2017 MacBook Pro 15" with Touch Bar
Apple announced an update for the MacBook Pro 15 at WWDC in June. The Skylake processors were still up to date when the previous model launched last autumn, but the competition started shipping models with new and faster chips soon after that. Apple now reacts with an unusually early update after just 8 months. We originally expected an update this autumn.
There's not a whole lot new about the latest 15-inch MacBook Pro ($2,799 as reviewed, $2,399 to start), though you can argue that there doesn't really need to be. Apple's notebook for power users still packs a gorgeous 15-inch Retina display and innovative Touch Bar controls into an impossibly slim design. And thanks to Intel's latest Kaby Lake processors, the MacBook Pro has gotten even faster.
The latest MacBook Pro models are internally Apple's 13th generation MacBook Pro, but they effectively represent the fourth major body redesign. The new design leans heavily on techniques used for the Retina MacBook, MacBook Air, and iPad, trimming down the design to 0.61 inches (15.5 mm) thick and and 4.02 pounds —making it thinner than the MacBook Air.
Apple's 15-inch MacBook Pro is available in standard silver and a darker Space Gray finish, and is sold alongside a smaller 13-inch version — but that model is a different review.
Now, on the surface, the new MacBook Pro looks exactly the same, but all of the changes are found under-the-hood via performance bumps. And our test results do show an expected increase in speed, but it's not enough to induce serious buyer's remorse in anyone who recently bought a MacBook Pro of the previous generationthough it may spark a bit of envy.
The Touch Bar is intended to appear and function as a dynamic strip of virtual keyboard keys, unconfined by the physical structure of mechanical keys. When you hold down the FN key, the Touch Bar reverts to a standard strip of 12 function keys and the ESC key (below). If you boot into Windows, the Touch Bar reverts to displaying virtual FN keys.
However, while the latest MacBook Pro retains what makes Apple's professional notebook great, it also preserves the laptop's few flaws. The Pro's limited port selection makes it hard to get work done without a myriad of dongles, and it still doesn't feel like the Touch Bar has quite reached its full potential yet. But if you're looking for the fastest, most feature-rich MacBook out there, this is it.
Apple's highest-end laptop looks more like a MacBook Air these days, with stunningly slim edges that measure in at just 0.61 inches. That puts it right on a par with the Dell XPS 15 and Microsoft's new Surface Laptop (both 0.6 inches), and is notably slimmer than the Razer Blade Pro (0.88 inches).
Reservations about the price aside, this is out and out a premium laptop. For a 15-inch device it is remarkably slim, keeping an identical profile to the 2016 model. Our review unit was Space Grey, our preferred colour, but you can go for the classic MacBook silver too.
The MacBook Pro's sleek aluminum chassis is travel-friendly at 4 pounds, but still feels sturdy and substantial enough to give you a sense that it's made for serious work. I really dig the Space Gray color our unit came in, though there's also a nice-looking Silver option for those who prefer lighter shades.'
The impressive slim form factor is largely possible thanks to Apple’s removal of some, debatably pro, ports. Long gone is the CD drive, but also carried over from last year’s model is the absence of any ports other than four USB-C (Thunderbolt 3, two on each side) and a solitary headphone jack.
However, the MacBook Pro's sheer slimness comes at the cost of some convenience. The notebook's port selection is made up entirely of four USB-C connections (as well as a headphone jack), which future-proofs it for the latest accessories but makes using just about anything else a pain.
Want to plug in your iPhone charger or any other traditional USB cable? You'll need a $9 USB-C to USB adapter. Need to copy some files to an SD card? Get ready to cough up at least $11 for a USB-C SD reader. The Pro's hidden costs add up fast, especially for power users who will need access to all types of storage drives, displays and Ethernet cables.
The whole point of the 2017 MacBook Pro refresh was the addition of Kaby Lake. When the machine was originally designed and shipped, the quad-core processor suitable for the 15-inch MacBook Pro wasn't available.
