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The Pricing of the 2015 MBP Is Out to Lunch

groove-agent

groove-agent

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Jan 13, 2006
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I don't want to invest in the 2016/ 2017 MBP due to the keyboard problems, so I'm trying to convince myself to buy a 2015.

However, when I max out the processor on the 2015 to compensate for the speed difference on the 2017, the price difference is only $150 vs a 2017 w/ the same 512GB storage. Really Apple? You want to charge $3049 (CDN) for a 2.5 year old machine with a 3 gen old processor and NO dGPU? Does anyone else find this absolutely ridiculous? It's like they want to force you to buy the new models with the gimmicky touch bar and the defective keyboard.

I feel they have us by the short and curlys.
 
I think the best way to buy the 2015 MBP is through the refurbished store. I don't know how often they come up on the Canadian Apple Store, but I bought mine for $1949 US. That was $800 less than the 2017 MBP. The 2015 MBP is slightly slower (2.5 vs. 2.9GHz) but it still has a dedicated GPU and I think in most cases I won't even notice the difference.

Like everything else I've bought through the refurbished store, my 2015 MBP was in like new condition and came with a 1 year warranty. Even with 2 year old technology, at $1949 it's still a good value.
 
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I am somewhat in the same boat. My wife needs a new machine as her 2010 Macbook doesn't cut the mustard anymore and she needs it for work. Usually I hand her down my machine and get a new one myself. But with all the keyboard failures I am not sure what to do.

I am looking at this machine:
15-inch MacBook Pro - Silver $2899
  • 2.8GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, Turbo Boost up to 4.0GHz
  • 16GB of 1600MHz memory
  • 1TB SSD
  • Intel Iris Pro Graphics
  • Two Thunderbolt 2 ports
  • Backlit Keyboard - US English
I am not sure if this makes sense. I wonder if I just get a mini as a workaround for the time being...
 
I don't think that's correct. The current 15" retina MBP does not have a dedicated GPU - which is one of my gripes.

As for buying refurbished, I had a pretty bad experience. It arrived totally mangled (see below), but the shipping box was fine. As a result, I thought Apple would blame me for the damage but when I called them right after it arrived, they didn't sound surprised and promptly refunded my money as if this had happened Before. It was really weird.

Was your refurbished in an actual Apple branded box? Mine was simply in foam, and in a brown cardboard box poorly packed.



600372_410184042365371_1118918386_n.jpg 406089_410184182365357_979108761_n.jpg 282942_410184202365355_958903577_n.jpg
 
groove-agent said:
I don't think that's correct. The current 15" retina MBP does not have a dedicated GPU - which is one of my gripes.

As for buying refurbished, I had a pretty bad experience. It arrived totally mangled (see below), but the shipping box was fine. As a result, I thought Apple would blame me for the damage but when I called them right after it arrived, they didn't sound surprised and promptly refunded my money as if this had happened Before. It was really weird.

Was your refurbished in an actual Apple branded box? Mine was simply in foam, and in a brown cardboard box poorly packed.



View attachment 733337 View attachment 733338 View attachment 733339
Click to expand...

sometimes things get broken during shipping, and the current rMBP15 DOES have a dGPU, the radeon pro 555 or 560...
[doublepost=1510077143][/doublepost]What about something like this? http://www.macofalltrades.com/MacBo...z-QCi7-Late-2013-p/mbp-15-23-l13r-16512-e.htm
 
I think I might get an Macbook Air for my wife in this case instead of handing down my 2013 rMBP. Has a reliable keyboard and doesn't cost to much.
 
CmdrLaForge said:
I am somewhat in the same boat. My wife needs a new machine as her 2010 Macbook doesn't cut the mustard anymore and she needs it for work. Usually I hand her down my machine and get a new one myself. But with all the keyboard failures I am not sure what to do.

I am looking at this machine:
15-inch MacBook Pro - Silver $2899
  • 2.8GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, Turbo Boost up to 4.0GHz
  • 16GB of 1600MHz memory
  • 1TB SSD
  • Intel Iris Pro Graphics
  • Two Thunderbolt 2 ports
  • Backlit Keyboard - US English
I am not sure if this makes sense. I wonder if I just get a mini as a workaround for the time being...
Click to expand...

