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rMPB: buy now or wait till later?
- Thread starter crashwins
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I still considerate it 1st generation. They didn't do much of anything to the 15" but bump it up from 2.3 ghz to 2.4 ghz. It's a MINOR spec bump and that's it. Not a real 2nd generation by any stretch of the imagination
The next Haswell refresh will also be a spec bump.
What else are you expecting them to do? They literally just came out with the design last year. There's not going to be any major change. And why would they wait until Haswell to address any superficial issue (cooling, image retention) when they could have fixed it with the "minor spec bump" in February?
In my opinions, this is factually already a second-generation product. Based on your logic, the iPad 4 shouldn't be a forth-gen product since all it is is a spec bump from the third-generation.
They didn't fix or change a thing. The isn't generation is just that. It wasn't just a new screen, it was a complete overhaul externally and internally. And while there are many happy customers, there are many quirks and problems. None of these quirks and problems were addressed. Only a minor tweak to the existing processor. Still the exact same Image Retention problem with multiple screens (Samsung Vs LG) I'm hoping they will address this issue and fix it. Heating problems not addressed at all. Runaway fan issues not addressed and in fact made worse from some reports. There have been scrolling issues and lag issues that have been somewhat addressed but not fully resolved, Is it a software problem? IDK. Hopefully it'll be addressed and resolved once and for all. The Haswell may only be a 10-15 % bump for the CPU but there will be a 50% bump in the GPU. This is not a minor spec bump. In addition the new Wifi technology will probably be in the next generation and at worse that will widen the range considerably. In addition the base SSD will likely be raised to 512. Perhaps 16gig ram, although that's may be a reach. There's word that the base model will go down to $1999. Shall I go on? The next generation will be a true next generation and not the so called Beta that the first generation was and that this 1.5 generation bumped up in February still is.
Hey, all I'm saying is its worth a few month wait for me to see what happens. Probably 3 months
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Also Bill-The 4th generation iPad IS a new generation, true 4th. It has a completely new processor in it. So...You're putting non-factual words in my mouth. I have gen 3, and the 4 is quite a bit different as far as speed goes
Spec Bumps
When do you think the next rMBP will be upgraded? With the Haswell chips coming this year and Nvidia announcing their 700 series this week do you think there's a high probability that they will be in the new rMBP THIS YEAR? or NEXT YEAR?
When do you think the next rMBP will be upgraded? With the Haswell chips coming this year and Nvidia announcing their 700 series this week do you think there's a high probability that they will be in the new rMBP THIS YEAR? or NEXT YEAR?
1) LG is the largest IPS screen supplier in the world. They aren't going anywhere. If they haven't fixed their manufacturing process by now to address image retention, then you would likely see the same thing when the Haswell refresh hits. As an aside, I have seen image retention on the iPad as well, but people don't blow it out of proportion because the iPad is less than 1/4 the cost of the rMBP. Image retention is unfortunately an inherent problem with IPS technology. Samsung screens don't exhibit it because they are based on PLS technology.
2) The 50% GPU performance bump is only if Apple decides to use higher-performing GT3e GPU parts. There is no such part announced at this point, and based on information, they are only including that GPU in very specific packages that won't appear until very late this year (think October/November late). The ones that are coming out in June have a slower GPU that's only 25-30% faster. That's not to mention Intel has recently announced a new GPU driver for the current GPUs that may improve performance by 10%.
3) With all of the above said, it IS a minor spec bump. Or actually, don't take my words for it. Search around here for information on Haswell and see for yourself.
4) 512GB standard, 16GB RAM standard and $1999 price point are wishful thinking in my opinions. The rMBP 15" model is still selling well. There is no reason for Apple to drop the price even if the older models go away. That is if they decide to let the older models go after just one year of having the rMBP.
5) Scrolling lag and runaway fans are software issues. Again, don't take my words for it. Go and ask any rMBP owner who has had to replace their machine 10 times, and they'll tell you. If it was hardware, there is no reason why a top-of-the-line 2.7GHz rMBP should lag the same way a base model with a 2.3GHz processor should. The 2.7GHz is more than 10% faster than the 2.3GHz.
I'm puzzled. Having a new processor in the February rMBP doesn't make it a new generation, but having a new processor in the iPad does? What am I missing?