It is now, and Apple has fulfilled what was heralded in 2006 as the big advantage to shifting to Intel the ability to update the hardware frequently.
There are two main configurations of the 15-inch MacBook Pro. We tested the most powerful model with a 3.1GHz i7 and Radeon 560 4GB graphics and compared it to the 2016 with its top i7 2.9GHz processor and Radeon 460.
The 2016 Mac rated decent single- and multi-core scores of 4,635 points and 13,416 points, respectively, on the latest version of Geekbench 4. By comparison, the 2017 model reached 4,891 points and 16,426 points, respectively. The 12-percent single core and 24-percent multi-core improvements came as a surprise considering typical CPU updates usually result in single digit improvements.
Even though the rated clock speeds have only risen by 200 to 300MHz, actual usable performance under load has increased by 500 to 600mhz explaining the large multi-core improvements. Kaby lake in the 2017 also runs cooler than the Skylake in the 2016, allowing the turbo boost clock speed to stay higher for longer during processor intensive tasks.
The CPU improvements are two-fold —there is a slight gain in performance because of the architectural improvements, but the bigger gain is because the processor runs cooler, and a frequency boost was possible. At 16,426 points, the multi-core score almost matches the 16,975 points of the Skylake 4.0Ghz i7 CPU, which was the best processor option available with the late-2015 5K iMac.
As far as rumored 32GB configurations go —Kaby Lake can also support more than 16GB of DDR3 and DDR4 RAM. However, LPDDR3 has little in common with its desktop progenitor, and is limited to 16GB by spec and design.
Users needing a 32GB model will need to wait for a possible redesign to use the more power-hungry RAM, or for Cannon Lake processors to ship, at some point in late 2018.
"Apple’s most powerful portable gets a performance boost"
Apple announced an update for the MacBook Pro 15 at WWDC in June. The Skylake processors were still up to date when the previous model launched last autumn, but the competition started shipping models with new and faster chips soon after that. Apple now reacts with an unusually early update after just 8 months. We originally expected an update this autumn.
There's not a whole lot new about the latest 15-inch MacBook Pro ($2,799 as reviewed, $2,399 to start), though you can argue that there doesn't really need to be. Apple's notebook for power users still packs a gorgeous 15-inch Retina display and innovative Touch Bar controls into an impossibly slim design. And thanks to Intel's latest Kaby Lake processors, the MacBook Pro has gotten even faster.
The latest MacBook Pro models are internally Apple's 13th generation MacBook Pro, but they effectively represent the fourth major body redesign. The new design leans heavily on techniques used for the Retina MacBook, MacBook Air, and iPad, trimming down the design to 0.61 inches (15.5 mm) thick and and 4.02 pounds —making it thinner than the MacBook Air.
Apple's 15-inch MacBook Pro is available in standard silver and a darker Space Gray finish, and is sold alongside a smaller 13-inch version — but that model is a different review.
Now, on the surface, the new MacBook Pro looks exactly the same, but all of the changes are found under-the-hood via performance bumps. And our test results do show an expected increase in speed, but it's not enough to induce serious buyer's remorse in anyone who recently bought a MacBook Pro of the previous generationthough it may spark a bit of envy.
The Touch Bar is intended to appear and function as a dynamic strip of virtual keyboard keys, unconfined by the physical structure of mechanical keys. When you hold down the FN key, the Touch Bar reverts to a standard strip of 12 function keys and the ESC key (below). If you boot into Windows, the Touch Bar reverts to displaying virtual FN keys.
However, while the latest MacBook Pro retains what makes Apple's professional notebook great, it also preserves the laptop's few flaws. The Pro's limited port selection makes it hard to get work done without a myriad of dongles, and it still doesn't feel like the Touch Bar has quite reached its full potential yet. But if you're looking for the fastest, most feature-rich MacBook out there, this is it.
