I did consider that. It didn't seem like a valid upgrade path from a functioning 2012 MBP. I don't want to be having to use two laptops, and the MB lacks ports

I did consider that. It didn't seem like a valid upgrade path from a functioning 2012 MBP. I don't want to be having to use two laptops, and the MB lacks ports and power to be the fallback machine I think. I also don't like the keyboard (worse than the new MBP). In short, if I was going to get an MB, instead I would just keep my 2012 MBP. iPad was enough of a change to be worth trying (knowing I could return it in 2 weeks). I ended up keeping it!