Worst Mac I have owned - Macbook Pro 2016 with TouchBar

[techortreat]

Not sure if I am over-reacting. I bought a brand new Macbook Pro 15" with touchbar early January this year. So far I have been plagued with a host of issues - all random.
While I have got used to Apps crashing and suddenly losing internet connectivity and keyboard keys getting stuck, the worst was when I had to travel for work.
On the trip, the Macbook wouldn't boot up. No warning - just one fine day. Checked online and saw quite a few others have had similar problems

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7776594?start=0&tstart=0


I tried all kinds of support options listed then spoke to Apple support for several hours. Finally had to go to the store. They also tried variious tricks and finally sent it out for repair. checked if they can give me a loaner - But seems they don't do that. No swapping out the laptop either. So no computer for almost a week! I

I got it back with a replaced logic board. It worked fine for 2 months (of course with crashing apps, random slowness etc) . Yesterday it stopped charging - I went to the store - they tried a couple of other chargers, but didn't work.
Same thing - they said they have to send it out for repair.
So I have a laptop which I almost paid $3000 (with Apple Care) and its the most un-reliable Mac on earth.
I requested the store to at least swap the computer out this time. I explained to them, that if they even replace the logic board like they did the last time, i still wouldn't feel confident about the laptop. It might work for a month or two and then suddenly stop working probably when I need it the most.
The Genius bar guy says - well it worked fine for two months! wow.. what an answer Apple!!...never thought I'd hear something like this from you!!!
He checked with the store manager and some colleagues but all of them said this has to be sent for repair - and no replacement possible. So I am back to not having a laptop for about another week.

I have had several Macbooks over the years = a 2004 Powerbook, 2007 Macbook, 2009 Macbook, 2011 Macbook. Barring one incident of a battery change, I never had to take any of them to the store for repairs. I am now thinking of quitting Macs and going with Windows...probably a Surface Book. At least your expectations are lower and you don't feel cheated!!

 

[chino101]

I also bought a Tb MacBook Pro but mine was a 13 inch in January.

I'm on the third logic board as well as the second screen with mine (and I sell the things (MacBooks) at work).

Hopefully now that the only component that hasn't been replaced is the battery, and bottom shell, it will start to work as it should!

 

[Queen6]

Apple same as many others uses refurbished components, so no surprise repaired units are more prone to failure. As with all mass produces products a level of failure is inherent, unfortunately your there now. Personally I've dropped Apple professionally not due to reliability issues, more poor design decisions.

Apple has never had great reliability with the 15" MBP, latest iteration seems to have it's own unique problems. I would keep taking the notebook back to Apple, elevate and request a replacement. Personally I wont entertain repair unless the components are proved to be new.

Q-6

Not sure if I am over-reacting. I bought a brand new Macbook Pro 15" with touchbar early January this year. So far I have been plagued with a host of issues - all random.
While I have got used to Apps crashing and suddenly losing internet connectivity and keyboard keys getting stuck, the worst was when I had to travel for work.
On the trip, the Macbook wouldn't boot up. No warning - just one fine day. Checked online and saw quite a few others have had similar problems

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7776594?start=0&tstart=0


I tried all kinds of support options listed then spoke to Apple support for several hours. Finally had to go to the store. They also tried variious tricks and finally sent it out for repair. checked if they can give me a loaner - But seems they don't do that. No swapping out the laptop either. So no computer for almost a week! I

I got it back with a replaced logic board. It worked fine for 2 months (of course with crashing apps, random slowness etc) . Yesterday it stopped charging - I went to the store - they tried a couple of other chargers, but didn't work.
Same thing - they said they have to send it out for repair.
So I have a laptop which I almost paid $3000 (with Apple Care) and its the most un-reliable Mac on earth.
I requested the store to at least swap the computer out this time. I explained to them, that if they even replace the logic board like they did the last time, i still wouldn't feel confident about the laptop. It might work for a month or two and then suddenly stop working probably when I need it the most.
The Genius bar guy says - well it worked fine for two months! wow.. what an answer Apple!!...never thought I'd hear something like this from you!!!
He checked with the store manager and some colleagues but all of them said this has to be sent for repair - and no replacement possible. So I am back to not having a laptop for about another week.