MacBook Pro 15 Design
Apple's highest-end laptop looks more like a MacBook Air these days, with stunningly slim edges that measure in at just 0.61 inches. That puts it right on a par with the Dell XPS 15 and Microsoft's new Surface Laptop (both 0.6 inches), and is notably slimmer than the Razer Blade Pro (0.88 inches).
Reservations about the price aside, this is out and out a premium laptop. For a 15-inch device it is remarkably slim, keeping an identical profile to the 2016 model. Our review unit was Space Grey, our preferred colour, but you can go for the classic MacBook silver too.
Want to plug in your iPhone charger or any other traditional USB cable? You'll need a $9 USB-C to USB adapter. Need to copy some files to an SD card? Get ready to cough up at least $11 for a USB-C SD reader. The Pro's hidden costs add up fast, especially for power users who will need access to all types of storage drives, displays and Ethernet cables.
The form factor for a 15-inch machine is impressive, with the Pro measuring 34.93 x 24.07 x 1.55cm when closed. Yes, 1.55cm thick on a MacBook Pro. 2017 eh, it’s the future!
It’s 1.83kg, a weight that is well distributed. You may not want to carry it in a messenger bag but it’s certainly in the ‘portable’ bracket more than ever before.
There is a convenient Touch ID fingerprint reader worked into the Touch Bar, while the 15-inch design allows for symmetrical speaker grilles either side of the keyboard. As usual, Apple excels in its positioning of the trackpad; here it is huge but we never found our palms encroaching on it.
The Touch Bar itself remains, and it will again continue to divide opinion. From a purely design point of view, it’s great. It works well with no lag and the interface is surprisingly intuitive for such unique hardware.
At first it’s jarring, but over extended use you will start to enjoy its quirks though if you use many programs that simply need function keys at all costs, it’s going to really annoy you.
Touch Bar is most use while flipping through Safari tabs it was really nice to see a visual preview of each page while flipping.We also appreciated how the bar would provide autofill options any time while typing, and how easy it was to fast-forward and rewind a video by simply sliding my finger. Creative users could get a ton of use out of the Touch Bar once they mastered it; for example, you can adjust the volume settings of individual GarageBand instruments with a few taps, or quickly split up clips in iMovie without using the touchpad.
However, We don't see the Touch Bar becoming a true game changer until a lot more third-party apps add supports for it. It currently works with programs such as Photoshop and Microsoft Office, but we'd love to be able to use it with non-Apple browsers such as Chrome or even to get some extra control options in my favorite Steam games.
Last year we saw different panels in the 2016 Apple MacBook Pro 15 test models, so the measurement results can differ between two otherwise identical systems. The basic features obviously have not changed (2880x1800 pixels, IPS).
The laptop has a 15.4-inch backlit Retina display and yes, it looks amazing as we’ve come to expect from Apple. The 2880x1800 resolution is a dream no matter what you’re looking at, and is, for all day use, preferable to the 13-inch alternative. On-screen text looked thick and handwritten, and the snowy Sierra mountains in the notebook's default background was startlingly true-to-life.
It supports several scaled resolutions up to 1920x1200, but the absence of HDMI means you’ll need the requisite adapter.
It’s worth noting that many Windows rivals now have 4K displays, something that Apple has never offered on a MacBook. Considering the high price of the 15-inch MacBook Pro, if you need a 4K display then the 21.5-inch iMac starts at £1,249
The MacBook Pro's impressive color performance was backed up by our lab tests, in which the notebook reproduced an impressive 126.4 percent of the sRGB color gamut with a Delta E accuracy rating of 0.2 (closer to 0 is better). That makes it both more colorful and accurate than the HP Spectre x360 (113, 3.47), but not quite as vibrant as the Dell XPS 15 (188, 1.4).
The Pro registered an ultraluminous 460 nits of brightness on light meter, outshining the XPS 15 (282 nits), the Spectre x360 (255 nits) and our average for mainstream notebooks (275).
