MBP 2015 failing, go with the 2017 or 2015 again?

[austyn23]

Hi there!

I´m a graphic designer and I use an iMac as primary machine. Also I have a macbook pro 15 2015 as second machine (I work away from home one month a year and need the 15 inch...).

The MBP is having some issues and Amazon offers me to refund the money.

The question is, should I buy again a 2015 (they still sell it new) or put 400dls more and go for a 2017 model?

Honestly is my second machine, don´t use it much and the 2015 covers my needs (it´s ok in speed, ram, etc). But maybe I can make the effort and jump to a new model, don´t know.

Also I thought I can sell the iMac and go for the MBP 2017 + external display (4k DELL, not going to pay the 5k Lg....). But I think I prefer having two working machines, in case any fails I have a backup one.

Any recommendations?

Thanks a lot!

 

[Fishrrman]

Before you replace it, could you tell us what's wrong with the 2015?

Is it a hardware or software issue?

 

[EugW]

If it’s going to be your primary machine and you’re selling the iMac to get it, then consider waiting a few months for the hex-core 15”.

 

[austyn23]

Before you replace it, could you tell us what's wrong with the 2015?

Is it a hardware or software issue?

Some flash screens like a video issue I think.

My primary machine is the iMac, and I think i´m going to stick to that... is a 2017 5k, it goes really well.

So my question is for the second machine, I like the 2015, but with amazon refunding the 100% the difference to a 2017 is only 400 dls... it´s tempting.

 

[MichaelDT]

I’d get the 2017, 2015 is good but lacks the newer ports usb-c which as time goes on will become annoying.

 

[jerryk]

If you can wait until summer. I would wait and see what the 2018 model has. Hopefully an improved keyboard. They may be announced at WWDC (June 4-8).

 

[austyn23]

If you can wait until summer. I would wait and see what the 2018 model has. Hopefully an improved keyboard. They may be announced at WWDC (June 4-8).

yes, is a good idea, but the difference will not be 400 dls... as a second machine I don´t need the latest (I think). 400 dls is a good price, but more is not worth it (the iMac is my beast for work 11 months a year).

 

[jerryk]

yes, is a good idea, but the difference will not be 400 dls... as a second machine I don´t need the latest (I think). 400 dls is a good price, but more is not worth it (the iMac is my beast for work 11 months a year).

No one knows what the price will be. Also, the new machines will likely have new processors that may enable you to get the same power for less than $400 dollars. And if you are really lucky they will have fixed the keyboard reliability issues.

 

[austyn23]

No one knows what the price will be. Also, the new machines will likely have new processors that may enable you to get the same power for less than $400 dollars. And if you are really lucky they will have fixed the keyboard reliability issues.

oh, i thought the keyboards problems were fixed in the 2017 models...

 

[jerryk]

oh, i thought the keyboards problems were fixed in the 2017 models...

They appear to be better. But, some are still reporting issues.

 

[austyn23]

Any experiences after 1 year or similar of use?

I have friends with the 2017 model but since a few months... the time is important, I see them so fragile...

 

[Naimfan]

oh, i thought the keyboards problems were fixed in the 2017 models...

Sadly, no. I have a 2017 15" that I bought six days ago and the "b" key is already failing - repeating or not registering.

So go with the 2015.

 

[jeyf]

stay away from the 2017 MBP

 

[smallcoffee]

Definitely do not buy the outdated 2015 model. Spend a little extra and get an up-to-date machine.

 

[Playfoot]

Well, as much as we have had, and continue to have issues with the new iteration of MBP, I am the opinion to purchase the newest tech and then use it for as long as possible. And definitely take the Apple Care option!

Having said that, try the keyboard so it is not a surprise to you!

 

[austyn23]

stay away from the 2017 MBP

Definitely do not buy the outdated 2015 model. Spend a little extra and get an up-to-date machine.

jaja the power of the opinions, of course all of them are ok, because is something personal.

I found a lot of problems with the keyboard, tons of posts, videos, etc... if you search for 2015 model issues, you´ll finde a lot yes, but no so many as the newest one, wow....

 

[TiggrToo]

Definitely do not buy the outdated 2015 model. Spend a little extra and get an up-to-date machine.

Sometimes it's better to go classic than new. Given the large number of keyboard issues folk seem to have with 2016 and 2027 keyboards, I'm happy to have brought me a 2015 in late 2016.

In addition, I got myself something that powerwise was better than a comparable new model for less - may not be as slim, have the USB C (with the associated more expensive docks) or 5K monitor output, but the 1TB drive, better CPU and still fully functional keyboard more than make up for that!

 

[austyn23]

Sometimes it's better to go classic than new. Given the large number of keyboard issues folk seem to have with 2016 and 2027 keyboards, I'm happy to have brought me a 2015 in late 2016.