I have had several Macbooks over the years = a 2004 Powerbook, 2007 Macbook, 2009 Macbook, 2011 Macbook. Barring one incident of a battery change, I never had to take any of them to the store for repairs. I am now thinking of quitting Macs and going with Windows...probably a Surface Book. At least your expectations are lower and you don't feel cheated!!

 

[Ma2k5]

I ended up returning mine primarily due to the keyboard consistently getting stuck. Didn't like that the track pad was made bigger than it needed to be (and as a result, their is some palm rejection failure that didn't exist in previous MacBooks - 2014 was my favourite).

Really hoping on the next revision having a higher battery capacity and a much better keyboard experience.

 

[techortreat]

I ended up returning mine primarily due to the keyboard consistently getting stuck. Didn't like that the track pad was made bigger than it needed to be (and as a result, their is some palm rejection failure that didn't exist in previous MacBooks - 2014 was my favourite).

Really hoping on the next revision having a higher battery capacity and a much better keyboard experience.

They released a new version last month that is reported to have the next generation of the keyboard.
https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/7/1...keyboard-intel-core-i5-i7-kaby-lake-processor
Hopefully that's better. Would be good if there was an option to swap out the keyboard on the 2016 with the 2017
[doublepost=1500646263][/doublepost]

Apple same as many others uses refurbished components, so no surprise repaired units are more prone to failure. As with all mass produces products a level of failure is inherent, unfortunately your there now. Personally I've dropped Apple professionally not due to reliability issues, more poor design decisions.

Apple has never had great reliability with the 15" MBP, latest iteration seems to have it's own unique problems. I would keep taking the notebook back to Apple, elevate and request a replacement. Personally I wont entertain repair unless the components are proved to be new.

Q-6

Well, its been sent out to repair. i am sure they will return it with a replaced logic board. I guess, i'll try a different store next time.

 

[turbineseaplane]

OP - I hear you and agree with you… Per your post and like so many of us, you've had many many MacBooks over the years and basically none of them have been as flaky and frustrating as the new ones.

All the other changes aside about ports and keyboard, the dramatic decrease in reliability is what is alarming to me and really a complete non-starter.

I have a friend who professionally just works the hell out of his laptops and he was on a 2011 MacBook air forever with no issues other than pure age and went all in on a maxed out 13 inch… And lasted all of two months with two different visits to the Apple Store and he's actually back to a new MacBook Air.

He is now also in the camp where many of us are wishing they would just add a retina screen to the existing MacBook Air, and call it the MacBook SE

I really hope they get this fixed or there will be a lot of people that are going to be done with MacBooks because we were used to great reliability and that is literally the most important thing about a computer for professional users.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Every so often, a bad unit gets into consumer hands. It happens with cars and a myriad of other products.

As far as I know, Apple's policy is a full replacement after the third time.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Not sure if I am over-reacting. I bought a brand new Macbook Pro 15" with touchbar early January this year. So far I have been plagued with a host of issues - all random.
While I have got used to Apps crashing and suddenly losing internet connectivity and keyboard keys getting stuck, the worst was when I had to travel for work.
On the trip, the Macbook wouldn't boot up. No warning - just one fine day. Checked online and saw quite a few others have had similar problems

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7776594?start=0&tstart=0


I tried all kinds of support options listed then spoke to Apple support for several hours. Finally had to go to the store. They also tried variious tricks and finally sent it out for repair. checked if they can give me a loaner - But seems they don't do that. No swapping out the laptop either. So no computer for almost a week! I

I got it back with a replaced logic board. It worked fine for 2 months (of course with crashing apps, random slowness etc) . Yesterday it stopped charging - I went to the store - they tried a couple of other chargers, but didn't work.
Same thing - they said they have to send it out for repair.
So I have a laptop which I almost paid $3000 (with Apple Care) and its the most un-reliable Mac on earth.
I requested the store to at least swap the computer out this time. I explained to them, that if they even replace the logic board like they did the last time, i still wouldn't feel confident about the laptop. It might work for a month or two and then suddenly stop working probably when I need it the most.
The Genius bar guy says - well it worked fine for two months! wow.. what an answer Apple!!...never thought I'd hear something like this from you!!!
He checked with the store manager and some colleagues but all of them said this has to be sent for repair - and no replacement possible. So I am back to not having a laptop for about another week.