Seriously? You need to hear whether another macbook is going to be bought now or later?
Something no one has seemed to mention; isn't Haswell promising 15+ hours of battery life? This is the only thing that's holding me back pulling the trigger now, but will it really be that much of a bump? Also, i'm interested in the 13" and if they manage to squeeze a Quad core in there it will DEFIANTLY be worth it. Or are Apple not interested in doing that? It's also a bit of a ripoff for 128gb of flash at the price it is now.
On another note, I may also be interested in a Retina Air, if it ever comes out this year.
On another note, I may also be interested in a Retina Air, if it ever comes out this year.
Isn't the 13" retina basically the air with retina screen? Unless you wishing for it on the 11" air, I don't see how thats possible this year. The 11" air would have to go through a major redesign to fit in the screen and parts to run it.. that would jack up the price way too much from what it goes for now.. and what would they sell on the low end for super casual computer users??
I needed to go back the mac(PC user), and my current options were the 13" air, 15" cMBP or the 15" retina since I am a graphic designer.. I opt for the new revision 15" retina for the discrete graphics card so I could make it my full time machine (I like to game every now and then) not counting potential video work that may come to me since I do have training in premiere and final cut pro. Doing some research, found out that the revised rmbp replaced bunch of stuff, new logic boards, better screens, and certain configurations coming with samsung parts... I went for it. It came in last week. It has been an amazing experience working with this machine. I have had no problems so far and it runs everything i need quickly. The screen is so good, whenever I go to other computers or heck watching TV, it feels horrible on my eyes LOL
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No. Haswell is more power efficient due to a technology switch, but then Intel increased GPU performance and CPU performance to offset the power consumption benefits. So chances are you'll only see a 10-20% power consumption improvement maximum. If even that.
It's not a holy fix that's 100% better than whatever we have now. It's just a 10-20% improvement. If you can find a source that promises that, then I can prove to you they're lying through their teeth.
Hey,
Please allow me to join the party...
Like OP, I want to buy a rMBP. I could buy it now, but I don't want to buy it, only to discover 2 months later that a new version is available. I know it's kinda speculative, but still: in your opinion - should I just go ahead and buy it, or wait till June? I should point out that my current laptop is about, if not already had, to move on to a better place I can hold out with purchase until June, maybe July, bot not more than that.
What do you think?
Please allow me to join the party...
Like OP, I want to buy a rMBP. I could buy it now, but I don't want to buy it, only to discover 2 months later that a new version is available. I know it's kinda speculative, but still: in your opinion - should I just go ahead and buy it, or wait till June? I should point out that my current laptop is about, if not already had, to move on to a better place
I can hold out with purchase until June, maybe July, bot not more than that. What do you think?
Hi Bill. You also have valid points. From what I've read the Feb spec bump wasn't a new processor at all. They just ramped up the current processor. And it's very minimal. And there's certainly minor anyway. As for the lag/ Scroll issues, yes, I've read that it's software related, and there have been efforts 10.8.3 etc. I'm just listing all the issues that I'm hoping will be resolved with what I'm calling 2nd generation in conjunction with the 10.9 release. As far as a bigger hard drive/Ram/Price drop I do believe we will be seeing a bigger SSD. I think my Ram hopes are indeed far fetched and I've already budgeted THAT $200 into my purchase, and I really do keep hearing positive predictions of a price drop. But that's what it is...Just predictions. We will be finding out more concrete facts at the June 10 conference, and that, my friend, is worth waiting 60 days for. Everything I've stated I have read about on these forums in addition to other places and everything you have stated I have also read about. I've also read that the 15" will only receive the GT3. Anyway, it's all conjecture until June 10. Also, there's the glitch with Haswell and the USB 3.0 to consider, which I've also heard is not real/ Is real Etc.
Either way Bill, I've waited this long, I intend to wait, at least until the info comes out in June. I won't get all my requests here, but I'll get a few I'm sure. And who knows what other feature will be included when they release this next generation rMBP. I would love to say to you "I told you so" and I can't see any pleasure you would get by telling me the same.
