Should i buy 2017 MBP or wait for 2018 MBP?

[Sterkenburg]

That’s what I kinda figured. Like I said, I’m no “power user”, but I do wanna kinda “future-proof” the machine. You gotta realize, I’m coming from a MBP that had 4GB RAM in 2009.

But the RAM and internal drives of the 2009 MBPs (I had one of those as well) could be later upgraded, which you can't do now... so you have to get whatever you think you might need at purchase.

Even if you aren't a power user, I personally wouldn't settle for anything less than 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD for a machine that needs to last 5-6 years from now. I also agree with @c0ppo in that it could be worth to wait a few months (if you can) to see if Apple will release the speculated quad core 13", which would make a tremendous difference in terms of future-proofing.

 

[galactic orange]

I am looking for a little input here (aren’t we all!): I am looking to replace my mid-2009 MacBook Pro that is finally showing its age (putting me in the “need a new computer now” category). I am obviously not a “power user”, but I wanna get a 2017 MBP 13” that may give me several years of use like my previous one did. My set-up would be 8GB (or 16GB, if recommended) RAM (double what my previous MBP had) with a 512GB SSD. Any opinions from y’all?

I've got the same model MBP with an added 750GB SSD and maxed 8GB RAM. Obviously this isn't a powerful laptop, but with the SSD I've been able to get by when doing lightweight tasks. But I'm a long-time Logic user and want to become a power user when I'm away from the desktop. 32GB RAM and 6-core would future proof me for a long time. The "I've waited this long, so what's a few more months?" argument comes to mind.

I think I should have picked up a 2015 MBP 15" when those were released as that seems like the sweet spot, although getting one now seems like a bad move (Slower SSD, Thunderbolt 2). But I like the keyboard on that one and don't need USB C or touchbar yet.

I want to wait for the 2018 models, but my instinct tells me that Apple will discontinue the 2015 15" models as soon as that happens. A 2018 MBP 13" with quad-core would work though.

 

[c0ppo]

That’s what I kinda figured. Like I said, I’m no “power user”, but I do wanna kinda “future-proof” the machine. You gotta realize, I’m coming from a MBP that had 4GB RAM in 2009.

I do realize that. But you have to realize, that most developers are lazy creatures. I should know, I'm one of them. And in modern world, it's all about RAD (rapid application development). If a developer doesn't take that route, he will be beaten on the market. But by taking that route, his application won't be as optimised as it should be.

That means using some obscure frameworks, etc. And all that adds up and eats up your ram.
Heck, even modern browser can eat up 16GB ram without breaking a sweat

So for future proofing, I do believe 16GB is a must! But as I said already, I would wait for the upgrade first. 2 additional cores would mean a lot.

 

[uncleb67]

But the RAM and internal drives of the 2009 MBPs (I had one of those as well) could be later upgraded, which you can't do now... so you have to get whatever you think you might need at purchase.

Even if you aren't a power user, I personally wouldn't settle for anything less than 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD for a machine that needs to last 5-6 years from now. I also agree with @c0ppo in that it could be worth to wait a few months (if you can) to see if Apple will release the speculated quad core 13", which would make a tremendous difference in terms of future-proofing.

I do realize that. But you have to realize, that most developers are lazy creatures. I should know, I'm one of them. And in modern world, it's all about RAD (rapid application development). If a developer doesn't take that route, he will be beaten on the market. But by taking that route, his application won't be as optimised as it should be.

That means using some obscure frameworks, etc. And all that adds up and eats up your ram.
Heck, even modern browser can eat up 16GB ram without breaking a sweat

So for future proofing, I do believe 16GB is a must! But as I said already, I would wait for the upgrade first. 2 additional cores would mean a lot.

Thanks so much for the input! This makes it pretty clear what I gotta do. I do fall into the “need to get a new computer now” category, as my current MBP has really started to bog down.

 

[ronnytky]

Guys do u all confirm the new MBP will release soon? When? Is the price will cheaper or equal?

 

[Flynnstone]

I just ordered a 2015 model MacBook Pro. The lack of magsafe & USB type A is the biggest reason for not buying the latest model. And I couldn't wait for 2018. It was a struggle buying a "3 year old model".
I did have fun with the sales people, as I kept asking them to "kick Jony's a$$". I even asked one to have Tim kick it
Buying a new computer is often fun & exciting. Not this year. The year of the compromises!
Hopefully 2018 is a better year for Apple & us. Jony, are you listening?

