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Should I get 2015 MBP?

I

illusiumd

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 12, 2013
34
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Wondering if there's any reason why I shouldn't get a 2015 13" MBP? I'm thinking I could save money while keeping the old keypad and ports.

Well after searching options - maybe saving money isn't in the cards. Which one should I get? Is there really any performance hit by backing up to 2015?

Apple 13.3" MacBook Pro Late 2016 | 2.0 Intel i5 DC | 16GB of 1866 MHz RAM | 512GB SSD: 1899 at BH

Apple 13.3" MacBook PRO Early 2015 |
2.9 Intel Core i5 (Broadwell) | 16GB of Onboard 1866 MHz RAM | 512GB SSD: 1999 at BH
 
illusiumd said:
Wondering if there's any reason why I shouldn't get a 2015 13" MBP? I'm thinking I could save money while keeping the old keypad and ports.

Well after searching options - maybe saving money isn't in the cards. Which one should I get? Is there really any performance hit by backing up to 2015?

Apple 13.3" MacBook Pro Late 2016 | 2.0 Intel i5 DC | 16GB of 1866 MHz RAM | 512GB SSD: 1899 at BH

Apple 13.3" MacBook PRO Early 2015 |
2.9 Intel Core i5 (Broadwell) | 16GB of Onboard 1866 MHz RAM | 512GB SSD: 1999 at BH
Click to expand...


There is no performance hit or any performance gain in any use really for the 2016 model, you also get a great keyboard with buttons, excellent battery life, loads of ports, extend storage with sd card, out of the box support for most external monitors on the market and other proven great features of an apple MacBook.
 
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15" model; sure get the 2015 with graphics card. 13"? Not that big a difference I think. And what's wrong with the new trackpad?
 
I think the decision comes whether you want to buy another computer in 1/2 years or 3+ years.
If you choose the former, I would go with the 2015 model. However, the latter is more future proof, as USB-C will become the norm in a couple of years. The CPU is a generation up, which may mean support for future eventual MacOS features. Basically it is a matter of "do you want to deal with the dongle problem now or in the couple of years".
There's no escape to that.
 
illusiumd said:
Wondering if there's any reason why I shouldn't get a 2015 13" MBP? I'm thinking I could save money while keeping the old keypad and ports.

Well after searching options - maybe saving money isn't in the cards. Which one should I get? Is there really any performance hit by backing up to 2015?

Apple 13.3" MacBook Pro Late 2016 | 2.0 Intel i5 DC | 16GB of 1866 MHz RAM | 512GB SSD: 1899 at BH

Apple 13.3" MacBook PRO Early 2015 |
2.9 Intel Core i5 (Broadwell) | 16GB of Onboard 1866 MHz RAM | 512GB SSD: 1999 at BH
Click to expand...

Depends on whether you like the changes: better screen, speakers, more powerful ports, new keyboard, larger trackpad, etc.
 
illusiumd said:
Wondering if there's any reason why I shouldn't get a 2015 13" MBP? I'm thinking I could save money while keeping the old keypad and ports.

Well after searching options - maybe saving money isn't in the cards. Which one should I get? Is there really any performance hit by backing up to 2015?

Apple 13.3" MacBook Pro Late 2016 | 2.0 Intel i5 DC | 16GB of 1866 MHz RAM | 512GB SSD: 1899 at BH

Apple 13.3" MacBook PRO Early 2015 |
2.9 Intel Core i5 (Broadwell) | 16GB of Onboard 1866 MHz RAM | 512GB SSD: 1999 at BH
Click to expand...

Based on the configurations you listed I would think you might take a performance hit with the 2016 versus 2015 unit. That looks like the lower end 13" non-TB unit. But, check some benchmarks to be sure.
 
Last edited:
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I am also seriously considering the 'old' version.

