Buying a 2015 MBP in 2018?

[katp97]

Hey!

so I posted a thread here a few weeks ago about what specs I should go with buying a 2017 MBP nTB model, and somebody suggested that instead of the 2017 models, I should consider the 2015 models. As I'd probably have to fork out $700 for keyboard repairs, which seem to be a recurring problem on both 2016 and 2017 models as well.

I was just wondering if it was still worth buying a 2015 model? or should I stick with my original plan and buy a 2017 nTB model? I'm just worried that it's already been 3 years and it wouldn't be up to speed with other laptops and that it wouldn't last that long.

I've found a reasonably fair deal on a 2015 13.3" MBP model for $950-$1,000 w/ 512GB SSD, 8GB RAM and 2.9GHz. Edit: the laptop has about 226 battery cycles

I plan be using the laptop for the basic school things as I'm going to uni next year, a bit of light gaming, and some light photoshop and video editing.

Does anyone with a 2015 MBP at the moment that could help? Or maybe list the pros and cons of buying a 2015 MBP vs. the 2017 MBPs? Thanks!!!

 

[Hand_Model]

Wait for the 2018 MBP, hopefully the keyboard issues will be fixed. I regret buying a 2016/2017 MBP.

 

[katp97]

Wait for the 2018 MBP, hopefully the keyboard issues will be fixed. I regret buying a 2016/2017 MBP.

When do those come out? I heard it won't be until WWDC 2018 in June, and I'm not sure if I can hold out that long.

 

[Fishrrman]

Buy the 2015 or wait for the 2018 updates.

Too many problems with the 2016-17 keyboards to "take the chance", IMO...

 

[snortpig]

Someone more knowledgable can chime in but I don't think the performance changed very drastically from 2015 to 2017, and I think CPU speeds are increasing so slowly these days that even the 2015 won't be "obsolete" for quite some time.

 

[Wags]

Geekbench shows about 10-15% for single core and 20-25%. So probably not noticeable unless really pushing machine. Lots of issues 2016/2017 and who knows when 2018’s and what changes. Also have seen in refurb store. 2015 great design.

 

[groove-agent]

I thought MR mentioned at some point we could see a 2018 refresh in Feb/March. However there is no sign of that so maybe it will be WWDC.

That's a long time to wait. Apple refreshes are few and far between these days. I had to go out and hackintosh a Dell XPS because I just couldn't wait for Apple any longer, and I too couldn't take a chance on the 2016/2017 keyboards. I almost had a refurbished 2015, but had problems justifying a $3000 (CDN) used machine with scratches on it.

It sucks being trapped in the Apple eco-system with little or no options.

 

[MichaelDT]

I don't think the 2015 is slow per say, it will just be crippled in years to come as usb-c and thunderbolt 3 spread. Think buying a USB 2.0 computer at the dawn of USB 3.0. It's a dumb idea.

I have a 2017, no issues with they keyboard at all. I type on it constantly and live in a dusty pet hair filled environment for what its worth. I think it is a fantastic laptop.

Worst case, if you're paranoid buy a 2012 MBP as a burner computer for a few months for a few hundred. Then turn around and sell it when the 2018s are released

 

[Hand_Model]

I have a 2017, no issues with they keyboard at all. I type on it constantly and live in a dusty pet hair filled environment for what its worth. I think it is a fantastic laptop.

I have a launch 2016 MBP, which worked perfectly until last week. Don't jinx yourself. My space bar intermittently works, same goes for the B and H keys. I've never owned a computer where the keyboard stops working after 16 months.

 

[snortpig]

I thought MR mentioned at some point we could see a 2018 refresh in Feb/March. However there is no sign of that so maybe it will be WWDC.

That's a long time to wait. Apple refreshes are few and far between these days. I had to go out and hackintosh a Dell XPS because I just couldn't wait for Apple any longer, and I too couldn't take a chance on the 2016/2017 keyboards. I almost had a refurbished 2015, but had problems justifying a $3000 (CDN) used machine with scratches on it.

It sucks being trapped in the Apple eco-system with little or no options.

I'm pretty sure the Apple refurbs come with new, scratch-free cases and screens. I know what you mean though. I'm going to hold out a little bit longer before buying a 2015 13"

 

[katp97]

I have a launch 2016 MBP, which worked perfectly until last week. Don't jinx yourself. My space bar intermittently works, same goes for the B and H keys. I've never owned a computer where the keyboard stops working after 16 months.

So you reckon it's still worth it to buy a 2017 MBP? or hold out until the 2018 models are released?

 

[MichaelDT]

I have a launch 2016 MBP, which worked perfectly until last week. Don't jinx yourself. My space bar intermittently works, same goes for the B and H keys. I've never owned a computer where the keyboard stops working after 16 months.

Meh, I hope that doesn’t happen but even if it did I’ve got AppleCare+ on it because I was afraid I might drop it on the cement floor at work.

 

[Wags]

I'm pretty sure the Apple refurbs come with new, scratch-free cases and screens. I know what you mean though. I'm going to hold out a little bit longer before buying a 2015 13"

On refurb store for $929 right now.

 

[snortpig]

On refurb store for $929 right now.

... and just like that, gone again (on Canadian store, anyway).

If 2018 adds quad-core and fixes the keyboard reliability then it would be nice to have the TB3 going forward. I can wait a bit longer.

 

[Wags]

... and just like that, gone again (on Canadian store, anyway).

If 2018 adds quad-core and fixes the keyboard reliability then it would be nice to have the TB3 going forward. I can wait a bit longer.

Not sure about the ntb getting quad core. The keyboards are the biggest issue for me. Don’t want to enter the lottery or always wonder if/when. Would have AppleCare either way but plan on keeping longer than 3 years.

 

[snortpig]

Not sure about the ntb getting quad core. The keyboards are the biggest issue for me. Don’t want to enter the lottery or always wonder if/when. Would have AppleCare either way but plan on keeping longer than 3 years.

Not sure what I'll do if I have to decide between escape key and quad core. I really like the mac ecosystem but I also use linux regularly so there's always the XPS route.