Which Macbook Pro

[bloodasp]

Hi everyone, I've been wanting to get a 2018 MBP for quite some time now but the KP issues have been holding me back. I currently have 3 options for my purchase:

[MOD NOTE]
*** All prices are in AUD ***

1. MBP 2018 15/i7/16/256/Radeon 555 - $3300; brand new
2. MBP 2017 15/i7/16/256/Iris - $2300; second hand and no option for AppleCare+ as the seller bought last May
3. MBP 2015 15/i7/16/512/Radeon R9 - $2900; Apple refurbished

I am seriously considering the 2015 model because of all the keyboard issues with the 2017 and KPs with 2018. But it doesn't make sense since the price difference between the 2015 and 2018 is only 500. I am considering the 2017 just for the price. But then again tge 2018 keyboard 'should' be better.

I will be using the machine for all sorts of software development, web mobile ios and android, running vms, etc. My wife will be doing light to medium video editing as well.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

You're seriously considering spending $2900 on three year old technology over a keyboard that has a potential to fail? (Potential, not guarantee).

Take the 2017 if you're trying to save money, otherwise grab the 2018 - usually the latest tech is best, all devices will have inherent potential flaws, at least you know with the 2017 if the keyboard does fail it's a free repair (For now).

 

[ales876]

I agree with him, if you allow yourself to spent so much money I would definitely consider to to buy one of the latest. And you don't know if it fails for you. Only because 100 (or let it be 500) people complain about the keybords, it is not representative. They sold way more machines and many many people said all is good.

 

[bloodasp]

Was thinking that too. Hard to justify the price on the refurb 2015, it costing a few hundred dollars less than the 2018.

 

[IngerMan]

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/sear...InitialSearch=yes&sts=hist-ma&Top+Nav-Search=




This

 

[maflynn]

MBP 2015 15/i7/16/512/Radeon R9 - $2900; Apple refurbished

3,000 dollars for a 3 year old laptop? I have a problem plunking down that much money on a brand new laptop, never mind a 3 year old machine

Option two looks over priced as well, I'm not sure of your location, but these prices seem too high

 

[bloodasp]

3,000 dollars for a 3 year old laptop? I have a problem plunking down that much money on a brand new laptop, never mind a 3 year old machine

Option two looks over priced as well, I'm not sure of your location, but these prices seem too high

Prices are in Australia. If I weren't going for ios dev, I would be getting an XPS or an alienware for cheaper.
[doublepost=1535628948][/doublepost]Thanks for the replies. That was a dose of cold water! At least that narrows down my options to the 2017/2018.

 

[maflynn]

Prices are in Australia. If I weren't going for ios dev, I would be getting an XPS or an alienware for cheaper.
[doublepost=1535628948][/doublepost]Thanks for the replies. That was a dose of cold water! At least that narrows down my options to the 2017/2018.

I thought so, but the confusing part is you use the same symbol ($). I retract my statement then, because I haven no knowledge of pricing regarding AUS currency and Macs.

 

[macintoshmac]

Would be good for people to use three letter currency codes to avoid all confusion.

 

[bloodasp]

Right. Should have used AUD or A$.

 

[maflynn]

Right. Should have used AUD or A$.

I took the liberty to update your OP, just so that anyone else who comes in can see that we're talking AUD

 

[macintoshmac]

I took the liberty to update your OP, just so that anyone else who comes in can see that we're talking AUD

You are an enviable house-keeper.

 

[maflynn]

You are an enviable house-keeper.

I just know people will see the first post, and respond without seeing the subsequent discussions ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[macagain]

I just moved from a 2013 (which has the same keyboard as the 2015, and has now been relegated to being the living room surfing computer) to a 2018. After a couple of days of getting used to the new keyboard feel, I was surprised at how "not great" the old 2013 keyboard feels. (I was gonna say "sh*tty", but I figured I'd get too much flame for saying that .) I love working on the new keyboard so much more, as does every single person I personally know who has moved.

I have a 2018 and have not had the kp issues thankfully. I did have sleep/wake issues that have since been eliminated by getting rid of the tb3 hub I was using.

I do all the same things that you describe you do.

On the 2017, you noted "Iris", which means it's a 13", whilst they other 2 are 15", hence the $1k diff... not really an apples to apples comparison (pun intended )

 

[Fishrrman]

The OP wrote:
"I am seriously considering the 2015 model because of all the keyboard issues with the 2017 and KPs with 2018. But it doesn't make sense since the price difference between the 2015 and 2018 is only 500."

That would be my recommendation (the 2015), even if the price is a little "on the high side".

It's simply "the more reliable Mac for long-term usage".
It has a keyboard that feels better and won't break
No sound issues.
No t2 issues.
No throttling issues.
Plenty of ports that you can plug things into without adapters and dongles.

The 2015 MBP was the single best Mac purchase I ever made, in hindsight that I -could have- chosen the 2016 model, and perhaps have ended up with all sorts of troubles.

Others will disagree with my opinion.
Some will disagree vehemently.

But that's my recommendation and I'm stickin' to it !!

 

[poorcody]

I would personally get the 2018. I too would feel some hesitation with the issues, but in the end, chances are you won't experience them and/or they will be fixed in short order.