Why?
I like the Macsafe (and have Macsafe adapters at the offices I work for)
I Like it has a lot of different ports
I like the price, the new MBP is imho just overpriced
I do not like the keybord but using the new keybord, it sets a new standard for "worst keybord ever".
Best Apple MBP keybord was the old MBP version before the Unibody.


DanielDD said:
I think the decision comes whether you want to buy another computer in 1/2 years or 3+ years.
If you choose the former, I would go with the 2015 model. However, the latter is more future proof, as USB-C will become the norm in a couple of years...
Click to expand...

Where have I heard that before

A wait, I remember.

A long time ago we had Firewire
Firewire was sold by Apple to the customers as the new communication port for all peripherals.
What happened? There were not many printers, external drives etc available with firewire and those that were, came with extra Firewire tax.

Then we had Displayport,
Displayport was sold by Apple to the customers as the new communication port for all peripherals.
What happened? There were not many printers, drives etc available with displayport and those that were, came with extra Displayport tax.

Then we had Thunderbolt,
Thunderbolt was sold by Apple to the customers as the new communication port for all peripherals.
What happened? There were not many printers, drives etc available with Thunderbolt and those that were, came with some extra Thunderbolt tax.


I guess this predicts the future of the USB-C Thunderbolt.
 
Of the two options, I would say either if you need it NOW, and arguably the 2015 if you can wait a month or two and pricing is of concern. My reasoning is because you can find the 2015s periodically on great sales, and the model you are considering sometimes comes up refurbished for several hundred bucks less. If you like deal hunting, as Apple moves closer towards making the 2016s their more common refurb and a 2017 MBP production ramp-up, you could find some killer deals on used, new, and display model 2015s. A Best Buy near me just blew out some open box MacBook Airs with over 35% off the pricing...BB open box deals on previous/outgoing models can be killer!

Both are solid machines that should provide a long service life and pack capable processors. I like the industrial design of the 2016, but also like the established stability of the 2015 & the greater flexibility for the devices I personally use.

USB-C will likely become more common, but considering that many devices sold today are still USB 2, and the Windows market that drives many accessories are still very much embracing USB3-A, it's not like USB3-A is going to become outdated overnight. Maybe in 4-6 years, USB-C will be where USB 3 is today. C has several major benefits, but even those major benefits are not going to drive the overnight market change...those overnight changes are more of an Apple thing, as (love it or hate it) they are a company known for adopting trends ahead of the curve (some of which fail, but it seems almost certain that isn't the case here.)

With the options you are considering, the CPUs should be pretty well-matched, the RAM speed is identical, and the smaller battery in the 2016 is matched with a more efficient CPU. The iGPU performance may vary, and the 2016 is probably favorable there. So what that could leave you with is...
  • Does the 2016's screen sell you? (if you work in bright areas, it might)
  • Does the 2016's form factor sell you? (it is an awesome industrial design)
  • Does the 2015's greater port flexibility sell you? (I still use SD bays for secondary flash hard drives!...plus you only get two ports with the 2016 tier you are considering)
  • Do you prefer one keyboard style over the other?
  • Do you prefer one trackpad style over the other?
  • Do you do any work where the super crazy fast SSD of the 2016 will have benefit over the already crazy fast SSD on the 2015?
  • Is the ability to change the hard drive something of importance to you?


DanielDD said:
I think the decision comes whether you want to buy another computer in 1/2 years or 3+ years.
If you choose the former, I would go with the 2015 model. However, the latter is more future proof, as USB-C will become the norm in a couple of years. The CPU is a generation up, which may mean support for future eventual MacOS features. Basically it is a matter of "do you want to deal with the dongle problem now or in the couple of years".
There's no escape to that.
Click to expand...

Tell that to all the makers still producing USB 2 accessories :p

If we go by the speed that USB-3 was adopted by much of the public, we have a minimum of several years before USB-C becomes the ubiquitous norm that 'A' currently is. In 3+ years, I am sure it will be more common, but I doubt it will have replaced type A by then...especially if mainstream Windows machines offer both A + C. Apple adopts new technologies early...sometimes very early.
 