MacBook Pro 15 keyboard and Touchpad
The MacBook keyboard continues to blow my mind by offering seemingly shallow keys that feel better than any We've used on a notebook. They have shallower travel than all MacBook Pro models 2015 and earlier though, so you may want to test them out before taking the purchase plunge. If you’re used to that kind of travel, you’re probably still going to be frustrated at the adjustment required.
Apple remains a class-leader in input with Force Touch, the pressure sensitive technology that allows for simulated clicks and actions using only haptic feedback under the pad. We still have a hard time believing that the laptop's Force Touch trackpad has no actual click button, because the haptic feedback it provides is incredibly satisfying.
It's just like using the iphone's Force touch screen.You can, for example, press harder for a deeper click and take advantage of another function depending on the app or program you are in. It becomes second nature after a while. It’s also preferable to a mechanical trackpad because you can click anywhere on it, even at the top.
Multi-touch gestures take a while to learn and they are limited in the main OS but become useful for editing purposes in pro apps like Final Cut. Being able to apply two kinds of pressure to a trackpad has opened up a wealth of existing and future possibilities for developers too, and is a clear and well-executed advantage over PC counterparts.
It’s 1.83kg, a weight that is well distributed. You may not want to carry it in a messenger bag but it’s certainly in the ‘portable’ bracket more than ever before.
MacBook Pro 15 Touch Bar and Touch ID
There is a convenient Touch ID fingerprint reader worked into the Touch Bar, while the 15-inch design allows for symmetrical speaker grilles either side of the keyboard. As usual, Apple excels in its positioning of the trackpad; here it is huge but we never found our palms encroaching on it.
The Touch Bar itself remains, and it will again continue to divide opinion. From a purely design point of view, it’s great. It works well with no lag and the interface is surprisingly intuitive for such unique hardware.
At first it’s jarring, but over extended use you will start to enjoy its quirks though if you use many programs that simply need function keys at all costs, it’s going to really annoy you.
Touch Bar is most use while flipping through Safari tabs it was really nice to see a visual preview of each page while flipping.We also appreciated how the bar would provide autofill options any time while typing, and how easy it was to fast-forward and rewind a video by simply sliding my finger. Creative users could get a ton of use out of the Touch Bar once they mastered it; for example, you can adjust the volume settings of individual GarageBand instruments with a few taps, or quickly split up clips in iMovie without using the touchpad.
However, We don't see the Touch Bar becoming a true game changer until a lot more third-party apps add supports for it. It currently works with programs such as Photoshop and Microsoft Office, but we'd love to be able to use it with non-Apple browsers such as Chrome or even to get some extra control options in my favorite Steam games.
MacBook Pro 15 Display
The laptop has a 15.4-inch backlit Retina display and yes, it looks amazing as we’ve come to expect from Apple. The 2880x1800 resolution is a dream no matter what you’re looking at, and is, for all day use, preferable to the 13-inch alternative. On-screen text looked thick and handwritten, and the snowy Sierra mountains in the notebook's default background was startlingly true-to-life.
It’s worth noting that many Windows rivals now have 4K displays, something that Apple has never offered on a MacBook. Considering the high price of the 15-inch MacBook Pro, if you need a 4K display then the 21.5-inch iMac starts at £1,249
The MacBook Pro's impressive color performance was backed up by our lab tests, in which the notebook reproduced an impressive 126.4 percent of the sRGB color gamut with a Delta E accuracy rating of 0.2 (closer to 0 is better). That makes it both more colorful and accurate than the HP Spectre x360 (113, 3.47), but not quite as vibrant as the Dell XPS 15 (188, 1.4).
The Pro registered an ultraluminous 460 nits of brightness on light meter, outshining the XPS 15 (282 nits), the Spectre x360 (255 nits) and our average for mainstream notebooks (275).
