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Which MacBook Pro?

B

boombox15

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jun 17, 2013
272
22
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
I am getting a new MacBook Pro, but I am having trouble deciding which one to buy.

These are the configurations I am considering

2016 13 inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar 512GB
2017 13 inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar 256GB
2017 13 inch MacBook Pro without Touch Bar 512GB

All of these are around $1700. I could get the 2017 13 inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar with 512GB but that would be a bit more than I would like to spend. My main concern is that the 2016 will be slower than the 2017 model, and I feel like the 2016 model won't have as good of a resale value as the 2017 model would have when I get a new one. I tend to upgrade around every 2 years.

Thoughts?
 
I don't know what you are doing, but you probably wouldn't notice the difference In terms of speed. Also, someone may correct this, but the 2016 TB will be faster than the 2017 sans TB, it has a more powerful CPU.

Resale? Generally the non base spec models are harder to find and therefore desirable. I think the 2016 is the way to go, personally.
 
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Are you going to "fill up" 256gb in two years (your self-stated ownership period)?

If not, get the 2017 tb.
If yes, get the 2017 ntb.
 
Do you like the touchbar?
Is your work CPU-intensive?
How important is good battery life?
 
My work is not really CPU intensive, I mostly just use internet, iTunes, and do some photo editing in the photos app. I do have interest in the touch bar, I don't want the 2016 model to be slow.
 
boombox15 said:
I am getting a new MacBook Pro, but I am having trouble deciding which one to buy.

These are the configurations I am considering

2016 13 inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar 512GB
2017 13 inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar 256GB
2017 13 inch MacBook Pro without Touch Bar 512GB

All of these are around $1700. I could get the 2017 13 inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar with 512GB but that would be a bit more than I would like to spend. My main concern is that the 2016 will be slower than the 2017 model, and I feel like the 2016 model won't have as good of a resale value as the 2017 model would have when I get a new one. I tend to upgrade around every 2 years.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

A 2016 will definitely not have the resale value of a 2017. But you need to factor in the cost discount of a used/refurbished 2016 machine. My guess is it will be a near wash.

Regarding performance unless you watch a lot of 4K video I suspect the two TB models will seems just as fast as each other.
 
Thinking of refurbished 2016 13 inch 512GB with touch bar from apple for $1609 or the 2017 13 inch MacBook Pro with touch bar for $1799 with 256GB.

What is the best choice for me?

If I get the 2016 model, I want to be able to sell it for a good price when I upgrade and not take a huge loss.
 
I'm in the same boat as you however I'm editing and playing back 4K so I think I should be more worried going with 2016 rather than you. I think for you would be just fine. Now resale value you never know but I reckon the dif won't break the bank
 
Resale value will be exactly the same as the 2017, the 2017 is 8 months newer so will depreciate 6 months later than the 2016... Either way that's no reason to buy a computer, you're talking minimal amounts of difference vs. living with the machine for 2+ years!

Speed wise you wouldn't notice anything, even a 2014 MBP is going to be fast, not as fast as a 2016, but still a very fast computer.

If watching 4k (On a 3K screen...) is a priority, then either is absolutely fine. 2017 only really makes a difference on 4K 60Hz 10bit editing, which isn't a mass market thing at the moment anyway.

From what you've said you use it for, a 2010 machine will be absolutely fine. Just look at how much storage you are using today and double it, then get whichever one you want.
 
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Performances are bad in all of these: they re dual core.
To have good performance you need the 15" model (but it s bigger of course)

Just take the less expensive: performance is about the same on all the 13 (bad dual core)
 
Retromac2008 said:
Performances are bad in all of these: they re dual core.
To have good performance you need the 15" model (but it s bigger of course)

Just take the less expensive: performance is about the same on all the 13 (bad dual core)
Click to expand...

So you would go with the 15'' 2015 model using hashwell and currently sold as new in Apple? Could the 15'' playback and edit 4K with the Hashwell? really doubt..:confused:
 
Seekingshred said:
So you would go with the 15'' 2015 model using hashwell and currently sold as new in Apple? Could the 15'' playback and edit 4K with the Hashwell? really doubt..:confused:
Click to expand...

are u kidding?
sure! 13" are toys compared to 15" MBP (quad core) doesn t matter if they re 2015 or 2017
 
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