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[Marion Cobretti]

Off the top of my head, the most taxing app I'm gonna use is photoshop. I really don't feel like the new MacBook Pros are worth $2,000 (to get it with 16GB RAM).

Seeing refurbished 2015 models from Apple starting at $1100, and topping off at $1500.


2.7GHz Dual-core Intel i5 with Retina Display
Originally released March 2015
13.3-inch Retina Display
8GB of 1866MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory

128GB PCIe-based flash storage1

Intel Iris Graphics 6100
$1,099.00

2.7GHz Dual-core Intel i5 with Retina Display
Originally released March 2015
13.3-inch Retina Display
8GB of 1866MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
256GB PCIe-based flash storage1

Intel Iris Graphics 6100
$1,189.00

2.9GHz Dual-core Intel i5 with Retina Display
Originally released March 2015
13.3-inch Retina Display
8GB of 1866MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
512GB PCIe-based flash storage1

Intel Iris Graphics 6100
$1,439.00

I realize these are almost 2 years old, so in that sense the price also seems steep for what I'm getting.

I'm starting to consider the Surface Book Pro, but I'm assuming I'd be better off waiting for the new version of it, which I'm hoping is coming sooner than later.

 

[samn]

I have the base 8GB/128GB MBP 13" I bought a few months ago and I don't regret not waiting. fantastic machine. Storage is a little low but I can always buy one of those SD cards that sit flush with the case.

 

[ibitegirls]

well, are the new features any interest to you? if not, the older gen is more than capable. I've had a mac for 5-years and it still runs smooth af (i only watch videos/browse web)

 

[Marion Cobretti]

When is the new Surface Book due?

 

[ESBL]

Nothing wrong with the 2015 MBP, especially if you can get a good deal on one.

Also if you have a Microcenter nearby, they have the 2016 13" base MBP for $1299

 

[TimeEffect]

Im trying to find one. Dont care about the new MAcbooks, would really like the latest model after that.

TBH, my Macbook lasted a good 6 years and is still going strong. At the end of the day, I want to spend a premium price for a premium lasting device. Id get the Surface Book but it seems more expensive here in Canada

 

[Marion Cobretti]

It's almost decision time. Any other suggestions or advice?

 

[Afrodium]

I still use a MacBook from 2009

 

[Infinite]

When is the new Surface Book due?

The surface book also looks like over priced trash to me. It gets so much love around here tho which I find baffling

 

[Yudoken]

I'm not owning a Apple Notebook but Louis knows a few things about it and doesn't recommend it.

https://youtu.be/NYVjIjBMx6o

''If you want to buy a Macbook that is the best bang for your buck, get a 2013-2014 model. Not eve the 2015. The performance difference is very little, you can snag one refurbished for under $900, and it gets you very close in performance. It has regular HDMI and USB ports and as you can see this machine is a royal pain in the ass to use with USB C/HDMI output out of the box. The user experience on the older one is easier, and it just works. ''

(from the description text of the video)

 

[NOLA_Gaffer]

I'm likely either going with that $1,439 model or a refurb Macbook Air for $1,189 myself sometime between now and the end of the year.

512GB of storage space is an absolute must, so I can't go any cheaper than either model unfortunately.

I just have to decide whether the Retina screen is marketing hype or actually worth dropping an extra $250 on.

 

[Laekon]

It's almost decision time. Any other suggestions or advice?

Ars doesn't think it's worth it.

http://arstechnica.com/video/2016/11/the-2016-13-and-15-inch-touch-bar-macbook-pros-reviewed/

The other problem, and one that resonates for the rest of the PC industry, is that if you bought a MacBook Pro in 2013 or later there's really very little reason to consider a new MacBook Pro.

 

[thechristoph]

Is there a reason why you want a Mac outside of just wanting one? I love my five-year-old Air, it's the best computer I've ever used, but the reasons to stick with Macs are fewer and fewer as time goes on.

 

[Barkley's Justice]

Is there a reason why you want a Mac outside of just wanting one? I love my five-year-old Air, it's the best computer I've ever used, but the reasons to stick with Macs are fewer and fewer as time goes on.

waaaaaat

 

[Kysen]

I just have to decide whether the Retina screen is marketing hype or actually worth dropping an extra $250 on.

It isn't marketing hype, the Air screen is inferior. Worse viewing angles and colors. I couldn't believe it until I went in store and saw for myself. Went for the pro.

 

[Joelstinton14]

I still use a MacBook from 2009

Yeah i'm still using my 2010 MBP. It still runs really well. Runs lightroom 6 fine ( a little slow on loading up, but after that it is fine.

