Thanks. Any idea on how the i5 in 2017 compared with i7 in 2014 and the 2015 still being sold?
Hi, I'm using both the 2017 mbpro 15" with the i7-7820hq 2.9ghz, and the 2015 mbpro 15" i7 2.8ghz. I both use them for programming, while running VMs. I think on my 2017, it seems to launch apps and open up files a bit quicker but I dont have numbers to back this up. But when I'm deep down focused while working, I honestly can't tell the difference in performance between the two. I'm sure if I benchmark my unit tests, that the 2017 will yield faster results but I dont expect a lot of dofference.
I never unplug the 2015 mbpro as I'm using it in the office as a main desk machine, on the 2017 I installed Volta to cap the performance and improve battery life when unplugged. I disable the Turboboost in the 2017 when unplugged, the GB MS score drops from around 14.5k to around 11k-ish. I notice that my unit tests run a bit slower when I disable the turboboost, but it's negligible.
I always get heating issues on the 2015, it's annoying. But I always have a 4k and a 1080p monitor plugged into it, while running 2880x1880 on the laptop screen. The normal temp is at around 67-70c, and sometimes the fans will just go crazy and run for hours like that. It gets hot and annoying. I never had this issue with the 2017 (not yet). Somehow I also dont remember having as much heating issues on my old late 2013 mbpro 15", but dont buy that one as it's got the old mechanical trackpad.
If you need to buy a 15" mbpro now, if it's my money I'd go for a refurbished/brand new 2017 mbpro. I like the new butterfly g2 keyboard, the new retina screen, and it's a bit lighter than the older unibody. Oh and the bezel is also thinner on the 2017, not sure if that matters to you though.
When working, you might get annoyed with the touchbar, like if someone approaches you and you had to quicky mute your music, it's a bit slower to do. I have adapted to the touchbar and I like it especially the touchId, but for pure work, the old function keys are better.
