2015 MacBook Pro in 2018?

[elmarjazz]

The new 2018 MPBs seem to be fine in every way, except the price. I’ve been almost at the point of ordering a 13 inch 16/512, but for a bit more a 15 inch 16/256 may be a better option.

That’s where a 2015 MBP 15 inch comes along. Just saw an APPLE clearance 2.2/16/256 for the same price as a 2018 13 TB intro model. No the 2015 is not future proof, more obvious now than ever, but has the ports I’m still using, the keyboard is preferred, and although the screen may not be up to a 2018 it is still 15 inch, and I do have the option of upgrading the SSD later on this 2015.

So, thoughts? I obviously have my own, but want some others if I’m missing something. Obviously 2018 13 and 15 are more than a bit ahead powerwise, and the 2015 is getting dated in computer age. But it will be my one and only probably for a few years, so screen size, and only moved occasionally. Photoshop and lite video editing, no heavy lifting.

I guess to make this a simple question: which would you prefer, a base model 2018 TB or a base 2015 15 inch? Same price. The 15 inch is APPLE clearance so I imagine is new and can have an AppleCare warranty.

Thanks for any comments and thoughts

 

[maflynn]

which would you prefer, a base model 2018 TB or a base 2015 15 inch? Same price.

Neither in all honesty, because I don't want to spend a lot of money on 3 year old technology, and the 13" model is too small for my needs. Instead I would look at craigslist and buy a used laptop for a lot less then what apple is charging for the 2015, but that's just me.

 

[elmarjazz]

I do understand what you are saying. I’ve even been thinking Windows (somewhat) seriously for the first time with my 2011 17” dying on me, but after 30+ years of Mac Im not so sure I’m ready for a change. And didn’t mention I’m in Japan so no Craig’s list, but other second hand options have the 2015 prices at where this new-2015-no-problems not far off.

 

[elmarjazz]

Also used/refurbished 2016/2017 (no 2018 used I imagine yet) are not an option (keyboard problems, and not enough ‘umph’ difference compared to a 2015). It’s new 2018 base TB or upgraded 16/512 13” TB, or base 15”, this base 2015 15”, or maybe even wait for a new 2018 iMAC with really good screen and new ‘innereds’ (the 21” could still be ‘movable’ portable enough for me).

 

[Sterkenburg]

Just saying but you can find Craigslist items in Japan, it’s just that the choice will be nowhere as wide as it would be in the US.

Honestly, I agree with maflynn, purchasing the 2015 from Apple is hard to recommend. It’s 3+ year-old tech and the price they ask for is honestly way too steep, unless the deal is really great. Just curious, how many JPY does the store ask for it?

 

[galactic orange]

I faced the same dilemma, wanting a 15-inch screen. I very nearly bought a 2015 model. A nice large screen for the price, with the old ports and keyboard. But each time I couldn’t pay the price Apple was asking for older tech.

I should mention that I’m in Japan as well, so the refurbs will likely have Japanese keyboards, the layout of which I can’t stand. The option to custom order that model with an English keyboard is out the window since the release of the 2018 MBP. So it’s either a 13” for closer to the same price of the old one or a 15” for gobs more money. So I’m in a holding pattern for now to see if the yet unreleased 2018 iMacs offer a better value. Even if it does, I still might prefer a 15” MBP with my current display.

Just curious, are the clearance 2015 MBPs that you are looking at in the Japan store with a Japanese keyboard?

 

[Sterkenburg]

Yes, refurbs generally have the keyboard layout of the country where they’re sold. I personally can’t stand the Japanese layout due to the tiny space bar and the non-standard position of some important keys such as Ctrl.

I assume OP is aware that clearance units will invariably have that keyboard and is fine with that.

 

[Caspavio]

The new 2018 MPBs seem to be fine in every way, except the price. I’ve been almost at the point of ordering a 13 inch 16/512, but for a bit more a 15 inch 16/256 may be a better option.

That’s where a 2015 MBP 15 inch comes along. Just saw an APPLE clearance 2.2/16/256 for the same price as a 2018 13 TB intro model. No the 2015 is not future proof, more obvious now than ever, but has the ports I’m still using, the keyboard is preferred, and although the screen may not be up to a 2018 it is still 15 inch, and I do have the option of upgrading the SSD later on this 2015.

So, thoughts? I obviously have my own, but want some others if I’m missing something. Obviously 2018 13 and 15 are more than a bit ahead powerwise, and the 2015 is getting dated in computer age. But it will be my one and only probably for a few years, so screen size, and only moved occasionally. Photoshop and lite video editing, no heavy lifting.

I guess to make this a simple question: which would you prefer, a base model 2018 TB or a base 2015 15 inch? Same price. The 15 inch is APPLE clearance so I imagine is new and can have an AppleCare warranty.

Thanks for any comments and thoughts

Hi,

I guess it depends what you are using the laptop for.

one main difference between 2015 vs 2018 laptops is their processors. If you do video editing, photoshopping etc (i.e. pro user), the 2018 will be a better choice. If you are just using it for web browsing and ms office (i.e. normal user), the 2015 should serve you fine.

im not sure how cheap is the apple clearance, but from my region, apple store refurbished laptops are at most 20+% off market price. As such, i generally prefer the newer models, as i feel it's worthwhile to pay a bit more for a faster laptop that can potentially last me longer.

i also noticed that you were originally keen on a 13". Do consider if you want 13" or 15". 15" is a lot bulkier and heavier, and is supposedly spec-ed towards pro users. i also suspect that apple didnt upgrade their lower-end 13" MBP because of the overlap with macbook/macbook air; the upcoming (if you believe the rumours) MB/MBA could be what you are waiting for

 

[maflynn]

but after 30+ years of Mac Im not so sure I’m ready for a change.

