Upgraded to a Macbook Pro... 2015

[CrazyForCashews]

My first Apple laptop was the MacBook Air which I bought about 5 years ago, and it introduced to me what Apple was all about. The design, the quality, and the superb blend of useful features made me a convert from the Windows world and I never looked back since. Everything from the great keyboard, excellent trackpad, a list of useful ports (especially MAGSAFE), I couldn't really criticize the Air in anyway.

But one thing slowly kept nagging me about the MacBook Air over time. The screen. The screen was passable back in the day when the Air released but in the past couple of years it's just crap, especially compared to literally everything else with a screen that's been released. I avoided using my MacBook Air just because of the low quality screen and the strain it put on my eyes from reading things on it.

Now I was in a dilemma, should I just suck it up and keep using the Air even though it worked perfectly fine? Or should I upgrade? Upgrade I did, eventually. After many trips to Best Buy and testing out Apple's MacBook and new MacBook Pro's, I always left with disappointment.

Apple's new Macbook's/Pro's are a downgrade to the MacBook Air in almost every-way. From the keyboard, to the trackpad (because of its monstrous size), to the I/O, all of the Air's positive and useful features were scrapped. One step forward, three steps back, yikes. A laptop's fundamental and most important features are its keyboard, its trackpad, and its ports. For these reasons, even the Air still passes with flying colours to this day.

Now there was only one option left for me, get the last, greatest MacBook Apple ever released. The 2015 MacBook Pro. After spending a considerable amount of time researching on getting a great deal, I finally picked up the 2015 MacBook Pro, and I absolutely love it. It's an upgrade to the Air in many ways and it's money well spent. I thought the weight difference would be noticeable between the two, but it really isn't. That force touch trackpad is wizardry, I can't go back to mechanical trackpads now. And that screen, finally. This is what I wanted. I've now seen the light.

TLDR; OP had a long relationship with the MacBook Air and loved it very much, but because of one major issue with it that kept on bothering him (its face), OP broke up with the MacBook Air and is now in bed with the 2015 MacBook Pro and couldn't be happier.

 

[Closingracer]

Eh keyboard issue or none I actually have no issues with the new pros . MagSafe was nice but USB C is the future and it’s nice Apple is using a standard port vs making their own . I honestly use one adapter and that’s for a mouse when I play a few games. Other then that I use usb C for my iPhone and charging. The trackpad is huge but I actually gotten used to it. Never have an issue with it now

 

[Glmnet1]

As long as you got a really good deal and did not pay anywhere near the price Apple is selling it for, good for you! That machine is really nice

 

[robbietop]

Meh, I thought the dongles were gonna be annoying at first but I have learned just how little I was using my USB ports anyways.

1. I print wirelessly
2. I have wireless headphones
3. I use a BlueTooth Mouse if I ever use a mouse.
4. My phone connects to iTunes via Wi-Fi
5. I can wirelessly stream my Mac Desktop to my TV via AppleTV and Airplay
6. If I have an external keyboard, it's BlueTooth
7. What's a disc? All my movies and TV shows are streaming or ripped and in my 2 TB iCloud storage
8. I use iCloud 2TB online storage. Why do I need a thumb drive?
9. I use Wi-Fi, why do I need Ethernet anymore?

Really, the only use case I found for USB-C was an HDMI adapter for a monitor and charging.

 

[leman]

As long as you got a really good deal and did not pay anywhere near the price Apple is selling it for, good for you! That machine is really nice

Yep, second that! The 2015 is a really nice laptop. Of course, it doesn't even come close in usability and features to the 2016/2017 version, but still, a very solid release.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

As long as you got a really good deal and did not pay anywhere near the price Apple is selling it for, good for you! That machine is really nice

Got it at a steal of a price! Ain't gonna pay no Apple tax!

The 2015 is a really nice laptop. Of course, it doesn't even come close in usability and features to the 2016/2017 version, but still, a very solid release.

How is the 2015 MacBook Pro not "even come close" in usability and features compared to the new Pros?

The 2015 MacBook Pro has a better and reliable keyboard, period. The 2015 MacBook Pro has arguably a better trackpad, no you can't land a jumbo jet on it or play a soccer match on it, but for these reasons it's better. The 2015 MacBook Pro retains the very useful legacy ports that are still relevant to this day. Sure USB-C is the future, yada yada, but not yet. Legacy ports are here to stay, for quite a while.

