Shall I buy 2017 MBP 15" or wait for the 2018 or even 2020 one?

[Ambitions]

Hello,

TL; DR: My 2013 machine is working fine but I want to upgrade. I can wait, but also I can not resist the temptation to buy a new one. I am afraid that they will release a major update like hexa cores and 32GB LPDDR4 of RAM. I am thinking of buying one now, and waiting for Cannon Lake to upgrade again in 2020 or 2022.

First of all, my 2013 laptop is working great without any issues so I don't have any problems with waiting, however, I am thinking for upgrading just to have better specs. My LCD failed which is the reason that I decided to upgrade. However, I have replaced it yesterday which means I am not in urgent anymore. I know that as long as I don't need it, it is better to wait. But you know, I like to buy electronics, I am wasting a lot money on them. It is a hobby like collecting cars. I know that every year will have its own updates, but there are major updates and there are minor ones. In my opinion, the processor and RAM did not change since 2011 because it is quad core and 16GB of maximum memory since then which is long time ago, so in my opinion they should have a major update soon. If they will change to hexa core and 32GB LPDDR4 it will be great and I will wait. I know that nobody has an accurate answer, but everybody has his own facts that his opinion is based on them, so I would like to hear some opinions and the reasons behind these opinions, please. Some people are saying that the major update will be on 2020 or 2022, so I had an idea of upgrading now, and waiting for Cannon Lake to upgrade again, is it a good idea?

I am afraid that I wait and then no major updates will happen, then I am wasting time. Also, I am afraid that I buy it now and then I will regret it because they are planning to enhance the keyboard, doing a major update, or even a totally redesign. If I bought it now and upgraded in 2020, there will be 3 years between the two upgrades which is acceptable somehow. However, if I waited until 2018 and nothing is new and I bought one, there will be 2 years between the upgrades which is less acceptable. I know that this thread is pointless regarding to some of you, I was trying to think loudly, maybe somebody can correct me. Sorry for wasting your time if I already did.

Thanks,

 

[maflynn]

I am afraid that they will release a major update like hexa cores and 32GB LPDDR4 of RAM

My suggestion is actually wait until apple rolls out the latest model. You said it yourself, the 2013 model is working fine.

The old adage is still in effect only buy a computer when you have too, your current model is working fine.

 

[Falhófnir]

I’d say it’s just ticked over into probably worth waiting territory, but then if you can get a great deal on a 2017 and you’re happy with the machine then there’s no real reason not to go for it. The big deal with 2018 machines will probably be the extra core cpus - if you’re going to upgrade again in 2020 anyway you likely wouldn’t feel the benefit as it’s going to take a year or two before software even starts to be optimised for more than four cores.

 

[maerz001]

Buy when u need

 

[Silver2k]

Wait for the 2021 one, but then you may as well wait for the 2022 one. Infact scrap that, go for the 2030 one.

 

[lambertjohn]

Hello,

TL; DR: My 2013 machine is working fine but I want to upgrade. I can wait, but also I can not resist the temptation to buy a new one. I am afraid that they will release a major update like hexa cores and 32GB LPDDR4 of RAM. I am thinking of buying one now, and waiting for Cannon Lake to upgrade again in 2020 or 2022.

First of all, my 2013 laptop is working great without any issues so I don't have any problems with waiting, however, I am thinking for upgrading just to have better specs. My LCD failed which is the reason that I decided to upgrade. However, I have replaced it yesterday which means I am not in urgent anymore. I know that as long as I don't need it, it is better to wait. But you know, I like to buy electronics, I am wasting a lot money on them. It is a hobby like collecting cars. I know that every year will have its own updates, but there are major updates and there are minor ones. In my opinion, the processor and RAM did not change since 2011 because it is quad core and 16GB of maximum memory since then which is long time ago, so in my opinion they should have a major update soon. If they will change to hexa core and 32GB LPDDR4 it will be great and I will wait. I know that nobody has an accurate answer, but everybody has his own facts that his opinion is based on them, so I would like to hear some opinions and the reasons behind these opinions, please. Some people are saying that the major update will be on 2020 or 2022, so I had an idea of upgrading now, and waiting for Cannon Lake to upgrade again, is it a good idea?

