2015 – 13-inch MacBook Pro vs 15-inch MacBook Pro

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2015 – 13-inch MacBook Pro vs 15-inch MacBook Pro

Hi everyone,

I am about to upgrade from a 2011 15-inch MacBook Pro to a brand new, fully upgraded 2015 MacBook Pro.

I had a few questions I was hoping someone could help me out with. I am a musician who wants to be using my computer mostly for music production / mixing, but also for livestreaming and some video-editing.

First, would a fully upgraded 13-inch or 15-inch MBP be a more powerful option?

I did some research, and the 13-inch uses the new "Broadwell" processors, while the 15-inch does not. Is that a big deal? I know the 15-inch has a better graphics card for video editing.

Second, should I buy it now, or wait until the next release?

MacRumor's Buyer's Guide says Don't Buy! right now. I'm a bit torn because I really need a new computer right now – I'm starting to use livestreaming / bigger music production, and my current computer is on it's edge – but I don't want to get this new computer now (I usually wait 5 years between computer purchases) and be bummed out if a new revolutionary model comes out in a few months.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks so much,

Michael

Posted on Dec 16, 2015 10:29 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 26, 2017 8:01 AM in response to mjwalker0

What do you mean by “15-inch has an older processor design”?

Thanks,

Josh

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Answer 2

Dec 16, 2015 10:44 AM in response to mjwalker0

As a musician, my first suggestion is to verify that all of your musical hardware and software are comparable with El Capitan. So much of the hardware and software vendors are always behind the power curve on keeping up with the newly release operating systems from Apple.

A comparison of Broadwell to Haskell is available at http://www.pcworld.com/article/2940489/the-truth-about-intels-broadwell-vs-haswe ll-cpu.html

There is no telling when Apple will release the next MBP. I usually recommend if you need it buy it and you can wait then wait.

MacRumor does not really know anything. All they are doing is going by history of what Apple has done in the past. There is nothing to say what Apple is going to do this time.

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Answer 3

mjwalker0 Author

Level 1

14 points

Dec 16, 2015 11:47 AM in response to Allan Eckert

Thank you!

MacRumor does not really know anything. All they are doing is going by history of what Apple has done in the past. There is nothing to say what Apple is going to do this time.

I posted on MacRumor's forums, and someone mentioned the same thing. No one knows, but based on some Intel updates, it could be around April or June next year.

He also told me that even though 15-inch has an older processor design, it's still far superior in terms of GPU and CPU. That about settled it for me. I'm going with the 15-inch!

And thanks for the heads up with the musical software / hardware – I've definitely thought about that, so I'll be holding onto my 2011 MBP while I make the transition. Hopefully it won't take too long for everyone to catch up.

Michael

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