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MacNico said:
I guess this predicts the future of the USB-C Thunderbolt.
Click to expand...

USB-C is not proprietary, it has widespread use, and cables are not expensive. Also, it shares port-shape with Thunderbolt.
Besides, Apple did not went all in with those ports. It is doing so with USB-C. I am sure they spent some USD researching this decision.
 
It doesn't matter that Type A is sill a widespread standard today, providing you're consistency upgrading your equipment periodically ANYWAY.

Just about every device that uses a modular cable has a USB-C to * connector for your device [micro B, Micro USB, etc] So in those cases it's really easy just to replace the cable on your older . . say. . external drive with a new cable and avoid dongles. SD card storage. . . people are going to whine and complain to no end for lack of an SD card slot because they're generally lazy and don't want to have to deal with the horrible inconvenience of an adapter [that said, I enjoy using the SD card slot as expanded storage . . . so maybe I'm being a bit harsh]

Plus you have support for 40Gb throughput for things like external GPUs, disk arrays, etc.

If, however, you're like my parents, who don't care one way or another because they're just using quicken or Facebook or w/e have you....you're probably not going to be in the habit of needing any of the added throughput ANYWAY, so the 2015 model makes a bit more sense.

Obviously I'm in the 2016 camp here, and I'll flat out say I love mine, and IN MY OPINION it's the only "real" way to go. . . but I'm not the one that has to use your machine--you are.

Also, before you choose one way or another... if you haven't done so yet find a place like worst buy to sit for a half an hour and just play with the 2016s. . . you may find the keyboard is a maker breaker from the get go, making the process a bit simpler. *I* love it, but I'll be the first to admit it may not be for everyone.
 
Mindinversion said:
It doesn't matter that Type A is sill a widespread standard today, providing you're consistency upgrading your equipment periodically ANYWAY.

Just about every device that uses a modular cable has a USB-C to * connector for your device [micro B, Micro USB, etc] So in those cases it's really easy just to replace the cable on your older . . say. . external drive with a new cable and avoid dongles. SD card storage. . . people are going to whine and complain to no end for lack of an SD card slot because they're generally lazy and don't want to have to deal with the horrible inconvenience of an adapter [that said, I enjoy using the SD card slot as expanded storage . . . so maybe I'm being a bit harsh]

Plus you have support for 40Gb throughput for things like external GPUs, disk arrays, etc.

If, however, you're like my parents, who don't care one way or another because they're just using quicken or Facebook or w/e have you....you're probably not going to be in the habit of needing any of the added throughput ANYWAY, so the 2015 model makes a bit more sense.

Obviously I'm in the 2016 camp here, and I'll flat out say I love mine, and IN MY OPINION it's the only "real" way to go. . . but I'm not the one that has to use your machine--you are.

Also, before you choose one way or another... if you haven't done so yet find a place like worst buy to sit for a half an hour and just play with the 2016s. . . you may find the keyboard is a maker breaker from the get go, making the process a bit simpler. *I* love it, but I'll be the first to admit it may not be for everyone.
Click to expand...

If you could make an iFixit writeup explaining how I can fit my external SD slot, my Nify Drive, and a 128GB microSD card internally, I would be really appreciative of the assistance. I've been working hard at this but I'm not having any luck. I called Apple to ask if they sold Space Gray Duct Tape...can you believe they don't?!?!
 
ZapNZs said:
If you could make an iFixit writeup explaining how I can fit my external SD slot, my Nify Drive, and a 128GB microSD card internally, I would be really appreciative of the assistance. I've been working hard at this but I'm not having any luck. I called Apple to ask if they sold Space Gray Duct Tape...can you believe they don't?!?!
Click to expand...

I'm afraid you'll have to stick to just using quickens or Facebook, like his parents, because unless you have the usb-c ports there isn't really much you can do with a laptop. How else would you be using your imaginary external GPU and store data on imaginary disk array while editing a movie ... not possible.
 