So a 2015 model would be perfectly fine.

Have no general slowdown issues or anything, impressed that is still the case after almost 7 years.

 

[Marion Cobretti]

Is there a reason why you want a Mac outside of just wanting one? I love my five-year-old Air, it's the best computer I've ever used, but the reasons to stick with Macs are fewer and fewer as time goes on.

I want to replace my 2008 MacBook Pro.

 

[The Shadow]

Is there a reason why you want a Mac outside of just wanting one? I love my five-year-old Air, it's the best computer I've ever used, but the reasons to stick with Macs are fewer and fewer as time goes on.

Beyond build quality, I agree with this. I have a Macbook Air provided by work, and would like a MBP for myself, but it would only be for the build quality. All the software I need is usually Windows-based. As a matter of fact, it's been sometimes difficult to find Mac work-arounds to software issues.

 

[faceless007]

It's what I picked up in anticipation of their discontinuation (although they're thankfully still available for now). I got a refurb 16GB/256GB model for $1389; the equivalent 2016 config would be $1699 for the non-Touch Bar (which I wouldn't want anyway because it's underspecced) or $1999 for the TouchBar. I just don't see what functionally about the new ones would justify that price differential.

 

[LordOfChaos]

I think so. There's nothing really about the new updates that should make them dramatically more future proof, in terms of the 13" MBPs processor update.

The refurbs from Apple are usually as good as new, if not better, because a human has checked them rather than one off an assembly line that could have flaws.

 

[Marion Cobretti]

I gotta buy something in the next couple days.

Final suggestions and links to good deals PLEASE.

 

[shnurgleton]

I just opted for the performance base surface book. Yeah, it's pricey, but it has TWO WHOLE USB PORTS, and I can play Dark Souls 3 on it.

 

[a very cute dog]

Get it refurbished from Apple.

 

[Marion Cobretti]

Anyone else? Super appreciate it.

 

[Stat Flow]

Yup - it's a really good deal. My buddy who was waiting to switch from Windows to Mac got a refurb 13" MBP from the Apple Refurb store and is loving it.

For someone going from PCs, it would be difficult and jarring going all-in on USB C. I think him having some legacy ports eased the transition so that he'll only have to worry about software for now. I can definitely see him getting the newest MBP when he upgrades in 2018 or so.

 

[Davide]

OP, what kind of computers are you used to using?

It was my first Mac and it's absolutely fantastic. I have the 15" 16 GB i7. I use it for Premiere, AfterEffects at times, very fast.

 

[Marion Cobretti]

OP, what kind of computers are you used to using?

Macs since 2006. Android (Nexus) for phones and tablets.

 

[Kurt Angle]

bought a apple refurb 2015 decked out for around 1600


best laptop ive ever owned. Runs windows on bootcamp perfectly if i need it

 

[Jacob]

I have a mid-2015 15" rMBP and it's a fine computer. Well built, light, love the speakers, and the Retina display is fantastic. Still runs like new and I hope and expect that it will continue to serve as my primary computer for at least the next several years. On the other hand, it overheats easily when running Chrome if I'm trying to stream video on some sites (it's especially bad with Crunchyroll) or even sometimes if I'm just on a site with a lot of ads/scripts. Occasionally Minecraft made it so hot that it was uncomfortable to even touch the keyboard, and it doesn't have the recommended specs for Civ 5, which was disappointing. I installed smcFanControl to alleviate the heat problem but it only helps so much. I also miss having a disc drive and would be willing to accept a slightly thicker and heavier laptop in exchange for that. But all in all I have less to complain about than I did with either of my previous laptops and from what you say I think it would serve you well.

 

[grumble]

I'm getting a 2016 MacBook Pro, the 13 inch with the touch bar. It's not the one I would have chosen myself, which would have been the 15 inch dell xps refresh coming out next year (much better computer in terms of power, compatibility, ports, etc) but for light use it's great and build quality is top notch. If you're a huge macOS fan then it's the computer for you!

 

[Sullichin]

Yes, even my 2014 MBP is still really fast, and I do all sorts of Pro stuff with it let me tell ya
Get 16GB ram tho!

 

[m_shortpants]

I have the base 8GB/128GB MBP 13" I bought a few months ago and I don't regret not waiting. fantastic machine. Storage is a little low but I can always buy one of those SD cards that sit flush with the case.

Likewise. My fiance bought me one and I was worrying it would completely outclassed by the new MBPs, but I'm sitting pretty. Especially since I do a lot of photo work, that SD card is great. I/O is great.