Buy MBP 2016 or wait for 2017

[thesaint024]

You don't?

Thank you very much! That's exceptionally magnanimous of you...

You are right, it's a ridiculous thing to say, but I feel I need to make these disclaimers to show people I don't care what they end up buying. I just think it's a disservice to completely write off one very attractive option that someone may be considering as a result of MR forum noise. In the end, we should all get what works best whether it be a MBP16, 2015, or even a PC! It's a pretty sizable investment after all.

 

[lalo lalo]

my 2 cents,

I owned a 2012 non retina 15 inch mbp, souped up with dual drives, max ram etc. I was getting tired of the size and particularly the weight so around 2015 I sold it thinking "hey a new update is soon to come for this model, so much rumours so much wow" guess what I waited about a year+ for this darn update and got the 2016 15 inch. Im very much happy with my machine, about a month in of owning it there were already rumours of updates, better this and that. there is always going to be better tech coming out "soon", if you have a machine that works just wait and if you don't have one go for what is out now because by the time they release that "soon updated version 2" they are already going to announce the next thing.

 

[Naimfan]

I just think it's a disservice to completely write off one . . . option that someone may be considering as a result of MR forum noise.

(Emphasis added.)

Ordinarily I would agree. However, it's not just "MR forum noise." Take a look at Apple's own support forums - there's an even higher percentage of people having issues (which stands to reason).

As someone who can't afford any time to be a beta tester, I cannot recommend the 2016 at all.

 

[Sanpete]

it's not just "MR forum noise." Take a look at Apple's own support forums - there's an even higher percentage of people having issues (which stands to reason).

Just as much noise there as anywhere else. What percentage of people are having issues?

 

[Dingado]

What would you guys recommend if I need a Macbook Pro mid September AT THE LATEST? Any chance the new models will be released before then or am I seriously gonna end up buying a Macbook Pro only for them to release a new version the month after?

 

[Sanpete]

What would you guys recommend if I need a Macbook Pro mid September AT THE LATEST? Any chance the new models will be released before then or am I seriously gonna end up buying a Macbook Pro only for them to release a new version the month after?

No one knows. I'd guess October again, only because it was October last time, and it's good timing for holidays sales.

 

[thesaint024]

(Emphasis added.)

Ordinarily I would agree. However, it's not just "MR forum noise." Take a look at Apple's own support forums - there's an even higher percentage of people having issues (which stands to reason).

As someone who can't afford any time to be a beta tester, I cannot recommend the 2016 at all.

Interesting perspective. Sure, we can assume this anecdotal data you're referring to is indicative of all MBP sales, or you can believe that they are for the most part fine. Again, a new buyer can take a look for themselves and simply consider one, or do as you suggest and completely write off the latest MBP because of the overly loud scare stories. I still don't get why some people are so intent on making sure people don't even look at one. Doesn't affect me either way, so people can make their own determination if they are even worth a look. After having mine since the first week of release, I have to say it's even better than already good initial impressions.

 

[lalo lalo]

What would you guys recommend if I need a Macbook Pro mid September AT THE LATEST? Any chance the new models will be released before then or am I seriously gonna end up buying a Macbook Pro only for them to release a new version the month after?

What would you guys recommend if I need a Macbook Pro mid September AT THE LATEST? Any chance the new models will be released before then or am I seriously gonna end up buying a Macbook Pro only for them to release a new version the month after?

if you are going to wait 7 months you might as well wait 8. if you already have a machine that works your wait will be easier. it is impossible to know when the new updates will arrive rumours are not announcements, just remember how many events went by until they finally debuted the new MBP.

other things to think about are:
A. is 32 GB ram really necessary? unless of course this will be your desktop replacement and even then you will be better off buying a refurbished 5K 27 inch iMac with user upgradable RAM over dishing out an extra grand for configuration upgrades.
B. kaby lake processor over skyline,is the speed improvement really that noticeable and worth it? unless you reach a real 10+ hour battery life or the machine gets a bigger battery which I doubt.
C. butterfly keyboard seems like is here to stay (still getting used to it)
D. thunderbolt is the God send for targetdiskmode or network connecting your MBP and iMac for either file transfers and or screen sharing. (oomph oomph)

 

[smirking]

Like every first iteration of a new design, expect to see a significant speed and performance bump in version 2, with all those quirks ironed out too.

Uhm... where will the significant speed bump come from? The processor pipeline isn't what it used to be.

 

[Dingado]

if you are going to wait 7 months you might as well wait 8. if you already have a machine that works your wait will be easier. it is impossible to know when the new updates will arrive rumours are not announcements, just remember how many events went by until they finally debuted the new MBP.

other things to think about are:
A. is 32 GB ram really necessary? unless of course this will be your desktop replacement and even then you will be better off buying a refurbished 5K 27 inch iMac with user upgradable RAM over dishing out an extra grand for configuration upgrades.
B. kaby lake processor over skyline,is the speed improvement really that noticeable and worth it? unless you reach a real 10+ hour battery life or the machine gets a bigger battery which I doubt.
C. butterfly keyboard seems like is here to stay (still getting used to it)
D. thunderbolt is the God send for targetdiskmode or network connecting your MBP and iMac for either file transfers and or screen sharing. (oomph oomph)

Thanks for writing out this.

So if I am not interested in 32 GB of ram and not needing the faster processor, there is little to no reason to wait?

I COULD potentially wait, but I would be stuck with a horrible Windows PC for the beginning of my grad program, and I just want something reliable and enjoyable from the beginning, instead of having to struggle the first month and then have to switch out everything when I finally do buy the Mac.

You don't think there are gonna be any other updates? Price reduction? New generation butterfly keyboard?

