Still a good idea to buy the 2020 Intel MBP 16"?

[timelessbeing]

I never buy anything first gen and I'll wait about 3-4 years after the apple silicon matures.

I generally agree with you and I would be hesitant to buy a 1st gen ARM mac. I also avoid major updates until the first revision comes.

However, listen to this... I bought the 1st gen 15" Macbook Pro. It was one of the first Macs with an Intel CPU. Aside from a battery recall, it was awesome. And my mom still uses it today. My little bro got the bigger 17" at the same time. It also sits on a side table and is used occasionally. I think Apple built them better back then, though. I would be less willing to take the same risk today.

So on one hand, I wouldn't put off buying a new computer if I needed one, just to wait for the newest thing. But on the other hand, if I needed a new mac immediately, and the 1st gen was the current offering, then I would probably get it. But I would probably get some Applecare just in case. I definitely wouldn't wait 4 years though.

 

[MandiMac]

This should have been a poll. That said: Only if you absolutely, positively need Boot Camp or need a machine *right now*. I would wait for today's event!

 

[genealto]

I have had a MBP 16 since February 2020. I have not had any of the issues that others have listed. Mine has worked flawlessly since I purchased it. While I prefer the Mac OS, I occasionally have the need to run Windows 10 for applications that do not work in Mac OS. While I can understand the appeal of running an ARM-based Mac, losing the ability to run Windows would require that I purchase another laptop. That is reality for me, and I am happy with my MBP 16. ARM isn't in my future unless someone can provide the ability to run other operating systems.

 

[panzer06]

I have had a MBP 16 since February 2020. I have not had any of the issues that others have listed. Mine has worked flawlessly since I purchased it. While I prefer the Mac OS, I occasionally have the need to run Windows 10 for applications that do not work in Mac OS. While I can understand the appeal of running an ARM-based Mac, losing the ability to run Windows would require that I purchase another laptop. That is reality for me, and I am happy with my MBP 16. ARM isn't in my future unless someone can provide the ability to run other operating systems.

Same for us. We have 2 of the 16” MBP and they work flawlessly. Windows is a must so unless Microsoft ports Windows to ARM that’s a no go.

 

[jjahshik32]

I generally agree with you and I would be hesitant to buy a 1st gen ARM mac. I also avoid major updates until the first revision comes.

However, listen to this... I bought the 1st gen 15" Macbook Pro. It was one of the first Macs with an Intel CPU. Aside from a battery recall, it was awesome. And my mom still uses it today. My little bro got the bigger 17" at the same time. It also sits on a side table and is used occasionally. I think Apple built them better back then, though. I would be less willing to take the same risk today.

So on one hand, I wouldn't put off buying a new computer if I needed one, just to wait for the newest thing. But on the other hand, if I needed a new mac immediately, and the 1st gen was the current offering, then I would probably get it. But I would probably get some Applecare just in case. I definitely wouldn't wait 4 years though.

I bought the first gen intel MacBook Pro as well and it had very minor issues. My problems were yellowish tint on the display (exchanged 8 times!) and a buzzing issue coming from the charging area, which all models had. Another one was that it ran very hot. It was very annoying to say the least but if these little things do not bother you it was perfectly fine.

But I feel that transition from the Power PC to Intel will be a lot smoother (at least it can run Windows) compared to Apple Silicon which is a big unknown. I know that there is a push for ARM to be supported in Windows and perhaps it will get the support in the future.

These translation/emulation type of softwares I'm still a bit skeptical on how efficient they will be. Nothing beats native support. I'll wait for it to be a bit more mature as I do think they will eventually get it near perfect.

 

[dinobear]

Loving my 16" 64gb 5600m. Been working flawlessly as my only work machine for a month now.

Also note: leaker L0vetodream said in early Sept that there would be no further updates to the 16" mbp this year.

 

[cdcastillo]

I still run a late 2011 MBP and it is getting long in the tooth. I know the Apple Silicon MBP is rumored to come out next week. But I still work in Windows and VMware stuff quite a bit so I was thinking about getting one of the last Intel MBP.

I read the forum about the 2019/2020 16" and I am quite...scared:
1. Screen ghosting issue (affects all configs)
2. Speaker cracking/popping issue (affects all configs)
3. High temperature and high energy usage when connected the external monitor (affects 5300/5500 GPU)
4. Overheats in high load situations unless you do the thermal pad mod (affects all configs)
5. Pre-mature battery degradations (affects all configs)

Should I even bother with the 2019/2020 16", or should I just get a refurbished 2018 15"?

I'll let you know in a few weeks, just got one today to replace a 2015 13" rMBP. One of my most basic needs is virtual machines and Windows.

 

[timelessbeing]

I did start noticing pops from the audio, but only when I abruptly stop a Youtube video.