Hey guys,
Just wanted to give a quick review of my new (sort of) m5 2016 rMB. I hope this helps anyone on the fence of buying one.
I went through Bestbuy.com and got a 2016 rMB m5 512ssd for $1300ish after tax. I justified getting m5 it based off several people recommending jumping to the m5 for performance and space on the laptop. However I was not prepared to spend $1600+ on a new laptop that lacks a few things. So I decided to go with this best buy open box model because it was graded as "certified-excellent". According to their website there would be zero blemishes on the laptop (being OCD, this was important). In the end i saved about $300 which was worth it to me as I will need to buy a dongle and maybe a sleeve for it for travel.
I received the laptop and of course the charging cable was damaged and couldn't charge the rMB. I already had a bad feeling about this, but went to best buy and they made it right with a new cable. I took it home, charged it up, and started to use it.
My uses are very minimal (internet, microsoft word, iPhoto, apps,) so I could have even gone with the m3, but I usually keep laptops on average 5-6 years so figured I would include more power and extra space. Also, I own a DSLR and may try to advance my photography so I will need the extra boost and space. So far, this thing is leaps and bounds better than my 2011 11" MBA.
Pros:
- Retina screen is a world of difference.
- The extra inch of screen real estate is welcoming.
- Speed for loading apps improved.
- Battery life: more than doubled for me (coming from a 5 year old machine, that has 500+ charge cycles it is expected).
- Keyboard: I love it, but it takes getting used to. It is louder, but the keys are bigger, more well-lit backlit wise.
- Size: Almost same foot print of the 11" air, but more screen, more keyboard, more trackpad packed into it which is great.
Cons:
- USB-C charging cable: I greatly miss the magsafe. I know there is a kick starter for one coming out so when something legit arrives I will get one.
- One port: Everyone gripes about this. I will need to buy a dongle, but I don't need multiple ports right now.
- 480p Facetime Camera: Sucks, but I don't FaceTime ever so no worries (still at this price it should be better).
I was ready to buy when the education discount arrived in the summer, but saw the rumors for the rMBP and held out for one. When they arrived, I was pissed about the insane price tag for a base 13" TB rMBP. I waited until stores carried them to try it out. As cool as they were, I didn't see myself using it as much and couldn't justify the price.
So I went with this, and love it. Again, I am coming from a 2011 11" MBA, my uses are minimal, my only other apple device is an iPhone 6+. So both of these are great together.
Just wanted to give a quick review of my new (sort of) m5 2016 rMB. I hope this helps anyone on the fence of buying one.
I went through Bestbuy.com and got a 2016 rMB m5 512ssd for $1300ish after tax. I justified getting m5 it based off several people recommending jumping to the m5 for performance and space on the laptop. However I was not prepared to spend $1600+ on a new laptop that lacks a few things. So I decided to go with this best buy open box model because it was graded as "certified-excellent". According to their website there would be zero blemishes on the laptop (being OCD, this was important). In the end i saved about $300 which was worth it to me as I will need to buy a dongle and maybe a sleeve for it for travel.
I received the laptop and of course the charging cable was damaged and couldn't charge the rMB. I already had a bad feeling about this, but went to best buy and they made it right with a new cable. I took it home, charged it up, and started to use it.
My uses are very minimal (internet, microsoft word, iPhoto, apps,) so I could have even gone with the m3, but I usually keep laptops on average 5-6 years so figured I would include more power and extra space. Also, I own a DSLR and may try to advance my photography so I will need the extra boost and space. So far, this thing is leaps and bounds better than my 2011 11" MBA.
Pros:
- Retina screen is a world of difference.
- The extra inch of screen real estate is welcoming.
- Speed for loading apps improved.
- Battery life: more than doubled for me (coming from a 5 year old machine, that has 500+ charge cycles it is expected).
- Keyboard: I love it, but it takes getting used to. It is louder, but the keys are bigger, more well-lit backlit wise.
- Size: Almost same foot print of the 11" air, but more screen, more keyboard, more trackpad packed into it which is great.
Cons:
- USB-C charging cable: I greatly miss the magsafe. I know there is a kick starter for one coming out so when something legit arrives I will get one.
- One port: Everyone gripes about this. I will need to buy a dongle, but I don't need multiple ports right now.
- 480p Facetime Camera: Sucks, but I don't FaceTime ever so no worries (still at this price it should be better).
I was ready to buy when the education discount arrived in the summer, but saw the rumors for the rMBP and held out for one. When they arrived, I was pissed about the insane price tag for a base 13" TB rMBP. I waited until stores carried them to try it out. As cool as they were, I didn't see myself using it as much and couldn't justify the price.
So I went with this, and love it. Again, I am coming from a 2011 11" MBA, my uses are minimal, my only other apple device is an iPhone 6+. So both of these are great together.
