Contemplating new MBP...but should I wait?

Maccy · 9 May 2016 at 14:33

Some questions as I'm contemplating replacing my 8 year old iMac with a 15" MBP:

Is there due to be a new one out next month?
Is it still a case of I should spend as much as possible and get the best spec?
Is warranty still 3 years when purchased through the higher education store, or do I need to pay for the extra support that's offered?

I'm sure I'll have more questions, but answers and suggestions are most welcome.

Thaifood · 9 May 2016 at 18:33

you waited this long, what's another couple of months.. and no idea when the next one is due.. and yes spend as much as you can.. well thats what i was always told..

McBain · 9 May 2016 at 20:46

I'd expect to hear something at WWDC in June so i'd personally wait until then.

The_Abyss · 9 May 2016 at 22:53

I'd just hold on. If there is an upgrade and it isn't to your liking then the current model should be discounted.

Somnambulist · 10 May 2016 at 02:14

As others have said, it's only a short wait to WWDC and a refresh looks likely as it's been a while.

From the MacRumors buyer's guide:

Apple's Retina MacBook Pro update schedule has been out of whack for the past two years due to ongoing delays with Intel's chips. Broadwell delays caused Apple to introduce the 13 and 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro at staggered times in 2015, with the 13-inch model last seeing an update in March and the 15-inch model being updated in May.

While the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro was updated with Broadwell chips in 2015, the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro continues to use previous-generation Haswell chips as Apple waits on Skylake chips from Intel. For that reason, the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro may see a bigger performance boost when a full refresh is finally possible.

Skylake chips appropriate for an upgrade to the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro showed up on price lists from Intel in mid-January of 2016, and Skylake chips appropriate for a 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro update were announced in September with an early 2016 launch scheduled. Both chips will likely be available to Apple in the first months of 2016.

The external design is due a change too and most people expect a thinner/lighter design which will essentially be the Retina MacBook Air people have wanted for a while.

Bluecube · 10 May 2016 at 15:34

I'm waiting till the WWDC myself. I'm in the same boat, looking for a 15" MBP. I'll just be getting the base model as it'll be more than adequate for my needs. Spend as per your own requirements!

pedromaltez · 16 May 2016 at 19:34

I'd hold off as well. Normally I'd get at least the version with the discrete graphics and max out the ram because I am a tab whore. Also because you can't give it more ram later. Make sure whatever the SSD size it comes with is adequate for you too, or upgrade it.

kitkat9933 · 16 May 2016 at 20:04

I was going to upgrade to a new MBP and get a Razer core for Desktop GPU, but I got a good deal and went elsewhere. Will keep my existing rMBP for everyday use though.