Do your really need the 1TB drive. You could save $900 or so going with a refurb with a 512 GB drive.
[doublepost=1510085187][/doublepost]
The Mercurian said:
Oh you mean the old form 15" ???

Holy schmokes you are right :eek::eek::eek:
The tightwads. They actually went to the hassle to take that out of it. Much better off to get a refurb 2015 model.
Click to expand...

Nope. The 2015 15" had a variant without the dGPU. That is the same one they are selling on the site today.

I agree with refurb being the way to go on the 2015 model, and Macs in general.
 
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Just consider the fact that the 2015 models effectively have a $300 port multiplier/docking station built-in!

Additionally it has a far more reliable keyboard and track record and you can likely go without applecare+ for it, thus saving even hundreds more

Makes it much more appealing!

;)
 
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My 2015 MBP came in a nice white box just like new. It did say refurbished on it, but it looked so much like new I was wondering if they were still getting rid of new old stock by calling it refurbished.

Yes, my 2015 MBP has the 2GB Radeon M370X dedicated video card.
 
groove-agent said:
I don't think that's correct. The current 15" retina MBP does not have a dedicated GPU - which is one of my gripes.

As for buying refurbished, I had a pretty bad experience. It arrived totally mangled (see below), but the shipping box was fine. As a result, I thought Apple would blame me for the damage but when I called them right after it arrived, they didn't sound surprised and promptly refunded my money as if this had happened Before. It was really weird.

Was your refurbished in an actual Apple branded box? Mine was simply in foam, and in a brown cardboard box poorly packed.



View attachment 733337 View attachment 733338 View attachment 733339
Click to expand...

I'll tell you exactly what happened with your totaled refurb MacBook Pro. It was damaged by the shipper, so severely that they had to transfer it to another box. And that's why it didn't come in an Apple white box. It's a little trick the shippers pull to keep from admitting liability. You still received it in an "undamaged" box but when you opened it, the computer was trashed. So it had to be Apple's fault, right? Yeah, whatever. So now, you'll send it back to Apple and Apple will send you another one, and no one will be the wiser.

I'm a refurb pro; I've bought many over the last ten years from Apple, from computers to iPads to our most recent purchase, an iPhone 6s+ for my wife. All Apple refurbs are shipped in a beautiful white box that looks just like the box new Apple products are shipped in, except they say, "Apple Certified Refurbished" on the box. The shipper duped you, plain and simple. But Apple will take care of you 100%. They may even overnight air you a new computer. Good luck!
 
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groove-agent said:
I don't think that's correct. The current 15" retina MBP does not have a dedicated GPU - which is one of my gripes.

As for buying refurbished, I had a pretty bad experience. It arrived totally mangled (see below), but the shipping box was fine. As a result, I thought Apple would blame me for the damage but when I called them right after it arrived, they didn't sound surprised and promptly refunded my money as if this had happened Before. It was really weird.

Was your refurbished in an actual Apple branded box? Mine was simply in foam, and in a brown cardboard box poorly packed.

]
Click to expand...

I have bought several Apple refurbs in the U.S. At least the more recent ones have always arrived carefully packed in white boxes with all accessories, essentially like new retail goods but in a white box that says refurbished. Very different from your computer.
[doublepost=1510090975][/doublepost]
CmdrLaForge said:
Wow - thats a bad experience. I wonder if I ever shall buy a refurb...
Click to expand...

Something's amiss here. That's not how Apple ships refurbs, at least not in the U.S.
[doublepost=1510091015][/doublepost]
lambertjohn said:
I'll tell you exactly what happened with your totaled refurb MacBook Pro. It was damaged by the shipper, so severely that they had to transfer it to another box. And that's why it didn't come in an Apple white box. It's a little trick the shippers pull to keep from admitting liability. You still received it in an "undamaged" box but when you opened it, the computer was trashed. So it had to be Apple's fault, right? Yeah, whatever. So now, you'll send it back to Apple and Apple will send you another one, and no one will be the wiser.