 

[mentaluproar]

Wait. We may not see the battery innovation we were promised 3 years ago, and intel may delay their processors too long to meet apples deadline for production again, but we KNOW they will do something about the keyboards. There is no way they can afford to ignore them this cycle.

 

[snortpig]

Wait. We may not see the battery innovation we were promised 3 years ago, and intel may delay their processors too long to meet apples deadline for production again, but we KNOW they will do something about the keyboards. There is no way they can afford to ignore them this cycle.

The faint hope that the keyboard will get a major upgrade in the next few months is the only reason I haven't ordered a 2015 already. More travel would be nice, but when a minor keyboard issue requires hundreds (or thousands) of dollars in repair, rock-solid reliability is a hard requirement.

 

[ET iPhone Home]

Hello guys,

I'm looking to buy my first Macbook Pro 15" . All these years (15 yrs) i have been only using windows computers so far. This time i decided to jump into mac. I have been reading in this forums about the features to be added in the 2018 Macbook Pro Line up. This brings up a common question in this forum. Should I wait now and buy the 2018 Macbook Pro or should I buy the current 2017 Macbook Pro? Is it worth to wait for the new features that might be available in the 2018 models ? Will there be any major refresh in the 2018 models ?

Pls share your inputs. Thanks for your time.

I would wait if I were you. It should be out by May-June.

 

[sputnikBA]

The faint hope that the keyboard will get a major upgrade in the next few months is the only reason I haven't ordered a 2015 already. More travel would be nice, but when a minor keyboard issue requires hundreds (or thousands) of dollars in repair, rock-solid reliability is a hard requirement.

I think people should temper their expectations for this. I don’t see them doing a “major upgrade” to the keyboard, only adjustments to resolve reliability so they can save themselves the costs for replacing top cases.

Think of it like how they made minor changes to the grade of aluminium used for the 6 to 6s to stop bendgate complaints.

 

[ET iPhone Home]

I think people should temper their expectations for this. I don’t see them doing a “major upgrade” to the keyboard, only adjustments to resolve reliability so they can save themselves the costs for replacing top cases.

Think of it like how they made minor changes to the grade of aluminium used for the 6 to 6s to stop bendgate complaints.

To me, it's worth the wait. It's a huge enough upgrade to fix any future issues (of the keyboard) for me to have a reliable laptop.

 

[Fishrrman]

mental wrote:
"but we KNOW they will do something about the keyboards. There is no way they can afford to ignore them this cycle."

No, we don't "know" that.
Apple has demonstrated itself to be remarkably insensitive to their own design failures in the past.
They may just do the same again.

I'd like to see a completely revised keyboard for 2018. Or at the very least, a return to the earlier, proven design.
But I'd rate the chances to be 50-50 at best.
They may "re-design" it -- and make it worse !

 

[jerryk]

That’s what I kinda figured. Like I said, I’m no “power user”, but I do wanna kinda “future-proof” the machine. You gotta realize, I’m coming from a MBP that had 4GB RAM in 2009.

Then either a used 2014/15 or a new unit will be a huge upgrade. The screen clarity on the new systems was one of the biggest changes. Once you see that you cannot go back to old systems. And then there is the almost instantaneous launch of applications since 2013 and all SSD designs.

 

[sputnikBA]

To me, it's worth the wait. It's a huge enough upgrade to fix any future issues (of the keyboard) for me to have a reliable laptop.

I absolutely agree that it’s worth waiting for a keyboard that won’t get you a $/£700 repair bill after a few specks of dust ruin it... I’m holding out for exactly the same reason.

I just meant that people shouldn’t expect the glory days of 2015 or earlier keyboards to return, because it’s extremely unlikely that Apple will ever do that.

 

[The Game 161]

my 2017 macbook pro performance wise has been great and battery life very good so far. Better than expected

 

[saxman211]

So is this upgrade going to happen soon?? If so, does anyone know when?? I'm sitting on a 2009 Macbook pro that is about to die.... I'm trying to wait for as long as I can, but I don't know how long it will hold up...