I am afraid that I wait and then no major updates will happen, then I am wasting time. Also, I am afraid that I buy it now and then I will regret it because they are planning to enhance the keyboard, doing a major update, or even a totally redesign. If I bought it now and upgraded in 2020, there will be 3 years between the two upgrades which is acceptable somehow. However, if I waited until 2018 and nothing is new and I bought one, there will be 2 years between the upgrades which is less acceptable. I know that this thread is pointless regarding to some of you, I was trying to think loudly, maybe somebody can correct me. Sorry for wasting your time if I already did.

Thanks,

The minute a major upgrade comes along, there will be another one right around the corner. Buy now, use the heck out of it, and if something better comes along at some point in the future, sell it on eBay and upgrade. Until then, instead of worrying about the next big Apple computing whatever, go out and get some exercise, do something good for your body. Computers are expendable, you are not.

 

[sunapple]

I honestly don’t need six cores or 32GB of RAM (that’s going to be an expensive upgrade too I imagine). Do you?

I’d wait on some reviews to see what those processors and other upgrades really bring in real life useage for you.

 

[Ambitions]

My suggestion is actually wait until apple rolls out the latest model. You said it yourself, the 2013 model is working fine.

The old adage is still in effect only buy a computer when you have too, your current model is working fine.

Shall I wait until Cannon Lake?

I’d say it’s just ticked over into probably worth waiting territory, but then if you can get a great deal on a 2017 and you’re happy with the machine then there’s no real reason not to go for it. The big deal with 2018 machines will probably be the extra core cpus - if you’re going to upgrade again in 2020 anyway you likely wouldn’t feel the benefit as it’s going to take a year or two before software even starts to be optimised for more than four cores.

That's a great opinion. Thank you.

Buy when u need

Thank you for your opinion.

Wait for the 2021 one, but then you may as well wait for the 2022 one. Infact scrap that, go for the 2030 one.

I think you are not getting my point. There are major and minor upgrades. If they released Cannon Lake and LPDDR4 which will increase the maximum possible memory to 32GB in 2019, they will not release some thing as big as that in 2020. The processor is quad core and the maximum memory is 16GB since 2011, 6.5 years without any change which means this type of upgrades doesn't happen frequently.

The minute a major upgrade comes along, there will be another one right around the corner. Buy now, use the heck out of it, and if something better comes along at some point in the future, sell it on eBay and upgrade. Until then, instead of worrying about the next big Apple computing whatever, go out and get some exercise, do something good for your body. Computers are expendable, you are not.

Major updates are not frequent, if they release hexa core and 32GB LPDDR3, they will not release something better soon.

I honestly don’t need six cores or 32GB of RAM (that’s going to be an expensive upgrade too I imagine). Do you?

I’d wait on some reviews to see what those processors and other upgrades really bring in real life useage for you.

I don't need six cores and 32GB of RAM, too. I don't think it will be more expensive, when they moved to quad core, SATA 3 and 16GB of RAM in 2011, they did not change their price. They did when they released retina display.

 

[maflynn]

Shall I wait until Cannon Lake?

You don't need to decide today on what chipset to wait for.

Why not use and enjoy your current mac now, and when Apple rolls out an update in 2018 decide if that's something you want, or if you want to wait even longer.

I think you're getting ahead of yourself trying to predetermine your next machine when we don't even know what that will be.

 

[kokomoko]

The minute a major upgrade comes along, there will be another one right around the corner. Buy now, use the heck out of it, and if something better comes along at some point in the future, sell it on eBay and upgrade. Until then, instead of worrying about the next big Apple computing whatever, go out and get some exercise, do something good for your body. Computers are expendable, you are not.

There were no major updates since 2012. My old 2012 machine has practically the same speed as 2017 machine, if we exclude the SSD speed

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"I can wait, but also I can not resist the temptation to buy a new one."

Take a cold shower, and... wait.
There are too many problems with the current model.

Chances are the 2018 models will have a redesigned keyboard. I can't see Apple continuing with the current design, there are too many returns and in the future there will be MANY more.

2018 models will have much-improved 4k video capabilities, if that's important to you.

Again, if what you have now is still doing fine -- best to wait.

 

[Ambitions]

OP wrote:
"I can wait, but also I can not resist the temptation to buy a new one."