I have had several Macbooks over the years = a 2004 Powerbook, 2007 Macbook, 2009 Macbook, 2011 Macbook. Barring one incident of a battery change, I never had to take any of them to the store for repairs. I am now thinking of quitting Macs and going with Windows...probably a Surface Book. At least your expectations are lower and you don't feel cheated!!

Check out the newest Yoga 910. Has the latest i7 processor, 32gb RAM and 1tb SSD. The screen is every bit a good as any Apple laptop, it cost less and I could not be more happy. The 910 even has ports!

 

[andreyush]

Check out the newest Yoga 910. Has the latest i7 processor, 32gb RAM and 1tb SSD. The screen is every bit a good as any Apple laptop, it cost less and I could not be more happy. The 910 even has ports!

Windows? No ty.

In other news
Macbook Pro Retina Late 2013, Mid-2014 are the most stable models. No hardware issues, no heating problems. Hell even my mid-2012 is not showing signs that has aged. It works like new.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Windows? No ty.

In other news
Macbook Pro Retina Late 2013, Mid-2014 are the most stable models. No hardware issues, no heating problems. Hell even my mid-2012 is not showing signs that has aged. It works like new.

Nice cat. I have for the last 10 years used Apple hardware becuase of its quality. I had to use BootCamp becuase the software I needed would only run on Windows. But the new MBPro units with ports removed made me rethink and back to Wondows for me. Still love the hardware but I needed the ports and the Windows 10 Pro laptop did what I needed.

Still love Apple hardware except their laptops have lost me due to the competition.

Windows 10 Pro is very stable and runs my AutoCad, Office and Quickbooks Pro like no other. Still love Apple but we have taken a different path.

 

[noteple]

Over reacting ?
Is Apple allowed to have Laptops that may fail like other manufacturers ?
Do other Manufacturers have a multitude of Stores With onsite support staff ?
Would that staff spend hours with you trying to help ?
Do the other Stores That Don't exsist provide loaner Laptops ?

I will add that a laptop that is in for repair 3 or more times is usually replaced.

Give Apple a chance to make it right

Or not

 

[chino101]

My 2014 retina had to be replaced under warranty after 2 screen replacements (delaminating), failed hard drive, and a failed fan which caused a faulty logic board and battery.

The common denominator here is me. Maybe I'm the problem!

My 2007 MacBook Pro still runs like a charm with an SSD in it...

 

[DarkSel]

My Mid-2012 15" Retina was the most problematic computer I've ever owned. Everything from GPU failures to the screen coating delaminating. Sold it last year, good riddance.

Got a 2016 15" tbMBP and haven't looked back. No problems here.

 

[techortreat]

Every so often, a bad unit gets into consumer hands. It happens with cars and a myriad of other products.

As far as I know, Apple's policy is a full replacement after the third time.

Thanks. Good to know.

My Mid-2012 15" Retina was the most problematic computer I've ever owned. Everything from GPU failures to the screen coating delaminating. Sold it last year, good riddance.

Got a 2016 15" tbMBP and haven't looked back. No problems here.

Glad it's working for you. Must be a defective one that i received I guess.
[doublepost=1500705245][/doublepost]

Over reacting ?
Is Apple allowed to have Laptops that may fail like other manufacturers ?
Do other Manufacturers have a multitude of Stores With onsite support staff ?
Would that staff spend hours with you trying to help ?
Do the other Stores That Don't exsist provide loaner Laptops ?