 

[dryja123]

So is this upgrade going to happen soon?? If so, does anyone know when?? I'm sitting on a 2009 Macbook pro that is about to die.... I'm trying to wait for as long as I can, but I don't know how long it will hold up...

The 2018 MBP may or may not be announced at WWDC, in June. My money is that it will get announced later in the year, sometime in the fall. I'm basing that assumption on reports where the latest Intel H mobile processors were delayed until Q3 / Q4.

If you need a new MBP, buy one. I recently had to part ways with my powerhouse desktop and I bought a 2017 15in 3.1ghz 1tb refurb. Couldn't be happier, it rips through everything I throw at it.

 

[jagooch]

mental wrote:
"but we KNOW they will do something about the keyboards. There is no way they can afford to ignore them this cycle."

No, we don't "know" that.
Apple has demonstrated itself to be remarkably insensitive to their own design failures in the past.
They may just do the same again.

I'd like to see a completely revised keyboard for 2018. Or at the very least, a return to the earlier, proven design.
But I'd rate the chances to be 50-50 at best.
They may "re-design" it -- and make it worse !

well, we KNOW that they will update the Mac Mini... oh wait, how many years have I been saying that?

 

[saxman211]

well, we KNOW that they will update the Mac Mini... oh wait, how many years have I been saying that?

So I guess it may not be update.... I really wish they did update it this year.. My safari has been going crazy, constantly giving me certificate notices... and other apps are slowing down... I went to the Apple Store recently and one of the staff there told me that the keyboard isn't that great and that people have been complaining... So I really want to wait and see what apple will bring to the new mbp...

 

[jagooch]

So I guess it may not be update.... I really wish they did update it this year.. My safari has been going crazy, constantly giving me certificate notices... and other apps are slowing down... I went to the Apple Store recently and one of the staff there told me that the keyboard isn't that great and that people have been complaining... So I really want to wait and see what apple will bring to the new mbp...

Me too. I need to upgrade my Macbook Pro since I've started my web dev business and run a lot more software and VM's on it now.

 

[groove-agent]

Promises? Do you have a firm source for this?

Jony Ive said he is listening to all the complaints about the current model and he is gonna fix them. So, wait until 2018, which promises even more performance, better keyboard travel and possibly the return of a couple more practical ports like an SD Card reader and magsafe.

[doublepost=1522308610][/doublepost]Here's the thing , I wouldn't touch the 2017 with the keyboard problems it has. So if you want to hold out until the 2018, you'll have to wait until WWDC in June, then it's going to take a month or so depending on supply. BUT to be safe, it might be better to wait a little longer and let the fanboys with tons of disposable income test it for you and report that the keyboard has in fact been fixed and there aren't any more issues.

So given the amount of waiting, I'd save the money and get the 2015 until you absolutely need the speed of a new one.

 

[seadragon]

BUT to be safe, it might be better to wait a little longer and let the fanboys with tons of disposable income test it for you and report that the keyboard has in fact been fixed and there aren't any more issues.

Th problm is th fan boys will dny anything is wrong with th kyboard. Thy will stat th majority of thm are just fin. For xampl, I can trust my kyboard, and I don’t hav any dad kys whn I touch typd this. You’r just rading it wrong. Appl is awsom!

 

[lcseds]

Hilarious.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I'd save the money and get the 2015

One other nice thing I've noticed with having a 2015 is the wide array of very low priced accessories available all over.

From chargers on eBay and CL to brand new Speck cases at retail stores in the discount area -- there are lots of savings and options to be had on things to complement the machine.

I've long noticed that to be the case with iPhones and iPads too.

I bought a box of 30 iPhone bumpers for my SE for about $12 shipped. They are so cheap that when they fall apart or get a little dirty/roughed up, I just pitch 'em.

Total side topic - but an otherwise naked iPhone with just a bumper on it is my favorite way to have an iPhone to this day.

 

[jerryk]

Th problm is th fan boys will dny anything is wrong with th kyboard. Thy will stat th majority of thm are just fin. For xampl, I can trust my kyboard, and I don’t hav any dad kys whn I touch typd this. You’r just rading it wrong. Appl is awsom!

What is the issue? At least your keyyboard does not dddouble type lettters.