Why would only the 15" get the GT3? It has a discrete GPU for the tough work, so it would not need the best iGPU, and it would be a "waste" of money to put it in the 15". The 13", on the other hand, needs the best iGPU it can get because it has no dGPU for the tough work. The Air is the same situation, although since people do not expect the same performance level as with the Pro models, Apple could get away with putting a GT2 in there. If they only put a GT2 in the Pros, though, that would turn away many people in between the Air and 15" Pro category.
http://www.theverge.com/2013/1/7/3847742/intel-fourth-gen-intel-core-processor-battery-life
Well....here it says intel are promising 'all day battery life' and it says it will be about 9 hours. Then again I suppose the ultrabooks don't have retina displays.
Thing is... I'm not sure June is the date. Based on Haswell's release schedule, August or October are more like it. Unless somehow Apple has the jump on all other manufacturers with regards to these new chips.
So you're likely going to wait longer.
You have to consider that Apple refreshed the rMBP in February (just 2 months ago) for a reason.
After 10.8.3, I'm already getting close to 9 hours with my rMBP.
So that would mean battery life improvement isn't even 10%.
9 hours is hardly "all day" in my opinions. Although they can definitely say that it's a full work day, but any of us with a machine of this caliber would know that once we start doing "real" work (Photoshop, Xcode, etc...), battery life is no longer the dream figure. I get 8 hours only if I don't open any of the applications I have on the right side of iTunes. Otherwise, I get approx. 6 hours on average.
Thing is... I'm not sure June is the date. Based on Haswell's release schedule, August or October are more like it. Unless somehow Apple has the jump on all other manufacturers with regards to these new chips.
So you're likely going to wait longer.
You have to consider that Apple refreshed the rMBP in February (just 2 months ago) for a reason.
After 10.8.3, I'm already getting close to 9 hours with my rMBP.
So that would mean battery life improvement isn't even 10%.
9 hours is hardly "all day" in my opinions. Although they can definitely say that it's a full work day, but any of us with a machine of this caliber would know that once we start doing "real" work (Photoshop, Xcode, etc...), battery life is no longer the dream figure. I get 8 hours only if I don't open any of the applications I have on the right side of iTunes. Otherwise, I get approx. 6 hours on average.
Yeah, I'm aware of this Bill. June 2 means we would be lucky to see it in July. Most likely August. I'm not concerned about the Feb release. The way I see it they wanted to move these things out of the stocks. And yes, I know the replaced other parts, so that theory has its cracks. But I'm also sure that when intel releases Haswell Apple will be eager to put them in their laptops ASAP. The guys at the Apple store also claim that Apple will be getting their hands on Haswell early. But I think we both know those guys don't know what they're talking about. I'm thinking August. But in the meantime I'm eager for June to roll around so maybe some facts will emerge
Happy I sparked a rather spirited discussion.
I found a used 15" rMBP from a friend: 2.3 ghz model, about 8 cycles on the battery, box etc, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD (so, the original model and, yes, it has the Samsung screen). Basically, it's in new shape and he just never used it. It also has 3 (or 2.6 now) years of AppleCare.
What's a fair price for this right now considering Apple has this computer at $1779 for a Refurb?
I found a used 15" rMBP from a friend: 2.3 ghz model, about 8 cycles on the battery, box etc, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD (so, the original model and, yes, it has the Samsung screen). Basically, it's in new shape and he just never used it. It also has 3 (or 2.6 now) years of AppleCare.
What's a fair price for this right now considering Apple has this computer at $1779 for a Refurb?
Used computers (in excellent condition) are good for 25% off the refurb price usually, so about $1,350. But you also have AppleCare, so $349 retail more. I would say a good price would be $1,650, but probably a little bit less.
My 2 week old 13inch ($1299) is flawless.
No issues so far.
What if the new chip ends up having it's own share of issues in the rev. 1 release?
I would think this current chip (tweaked and performing well) in the current version would be the safer bet.
Maybe the rev2 Haswell will be the one worth considering for those who prefer to wait...?
Good luck.
No issues so far.
What if the new chip ends up having it's own share of issues in the rev. 1 release?
I would think this current chip (tweaked and performing well) in the current version would be the safer bet.
Maybe the rev2 Haswell will be the one worth considering for those who prefer to wait...?
Good luck.