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MacNico said:
I guess this predicts the future of the USB-C Thunderbolt.
Click to expand...

Your prediction could very well run true for Thunderbolt. However, you lump it together with USB-C, without any explanation. The previous generation of USB has had an extremely 20 year run. In my opinion, this is very promising for USB-C. However I expect Thunderbolt to be as overpriced as ever.

But I don't care. The 2016 MBP supports both with each port.
 
ZapNZs said:
As one of your so-called "whiners and complainers", I still want to know how to install that microSD card internally as secondary storage...

It would be a much more useful WikiHow than this
http://www.wikihow.com/Be-Okay-with-Having-a-Communist-Friend
Click to expand...

Well if you want the best of both worlds and don't mind the system being the same thickness as a 2012 MacBook Pro. Might be worth keeping an eye on the OWC DEC. It's going to restore all of that old functionality and then some.

Not that I'm making judgements on what system suits who, just mentioning that there are, or will be, options.
 
I still want to know how to install that microSD card internally as secondary storage...
Click to expand...

Get over it, by an external adapter. There's no room left on the logic board for such things

Or just get a USB-C to camera cable for $10 on Amazon and direct plug it in? YES, I KNOW IT'S NOT THE SAME as having an internal SD card slot. I'm sorry, I'm not an engineer. That's the best I can do. 2 outta 3 ain't bad tho, right?

The previous generation of USB has had an extremely 20 year run. In my opinion, this is very promising for USB-C. However I expect Thunderbolt to be as overpriced as ever.
Click to expand...

The thunderbolt chip costs a few extra bucks, yea. . but I don't think it's as expensive as TB 2 or firewire. Also, more widespread adoption will help to lower prices in the long run.

Either way, it's high time we had a cable that we didn't have to try 3 times to plug in ;)
 
Mindinversion said:
Get over it, by an external adapter. There's no room left on the logic board for such things

Or just get a USB-C to camera cable for $10 on Amazon and direct plug it in? YES, I KNOW IT'S NOT THE SAME as having an internal SD card slot. I'm sorry, I'm not an engineer. That's the best I can do. 2 outta 3 ain't bad tho, right?
Click to expand...


Ach, don't be so old fashioned, get SD cards with WiFi built into them. I have a couple myself, they're very handy ;)
 
OP:

I went through the same decision process as you, and in the end -- I got a 2015 model, also.

Why I made this choice:
- I definitely preferred the 2015 keyboard. In a side-by-side typing test, I was making FAR too many mistakes on the 2016, vis-a-vis the 2015.
- I preferred a full complement of legacy ports. Unlike others here, I don't believe USB-c is going to be dominating the peripherals market any time soon. The 2015 works with everything I have TODAY, and will continue to work with new peripherals in the future.
- The screen on the 2015 isn't quite as nice as the 2016, but the difference wasn't enough to overcome what I viewed as other weak points on the 2016.
- The 2015 has a faster CPU. 2.7ghz v. 2.0 on the 2016.
- The 2015 had a MUCH BETTER PRICE. I got mine (brand new) for more than $300 off Apple's posted selling price.
- I didn't care for the oversized trackpad on the new ones.
- Finally, I preferred the "mature design" of the 2015, instead of the "work in progress" feel of the 2016's.
 
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I got a lightly used 2014 'old' MacBook and i love it. 16 charge cycles and still with AppleCare. Basically stole it from a guy who was being tapped for money for his kid by his ex partner. Literally as new, bought but the guy preferred his iPhone 98% of the time.

2014/2015 pro's, keyboard, ports, apple logo on the back and price. Heck if your going on about USB-C just get a dongle! At least you'll only need one. :p
 
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Fishrrman said:
OP:

I went through the same decision process as you, and in the end -- I got a 2015 model, also.

