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[conpfreak]

He only saved $300 for a 2012 with a HDD. Longevity cannot be questioned; look at the asking price for a 2012 windows laptop versus it's 2017 variant for comparison.

He took an L financially because of the longevity. He'll spend more than $300 on a decent SSD + ram easily.

He should need no more than $150 to upgrade to decent SSD + 8GB (which is all you need for average use. Battery can also be replaced for around $50 non-OEM and a little more OEM. The L here would be if he purchased the 2012 MacBook Pro from a retail store, as they have jacked up the prices of these models due to their compatibility. I found one for my spouse for $400 in like new condition on ebay. Popped at SSD + 8GB RAM for a little under $150 and was done with it.

Also, the 2013 Retina model that was $300 more was likely the 4GB/128GB model, which is absolutely not a good ideal in 2017 (it wasn't in 2013 either),

 

[shawnbuddy]

OS X should not freeze up. I have my computer on for months at a time with no freezes. Chrome for Mac does suck, use Safari.

Yeah, that is weird. I've used my current Mac for work for two years and can't remember an actual freeze.

 

[The Albatross]

Non-touch bar 15" has Intel Iris graphics, 2.8 GHZ quad core processor up to 4.0 turbo (touch bar has a 3.1 GHz up to 4.1 turbo), and only goes up to 1 TB SSD (touch bar has up to 2 TB... for $1,200 extra ha!). Non-touch also is the old, thicker design with smaller touch pad and Thunderbolt 2 instead of 3.

I really would be interested to see how people like the touch bar now that it's been out for about 3/4 of a year. I personally feel it's a gimmick and I wouldn't miss it.

Touchbar is fine, but it's not an improvement, it's a lateral move. I've gotten used to it to be honest, and it hasn't really gotten in the way. I don't use any of the special functionality of it, like I've *never* used it for editing iMovie or anything like that, which I think is pointless.

I have used it for tracking videos or books in iBook/QuickTime, but it's not better than using a touchpad and cursor.

BUt it's not some major issue either. I'm a developer regularly using Vim, so the escape key is one of my more used keys, and while it's not as initially intuitive as just a regular escape key, it's not bad, it's just not improved.

 

[Angelus Errare]

He should need no more than $150 to upgrade to decent SSD + 8GB (which is all you need for average use. Battery can also be replaced for around $50 non-OEM and a little more OEM. The L here would be if he purchased the 2012 MacBook Pro from a retail store, as they have jacked up the prices of these models due to their compatibility. I found one for my spouse for $400 in like new condition on ebay. Popped at SSD + 8GB RAM for a little under $150 and was done with it.

Also, the 2013 Retina model that was $300 more was likely the 4GB/128GB model, which is absolutely not a good ideal in 2017 (it wasn't in 2013 either),

2016 retina you mean. Assuming base model 13" Pro he still shelled out $1,000 for his 2012 if he saved $300. It gets worse if he's talking about the 15" Pro.

As for like $90 256/512GB SSDs, sounds like playing with fire when it comes to data.

Touchbar is fine, but it's not an improvement, it's a lateral move. I've gotten used to it to be honest, and it hasn't really gotten in the way. I don't use any of the special functionality of it, like I've *never* used it for editing iMovie or anything like that, which I think is pointless.

I have used it for tracking videos or books in iBook/QuickTime, but it's not better than using a touchpad and cursor.

BUt it's not some major issue either. I'm a developer regularly using Vim, so the escape key is one of my more used keys, and while it's not as initially intuitive as just a regular escape key, it's not bad, it's just not improved.

Remap escape to capslock!

 

[blame space]

the iPhone of laptop computers.

 

[btrboyev]

What do you plan to do with it? $2000+ for a laptop is insane.

 

[Hopeford]

Personally, I vastly prefer Macbooks to windows, but that's also admittedly only because of what I use them for and even then they are still admittedly expensive.