 

[smirking]

I COULD potentially wait, but I would be stuck with a horrible Windows PC for the beginning of my grad program, and I just want something reliable and enjoyable from the beginning, instead of having to struggle the first month and then have to switch out everything when I finally do buy the Mac.

If that's the case, don't wait. Just get it now. You don't want to be all confused from switching platforms in the middle of a term.

The problems people have with the machine are a bit overblown. The one legitimate gripe I'd sign off on is that it's too expensive, but otherwise, it's a mighty fine laptop. I have a 15" 2016 and have no serious problems. There are a few annoying software related glitches, but they're not major and these things usually get ironed out with system updates within a few months.

 

[Dingado]

If that's the case, don't wait. Just get it now. You don't want to be all confused from switching platforms in the middle of a term.

The problems people have with the machine are a bit overblown. The one legitimate gripe I'd sign off on is that it's too expensive, but otherwise, it's a mighty fine laptop. I have a 15" 2016 and have no serious problems. There are a few annoying software related glitches, but they're not major and these things usually get ironed out with system updates within a few months.

Thank you, smirking, for your inputs.
Now I just need to decide between the 2015 15" MBP base vs the 2016 13" no touch base. I am guessing I would like the bigger screen in some cases, but the majority of the better screen, speakers, trackpad and portability of the 13"..

I do feel more confident in the 2016 lineup. Although the touch bar version still seem to get quite a few negs on its battery life - good thing I'm pretty set on the non touch

 

[thesaint024]

Thanks for writing out this.

So if I am not interested in 32 GB of ram and not needing the faster processor, there is little to no reason to wait?

I COULD potentially wait, but I would be stuck with a horrible Windows PC for the beginning of my grad program, and I just want something reliable and enjoyable from the beginning, instead of having to struggle the first month and then have to switch out everything when I finally do buy the Mac.

You don't think there are gonna be any other updates? Price reduction? New generation butterfly keyboard?

Price reduction, probably. Think $100-$200. Better battery life, up to 10%-ish. Butterfly keyboard, doubtful but who knows. Most (from what I can tell and personal experience) are pretty happy with it now. Don't expect the things people bitch about though, no changes in ports or suddenly able to run like an iMac or return of a glowing logo or MBA battery life or anything else significantly different. Not an insider, just a fortune teller like the rest, based on historical Mac updates.

As far as holding on to your horrible PC, depends on your tolerance and how much crap you need to port over. I can see that changing mid-year would be inconvenient for a student, but maybe your contents are pretty light. 15" and 13" are two different animals. I would never buy a 15 because I usually dock at my desk. 13 form factor is for travel and mobility. It would be different if it was my only computer and I didn't have an external monitor, then it would be 15. We all have opinions about 2015 vs. 2016 but either will work for the next 3 years. If you want to go beyond, I personally think the TB3 is going to be a big deal, but who knows right?

 

[Dingado]

Price reduction, probably. Think $100-$200. Better battery life, up to 10%-ish. Butterfly keyboard, doubtful but who knows. Most (from what I can tell and personal experience) are pretty happy with it now. Don't expect the things people bitch about though, no changes in ports or suddenly able to run like an iMac or return of a glowing logo or MBA battery life or anything else significantly different. Not an insider, just a fortune teller like the rest, based on historical Mac updates.

As far as holding on to your horrible PC, depends on your tolerance and how much crap you need to port over. I can see that changing mid-year would be inconvenient for a student, but maybe your contents are pretty light. 15" and 13" are two different animals. I would never buy a 15 because I usually dock at my desk. 13 form factor is for travel and mobility. It would be different if it was my only computer and I didn't have an external monitor, then it would be 15. We all have opinions about 2015 vs. 2016 but either will work for the next 3 years. If you want to go beyond, I personally think the TB3 is going to be a big deal, but who knows right?

Thanks! This will be my only computer and will have to act as my workstation as well as my entertainment system. However, I will be commuting 45 minutes to and from campus, be away most of the day and possibly bring the computer everywhere I go.
So therein lies my dilemma.. I wish I could get the screen and performance but with the portability and price point of the 13".. However, that is not possible.
So I am now trying to make up my mind whether I want portability and battery life more (10-12 hours vs what I am assuming is 7-8 hours on the 15" 2015) or if I want the ability to play a game once in a while and be a better typewriter and TV substitute.
I feel like I would miss out on the speakers, the trackpad and the screen if I go with the 2015 15". I don't really use any ports and my work does not involve anything taxing. I will not have a monitor available ..

 

[smirking]

I do feel more confident in the 2016 lineup. Although the touch bar version still seem to get quite a few negs on its battery life - good thing I'm pretty set on the non touch

The battery life concerns are one of those overblown concerns. I'm able to get 6-7 hours running some battery killing developer apps on it. With less demanding things, I should be able to get the advertised 10 hours of usage time.

 

[lalo lalo]

Thanks for writing out this.

So if I am not interested in 32 GB of ram and not needing the faster processor, there is little to no reason to wait?

I COULD potentially wait, but I would be stuck with a horrible Windows PC for the beginning of my grad program, and I just want something reliable and enjoyable from the beginning, instead of having to struggle the first month and then have to switch out everything when I finally do buy the Mac.

You don't think there are gonna be any other updates? Price reduction? New generation butterfly keyboard?

there will always be updates, and units get a significant price reduction after they announce they new model's release date. The increase in performance probably won't be huge, it really is up to you if you want to wait at least 8 months to get the new laptop. i think it all comes down to your usage experience, time is important especially in a university environment you want something that will response quickly when needed.

i also agree with Dingado

"If that's the case, don't wait. Just get it now. You don't want to be all confused from switching platforms in the middle of a term."