops. So you need 32, 64, or 128GB of RAM to run dozens of VMs? Use a desktop! I prefer thinness and lightness on a LAPTOP! I carry it around all day. Any little bit helps. I am able to get by with 16GB of RAM for Pro tasks. One professional is not like another professional. Why can't people get that? "I need 32GB of RAM, therefore, these computers are not professional!"

I get your point but Apple, in the presentation, did set up that pro laptop in a manner in which one would take as "this machine is so capable it can be used as a desktop." Apple brought some of this on themselves.
[doublepost=1478068724][/doublepost]

I work for EDU and I can tell you first hand Apple has completely cut themselves out of the EDU market with this portable computer line up. EDU still needs ports and disk drives. We used to be able to purchase MB Pro 2012s, but Apple Silently removed them the same day they released these over priced and underpowered Macs. EDU is not going to buy portless computers and then buy dongles and external drives. It is freaking ridiculous. Apple needs to bring back the white MB line so EDU has something to buy.

Sad, as now Apple serves their bottom line first. I guess Apple is hurting for money.

 

[Santabean2000]

Oh so now, in this particular metric that Apple have been industry leading in, we don't need "pro" speeds? Got it

All that matters is being huge and having gaming GPU's for fragging, er, pros

Way to be snarky and totally miss the point. Where did you grab gaming from? Mac never has been about gaming; nothing to do with what I'm saying.

Extra speed is obviously always welcome. But the difference between doing an 'everyday task' such as opening an application on my 2012 cMBP with aftermarket 2.5" SSD and one of these new MBPs is negligible. Certainly not as stark as the difference with HDDs.

Doesn't matter how's fast your drive is if you run out of space. And can't upgrade it later...

If Apple made the base storage 512GB (min) and had not-too-stupid pricing on their upgrade options, then the locked-in nature of their machines would be more palatable. [But if Apple were actually 'green' then their computers would be designed to be modular and totally repairable/upgradable.]

 

[ds2000]

Me = now
2016 MBP = 2015 CPU
2017 MBP = 2015 CPU

I miss the days of Appletax getting you at least the latest CPUs

 

[OllyW]

Moderator Note:

The thread is back open after a clean up due to a massive derailment.

A lot of posts had to be deleted to bring the thread back on track. We are sorry that a few "innocent" posts may have also been removed because they were responding to other deleted comments.

 

[ZCT]

So to be clear the prediction is that computers will become faster and with higher specs in the future? Shocked. Hold the front page.

 

[Ethosik]

I get your point but Apple, in the presentation, did set up that pro laptop in a manner in which one would take as "this machine is so capable it can be used as a desktop." Apple brought some of this on themselves.
[doublepost=1478068724][/doublepost]
Sad, as now Apple serves their bottom line first. I guess Apple is hurting for money.

They essentially can be treated as desktops. Guess what? At work I have 256GB SSD, USB 2 ONLY, and only 8GB of RAM. I get by just fine for a VM and dev work. That is on a DESKTOP too!

Again, one professional's needs does not match another. Some professionals need NEED 128GB of RAM and 12-cores or more. Where do we draw the line? Is anything "Professional"?

 

[AZ63]

They essentially can be treated as desktops. Guess what? At work I have 256GB SSD, USB 2 ONLY, and only 8GB of RAM. I get by just fine for a VM and dev work. That is on a DESKTOP too!

Again, one professional's needs does not match another. Some professionals need NEED 128GB of RAM and 12-cores or more. Where do we draw the line? Is anything "Professional"?

Yes, I get it. It is a pro line computer. That is not the whole arguement. Can you at least admit that Apple has not provided a pro line that meets the needs of those that need the additional specs? That line of pro machine has essentially been dropped.

 

[JacquesleMac]

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released a new research report outlining why he's upbeat about MacBook growth in 2017. Kuo expects price cuts for both new and existing MacBooks in 2017 coupled with a refresh that adds support for 32GB RAM and more, bolstering his belief in the MacBook line next year.

Kuo cites Apple's tendency to price "major-upgraded models," like the original MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, higher near the initial launch "before undergoing in price cuts in the following year" as precedent for price cuts in the second half of 2017. He also believes that the ecosystem for USB-C devices and software that takes advantage of the Touch Bar will become more mature, making it more enticing for users.

Finally, Kuo expects refreshed MacBooks Pros to be launched in the second half of 2017 with support for 32GB of RAM. However, Kuo says this is dependent on whether Intel launches Cannonlake processors on time.


Many customers have been upset that the new MacBooks, which run more energy efficient Skylake processors, continue to max out at 16GB of RAM and cost more than previous-generation models. For instance, the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar starts at $1,799, $500 more than previous-generation models.

Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller, in an email to MacRumors reader David, explained that for Apple to make a notebook with support for more than 16GB of RAM, it would have to use a memory system that consumes too much power. Regarding price, Schiller said in an interview that affordability is "absolutely something we care about" but that the company designs for experience rather than price.

While Kuo expects price cuts for new and existing MacBooks, like both the 12-inch MacBook and the new MacBook Pros, it's unclear whether he expects Apple to offer support for up to 32GB of RAM for the 12-inch MacBook in addition to the MacBook Pros.

Update: As pointed out by Ars Technica's Andrew Cunningham and others, Kuo's outline of chip possibilities does not match up with what is known from leaked Intel roadmaps. Intel is not planning MacBook Pro-class chips in the Cannonlake family at all, and Coffee Lake chips aren't arriving until 2018.

Article Link: New MacBooks Said to Launch in 2017 With Price Cuts and Up to 32GB of RAM

 

[Ethosik]

Yes, I get it. It is a pro line computer. That is not the whole arguement. Can you at least admit that Apple has not provided a pro line that meets the needs of those that need the additional specs? That line of pro machine has essentially been dropped.

Where do we draw the line then? There are some professionals that need $15,000 computer.