Take a cold shower, and... wait.
There are too many problems with the current model.

Chances are the 2018 models will have a redesigned keyboard. I can't see Apple continuing with the current design, there are too many returns and in the future there will be MANY more.

2018 models will have much-improved 4k video capabilities, if that's important to you.

Again, if what you have now is still doing fine -- best to wait.

They said the same about 2016 and 2017 models, and nothing happened. What makes you sure that they will improve 4k video capabilities? What about hexa core and 32GB LPDDR4?

 

[ZapNZs]

What are you using the computer for? If a quad core and 16 GB, or the current GPU offerings, are insufficient to meet your needs, then it might make more sense to wait.

If a hectacore 15-inch with 32GB of RAM comes out and its base price with a 512 SSD and the flagship GPU is $3,600, is that something you would opt for over a model with lower specifications and lower pricing?

 

[Ambitions]

What are you using the computer for? If a quad core and 16 GB, or the current GPU offerings, are insufficient to meet your needs, then it might make more sense to wait.

If a hectacore 15-inch with 32GB of RAM comes out and its base price with a 512 SSD and the flagship GPU is $3,600, is that something you would opt for over a model with lower specifications and lower pricing?

I will use it for coding. Even dual core is enough for me. But if I can wait to get a hexacore and 32GB LPDDR4, then why not?
Do you think they will release them next year?

 

[sunapple]

Shall I wait until Cannon Lake?


That's a great opinion. Thank you.


Thank you for your opinion.


I think you are not getting my point. There are major and minor upgrades. If they released Cannon Lake and LPDDR4 which will increase the maximum possible memory to 32GB in 2019, they will not release some thing as big as that in 2020. The processor is quad core and the maximum memory is 16GB since 2011, 6.5 years without any change which means this type of upgrades doesn't happen frequently.


Major updates are not frequent, if they release hexa core and 32GB LPDDR3, they will not release something better soon.


I don't need six cores and 32GB of RAM, too. I don't think it will be more expensive, when they moved to quad core, SATA 3 and 16GB of RAM in 2011, they did not change their price. They did when they released retina display.

So Coffee Lake has six-cores as standard, but the price bump will be for getting 32GB. I suspect 16GB remains standard. Who knows.

Coffee Lake came out in October, not sure if it were the models appropriate for MacBook Pros. You should take a look at info on Coffee Lake to be able to predict what config MacBooks will come out and when.

 

[gnasher729]

Instead of deciding whether to buy or not to buy: Decide how much money you want to spend per year. You can do that retrospectively. Say your amount is $500 per year. Your Mac is from 2013, so you can spend $2000 today, plus whatever you can sell your old Mac for. Or you wait a year, then you can spend $2500, or you spend $3000 in 2019. (Obviously you can pick any other annual or monthly amount).

 

[Ambitions]

So Coffee Lake has six-cores as standard, but the price bump will be for getting 32GB. I suspect 16GB remains standard. Who knows.

Coffee Lake came out in October, not sure if it were the models appropriate for MacBook Pros. You should take a look at info on Coffee Lake to be able to predict what config MacBooks will come out and when.

Somebody told me that Coffee Lake is not supporting LPDDR4 and when I googled about I found out that it is true.

Instead of deciding whether to buy or not to buy: Decide how much money you want to spend per year. You can do that retrospectively. Say your amount is $500 per year. Your Mac is from 2013, so you can spend $2000 today, plus whatever you can sell your old Mac for. Or you wait a year, then you can spend $2500, or you spend $3000 in 2019. (Obviously you can pick any other annual or monthly amount).

I have the money now to buy maxed out 15" MBP without selling my old Mac, I don't sell my old electronics.

 

[ZapNZs]

I will use it for coding. Even dual core is enough for me. But if I can wait to get a hexacore and 32GB LPDDR4, then why not?
Do you think they will release them next year?

Personally? No. I don't think Apple will be the first to adopt even when it becomes available, and who knows when Intel will be able to deliver on this in sufficient volume.

 

[zaphodb3]

I'm in a similar situation as you. I have a 2014, 15-in mbp, and I'm quite tempted to get the 2017-- but I think I'll wait til another big jump in the specs comes around. My hope is that there is a nice update in mid-2018, although maybe I can persuade myself to wait for 32gb of ram (which will most likely not be til 2019-2020).