I will add that a laptop that is in for repair 3 or more times is usually replaced.

Give Apple a chance to make it right

Or not

I don't disagree - but you expect nothing but the best from Apple. They have created a brand image, so better protect it. I remember on my 2011 Macbook, it was out of warranty and I took the laptop to the store for a battery issue. They opened up the laptop and found the battery had bloated up for some reason. The instant reaction from the support staff was - "It's not supposed to behave that way. It's unfair to charge you for it even though it's not under warranty" . I was blown away by the level of customer support and that cemented my already well rooted fanboy status!

As you said I can "wait" for it to fail a third time and then hope to get a replacement. But at that time, it's not just basic ethics not "Apple" grade customer service.
[doublepost=1500705780][/doublepost]

Nice cat. I have for the last 10 years used Apple hardware becuase of its quality. I had to use BootCamp becuase the software I needed would only run on Windows. But the new MBPro units with ports removed made me rethink and back to Wondows for me. Still love the hardware but I needed the ports and the Windows 10 Pro laptop did what I needed.

Still love Apple hardware except their laptops have lost me due to the competition.

Windows 10 Pro is very stable and runs my AutoCad, Office and Quickbooks Pro like no other. Still love Apple but we have taken a different path.

I have to use MS Outlook for work e-mail. Outlook for Windows works much better/faster than on my Mac even with it's 16GB RAM (Office for Mac). I did use Bootcamp for a while on my old laptop and it ran pretty well.

 

[bartvk]

I don't think you're overreacting to your particular situation, it just ducks when it happens to you.

Personally I think it's two things here. Firstly, it's plain bad luck. Secondly, the new generation of MBP is a first-generation product (well, now second-gen) and less reliable than long running series like the Air.

Before getting my 2016 MBP, I had a 2013 MBA. I love my new laptop, easily the most powerful I've ever owned. But that MBA was sooooo reliable.

 

[Canaria]

Over reacting ?
Is Apple allowed to have Laptops that may fail like other manufacturers ?
Do other Manufacturers have a multitude of Stores With onsite support staff ?
Would that staff spend hours with you trying to help ?
Do the other Stores That Don't exsist provide loaner Laptops ?

I will add that a laptop that is in for repair 3 or more times is usually replaced.

Give Apple a chance to make it right

Or not

I have no complaints at all regarding the service that Apple provides. Although a "genius" once forgot to reconnect the usb ports onto a replaced logic board. Had to drive the 40 km to the nearest store and back again, parking fees etc etc.

In my experience, other manufacturers do the same or better. No, Lenovo doesn't have own stores nor loaners, they don't need to. They send a technician to your office or home location who will repair or exchange the laptop. Next business day. Technician won't leave before the laptop is working again. Which means I don't have to travel thus saving me a lot of time and money. Ok, on-site means it'll cost you a cup of coffee and probably you have to stay at home/in the office.

 

[noteple]

In my experience, other manufacturers do the same or better. No, Lenovo doesn't have own stores nor loaners, they don't need to. They send a technician to your office or home location who will repair or exchange the laptop. Next business day. Technician won't leave before the laptop is working again. Which means I don't have to travel thus saving me a lot of time and money. Ok, on-site means it'll cost you a cup of coffee and probably you have to stay at home/in the office.

Apple has at last count over 400 locations across 22 countries

Haven't seen that many Asus Acer Dell Hp Lenovo Microsoft NEC Toshiba Samsung etc., Stores Even if you added them all together.

That leaves the consumer with carry in or mail in Depot repairs and only after an extensive phone interrogation to get past the warranty gatekeepers.

Yes I agree Some companies (Lenovo HP etc) may provide support through on site field technicians (parts swappers) but mostly only in major metropolitan areas.

Leaving retailers to fill in the gap mailing it off anyway to central service depots.

I had HP Make three visits to resolve a business laptop no display problem
First day was replace the Video card (LCD was not available). No fix
Next day was replace the LCD and upper housing assembly. Replacement panel had more dead Pixels than original. No fix
Third day was replace the LCD cable which was pinched in all the manipulation.
Debate over their dead pixel policy, unfruitful but expected.