Despite a short travel of 0.81 millimeters, the keys made it easy for us to blaze through the Key Hero Typing Test at 98 wpm with near-perfect accuracy and zero finger strain.
Each key is backlit with its own LED, which is pretty luxurious. The combination of expansive, responsive trackpad and high quality keyboard in a 15-inch laptop that remains extremely portable is very attractive, but be aware of the changes.
Each key is backlit with its own LED, which is pretty luxurious. The combination of expansive, responsive trackpad and high quality keyboard in a 15-inch laptop that remains extremely portable is very attractive, but be aware of the changes.
The trackpad's pressure-sensitive functions, such as hard-pressing on a website to preview it, all felt intuitive. While the touchpad is comically huge at 6.1 x 3.8 inches, it left me plenty of room for comfortably navigating web pages and performing gesture-based shortcuts.
Multi-touch gestures take a while to learn and they are limited in the main OS but become useful for editing purposes in pro apps like Final Cut. Being able to apply two kinds of pressure to a trackpad has opened up a wealth of existing and future possibilities for developers too, and is a clear and well-executed advantage over PC counterparts.
MacBook Pro 15 Performance
It is now, and Apple has fulfilled what was heralded in 2006 as the big advantage to shifting to Intel the ability to update the hardware frequently.
There are two main configurations of the 15-inch MacBook Pro. We tested the most powerful model with a 3.1GHz i7 and Radeon 560 4GB graphics and compared it to the 2016 with its top i7 2.9GHz processor and Radeon 460.
The 2016 Mac rated decent single- and multi-core scores of 4,635 points and 13,416 points, respectively, on the latest version of Geekbench 4. By comparison, the 2017 model reached 4,891 points and 16,426 points, respectively. The 12-percent single core and 24-percent multi-core improvements came as a surprise considering typical CPU updates usually result in single digit improvements.
Even though the rated clock speeds have only risen by 200 to 300MHz, actual usable performance under load has increased by 500 to 600mhz explaining the large multi-core improvements. Kaby lake in the 2017 also runs cooler than the Skylake in the 2016, allowing the turbo boost clock speed to stay higher for longer during processor intensive tasks.
The CPU improvements are two-fold —there is a slight gain in performance because of the architectural improvements, but the bigger gain is because the processor runs cooler, and a frequency boost was possible. At 16,426 points, the multi-core score almost matches the 16,975 points of the Skylake 4.0Ghz i7 CPU, which was the best processor option available with the late-2015 5K iMac.
As far as rumored 32GB configurations go —Kaby Lake can also support more than 16GB of DDR3 and DDR4 RAM. However, LPDDR3 has little in common with its desktop progenitor, and is limited to 16GB by spec and design.
Users needing a 32GB model will need to wait for a possible redesign to use the more power-hungry RAM, or for Cannon Lake processors to ship, at some point in late 2018.
MacBook Pro 15 Software
The machine runs macOS Sierra 10.12.5 out the box, which means you can look forward to talking to Siri, making Apple Pay payments with your fingerprint, and using your iPhone to unlock your laptop and it is a nicely refined version of Apple’s longstanding Mac operating system.
It integrates well, much like Apple Pay and the Touch ID reader. Quickly paying for items on supported browser websites is a nerdy delight, even though we’ve all done it on our phones by now in apps. Unlocking the computer with biometrics for the first time on a MacBook adds a welcome layer of security.
The Mac experience will soon get even better with macOS High Sierra, which will offer a safer and faster Safari, smoother overall performance and support for virtual-reality applications. You can try out the public beta now, or wait for the full thing this fall.
Apple’s solution to this problem is still selling the old 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro, which offers the USB-A slot.
That model is also the only choice for business users who would prefer a 15-inch model but don’t require such high-specs, or want to pay the high price for the new 15-inch MacBook Pro.
This is basically the issue we have with the MacBook Pro: if you want a 15-inch screen you will be spending a lot of money on specs you don’t really need. Or you will be buying a model that’s two years old for at least £450 less.