And one of the best features of the 2015 MacBook Pro is the Magsafe charging. So easy to charge, so easy to remove, this small yet significantly useful form of charging a device makes one's life easier.

The 2015 MacBook Pro is still a better laptop than the 2016/17 MacBook Pro's. The new Pro's aren't there yet.

 

[Closingracer]

Got it at a steal of a price! Ain't gonna pay no Apple tax!


How is the 2015 MacBook Pro not "even come close" in usability and features compared to the new Pros?

The 2015 MacBook Pro has a better and reliable keyboard, period. The 2015 MacBook Pro has arguably a better trackpad, no you can't land a jumbo jet on it or play a soccer match on it, but for these reasons it's better. The 2015 MacBook Pro retains the very useful legacy ports that are still relevant to this day. Sure USB-C is the future, yada yada, but not yet. Legacy ports are here to stay, for quite a while.

And one of the best features of the 2015 MacBook Pro is the Magsafe charging. So easy to charge, so easy to remove, this small yet significantly useful form of charging a device makes one's life easier.

The 2015 MacBook Pro is still a better laptop than the 2016/17 MacBook Pro's. The new Pro's aren't there yet.

Better keyboard is subjective first off. Reliability in mass is as well. The trackpad is also very subjective. Legacy ports is also subjective because honestly everything I use is wireless or has USB C options with the exception of my mouse.


YOU think the 2015 is better which is a subjective opinion not FACT

 

[lcseds]

Got it at a steal of a price! Ain't gonna pay no Apple tax!

You did. Everyone does. Don't kid yourself.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

YOU think the 2015 is better which is a subjective opinion not FACT

More facts than opinions.

Apparently news coverage about the crappy unreliable keyboards from various news outlets, multiple lawsuits against Apple about the keyboard, and constant complaints from users about the keyboards from various message boards, isn't a fact that the new keyboard is worse than the pre-2016 keyboard? Okay then. Some broken logic there.

In regards to the new trackpad being as big as a landing strip, I've also read many complaints about it because of its size and how it causes random clicks when one uses the keyboard. This wouldn't be a problem if it was smaller, and it isn't on the 2015 MacBook Pro or Air. A smaller trackpad would cause less issues and random clicks then a bigger one, fact.

Legacy ports are useful to this day and the majority of folks need them. Sure you could get a dongle and give more money to Apple, but more money is the last thing they need. USB-C is the "future," but Apple didn't choose to go all in with USB-C because they wanted to be a pioneer for the adoption of the standard, they went all in because they knew that making dongles to use legacy devices would print them money as people wouldn't have any other option other than leaving Apple.

The 2016/17 MacBook Pro is a downgrade to the 2015 MacBook Pro in many ways, which is really sad.

You did. Everyone does. Don't kid yourself.

You'd be jealous if I told you much I got it for, so much so that you wouldn't be able to sleep.

 

[tubeexperience]

Yep, second that! The 2015 is a really nice laptop. Of course, it doesn't even come close in usability and features to the 2016/2017 version, but still, a very solid release.

LOL, are you trying to be sarcastic?

2016/2017 MacBook Pro has keyboard with terrible reliability and lack USB Type-A, which is what most peripherals use.
[doublepost=1528382087][/doublepost]

More facts than opinions.

Apparently news coverage about the crappy unreliable keyboards from various news outlets, multiple lawsuits against Apple about the keyboard, and constant complaints from users about the keyboards from various message boards, isn't a fact that the new keyboard is worse than the pre-2016 keyboard? Okay then. Some broken logic there.

In regards to the new trackpad being as big as a landing strip, I've also read many complaints about it because of its size and how it causes random clicks when one uses the keyboard. This wouldn't be a problem if it was smaller, and it isn't on the 2015 MacBook Pro or Air. A smaller trackpad would cause less issues and random clicks then a bigger one, fact.

Legacy ports are useful to this day and the majority of folks need them. Sure you could get a dongle and give more money to Apple, but more money is the last thing they need. USB-C is the "future," but Apple didn't choose to go all in with USB-C because they wanted to be a pioneer for the adoption of the standard, they went all in because they knew that making dongles to use legacy devices would print them money as people wouldn't have any other option other than leaving Apple.

