Apple has released new MacBook Pro 15-inch models with Force Touch Trackpad, known as Mid-2015 model (MacBook Pro 11,4). The basic model comes with Intel Iris Pro Graphic only, but the advanced one comes with dual graphic: Iris Pro Graphics plus AMD Radeon R9 M370X with 2GB DDR5 memory. The difference between these models are the Graphic, Central Processor speed and Primary storage option that you can see in the image below.
I was excited to buy the basic model, because I don’t really play games and do video editing kind of job. First of all, I had expectation that the RAM speed will increase and Apple will use 5th generation intel processor like apple did in case of 13-inch model. When I compared the specs between those models, my excitement was gone. Apple made little changes only, i.e. Force Touch Trackpad and slightly upgrade in battery that increases one hour back up.
The new model has a price tag of AED 7,899 and Apple doesn’t have old model listed with the price. So I went to the market checking the price of previous model (Mid 2014 which has been replaced with Mid-2015 Model), so that I can find the difference in price and decide which one to buy. I got the offer of AED 6,400 for Mid-2014 model that was almost AED 1,500 cheaper than new model. So I did not justify paying 1,500 only for force touch though processor and all hardware remained unchanged. Do you justify paying that much extra for that single feature?
These are the specifications of MacBook Pro 15-inch Mid-2015 Model with force touch, and I have highlighted those specs what have been upgraded or added.
Processors:
1 (4 Cores)
Architecture:
64-Bit
Processor Speed:
2.2 GHz
Processor Type:
Core i7 (I7-4770HQ)
System Bus Speed:
5 GT/s (DMI2)*
Cache Bus Speed:
2.2 GHz (Built-in)
L1 Cache:
32k/32k x4
L2/L3 Cache:
256k x4, 6 MB*
RAM Type:
DDR3L SDRAM*
Min. RAM Speed:
1600 MHz
Standard RAM:
16 GB
Maximum RAM:
16 GB
Motherboard RAM:
16 GB
RAM Slots:
None
Video Card:
Iris Pro 5200
VRAM Type:
Integrated
Standard VRAM:
1.5 GB*
Maximum VRAM:
1.5 GB*
Built-in Display:
15.4″ Widescreen
Native Resolution:
2880×1800
2nd Display Support:
Dual/Mirroring*
2nd Max. Resolution:
2560×1600 (x2*)
Standard Hard Drive:
256 GB SSD
Int. HD Interface:
Proprietary* (PCIe)
Standard AirPort:
802.11ac
Standard Bluetooth:
4.0
USB Ports:
2 (3.0)
Firewire Ports:
None
Expansion Slots:
SDXC Card Slot
Expansion Bays:
None
Incl. Keyboard:
Full-size
Incl. Input:
Trackpad (Inertial)
Case Type:
Notebook
Form Factor:
MacBook Pro (Retina)
Apple Model No:
A1398 (EMC Pending)
Model ID:
MacBookPro11,4
Battery Type:
99.5 W h Li-Poly
Battery Life:
9 Hours
Minimum Windows:
7 (64-Bit)*
Maximum Windows:
8 (64-Bit)*
MacOS 9 Support:
None
Windows Support:
Boot/Virtualization
Trackpad : ForceTouch feature added
That was all made me to choose Mid-2014 MacBook Pro 15-inch over Mid-2015 model. One hour extra battery is not a big deal. 8 hrs. back up is more than enough for me.
If the price between those 2 models are slightly different, then you can go for the latest model.
2 Comments
Sacha
June 29, 2015 @
9:14 pm
Yeah, I agree. Force Click doesn’t make a very big difference. I own a refurbished 2013 model and I couldn’t be any happier.
Yes, and for normal task, like browsing, playing videos and music even 13 inches models are fine if you don’t need a 15-inch model. I have tested both the model for normal tasks, and didn’t really notice any difference in processor speed.
June 29, 2015 @ 9:14 pm
Yeah, I agree. Force Click doesn’t make a very big difference. I own a refurbished 2013 model and I couldn’t be any happier.
July 2, 2015 @ 2:16 pm
Yes, and for normal task, like browsing, playing videos and music even 13 inches models are fine if you don’t need a 15-inch model. I have tested both the model for normal tasks, and didn’t really notice any difference in processor speed.