 

[spacebro]

If you wait 2 years from now, a lot will change. Consumers will be doing more computing on voice assistance, tablets, and watches. Professionals will be doing more and more on the cloud and will not need as many super powerful machines. You may not even want a new fully loaded macbook anymore if you're doing a lot on a tablet or phone. For specific tasks like if you need xcode, a 16gb 4 core machine will be powerful enough for many years. I just paid off a $3400 macbook and I was furious that there isn't a new macbook good enough to replace a loaded 2015. I gave it some time and with all the new types of gadgets I use, now I think this 2015 will be sufficient for many years if not the last laptop I will ever buy. I am starting to get the feeling that apple is not the same company and that the 2012-2015 macbooks could end up being the best laptops that will ever be built.

 

[maerz001]

I will use it for coding. Even dual core is enough for me. But if I can wait to get a hexacore and 32GB LPDDR4, then why not?
Do you think they will release them next year?

If dual core is fine for u than u r just wasting money. I doubt that u'll feel much difference for coding with hexacore.

What does ur RAM usage says now in activity monitor?

 

[sunapple]

Somebody told me that Coffee Lake is not supporting LPDDR4 and when I googled about I found out that it is true.


I have the money now to buy maxed out 15" MBP without selling my old Mac, I don't sell my old electronics.

I’m sorry, I found it a bit confusing with the different generations and what year they might launch.

If I bought it now and upgraded in 2020, there will be 3 years between the two upgrades which is acceptable somehow. However, if I waited until 2018 and nothing is new and I bought one, there will be 2 years between the upgrades which is less acceptable.

If you buy one now you’ll get a new design compared to your current one. Than maybe the next big redesign comes too soon for your liking but you don’t have to buy one right away...

 

[bhatiak]

I suggest just going into the apple store and working there. That way youll always have access to the newest MBP with the best specs. Wont ever fall behind!!!!!111!

 

[Mr. Dee]

Currently, I'm using a Early 2015 13 inch MBP and it more than meets my needs. I won't be in the market for new Mac for a while. The fact that I am still using a 2012 Acer Aspire, 2011 HP Elitebook and a 2014 Surface Pro 3 shows that I am willing to stick with technology for a while. When I do decide to upgrade, it will probably be in 2019 before the next major revision comes out.

We are just in the second generation of the new revision. That means, we probably won't see a new overhaul until 2019 or 2020. What I am looking for in a 2019 or 2020 MacBook Pro are several significant upgrades:

- 32 GB DDR4 - no real benefit except for running more VMs
- 512 GBs SSD should be standard by then.
- OLED Display - will be going 15 inch this time - if Apple pulls a surprise and re-introduces a 17 inch, I will go that route.
- integrated graphics - I honestly want to avoid discrete graphics
- return of a keyboard with significantly better travel
- the processor these days shouldn't be much a big deal either, but by 2019, we should be on 10 NM - so, better performance, better battery life.

Honestly, I probably don't need it, but I want it to be significant enough splurge. I have been impressed with my 2015 with exception for the display lamination peeling. But, I will get that fixed for free, so it makes up for it.

To tide me over, I'll be picking up a iPad Pro 12.9 until then so, that is likely to push my purchase of a Mac out until fall 2020. Things might even change where my investment might be towards an iMac or updated Mac Mini. I have a display that could make use of it.

 

[evec]

The main reason of upgrade from previous MBP to new MBP is the "Screen",which support P3 with new type red phosphor to prevent over cold color (blue).

I don't thing OLED is good for display as it with endurance and color stable problem, as Apple tend to use the microLED technology for next generated display as hard to apply in MacBook Pro within next 5 years.

Otherwise the CPU and GPU will not with dramatic improvement in future 5 years because of heat and without new revolutionary silicone technology, and most of the improvement by tuning for Benchmark, may be need to wait 10nm technology stable.

Also, i tend not to purchase latest CPU technology because of unstable of manufacturing, some with high temperature problem, luckily is Apple tend to wait a moment and require Intel improve their stable before launch of new model, but i will not purchase any IT product that only launch in market within a quarter of year.