The 2016/17 MacBook Pro is a downgrade to the 2015 MacBook Pro in many ways, which is really sad.


You'd be jealous if I told you much I got it for, so much so that you wouldn't be able to sleep.

2015 MacBook Pro is a far better choice than the 2016/2017

 

[Closingracer]

More facts than opinions.

Apparently news coverage about the crappy unreliable keyboards from various news outlets, multiple lawsuits against Apple about the keyboard, and constant complaints from users about the keyboards from various message boards, isn't a fact that the new keyboard is worse than the pre-2016 keyboard? Okay then. Some broken logic there.

In regards to the new trackpad being as big as a landing strip, I've also read many complaints about it because of its size and how it causes random clicks when one uses the keyboard. This wouldn't be a problem if it was smaller, and it isn't on the 2015 MacBook Pro or Air. A smaller trackpad would cause less issues and random clicks then a bigger one, fact.

Legacy ports are useful to this day and the majority of folks need them. Sure you could get a dongle and give more money to Apple, but more money is the last thing they need. USB-C is the "future," but Apple didn't choose to go all in with USB-C because they wanted to be a pioneer for the adoption of the standard, they went all in because they knew that making dongles to use legacy devices would print them money as people wouldn't have any other option other than leaving Apple.

The 2016/17 MacBook Pro is a downgrade to the 2015 MacBook Pro in many ways, which is really sad.


You'd be jealous if I told you much I got it for, so much so that you wouldn't be able to sleep.

AGAIN subjective not facts.


That is a bunch of geeks complaining and aside from these "issues" the liking or not of the butterfly keys is subjective opinion not a fact




The Trackpad has zero issues after using it for a year ( took about a few weeks). Subjective once again


Majority? USB C is the future and with everything being wireless you don't really need them except for a few people that need the SD card slot ( Which most laptops don't even have anyways). I use one Dongle and that is a mouse to play one or 2 games.



YOU think its a downgrade but I don't which makes it a subjective opinion again.



I wouldn't be jealous because I WOULD NOT buy it.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

2015 MacBook Pro is a far better choice than the 2016/2017

Completely agree.

Some people just can't accept the truth.

 

[Closingracer]

Completely agree.

Some people just can't accept the truth.

Your truth. Not a fact. My 2017 keyboard has no issues. YOU think the 2015 is better.

 

[Glmnet1]

You'd be jealous if I told you much I got it for, so much so that you wouldn't be able to sleep.

I want to know now

 

[Winterfibre]

I bought the 2015 macbook over the 2016 as well.

 

[tubeexperience]

Your truth. Not a fact. My 2017 keyboard has no issues. YOU think the 2015 is better.

That's like saying: the Ford Pinto is fine since mine hasn't blown up yet.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

My 2017 keyboard has no issues. YOU think the 2015 is better.

Ooooh you just jinxed yourself. Better get AppleCare Plus pronto. That irreparable riveted keyboard is expensive to replace.

The 2015 MacBook Pro/Air keyboard is better. It's a keyboard you can rely on, it's a keyboard that feels great to type on, it's a keyboard that isn't offended by a single speck of dust.

 

[Closingracer]

Ooooh you just jinxed yourself. Better get AppleCare Plus pronto. That irreparable riveted keyboard is expensive to replace.

The 2015 MacBook Pro/Air keyboard is better. It's a keyboard you can rely on, it's a keyboard that feels great to type on, it's a keyboard that isn't offended by a single speck of dust.

Once again subjective but you have an agenda.

 

[tubeexperience]

Ooooh you just jinxed yourself. Better get AppleCare Plus pronto. That irreparable riveted keyboard is expensive to replace.

The 2015 MacBook Pro/Air keyboard is better. It's a keyboard you can rely on, it's a keyboard that feels great to type on, it's a keyboard that isn't offended by a single speck of dust.

This is Apple's advice for the 2016/2017 MacBook Pro. LMAO

 

[CrazyForCashews]

This is Apple's advice for the 2016/2017 MacBook Pro. LMAO

Lol those pictures are hilarious yet at the same time jaw dropping, I still can't believe Apple out of all people would resort to these kinds of troubleshooting methods. Absolutely embarrassing.

Next thing you know, Apple will suggest throwing their Macbook's in the air to fix their keyboards.

