Now that Apple has screwed up the MBP 2016-2018 lines, what do those who have been waiting do?

[maflynn]

AMD cpus are still not that great . Their gpus have gotten better

Actually they've not only caught up with Intel, in some cases they've surpassed intel. Many gamers prefer the AMD processor over the intel. I think the i9 is a direct response to AMD's offering. Granted the mobile i9 doesn't offer much, but the desktop version does and its counter AMD's offerings
[doublepost=1532170707][/doublepost]With what I found on the interweb regarding cooling options, I'm feeling a lot better about my MBP. I know some of the solutions out there are not for everyone, but I'm liking what my temps are at now. Much more manageable.

This buys me time, so that apple will roll out a fix, and I don't believe that fix will be just to ramp up the fans faster (which will help), but also adjust the TDP so it doesn't jump up so high so much. One thing I noticed is that the CPU's frequency is quite erratic in that since, if they can tweak it, to keep the heat down, without sacrificing too much performance I'll be happy.

 

[Hakiroto]

I swear that no matter what Apple release, there’ll be people complaining or saying they’ll wait another year. Let me tell you one thing: in a year, you’ll only be months away from the next best thing. You’ll be stuck in this cycle forever.

“Screwed up”

How have they screwed up the 2018 models? They’re better than the previous ones in almost every way. I should have expected it really but I’m still shocked to see people saying things like “right, I’m done with Apple because they didn’t add Ethernet and HDMI ports”. If you waited a year for those kinds of things then it’s a year wasted, especially if you actually needed the computer for something.

I’m really happy with the new models. I’m a “professional”, whatever that means, and even my previous 2015 MacBook Pro has been great all this time. These new ones are an improvement in every way for me. Oh, I had to buy a USB-C to DisplayPort cable for 15€. A small price to pay.

Anyway, each to their own. We all have our own opinions.

 

[maflynn]

Wasted so much time on waiting and waiting for over 2.5 years

but nothing good comes out from Apple.

I disagree, while I was a bit upset over the throttling issues, I will sat that was more of a knee jerk reaction. I'm actually loving my 2018 MBP, its a fantastic machine, and I have it configured to a large degree that I'm not dealing with any heat at all.

The MBP2018 has thermal issues

Out of the box the i7 2.2 and 2.6 has some thermal issues, the i9 more so, but there are a number of tools available to mitigate that to a large degree. I will also say every other coffee Lake based laptop has thermal issues. Some do a better job at evacuating the heat, no question, but Intel introduced a chipset that runs very hot.

not 100% certain that Rev 3 keyboard has no issue

That's why Apple has a repair program and in all honesty its really a non-issue in my book.

What suggestion do you have if I need to buy a laptop this month?

You've been over-thinking and obsessing over this to such a degree, I don't think you'll be happy with anything. I'm not saying this to slam or belittle you, but rather point out that I think you've lost sight that this is a tool and I also believe you have set your expectations higher then what any manufacturer can deliver. I'm not trying to sound harsh, and I'm not looking to insult you, but rather point out that at the end of the day if you need a laptop then buy one. If you don't feel that you want to spend 2.5k on the MBP because of these issues, look at Dell, Asus, MSI, Razer, HP. None of them are perfect, they all have some disadvan

swear that no matter what Apple release, there’ll be people complaining

Yes, just consider some of the complaints about Apple going with LDDR4 memory there were complaints with that, even though we now have the ability to configure the laptop with great then 16GB. I think it goes back to that many people. have expectations out of line with what apple will do. I've been guilty of this myself, so I'm looking in the mirror and accepting that I was part of the problem. No computer is perfect they all have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Now that I've calmed down from the Thursday/Friday's hysteria, I see that I have a beautifully designed machine that is wicked fast, a nice keyboard (That I'm getting used too), the best in the industry trackpad, the touch bar that I'm not using . The fine lines and tolerances of a well made product.

 

[vaugha]

Well for me the waiting game continues. No reason to upgrade when my machine works just as fine at less than half the cost of what I would have to pay for today's respectable machine.

 

[Closingracer]

Actually they've not only caught up with Intel, in some cases they've surpassed intel. Many gamers prefer the AMD processor over the intel. I think the i9 is a direct response to AMD's offering. Granted the mobile i9 doesn't offer much, but the desktop version does and its counter AMD's offerings
[doublepost=1532170707][/doublepost]With what I found on the interweb regarding cooling options, I'm feeling a lot better about my MBP. I know some of the solutions out there are not for everyone, but I'm liking what my temps are at now. Much more manageable.

This buys me time, so that apple will roll out a fix, and I don't believe that fix will be just to ramp up the fans faster (which will help), but also adjust the TDP so it doesn't jump up so high so much. One thing I noticed is that the CPU's frequency is quite erratic in that since, if they can tweak it, to keep the heat down, without sacrificing too much performance I'll be happy.