I wouldn't recommend switching to Windows unless you're prepared for the new platform. I support and manage windows, but after buying a windows laptop, I realized some of the intangibles that you get with macOS/Apple ecosystem was too much to give up

 

[elmarjazz]

Back after out all day and thanks for the input. The 2015 is not ‘refurbished’ model but a (I assume) new ‘clearance’ version. Don’t remember it’s price before discontinued, but I think it’s a few hundred USD less. Not a big discount, and the same price here (or the USA) as the new 2018 base 13 TB model.

I agree about the ‘old tech’ line of thinking - a 2015 15” may be good enough, why settle for that?, at still a high price, otherwise I’d just go for it. A 2018 13 built with 16/512 is about $400 more. I’m sure I’d be happy with, but coming from a 17” it is also a big change. It could be my ideal travel and do everything, a change I may enjoy, say to move around the house, and almost non-thought to throw in a bag to take out.

Like ‘galactic orange’ above, I’ve also been thinking new iMAC (would be my first desktop), not the portable style I’ve had since my original DUO 230 (yes, I’ve had MACs since then - hay, my brother even had a Lisa), but very beautiful screen, which is a few steps above even the 2018 MBPs, power for price, and so ‘value.’

Wish this was easier! If the yen wasn’t an issue I’d get a 13 and iMac, but that’s just not the case. And the reason I’ve turned to all your thoughts here to get other perspectives.

As for the Japanese keyboards. I’ve been using one for many years now, could get used to a straight English again I’m sure, but with my wife and kids using Japanese on it now and then it’s useful, and preferable for all of us.

 

[maflynn]

The 2015 is not ‘refurbished’ model but a (I assume) new ‘clearance’ version

How can you be sure? It says Refurbished, and there's no indication that its clearance.

 

[Sterkenburg]

How can you be sure? It says Refurbished, and there's no indication that its clearance.
View attachment 775264

Probably a sale from a retail store trying to clear out their 2015 stock, have seen quite a few of those popping up in Tokyo in the days after the model was discontinued. At any rate, the OP mentions that it's the same price as the 2018 base 13", i.e. basically the same as a refurbished 2015, give or take. I think it's still too high and not such a great sale.

 

[maflynn]

Probably a sale from a retail store trying to clear out their 2015 stock,

I'm not disputing that, but it could also be Apple selling off the repaired 2015 machines they had lying around. The odds are probably higher that its clearance but AFAIK, there's no way to know for sure.

 

[elmarjazz]

mafynn, no wrong listing you have there. Just checked and it’s still in the clearance section, even says ‘new old model’ in Japanese. Price is about 200,000 yen. This is not a retail shop either, it from the official Apple Japan website. Really not too surprising, they were just discontinued, and a few may still be in stock.
[doublepost=1533905240][/doublepost]Funny how just a short time ago I would have been happy with a 2015, and would have preferred it over a 2016/2017. The 2018 charged that thinking. But it’s still the least expensive 15” option that is ‘new.’

 

[Sterkenburg]

Thought as much. Add the 8% VAT and it's not really much of a discount, honestly. I'd go for the 2018, or look for something else if you are set on a 15". No way I'd pay more than 200,000 JPY for a 3+ year-old computer.

 

[elmarjazz]

Have to agree. It’s nice, but not enough at the price. A few weeks ago before the 2018 any 2015 in the refurbished section - still not that discounted - was gone in a day.
[doublepost=1533906152][/doublepost]If I remember right, I think these base model 2015 15” were selling refurbished for 169,000 yen (or was it 180,000 something?) on the Apple site. Wonder if we’ll see anymore?
[doublepost=1533906349][/doublepost]couldn’t hit the buy then, so I guess that says something...

 

[Fishrrman]

No apologies here.
I prefer the 2015 design.

Best "Mac buy" I ever made.
NO regrets for having done so after the newer design was already introduced.

But... do your "due diligence".
Shop around.
Make sure you get one for a good price.

 

[HBOC]

I have a mid 2015 that I bought 2 years ago - still have applecare on it until February. I plan on upgrading maybe in 3 years or so. Sure the new ones are great, but mine is still doing just fine, so I figure why spend the money now to upgrade

 

[elmarjazz]

The clearance model we’ve talked about sold, so there must be at least one person that likes the 2015 better than the 2018 for that price.

I’m back to looking for a used 2015 deal, or waiting till I can commit the money towards a new - something - 2018

 

[HBOC]

I have the 2.5GHZ version, and am still happy with my choice (i bought mine knowing there was a new one coming out (2016 version).

 

[Born2bwild]

Yes, the 2015 model is very expensive, but so are the 2018 models... The whole Apple MacBook lineup is seriously overpriced.

The truth is the 2015 15" has the same computing power as the 2018 13" (both GPU and CPU power are equivalent give or take 15%, but the 15" has 16 GB of RAM vs 8GB). In addition, the 2015 model has a way better keyboard, better battery life and better ports (and of course larger display). The 2018 model 13" has a better display, some minor new features and is more portable. That's it. The 2015 model is still comparatively a good value.