(I have a 2012 macbook air that still runs wonderfully to this day)

I use Macbooks mainly for writing, and I really, really enjoy being able to do the swipe motion and switch between fullscreen windows. It's very useful when I have research notes on on a different window and it feels wonderful to use. It's the most comfortable laptop I have had, very light, intuitive, Finder lacks features but is super responsive, that kind of thing.

It's just a very nice, very solid experience. Only...well, I don't think it's worth the price. I have one anyway because I am enough of a pedant about certain things to find it worth it, but for most people I imagine a windows laptop is probably a better purchase. Personally, I think a high spec Macbook is kind of overkill because I don't like using it as my main computer. I don't play games in it, don't make games with it, don't do anything heavy period. Closest to heavy I'll get is playing Steam through in-home streaming, from my windows desktop.

Like, what I really recommend is picking up a used Macbook air for like 200-300 on ebay. From what you said in the OP, that would do everything you asked for(macbook batteries hold up surprisingly well).

 

[fastford58]

In 4 years I had bought 2 windows laptops from "top" manufactures.

I switched to mac after that. In 12 years, I have owned 2 macbook pros. My current pro is 5 years old with no signs of slowing down.

I replaced my other one after the ribbon for the screen went bad and the screen would fade off to white from time to time. I could have fixed it, but the thing didn't owe me anything.

My first book was dropped many times. Took a whole cup of apple juice through the keyboard from one of my kids. Was full on stepped on. Was carried in a backpack for most of its life to school and back.

The current one is not treated gently, either.

Great, reliable laptops.

 

[TrueOutlook]

I love macbooks, and I am heavily considering getting a 2017 version. The only thing that's really stopping me is the slight possibility that they update it in September. That and the touch bar, I just cant really see any practical use for it.

My current computer is a 2011 macbook and I have had no problems with it at all. I have had to upgrade the RAM from 4gb to 16gb but apart from that, its the same as when I bought it. Really happy with it, the build quality is amazing, and part of the reason I can sort-of justify the crazy price tag - because I know I am going to have it for the next 5 - 7 years.

If you are looking at a 13-inch model, make sure you check the CPU. I can't remember but I think the smaller models have intel 'U' CPUs' in them, which are quite a bit weaker than the 'HQ' variant in the 15-inch laptops. I may be wrong though, I have always stuck with 15-inch so I haven't really checked and it depends on what you plan on using it for as well. If I recall correctly, the 13-inch models only have integrated graphics as well, so if you're doing any photo or video editing or gaming outside of some very lite titles, it might be worth going for the 15-inch. Definitely make sure you try them out in-store first though.

As for the Razer stealth laptop, be a bit careful with that one, I had a friend that got one and it was faulty, which is pretty much the story I have heard many times from Razer, their QA seems a bit off. He did get a full refund though, although that might have been because of the retailer he went through (Amazon I think?). I might be a bit sour though since a mouse I had has just broke, but I am looking at a keyboard from them so, hey.

Another one that you should look out for is the ASUS UX430 I think its called, it looks quite nice, that and the ASUS Zenbook Pro UX530 (not too sure on the numbering), which is basically their 15-inch macbook pro competitor. They looks really nice and the specifications is good as well.

Would recommend you don't get anything without a real thunderbolt 3 port (looking at you 15-inch XPS), as if you want to use a full graphics card or some high-bandwidth something in the future, it's good to future-proof yourself.

 

[Captain Skeleton]

I had a 15 inch pro for a few years. Seemed like a good sensible size.
My then girlfriend got a 13 inch and i changed my tune. The size and weight difference was amazing.

 

[ty_hot]

Is there a back to school promo in Europe? I cant find any of it in the Spanish store... I don't follow apple stuff so maybe it just doesnt exist outside of the USA or it will be available later on around here...

 

[SporeCrawler]

Personally, I vastly prefer Macbooks to windows, but that's also admittedly only because of what I use them for and even then they are still admittedly expensive.

(I have a 2012 macbook air that still runs wonderfully to this day)

I use Macbooks mainly for writing, and I really, really enjoy being able to do the swipe motion and switch between fullscreen windows. It's very useful when I have research notes on on a different window and it feels wonderful to use. It's the most comfortable laptop I have had, very light, intuitive, Finder lacks features but is super responsive, that kind of thing.