In addition, I got myself something that powerwise was better than a comparable new model for less - may not be as slim, have the USB C (with the associated more expensive docks) or 5K monitor output, but the 1TB drive, better CPU and still fully functional keyboard more than make up for that!

Well in my case the MBP is the second machine, I use an iMac 2017 every day, and the MBP when I´m away from home (one month a year) or when I´m tyred of the desk and go to other place of the house... That´s why I think I´ll stick to the 2015 model.

The chance to get a 2017 model is because they can refund me the 100% of the 2015 money and for 400 more I can get the last one or just get a replacement of the 2015.

Always bought mac products in Amazon, they have a better problem solution policy. In this case my computer would be in the technical service if I had bought it in apple... no money refund or chance to get a new one.

 

[smallcoffee]

Sometimes it's better to go classic than new. Given the large number of keyboard issues folk seem to have with 2016 and 2027 keyboards, I'm happy to have brought me a 2015 in late 2016.

In addition, I got myself something that powerwise was better than a comparable new model for less - may not be as slim, have the USB C (with the associated more expensive docks) or 5K monitor output, but the 1TB drive, better CPU and still fully functional keyboard more than make up for that!

Sure but now is not the time. The 2015 is a poor recommendation.
[doublepost=1521108508][/doublepost]

jaja the power of the opinions, of course all of them are ok, because is something personal.

I found a lot of problems with the keyboard, tons of posts, videos, etc... if you search for 2015 model issues, you´ll finde a lot yes, but no so many as the newest one, wow....

Do what you want. It’s mostly an opinion, but some of it is factual (better components etc.). If you want a 2015 and 3-year old components and whatnot go for it.

 

[austyn23]

Do what you want. It’s mostly an opinion, but some of it is factual (better components etc.). If you want a 2015 and 3-year old components and whatnot go for it.

Yes, of course, the 2015 model can be OK I think until this year... technology improves every moment, I think that the next mbp (maybe the 2019) will kill the 2015 model, keyboard and ports issues apart, the base components will make the old not an option.

 

[smallcoffee]

Yes, of course, the 2015 model can be OK I think until this year... technology improves every moment, I think that the next mbp (maybe the 2019) will kill the 2015 model, keyboard and ports issues apart, the base components will make the old not an option.

Well it depends. Will the 2015 technically work for a lot of use cases? Sure. I use one at work and it’s mostly ok. But if we are talking about what should I buy? Then the 2015 is a non-starter. It’s too old.

 

[TiggrToo]

Sure but now is not the time. The 2015 is a poor recommendation.
[doublepost=1521108508][/doublepost]

Do what you want. It’s mostly an opinion, but some of it is factual (better components etc.). If you want a 2015 and 3-year old components and whatnot go for it.

Oddly I see an awful lot of people still recommending the 2015 here at MR due to the issues on the newer MBPs...

 

[smallcoffee]

Oddly I see an awful lot of people still recommending here at MR due to the issues on the newer MBPs...

A lot of people make poor recommendations all the time. The only reasonable complaint I’ve seen has been a physical hardware failure of the keyboard. But if it’s going to fail most likely it’ll fail in the first year. And besides that there haven’t really been any issues that don’t occasionally occur in Apple products. They don’t produce defect-free devices all the time.

The 2015 model was fine but it is no longer a responsible recommendation.

 

[csurfr]

A lot of people make poor recommendations all the time. The only reasonable complaint I’ve seen has been a physical hardware failure of the keyboard. But if it’s going to fail most likely it’ll fail in the first year. And besides that there haven’t really been any issues that don’t occasionally occur in Apple products. They don’t produce defect-free devices all the time.

The 2015 model was fine but it is no longer a responsible recommendation.

So I had some issues with High Sierra and Illustrator CC 2017/2018 and ended up returning my 2017 13" Pro this morning. . . I had briefly considered getting the 2015, even though I haven't had any issues with the 2017 Models that I have owned.

After reading your posts I thought the same thing. . Why buy something that's nearly 3 years old (released May 2015) unless you absolutely must have the ports and loathe dongles @ your desk.

I ended up with the 2017 15" 2.9/16/512/Radeon 560. I'm certain it will do more that what I need. Hell, it's faster than my 5k iMac. Add AppleCare+ and call it a day. Arrives tomorrow.

 

[Naimfan]

So I had some issues with High Sierra and Illustrator CC 2017/2018 and ended up returning my 2017 13" Pro this morning. . . I had briefly considered getting the 2015, even though I haven't had any issues with the 2017 Models that I have owned.

After reading your posts I thought the same thing. . Why buy something that's nearly 3 years old (released May 2015) unless you absolutely must have the ports and loathe dongles @ your desk.

I ended up with the 2017 15" 2.9/16/512/Radeon 560. I'm certain it will do more that what I need. Hell, it's faster than my 5k iMac. Add AppleCare+ and call it a day. Arrives tomorrow.

Just don't heat it up by asking it to, you know, do anything . . .