MacBook Pro 15 Audio
The MacBook Pro's speakers are impressively booming, offering satisfying bass and crunchy treble. The speakers are connected directly to system power, enabling greater peak amplification. So they make MacBook Pro the perfect choice for mixing a track on the fly, editing video on location, or enjoying a movie on the go. menacing guitars and rollicking double bass drums of the Doom soundtrack sounded extra punchy on Apple's laptop.
MacBook Pro 15 Webcam
The MacBook Pro's 720p FaceTime camera is as solid as ever but Not great than other competitors, though it feels like time for Apple to make an upgrade. The shooter did a fine job accurately capturing pictures, but there was some pretty clear pixelation in my selfies -- even under decent lighting in our lab.
WIth the 15-inch MacBook Pro's impressive endurance, you can leave your charger at home. The laptop lasted a full 10 hours and 59 minutes on the LAPTOP Battery Test, which involves continuous surfing over Wi-Fi. That's far ahead of the mainstream laptop category average (6:52), the Dell XPS 15 (8:23) and the HP Spectre x360 (8:36). Last year's MacBook Pro endured for 10 hours and 32 minutes.
If you bought a new MacBook Pro last October you might be a tiny bit miffed. After all, your machine has just been surpassed within months. Does it really matter though? Probably not because chances are you aren’t a creative professional who needs the best processor and graphics card as well as a ton of RAM. And if you are, we’ll maybe you are holding out for the hoped for MacBook Pro with 32GB RAM.
The MacBook Pro is for a demanding user who needs a decent amount of power. If all you do with your Mac is surf the web and open emails then probably a MacBook or MacBook Air will suffice (although the MacBook Air hasn’t had a significant update in a while).
If it’s the 15-inch screen that’s attracting you perhaps a 13-inch MacBook Pro, or other Mac laptop paired with a bigger display would do the job just as well.
Perhaps it’s portability you need. The MacBook Pro isn’t the lightest laptop Apple makes (that’ll be the MacBook) but it is a lot lighter than it was back in 2015. And if you were thinking of buying the older 2015 model that’s still on sale - that’s the £1,899/$1,999 15-inch model with a 2.2GHz Broadwell processor, bear in mind that it’s quite a bit heavier.
With all that in mind though, if you want a bigger screen and would benefit from a discrete graphics card, rather than one of the integrated ones (which wouldn’t be as good for things like games and creative work), then the 15-inch MacBook Pro is a great choice.
If you've been on the fence about getting a MacBook Pro, now's a better time than ever to get one. Apple's highest-end notebook crams a ton of power into a wonderfully slim design, and its 15-inch Retina display is a beautifully bright canvas for getting work done or just kicking back with movies. While not absolutely essential, the Touch Bar opens up a whole bunch of neat control options that make the Mac even more intuitive and fun to use.
The latest MacBook Pro delivers a slight performance bump with its Kaby Lake CPUs, but it's not a drastic enough change to warrant an upgrade from anyone who owns last year's model. There are lots of outstanding Windows alternatives out there -- the Dell XPS 15 packs a 4K touch screen for hundreds of dollars less, while Microsoft's Surface Book ($1,499 starting) offers a detachable display that's great for drawing and note-taking.
If you’re a pro user, you can’t be blamed for being disappointed in the 16GB memory limitation. But the impeding 10-bit 4K HVEC support in macOS High Sierra and the potential for hardware acceleration using Kaby Lake’s built-in HVEC support makes for a very enticing combination. The 2.9GHz 15-inch MacBook Pro becomes a very attractive investment, even if you recently bought a previous-generation MacBook Pro.
The machine runs macOS Sierra 10.12.5 out the box, which means you can look forward to talking to Siri, making Apple Pay payments with your fingerprint, and using your iPhone to unlock your laptop and it is a nicely refined version of Apple’s longstanding Mac operating system.