Each day was spent babysitting the tech and listening to grunts and groans.

If you've seen laptops assembled and tested in a factory settings 'on sight' at my office or kitchen table is certainly not a clean room well lighted & grounded workbench experience.

To each his own

 

[dudeslife]

Over reacting ?
Is Apple allowed to have Laptops that may fail like other manufacturers ?
Do other Manufacturers have a multitude of Stores With onsite support staff ?
Would that staff spend hours with you trying to help ?
Do the other Stores That Don't exsist provide loaner Laptops ?

I will add that a laptop that is in for repair 3 or more times is usually replaced.

Give Apple a chance to make it right

Or not

Since this is the only thread about what cluster**** the new macbook pro 15 is, you must be right...

 

[groove-agent]

Apple charges a premium for their laptops, and it's fair to expect premium service - especially when you buy the Apple care.

Not sure if I am over-reacting. I bought a brand new Macbook Pro 15" with touchbar early January this year. So far I have been plagued with a host of issues - all random.
arring one incident of a battery change, I never had to take any of them to the store for repairs. I am now thinking of quitting Macs and going with Windows...probably a Surface Book. At least your expectations are lower and you don't feel cheated!!

 

[Ma2k5]

They released a new version last month that is reported to have the next generation of the keyboard.
https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/7/1...keyboard-intel-core-i5-i7-kaby-lake-processor
Hopefully that's better. Would be good if there was an option to swap out the keyboard on the 2016 with the 2017
[doublepost=1500646263][/doublepost]
Well, its been sent out to repair. i am sure they will return it with a replaced logic board. I guess, i'll try a different store next time.

That is actually the same keyboard (butterfly v2), that was already in the 2016 rMBP's but not in the rMB. Waiting on butterfly v3.

 

[benguild]

Macbook Pro Retina Late 2013, Mid-2014 are the most stable models. No hardware issues, no heating problems.

That depends on the configuration. I had a maxed out Late 2013 and it had a really long repair history.

 

[justperry]

Not sure if I am over-reacting.........I have had several Macbooks over the years = a 2004 Powerbook, 2007 Macbook, 2009 Macbook, 2011 Macbook. Barring one incident of a battery change, I never had to take any of them to the store for repairs. I am now thinking of quitting Macs and going with Windows...probably a Surface Book. At least your expectations are lower and you don't feel cheated!!

This is your second issue in all these years and might be switching to Windows, I think that's over reacting.

 

[GtrDude]

"Worst Mac I have owned - Macbook Pro 2016 with TouchBar"

Same here.
Had to return mine.
Can't live with this level of junk at those prices.
500 bucks, maybe, but at almost 3 THOUSAND dollars......heck no.
At least for me.
[doublepost=1500861878][/doublepost]

Check out the newest Yoga 910. Has the latest i7 processor, 32gb RAM and 1tb SSD. The screen is every bit a good as any Apple laptop, it cost less and I could not be more happy. The 910 even has ports!

Lol.....I got the Lenovo X1 Carbon.
Fantastic machine.
Love that thing.
Superb battery, amazing mouse, incredibly light and battery that last all day.

 

[tjleonard]

"Worst Mac I have owned - Macbook Pro 2016 with TouchBar"

Same here.
Had to return mine.
Can't live with this level of junk at those prices.
500 bucks, maybe, but at almost 3 THOUSAND dollars......heck no.
At least for me.
[doublepost=1500861878][/doublepost]


Lol.....I got the Lenovo X1 Carbon.
Fantastic machine.
Love that thing.
Superb batter, amazing mouse, incredibly light and batter that last all day.

I have both. The gen 5 X1 carbon doesn't have as good of a touch pad. I like the rest of the machine though.

 

[kingcodfish]

When did you send this computer in? A week is a bit much for these repairs. And they definitely do not offer replacements after one failed repair. That could just be a mistake from a repair technician who accidentally touched the logic board and fried it.