Buying a 2015 at this point seems crazy to me -- I had the same experience as @macagain, where my 2013 keyboard actually seems cheap and mushy compared to my 2016. And I've never had any problems with it. I wouldn't go back to the older ones now. And the 2016+ models seem to have better reliability than the 2015's, even with the keyboard issues.

If you're doing development and VMs, I think the 15" is a better investment. Plus you get a new warranty and new machine. I would definitely go with option #1.

 

[sosumi99]

Another vote for the 2018. I do iOS development as well, and the improvement in the keyboard is bigger than one would suppose from just reading mainstream reviews. I think you'll be happier with the 2018.

 

[macintoshmac]

Another vote for the 2018. I do iOS development as well, and the improvement in the keyboard is bigger than one would suppose from just reading mainstream reviews. I think you'll be happier with the 2018.

Come on man here I am trying to not jump to the 2018 from my 2016 machine with the 2017 keyboard.

 

[macagain]

Come on man here I am trying to not jump to the 2018 from my 2016 machine with the 2017 keyboard.

If your 2017 keyboard is working fine, not sure if you really need to jump. On the other hand, a buddy went from 2017 to 2018 and did say that the '18 kb is "much" nicer... quieter and feels better. But he did end by saying he's not sure if it was a big enough of a reason on its own to switch.

 

[Guy Clark]

I recommend going with the 2015 model a tried and tested design with decent scissor mechanism keyboard.

Buy independent where one in excellent condition could be purchased for around $800-$900.

Shop wisely on eBay and carry out plenty of research prior to purchase. For example 100% feedback, comments and numbers. The greater the number will reflect on how established the seller is.

Look out for Grade A or Grade A+. Some sellers offer a 90 day warranty.

Older Macs are Better.

 

[bloodasp]

I just moved from a 2013 (which has the same keyboard as the 2015, and has now been relegated to being the living room surfing computer) to a 2018. After a couple of days of getting used to the new keyboard feel, I was surprised at how "not great" the old 2013 keyboard feels. (I was gonna say "sh*tty", but I figured I'd get too much flame for saying that .) I love working on the new keyboard so much more, as does every single person I personally know who has moved.

I have a 2018 and have not had the kp issues thankfully. I did have sleep/wake issues that have since been eliminated by getting rid of the tb3 hub I was using.

I do all the same things that you describe you do.

On the 2017, you noted "Iris", which means it's a 13", whilst they other 2 are 15", hence the $1k diff... not really an apples to apples comparison (pun intended )

What are the specs of your 2018? I'm aasuming you got at least the 15 inch?

 

[bloodasp]

I recommend going with the 2015 model a tried and tested design with decent scissor mechanism keyboard.

Buy independent where one in excellent condition could be purchased for around $800-$900.

Shop wisely on eBay and carry out plenty of research prior to purchase. For example 100% feedback, comments and numbers. The greater the number will reflect on how established the seller is.

Look out for Grade A or Grade A+. Some sellers offer a 90 day warranty.

Older Macs are Better.

Most of 2015s you can find in ebay Australia end up costing at least A$1,600. Too high IMO for a third party seller with little to no guarantee the machine won't fail you. That's why I only consider brand new or Apple certified refurbs for the 2015. Interestingly, the 2015 I was eyeing is no longer in the apple au site, so someone must've bought it!

 

[macintoshmac]

If your 2017 keyboard is working fine, not sure if you really need to jump. On the other hand, a buddy went from 2017 to 2018 and did say that the '18 kb is "much" nicer... quieter and feels better. But he did end by saying he's not sure if it was a big enough of a reason on its own to switch.

I am reasonably sure a $50 mechanical keyboard with cherry mx blue might satisfy me far more. I have had it before and that experience still reverberates inside. It was delightful to use that one.

Overall, since I am now not being as mobile as I was a year ago, I am seriously considering just selling my 2016 13 and banking the money, returning back to my 15 2011 at the desk (bad battery).

It is the 1440x900p display that I need to get over with, everything else is perfectly manageable. While I am by no means pushing the hardware to the max, I feel I get same level of performance from my old hardware for what I do.

Essentially, the 2016 13 with TB purchase has not left me excited. It has been an okay experience, save for the display which is clearly better.

 

[maflynn]

I am reasonably sure a $50 mechanical keyboard with cherry mx blue might satisfy me far more.

I haven't found any mechanical keyboards for that price. What model do you see for 50, I may take the plunge on that myself.

 

[macintoshmac]

I haven't found any mechanical keyboards for that price. What model do you see for 50, I may take the plunge on that myself.

@maflynn , I welcome you to India.

TVS Electronics has a mechanical keyboard, USB enabled, for $50 and this has Cherry MX blue keys (the one I had). Amazon reviews say they are now come with red or brown, so I am yet to check out the local store to verify that. But, the price is about 2200-2500 INR, this means it is even lower than $50 at the current exchange levels.

Truly, a mind-blowing keyboard for the price.

(TVS ia a giant here, in automobiles as well as electronics, with commercial dot matrix printers and label printers and such, and their automobile arm is a solid contender in two wheelers)

https://www.tvs-e.in/product-detail-db.aspx?id=23&typ=btn_bt&pro=tb_7
[doublepost=1535716779][/doublepost]I have updated the post with the link.