The Mac experience will soon get even better with macOS High Sierra, which will offer a safer and faster Safari, smoother overall performance and support for virtual-reality applications. You can try out the public beta now, or wait for the full thing this fall.
MacBook Pro 15 Ports
One other thing that could be beneficial to pro users is USB-C with Thunderbolt 3. There are four here, and there’s no denying the improved versatility of a port that can cope with charging, data transfer at great speeds and external monitor output. But if all your peripherals are USB-A or you use HDMI and an Ethernet cable, you’re going to be swimming in dongles. Expensive dongles.Apple’s solution to this problem is still selling the old 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro, which offers the USB-A slot.
That model is also the only choice for business users who would prefer a 15-inch model but don’t require such high-specs, or want to pay the high price for the new 15-inch MacBook Pro.
This is basically the issue we have with the MacBook Pro: if you want a 15-inch screen you will be spending a lot of money on specs you don’t really need. Or you will be buying a model that’s two years old for at least £450 less.
MacBook Pro 15 Audio
MacBook Pro 15 Webcam
The MacBook Pro's 720p FaceTime camera is as solid as ever but Not great than other competitors, though it feels like time for Apple to make an upgrade. The shooter did a fine job accurately capturing pictures, but there was some pretty clear pixelation in my selfies -- even under decent lighting in our lab.
MacBook Pro 15 Battery Life
WIth the 15-inch MacBook Pro's impressive endurance, you can leave your charger at home. The laptop lasted a full 10 hours and 59 minutes on the LAPTOP Battery Test, which involves continuous surfing over Wi-Fi. That's far ahead of the mainstream laptop category average (6:52), the Dell XPS 15 (8:23) and the HP Spectre x360 (8:36). Last year's MacBook Pro endured for 10 hours and 32 minutes.
Should you buy One?
The MacBook Pro is for a demanding user who needs a decent amount of power. If all you do with your Mac is surf the web and open emails then probably a MacBook or MacBook Air will suffice (although the MacBook Air hasn’t had a significant update in a while).
If it’s the 15-inch screen that’s attracting you perhaps a 13-inch MacBook Pro, or other Mac laptop paired with a bigger display would do the job just as well.
Perhaps it’s portability you need. The MacBook Pro isn’t the lightest laptop Apple makes (that’ll be the MacBook) but it is a lot lighter than it was back in 2015. And if you were thinking of buying the older 2015 model that’s still on sale - that’s the £1,899/$1,999 15-inch model with a 2.2GHz Broadwell processor, bear in mind that it’s quite a bit heavier.
With all that in mind though, if you want a bigger screen and would benefit from a discrete graphics card, rather than one of the integrated ones (which wouldn’t be as good for things like games and creative work), then the 15-inch MacBook Pro is a great choice.
Conclusion
If you've been on the fence about getting a MacBook Pro, now's a better time than ever to get one. Apple's highest-end notebook crams a ton of power into a wonderfully slim design, and its 15-inch Retina display is a beautifully bright canvas for getting work done or just kicking back with movies. While not absolutely essential, the Touch Bar opens up a whole bunch of neat control options that make the Mac even more intuitive and fun to use.
The latest MacBook Pro delivers a slight performance bump with its Kaby Lake CPUs, but it's not a drastic enough change to warrant an upgrade from anyone who owns last year's model. There are lots of outstanding Windows alternatives out there -- the Dell XPS 15 packs a 4K touch screen for hundreds of dollars less, while Microsoft's Surface Book ($1,499 starting) offers a detachable display that's great for drawing and note-taking.
If you’re a pro user, you can’t be blamed for being disappointed in the 16GB memory limitation. But the impeding 10-bit 4K HVEC support in macOS High Sierra and the potential for hardware acceleration using Kaby Lake’s built-in HVEC support makes for a very enticing combination. The 2.9GHz 15-inch MacBook Pro becomes a very attractive investment, even if you recently bought a previous-generation MacBook Pro.
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