Resolved Non Retina MPB 15in (2012) vs 2015 MBP Advice

[Orange Turtle]

Originally posted this elsewhere, better fits here. Sorry about that.

I currently have a non retina 15" Macbook Pro (2012) 2.3ghz. I have 16gb ram and put in a 1tb SSD. I like the machine, but it is a little on the bigger side at this point. Machine is still in great condition and I love how easy it as to upgrade everything. But, I've also been told that my CPU is what ages my machine the most.

I am debating keeping it for another year or considering selling it and getting a 15" 2015 MBP 16gb ram 512 ssd (2.2ghz).

I really think the 2015 model is the best one Apple has made (no need for touchbar and the keyboard is great), but I am trying to figure out the computing difference and weigh any other differences (obviously the ssd would have half the storage space).

I've looked at geekbench- but a lot of that is over my head. I did an iMovie comparison on a 40 minute video and the 2015 machine did it in 3mins 45 seconds, where the 2012 model was 7mins 45 seconds. The screen on the 2012 is still really nice, that doesn't bother me.

Are these two machines that different in their speed and ability? What Else should I be considering at this point when deciding about the upgrade?

I think I could still probably sell the 2012 for about $600-$800 and the 2015 is running around $1,000 to $1,300 used. That's about a $400-$600 difference. Should I sell the 2012 before no one wants to buy it anymore? Wait a year and then do it? Or is this price difference enough to justify the upgrade now?

Would love any and all (appropriate) opinions and advice.

 

[happygodavid]

Hey there. I'll paste what I wrote to another forum user and then add to it.

"I used to work at Apple retail, and here's how we would help you:

What will you use this Mac for? Is your primary use video editing, Photoshop, video games, or music production? Get a 15 inch with dedicated graphics card (and don't upgrade the processor unless you'll be using it for more than 3 years for any of said functions). Is your primary use internet, email, documents, and/or photo organization? A 13 inch (possibly even a Macbook or Macbook Air) will do just fine. For either the 13 or 15, max out the RAM if you plan on keeping your computer 3+ years, and upgrade to the largest HD you think you might possibly use. Tons of photos and videos? Look at a 1TB or larger."

Ok, now for your "personalized" answer. I've done the math on upgrading Macs, and there's a couple of ways to do it. One is to buy a Mac, keep it as long as possible, sell it for a few hundred bucks on eBay, and then drop a lot of cash on a new one. The other way (and this is what several folks at my old store would do) is to buy a new model once a year. Sell the Mac before the 1 year warranty is out and it drops in value even more. The new owner knows they've at least got some warranty coverage.

Personally, if I were you, I would keep my current machine, save money, and buy a new model MBP when I could afford it (follow the above logic to decide which one). The primary reasons being that 1) you'll have more power for longer and 2) your Mac will retain its value a little longer. If budget is a primary concern, consider a refurbished Mac from the Apple Online Store. Same warranty as a new one, and you have the option of purchasing AppleCare (strongly recommend this).

Hope that helps!

 

[Orange Turtle]

Thank you for the response. I do a little video editing from time to time and I play retro video games on an emulator, but nothing too intense. The rest tends to be internet, using docs and watching some video and photo organization.

I agree that the newer models won't be replaced as soon, but I feel like the sticker shock is pretty hefty (even at the refurb store at this point). I also agree on the update factor (get rid of a device before it gets too old and has no value). I can't quite afford the update every year thing, but feel like the 2012 model is starting to run on borrowed time when it comes to any sort of resale value- so jumping to the 2015 might be the sweet spot (plus the 2016/17 keyboards seemed to be problematic. The key is trying to find a 2015 with a 512 ssd for around $1100-$1200.

 

[organicCPU]

I do have both of these models with different specs. For your use case I wouldn't recommend an upgrade, because these models do perform quite similar. IMHO, just 8 minutes to wait for 40 minutes of video is still quite fast. I agree with @happygodavid to safe the money for a current model. The 2012 can even run macOS Mojave. No need to worry.

 

[Orange Turtle]

Thank you for the feedback and advice. I've made my decision.

The main influences were: My current 2012 model is getting to a point it will be hard to sell if I keep it much longer, I do not like the keyboards after 2015, dongles and lack of mag safe 2 on the newer models are a bummer and the cost to upgrade to a 2015 model is going to likely be about $400.

So, while I was advised to save up for a 2018 model, I think I am going to make the 2015 upgrade. Looks like I can get the 2015 rMBP for about $1,100 (with a 512gb ssd). So I am going to sell my 2012 non retina MBP while it still has some value. That was really the deciding factor. Chances are Mojave will be the last operating system it can be updated.

Thanks again happygodavid and organicCPU for your input. It was valued!