Why I made this choice:
- I definitely preferred the 2015 keyboard. In a side-by-side typing test, I was making FAR too many mistakes on the 2016, vis-a-vis the 2015.
- I preferred a full complement of legacy ports. Unlike others here, I don't believe USB-c is going to be dominating the peripherals market any time soon. The 2015 works with everything I have TODAY, and will continue to work with new peripherals in the future.
- The screen on the 2015 isn't quite as nice as the 2016, but the difference wasn't enough to overcome what I viewed as other weak points on the 2016.
- The 2015 has a faster CPU. 2.7ghz v. 2.0 on the 2016.
- The 2015 had a MUCH BETTER PRICE. I got mine (brand new) for more than $300 off Apple's posted selling price.
- I didn't care for the oversized trackpad on the new ones.
- Finally, I preferred the "mature design" of the 2015, instead of the "work in progress" feel of the 2016's.
Click to expand...

Good choice! I've bought a couple over the past two months, both new for $250 off full price.
Not to get into a pissing match with those who swear the 2016 mbp is the 'best ever' ... I never hear any specifics, except that usb-c is a faster port. Yet theres very little said how exactly that port speed is transforming their everyday workflow.
On top of everything, theres a couple companies that offer SSD upgrades for the 2015 models, something that you'll never ever be able to do with a 2016
model.
 
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robeddie said:
Not to get into a pissing match with those who swear the 2016 mbp is the 'best ever' ... I never hear any specifics, except that usb-c is a faster port. Yet theres very little said how exactly that port speed is transforming their everyday workflow.
Click to expand...

That's odd, there are plenty of specifics available. Guess you're talking about the 13". It's clearly better than the 2015 model in:

-- Screen (brighter, better contrast, wider color space)
-- Speakers
-- SSD speed
-- External monitor support
-- Heat
-- Quietude
-- Touch ID
-- Size/weight

The 15" has a couple more advantages, including better dGPU and better battery life for light to moderate use.

People disagree about the keyboard and trackpad. Some think they're improved, some the opposite.

A nice thing about the faster ports is that you can run more off one side of your machine now than all the ports from before, while charging. They really are pretty handy.

You mentioned one clearly nicer thing about the 2015, the upgradable SSD (though the nTB also has that). The 2015 probably has better battery life than the 13" TB too.

This isn't to say anyone should prefer the 2016, since there are some subjective factors that matter too, only that there are enough clear improvements that it makes sense to call it the best ever.
 
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Sanpete said:
That's odd, there are plenty of specifics available. Guess you're talking about the 13". It's clearly better than the 2015 model in:

-- Screen (brighter, better contrast, wider color space)
-- Speakers
-- SSD speed
-- External monitor support
-- Heat
-- Quietude
-- Touch ID
-- Size/weight

The 15" has a couple more advantages, including better dGPU and better battery life for light to moderate use.

People disagree about the keyboard and trackpad. Some think they're improved, some the opposite.

A nice thing about the faster ports is that you can run more off one side of your machine now than all the ports from before, while charging. They really are pretty handy.

You mentioned one clearly nicer thing about the 2015, the upgradable SSD (though the nTB also has that). The 2015 probably has better battery life than the 13" TB too.

This isn't to say anyone should prefer the 2016, since there are some subjective factors that matter too, only that there are enough clear improvements that it makes sense to call it the best ever.
Click to expand...

Of your list:
Screen: Marginally better. Barely noticable
SSD speed: Yes, but in real world use, again - hardly noticable.
Size/weight: Again minimal differences that wont likelymake any advantage in everyday use
Heat: Wasnt a problem in the 2015 model, so who cares
Speakers: Personally dont rely on them for anything other than to actually hear content. If you want to do any kind of serious audio work, or even serious movie watching on the laptop, you'll use headphones anyway.
Quietness: Not an issue with the 2015 models so the 'improvement' is all but irrelvent.

So to sum up, all the 'advantages' you list of the 2016 model are all so slight to be virtually irrelvent in real world use.
But if it makes you feel better about throwing that extra $800 at Apple, good for you.
 
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