I'm a refurb pro; I've bought many over the last ten years from Apple, from computers to iPads to our most recent purchase, an iPhone 6s+ for my wife. All Apple refurbs are shipped in a beautiful white box that looks just like the box new Apple products are shipped in, except they say, "Apple Certified Refurbished" on the box. The shipper duped you, plain and simple. But Apple will take care of you 100%. They may even overnight air you a new computer. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Interesting and very plausible explanation. I agree, this was not as shipped by Apple.
 
Jeez, what a bunch of scammers. It happened a while ago, and wish I could remember what company they used to ship it. I would totally social media their asses.

It turned me off of refurbished computers and all this time, it could have been shady shippers who destroyed it.

Apple must have been aware of this happening otherwise they would have questioned my refund if it came back in a totally different box. However, I'm glad they didn't.



lambertjohn said:
I'll tell you exactly what happened with your totaled refurb MacBook Pro. It was damaged by the shipper, so severely that they had to transfer it to another box. And that's why it didn't come in an Apple white box. It's a little trick the shippers pull to keep from admitting liability. You still received it in an "undamaged" box but when you opened it, the computer was trashed. So it had to be Apple's fault, right? Yeah, whatever. So now, you'll send it back to Apple and Apple will send you another one, and no one will be the wiser.

I'm a refurb pro; I've bought many over the last ten years from Apple, from computers to iPads to our most recent purchase, an iPhone 6s+ for my wife. All Apple refurbs are shipped in a beautiful white box that looks just like the box new Apple products are shipped in, except they say, "Apple Certified Refurbished" on the box. The shipper duped you, plain and simple. But Apple will take care of you 100%. They may even overnight air you a new computer. Good luck!
Click to expand...
 
On cpu performance there is virtually no difference between the 2015 and 2016 models, while the 2017 is a little faster though it would probably only be specific circumstances you’d notice that in. The big downfall at this point is the iGPU which is about on a par with what’s offered in the latest 13” models, but falling further and further behind even low end dGPUs as they improve. Iris pro can’t even touch an Nvidia 1030 or MX150.
 
I think the current new 2015s are without a dGPU.

However sometimes you can find a refurbed 2015 with a dGPU on the Apple store. I think this is the way to go if you get Apple care. I saw one the other day but someone snatched it up by the time I came back.

The Mercurian said:
Yes it does it has in minimal configuration:
  • Radeon Pro 555 with 2GB memory
in addition to Iris Pro
Click to expand...
 
CmdrLaForge said:
I am somewhat in the same boat. My wife needs a new machine as her 2010 Macbook doesn't cut the mustard anymore and she needs it for work. Usually I hand her down my machine and get a new one myself. But with all the keyboard failures I am not sure what to do.

I am looking at this machine:
15-inch MacBook Pro - Silver $2899
  • 2.8GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, Turbo Boost up to 4.0GHz
  • 16GB of 1600MHz memory
  • 1TB SSD
  • Intel Iris Pro Graphics
  • Two Thunderbolt 2 ports
  • Backlit Keyboard - US English
I am not sure if this makes sense. I wonder if I just get a mini as a workaround for the time being...
Click to expand...
It's tough to spend close to 3 grand on what will soon be three year old technology.
 
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groove-agent said:
I don't want to invest in the 2016/ 2017 MBP due to the keyboard problems, so I'm trying to convince myself to buy a 2015.

However, when I max out the processor on the 2015 to compensate for the speed difference on the 2017, the price difference is only $150 vs a 2017 w/ the same 512GB storage. Really Apple? You want to charge $3049 (CDN) for a 2.5 year old machine with a 3 gen old processor and NO dGPU? Does anyone else find this absolutely ridiculous? It's like they want to force you to buy the new models with the gimmicky touch bar and the defective keyboard.

I feel they have us by the short and curlys.
Click to expand...