It's just a very nice, very solid experience. Only...well, I don't think it's worth the price. I have one anyway because I am enough of a pedant about certain things to find it worth it, but for most people I imagine a windows laptop is probably a better purchase. Personally, I think a high spec Macbook is kind of overkill because I don't like using it as my main computer. I don't play games in it, don't make games with it, don't do anything heavy period. Closest to heavy I'll get is playing Steam through in-home streaming, from my windows desktop.

Like, what I really recommend is picking up a used Macbook air for like 200-300 on ebay. From what you said in the OP, that would do everything you asked for(macbook batteries hold up surprisingly well).

as some has mentioned. you can resell the macbooks at a much higher price.

 

[The One Who Knocks]

Is there a back to school promo in Europe? I cant find any of it in the Spanish store... I don't follow apple stuff so maybe it just doesnt exist outside of the USA or it will be available later on around here...

Typically there is a Back to School promotion in Europe (certainly in Ireland and the UK, I would suspect other European countries too) but it may be a few weeks for it to appear. If you're considering buying a MacBook I would consider waiting a few weeks (three or four) just in case the promotion is launched.

 

[dofry]

Hi,

Need to write something because I switched from a 2009 Macbook Pro to the 2017 15 inch model a month ago. I like it. A lot. But, it's such a huge step up that a bit of backgroud is needed.

I searched online a lot and my friend was looking at laptops too. I recommended the Dell XPS for my friend before I bought mine. It was based on GAF recommendations and he likes his XPS a lot. I was thinking of buying the same thing too but OS X and past experiences changed me. Dell Trackpad is not as good but the price was right and he can get things done that he needs.

I chose to spend a lot on the Macbook Pro because I like the OS. I did not like the new, shallow keyboard at first but have grown to like it this past month. The old one feels waaay too high now but comfortable after 15 minutes of use. It was my Mac for years so adapting is easier. You can't really get the feel of the laptop until you use it for a while. Store comparisons are really subjective.

What I like is the weight, screen, and the responsiveness. A friggin good machine. But, in a bus now and next is my stop so laters. XPS seems good too.

 

[Your Entertainer]

Base model 2016 MBP 15" (6700 hq, 16gb, 256) for ~$2050. Brand new. Is this a good deal?

Compared to the 2017 base model, the processor difference seems minimal from what I've looked up, and the GPU gains are small (not going to be gaming really). Any other notable hardware differences b/w this and the 2017? Eg better keyboard, battery life etc. The base model 2017 would come w/ free beats lol and be 2249 thru apple w/ edu discount.

 

[Aztechnology]

I have one I got for $2000 (before taxes/Apple Care) after all was said and done with various discounts and price matching. Unless you need a MAC for IOS dev or wothing go with a machine that's worth the money. It's stupidity overpriced. Even if you need Mac for IOS dev just get a Mac mini on sale and do remote access to it. Wish I had done that. May just sell mine and do that now. Until Apple offers a good 2 in 1 their prices won't even remotely make sense. And they won't because they don't want to cannibalize their iPad sales.

Go with a higher end windows laptop maybe a 2 in 1 convertible tablet/PC or the razer laptop if you want the gaming power. But a better choice is just buying a nice Lenovo or something and a gaming PC with the money you save. You can get a lot more computer for your money by not going Apple.

 

[ty_hot]

Base model 2016 MBP 15" (6700 hq, 16gb, 256) for ~$2050. Brand new. Is this a good deal?

Compared to the 2017 base model, the processor difference seems minimal from what I've looked up, and the GPU gains are small (not going to be gaming really). Any other notable hardware differences b/w this and the 2017? Eg better keyboard, battery life etc. The base model 2017 would come w/ free beats lol and be 2249 thru apple w/ edu discount.

i guess the battery is a little better (very little), and you would have also a little better resale value in the future. I guess the main thing is: do you want the beats?