Hello,
I have a hard time deciding between the 15-inch MacBook Pro, 2015 versus 2016 (base models).
Recently my 15-inch 2011 MacBook Pro drew its last breath. It served me well for all these years, but unable to repair it myself and the repair cost being more than € 1200, I decided it would be time to replace it.
Now there is a big price difference first of all: € 2250 (2015) versus € 2700 (2016) for a new one, where I live. My first thought would be to go for the newest model, because it is, well, the newest one. but I would like your guys opinions as I keep having doubts in my mind.
Now here are some things to keep in mind;
- Design: I have a very weak spot when it comes to design. Design-wise, I would get a 2016 model in space gray right away. I like the overall design of the new model a lot more, from the new colourway to the trackpack, keyboard and smaller bezels. Pity the illuminated logo is gone though. But is the design, including it being lighter and more compact, worth the price premium? Touch bar is nice, but mostly seems like a gimmick at the moment.
- Performance: I would use the machine for web browsing but also tasks such as photo and video editing (Photoshop -including raw editing-, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, After Effects). Playing some video games would be a plus, but not a requirement as this is not what the thing is made for. No dual-boot Windows or anything like that. Planning to connect it to my UHD screen while at home. The improved screen would be nice as I love pleasing colours and aesthetics in general, but if I were to buy the 2015 model, I probably will not even notice what I am missing unless I compare it to a newer model directly.
- I/O: 2015 ports would be more useful as of right now, but having to buy a couple of dongles or a dock would be something I would be okay with. I would have preferred the 2016 design with the old ports, but it is not a dealbreaker per se. I am okay with waiting for better USB-C solutions to come around, as I am not a student having to carry my laptop and the dongles around daily, or something like that.
- Battery life: not too important for me personally.
I just cannot make a decision. When I go to one store the guy tells me I should get the new one if I want faster rendering times at video editing and such. Guy at another store tells me I would be okay with the older model. I am just afraid to make the wrong decision… I need this laptop to be my daily driver for at least five years or so, as my last one did, and this thought kind of scared me to buy a laptop labeled "2015". Because I still need it to be able to perform the previously listed tasks decently, even after a couple of years of use. I am willing to save up and spend the extra money, but only if it is worth it. Keep in mind, I have not had a new MacBook Pro or any Apple product for that matter since 2011, so I am not worrying trying to decide whether to upgrade from last-gen.
I have a hard time deciding between the 15-inch MacBook Pro, 2015 versus 2016 (base models).
Recently my 15-inch 2011 MacBook Pro drew its last breath. It served me well for all these years, but unable to repair it myself and the repair cost being more than € 1200, I decided it would be time to replace it.
Now there is a big price difference first of all: € 2250 (2015) versus € 2700 (2016) for a new one, where I live. My first thought would be to go for the newest model, because it is, well, the newest one. but I would like your guys opinions as I keep having doubts in my mind.
Now here are some things to keep in mind;
- Design: I have a very weak spot when it comes to design. Design-wise, I would get a 2016 model in space gray right away. I like the overall design of the new model a lot more, from the new colourway to the trackpack, keyboard and smaller bezels. Pity the illuminated logo is gone though. But is the design, including it being lighter and more compact, worth the price premium? Touch bar is nice, but mostly seems like a gimmick at the moment.
- Performance: I would use the machine for web browsing but also tasks such as photo and video editing (Photoshop -including raw editing-, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, After Effects). Playing some video games would be a plus, but not a requirement as this is not what the thing is made for. No dual-boot Windows or anything like that. Planning to connect it to my UHD screen while at home. The improved screen would be nice as I love pleasing colours and aesthetics in general, but if I were to buy the 2015 model, I probably will not even notice what I am missing unless I compare it to a newer model directly.
- I/O: 2015 ports would be more useful as of right now, but having to buy a couple of dongles or a dock would be something I would be okay with. I would have preferred the 2016 design with the old ports, but it is not a dealbreaker per se. I am okay with waiting for better USB-C solutions to come around, as I am not a student having to carry my laptop and the dongles around daily, or something like that.
- Battery life: not too important for me personally.
I just cannot make a decision. When I go to one store the guy tells me I should get the new one if I want faster rendering times at video editing and such. Guy at another store tells me I would be okay with the older model. I am just afraid to make the wrong decision… I need this laptop to be my daily driver for at least five years or so, as my last one did, and this thought kind of scared me to buy a laptop labeled "2015". Because I still need it to be able to perform the previously listed tasks decently, even after a couple of years of use. I am willing to save up and spend the extra money, but only if it is worth it. Keep in mind, I have not had a new MacBook Pro or any Apple product for that matter since 2011, so I am not worrying trying to decide whether to upgrade from last-gen.
- Which one would you guys recommend? Why?
- When it comes down to performance solely - is the 2015 model still future-proof?
- Is there even a noticable performance difference?