 

[tubeexperience]

Lol those pictures are hilarious yet at the same time jaw dropping, I still can't believe Apple out of all people would resort to these kinds of troubleshooting methods. Absolutely embarrassing.

Next thing you know, Apple will suggest throwing their Macbook's in the air to fix their keyboards.

It's also unsafe to hold a MacBook Pro with one hand like that.

I wonder how many people dropped their laptops while trying to blow dust out of their keyboards.

 

[leman]

How is the 2015 MacBook Pro not "even come close" in usability and features compared to the new Pros?

Well, I was kind of taking a pun at your rather provocative message, but since you re asking so nicely, lets talk about it

The 2015 MacBook Pro has a better and reliable keyboard, period.

It has a more reliable keyboard, sure. But better? The 2016+ keyboard has larger, more stable keys keys and requires less pressure. Overall, its faster and more precise. I am typing on it more or less all day long and I wouldn't want to go back to the old wobbly keys.

The 2015 MacBook Pro has arguably a better trackpad, no you can't land a jumbo jet on it or play a soccer match on it, but for these reasons it's better.

Quite in contrary, the new tacked is better since its larger, so its more comfortable for drag&drop and many gestures.

The 2015 MacBook Pro retains the very useful legacy ports that are still relevant to this day.

But USB-C ports are more flexible and allow you to do more with less. Yeah, the dongle life... I don't remember a single Appel computer where I didn't have to carry dongles for various projectors. For me, nothing has changed. But my desk setup became much more convenient (charging + data + video over a single cable).

And one of the best features of the 2015 MacBook Pro is the Magsafe charging. So easy to charge, so easy to remove, this small yet significantly useful form of charging a device makes one's life easier.

Not any more useful than the ability to charge through your display cable, or a third-party charger, or to charge from any side you want (this is a total game changer btw if you travel a lot).

And of course, the new MBP is substantially more performant, have better thermal management, have MUCH better displays and come with improved form factor that allowed me to use much lighter and smaller bags.

I understand that you like the 2015 form factor more, some people do. But trying to sell your subjective preference as a universal thing? Sorry, no.

 

[deeddawg]

That is a bunch of geeks complaining and aside from these "issues" the liking or not of the butterfly keys is subjective opinion not a fact

All I know is the desktop techs at my company get a noticeably higher proportion of 2016/17 MBP15's coming in with keyboard issues (space bar popped off being most common) than they ever have with 2015 and earlier units. I'm sure the problem isn't as big as some might allude to here, but I trust these guys and they're seeing a distinct uptick in keyboard problems with the recent models.

 

[Closingracer]

All I know is the desktop techs at my company get a noticeably higher proportion of 2016/17 MBP15's coming in with keyboard issues (space bar popped off being most common) than they ever have with 2015 and earlier units. I'm sure the problem isn't as big as some might allude to here, but I trust these guys and they're seeing a distinct uptick in keyboard problems with the recent models.

I don’t disagree but I wouldn’t use lawsuits or a forum as a measuring stick and then include the people who have agendas because their happened to have one.

 

[Closingracer]

Well, I was kind of taking a pun at your rather provocative message, but since you re asking so nicely, lets talk about it




It has a more reliable keyboard, sure. But better? The 2016+ keyboard has larger, more stable keys keys and requires less pressure. Overall, its faster and more precise. I am typing on it more or less all day long and I wouldn't want to go back to the old wobbly keys.



Quite in contrary, the new tacked is better since its larger, so its more comfortable for drag&drop and many gestures.



But USB-C ports are more flexible and allow you to do more with less. Yeah, the dongle life... I don't remember a single Appel computer where I didn't have to carry dongles for various projectors. For me, nothing has changed. But my desk setup became much more convenient (charging + data + video over a single cable).



Not any more useful than the ability to charge through your display cable, or a third-party charger, or to charge from any side you want (this is a total game changer btw if you travel a lot).

And of course, the new MBP is substantially more performant, have better thermal management, have MUCH better displays and come with improved form factor that allowed me to use much lighter and smaller bags.

I understand that you like the 2015 form factor more, some people do. But trying to sell your subjective preference as a universal thing? Sorry, no.

One of the reasons why I got a 15 inch vs the 13 is the fact I find the 15 portable enough now . Had a 13 inch 2015 and was great.