Meh the ryzen cpus are cool and all but I’ll still take Intel

 

[Closingracer]

AMD cpus are fantastic - they just have not targetted the laptop market the same way they have desktop. The chip packages are actually pretty huge so not suitable for rmobile. But I believe they are working on this. Hopefully they wills hake up the laptop market in a year or two.

AMD cpus have always ran hot and they are bigger in comparison. For th value market I like them better then Intel but performance meh.

 

[The Mercurian]

Meh the ryzen cpus are cool and all but I’ll still take Intel

I used to think that, but I built a Threadripper machine earlier int he year and its a total beast with 12 cores/24 threads for a fraction cost of intel equivalent. I would not hesistate in future about ryzen chips! this thing scores 2,200 in cinebench 15 and I've not overclocked it yet.

 

[maflynn]

Threadripper machine earlier int he year and its a total beast with 12 cores/24 threads for a fraction cost of intel equivalent. I would not hesistate in future about ryzen chips! this thing scores 2,200 in cinebench 15 and I've not overclocked it yet.

Same here. I used to think AMD was for cheap knock off machines, but the Threadripper is a beast as you put it. More knowledgeable people then I, speak highly of what AMD is offering.

 

[Honza1]

Well for me the waiting game continues. No reason to upgrade when my machine works just as fine at less than half the cost of what I would have to pay for today's respectable machine.

That is my argument!
Only when prior system stops being good enough, consider new one. If MBP is still at that time the right system, buy it. To be safe get Apple care (yeahs, sucks) and you have three years of guaranteed top performance, and (in my experience) another 3+ years of useful life.
Expensive, yes. But you get what you pay for - also cost efficient over long term. But expectations must match what is realistic. i9 in MBP chassis... Really????
I'd say save money, buy larger SSD or more memory instead of i9 ;-)

 

[unobtainium]

Guess I will be waiting for the 2019 Macbook Pro. My 2013 15” Haswell MBP still keeps up with these latest and greatest machines lol.

No it doesn’t. It’s fine to hold off if you’re still happy with your 2013 of course, but it’s significantly slower than the newer models.

As for OP’s question, just get the i7. It doesn’t have unusual throttling. CPU upgrades are never worth it.

 

[hajime]

No it doesn’t. It’s fine to hold off if you’re still happy with your 2013 of course, but it’s significantly slower than the newer models.

As for OP’s question, just get the i7. It doesn’t have unusual throttling. CPU upgrades are never worth it.

I tried the 3rd gen keyboard in two stores yesterday. Unfortunately, I still don’t like it. Even relative who doesn’t use computers said the travel is so poor and prone to typing mistakes. If the keyboard were like the other old ones, I would have ordered i7 15” 1TB.

ThinkPads have excellent keyboard, light weight and nice battery life but the don’t run MacOS unless trying to Hackintosh.

Basically, all the time have been wasted because Apple replaced an excellent keyboard with one I don’t feel comfortable to type on.

 

[Spudlicious]

If you do really need a laptop in one month and you feel that you are "wasting" your time waiting, the suggestion is to buy one and spend your time using it.

The MBP (or whatever) "Perfect Edition" will never come out. Every laptop in the world is a compromise and Apple's direction with the design of the MBP is clear, the advantages and drawbacks alike are known and if that's not your cup of tea just look elsewhere. Good alternatives exist, but laptops completely free of problems don't.

As for the thermal issues, I think you are overthinking it, really. They are probably serious enough on the i9, but the base 2.2 i7 will run just fine.

Apple's direction of travel is indeed clear, they're not going to make a fat laptop. Lesson being, f you need big processor muscle in a portable format, you have to look elsewhere.

Sometimes though, I wonder how much processor grunt users truly need. All those people claiming to be editing 4k video - really? Why? Nobody wants to watch that stuff.

My MacBook Pro is three years old now, so I'm due an upgrade. But what I want from a new model is what my current one has, what Apple have the nerve to show in their current TV adverts. Yes, a glowing Apple logo in the lid is essential for me, and I won't be splashing the cash until it makes a return.

 

[Nueve]

I'm too invested in macOS. I'm confident they'll remedy the situation on next release.

 

[hajime]

Apple's direction of travel is indeed clear, they're not going to make a fat laptop. Lesson being, f you need big processor muscle in a portable format, you have to look elsewhere.

Sometimes though, I wonder how much processor grunt users truly need. All those people claiming to be editing 4k video - really? Why? Nobody wants to watch that stuff.

My MacBook Pro is three years old now, so I'm due an upgrade. But what I want from a new model is what my current one has, what Apple have the nerve to show in their current TV adverts. Yes, a glowing Apple logo in the lid is essential for me, and I won't be splashing the cash until it makes a return.