I got a high-end 2015 about a year ago for $1600 in perfect condition and was still eligible for AppleCare. Go to the secondary market. They're out there, and they're priced way less than people who frequent message boards about computers would price them.
 
In Australia, I tried to buy for $Au3,189, and 512GB, 2.8Gz, 360x GPU with 2BB Video Ram, 2015 refurb. But I guess I just missed out on it. Strangely the site was offering GPU and non GPU machines for the same price. I actually bought it, while talking to Apple sales, and they looked at what I bought and said it did not have the GPU. So they cancelled the sale for me.

I bought a new 2017 512GB 2.9 16GB 2133 Ram, Radion Pro 560 4GB Card (not mentioned on the About this Mac either) from a retail store special, for $Au3,599. So $Au400 difference for a new machine of the current model. The retail price though was an extra $500. Apple sales said to grab that price ... although they did say they could meet a 10-% discount, which was their maximum, and that had to be priced matched.

By the way I now love the keyboard and its quiet too; I am not having to hit it hard like my other keyboards. I am cleaning it regularly though, something I've not worried about previously.

Incidentally on my speed checks, the 2.8 2015 is a heck of a lot faster than the 2.5 Mz. I found in various speed checks that there wasn't a big difference in speed between the 2015 and the 2017 15" units. I also found there was around 2% only difference between the 2.9 2017 and the 3.1 2017. The 2.9 has the same CPU cache as the 3.1, and it makes a fair speed jump. If 2%-3% makes a difference, then the 3.1 would be worth its considerable extra cost over the 2.9.

I could have bought a 2015 with X360 GPU a bit cheaper again, but I felt it not worth it. I trialled again the 2017 and found the keyboard pretty good with a decent feel after all. My Air feels dead in comparison. My Air takes punishment because I thump its keys. The 2017 15" I don't have to thump anymore. So its pretty quiet after all.

If find being able to charge the 2017 on both sides more convenient too, and there's lots of cheap USB3+ and T3 converters/hubs around that are cheap too. And we have lots of USB 3+ things at home. Firewire cost a fortune in most peripherals. With USB3+ T3, its nice to have a fast connection that's cheap to buy and that works on an Apple. At last ...
 
Last edited:
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You're right, I checked the Geekbench 4 scores for the 2017 vs. the 2015 MBP and the difference is practically non-existent. So unless you absolutely love the touch bar, or need to use an eGPU via TB3, the 2015 retina is a way better choice (ports, SD card reader, reliable keyboard etc, less money). The only thing I prefer on the 2017 is the one cable TB3 charging/ data feature.

Falhófnir said:
On cpu performance there is virtually no difference between the 2015 and 2016 models, while the 2017 is a little faster though it would probably only be specific circumstances you’d notice that in. The big downfall at this point is the iGPU which is about on a par with what’s offered in the latest 13” models, but falling further and further behind even low end dGPUs as they improve. Iris pro can’t even touch an Nvidia 1030 or MX150.
Click to expand...
 
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groove-agent said:
I don't think that's correct. The current 15" retina MBP does not have a dedicated GPU - which is one of my gripes.

As for buying refurbished, I had a pretty bad experience. It arrived totally mangled (see below), but the shipping box was fine. As a result, I thought Apple would blame me for the damage but when I called them right after it arrived, they didn't sound surprised and promptly refunded my money as if this had happened Before. It was really weird.

Was your refurbished in an actual Apple branded box? Mine was simply in foam, and in a brown cardboard box poorly packed.
Click to expand...
I've bought a lot of Apple refurbs, desktops and laptops, two this year for friends, two for myself.

They came in pristine Apple boxes packed inside a cardboard outer shipper with corner protectors. They were in sealed plastic bags with the EULA sticker, securely nestled in blow molded trays. If someone told me they were new, I'd be hard pressed to prove otherwise.

Ever since Apple started their current refurb program, I've had nothing but good luck, and frankly I can't see paying full price for a new one anymore. At least with a refurb you can be sure somebody actually looked at the machine before it was sold.

Sorry about your experience, but it's not typical.
 
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