[timemachiner]

I'm doing to do more intensive programming on mine in the coming days after Christmas and see what hours I get. If dissatisfied I'll return it by Jan 8th for a full refund. I need an all day programming machine for school. Thanks for your input on the 2015 model.

[mgkimsal]

There were some refurb 2015 models I wanted last night for about 4 hours, but I wasn't in a position to order right at that moment (driving, in meetings, etc). Got home, and they're gone! :/ Will keep looking, and ebay/CL generally have some decent ones now and then too.

Benchmarks between 2015 and 2016 were within 1% on geekbench for most tests, and 2016 was often the slower one. Hard to justify $1000+ more for... not much more in the day to day benefit (but as you know, the 2016 is a pretty slick feeling machine, no doubt).

Oh, and 6 hours on battery for heavy use is pretty good - I currently get 2-3 now, on a 2012 battery that is 1200+ cycles in.

I may still go back to 2016 - we'll see. Good luck!

[timemachiner]

Thanks for the feedback! I hope you get a refurb 2015 soon, sounds like they are selling out rather quickly! I have a fully spec'd out 2013 MBP 15" and the battery last at most 3 hours under an intensive programming load. The cycle count is nearing 1,000. I thought about saving money altogether by replacing the battery / backing up the data on an external hard drive and resetting it to factory. I do like the sleek design on the 2016 model and how light it is. It makes it much easier to throw in my book bag along with my other notes / books.

[mgkimsal]

Beware - it will dent that much easier too. And there were not (as of 2 weeks ago) any cases for the 2016 MBP available for purchase.