MacBook Pro 15 2016 or 2017 help

[darkstar710]

I hope I can get some advice from everyone. I currently have a 2016 MacBook Pro 13" with 512GB HD and 16GB memory. I now would like a larger display for my needs, so I would like to buy either a 2016 or 2017 MacBook Pro 15”. I do some photo editing and have a VMware nested lab setup with 2 ESXi hosts, a vCenter server, a DC, and a Win10 VMs via Fusion. It runs OK on my 13" as it's just a lab for VMware certification. I am still going to need the 512GB HD. My options are:

1. A refurbished 2016 MacBook Pro 15” with 512GB HD from Apple at $2209

2. A 2107 special build 2.8GHz with the 256GB HD upgraded to 512GB HD for $2599

3. A 2.9GHz with the standard 512GB HD for $2799


I am looking more towards the first two to save some money. The 2016 refurbished is $390 less than the 2.8GHz special build from Apple, but should I spend the extra money for the 2017, 2.8 or 2.9 GHz?

Thanks for your advice!

 

[Trey M]

My personal advice on processor upgrades: don't waste the money! Especially not for a performance improvement of .1GHz....1GHz is such a nominal difference that will likely not be realized in real world usage. I got the 2.9 but honestly just did it since I was spending so much already. If I could go back in time I'd get the 2.8 and call it a day.

I'd recommend option number 2. The main reason would be the keyboard changes between the 2016 & 2017 models. Apple refers to both as "Butterfly Generation 2" however there are documented differences between the keycaps used in both models due to a number of complaints with the 2016 machines. One of the main complaints was loud, sticky keys on 2016 models. The overall consensus on the forum is that this issue has been solved in 2017 models.

Aside from that, if you can live with that potential issue go ahead and get the 2016 and save some money. There will be performance improvements in the Kaby Lake chips present in 2017 machines, but not anything revolutionary. All other components are identical so you're really paying for just the processor and the tweaked keyboard.

 

[Earsly]

BH is selling a brand new 2016 MB Pro 15" 2.7ghz 512 GB for $2099.

 

[PBz]

Option 2

 

[polbit]

Option 3 has the GPU upgrade as well - AMD 560 with 4Gb VRAM vs AMD 555 2Gb VRAM. In my opinion, well worth it.

 

[darkstar710]

Thanks for your replies! I think you are right about getting version 2 of everything, especially the keyboard. With Best Buy honoring discounts from other retail stores like Amazon, option 3 now looks really good. Amazon has the 2.9 GHz for $2649.99, $150 off, which the difference from option 2 and 3 is only $200. So for an additional $50, I can get the 2.9 GHz from Best Buy.

Again, thanks for your replies!!