Given heat issue with 8gen cpu,
I have decided to build powerful Linux and Windows workstation so no need of high power on the laptop. Just 14-15” inches, higher than 1080 resolutions, below 1.8kg (the lighter the better), can drive 4K at 60Hz with Chroma 4:4:4, 1TB SSD, comfortable keyboard and ideally run Mac OS. Unfortunately Apple put that butterfly keyboards in2016-18 models that I don’t feel comfortable to type on. Also made lots of typing mistakes.
[doublepost=1532183501][/doublepost]

I'm too invested in macOS. I'm confident they'll remedy the situation on next release.

Another waiting for 1 or 2 years then.

 

[Sterkenburg]

Apple's direction of travel is indeed clear, they're not going to make a fat laptop. Lesson being, f you need big processor muscle in a portable format, you have to look elsewhere.

Sometimes though, I wonder how much processor grunt users truly need

Most users would be completely fine with the base CPUs. Even for most power users, CPU upgrades are usually the least important on the list, unless execution time is actually a critical factor. As usual, if you do need top-end components you know why you need them, if you wonder whether you need them you likely don't.

 

[PhoneI]

I think this is utter nonsense. I got my 2018 13" MacBook i5 last night and it is simply the best laptop I ever owned.

 

[Ries]

Holding on to my 2011 till it dies or I get a proper esc key + magsafe. Properly holding on to my 7 since the price hikes and the "base" model being a scraped version. Might buy a new iPad if they launch a decent one without bumping the price or those rumoured overear headphones. Apple is saving me sooo much money with these moves.

 

[vaugha]

Holding on to my 2011 till it dies or I get a proper esc key + magsafe. Properly holding on to my 7 since the price hikes and the "base" model being a scraped version. Might buy a new iPad if they launch a decent one without bumping the price or those rumoured overear headphones. Apple is saving me sooo much money with these moves.

Haha, well said. Could not agree more.

 

[MacGizmo]

Give away a million dollars with no strings attached and some people will complain about the bag you deliver the money in.

 

[tosbsas]

With what I found on the interweb regarding cooling options, I'm feeling a lot better about my MBP. I know some of the solutions out there are not for everyone, but I'm liking what my temps are at now. Much more manageable.

could you elaborate, please. Macs fan Control I found but its not free

 

[Mathematig]

I have been waiting for too long for a suitable MacBook Pro for me. I mean "suitable for me", not others.
My current MBP is still the Early-2015 edition with only 512GB SSD. Also, I am a fan of video games like The Witcher 3, Assassin's Creed or Far Cry. In the past few years, I could not played these games with good experiences on my laptop. So after waiting for 2 years, I just set up my own desktop for my study(late 2017), see my signiture below.

I am tired of waiting for Apple to make laptop with GPU that is suitable for gaming, and I do not like the design of eGPU. So I get a pretty good desktop with 2 monitors (one is BenQ 27 inch 144Hz, which is perfect for gaming, especially for fps games like Overwatch; another is BenQ 27 inch 2K). So far I am very satisfied with this set and I transfer all my works from macOS to Windows and it all worked well, like coding, mathematical modeling, etc.

My next move will go to Mac Pro, maybe next year, but I am not sure. After the release of MBP 2018 edition, I might will not go to laptop any more, since they just cannot satisfy my need.

 

[The Mercurian]

Same here. I used to think AMD was for cheap knock off machines, but the Threadripper is a beast as you put it. More knowledgeable people then I, speak highly of what AMD is offering.

Build cost me €2,500(ish). Mac pro with similar CPU power was about €6,000 or more. So I'm happy!

 

[Mathematig]

I am enjoying my MacBook Pro. If it works for you -- go for it. I am commenting from a Parallels Windows 10 VM with 12GB of RAM allocated to it on my LG 5K display. I forgot that I am working under a virtual environment. It is super fast. I am using Visual Studio 2017 and SQL Server here. Then I just flip over a desktop and can work on my Clojure project under macOS or open up XCode and work on an iPhone app.

It works great for my use case. If you are a video editor doing large renders, then maybe another option is better. But my base i7 is a champ so far. Yes, the machine gets really hot on my lap and the fans take forever to kick in and when they do they are louder than my Surface Book 2s. But this thing is way more powerful (except for GPU) for my use cases.

So the answer to your question is "it depends". For me, I'm pretty happy so far (but this is only Day #3).

The word "it depends" is really the keyword for choosing and purchasing devices for us. Everyone's need varies but it seems that many people ignores this. They just want a "perfect" device that is perfect in every way.

 

[Beachguy]

The MBP2018 has thermal issues

Well, actually, no, it doesn't.

https://www.computerworld.com/artic...hat-macbook-pro-core-i9-throttling-story.html
[doublepost=1532193312][/doublepost]

The word "it depends"

... is actually two words...

 

[The Mercurian]

Well, actually, no, it doesn't.

https://www.computerworld.com/artic...hat-macbook-pro-core-i9-throttling-story.html

Article contains only opinions and no proof. Plenty of proof of throttling to be found on macrumours and beyond.