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Considering an 2012/13 Used (Refurbished) 13 Inch rMBP: Best Bang for the Buck Model?

fskywalker

fskywalker

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Nov 6, 2009
1,223
3
Hi, I'm considering buying a 2012 or 2013 13 inch rMBP and am looking to have at least 256GB of SSD. I know since the new Haswell rMBP are coming soon some people are selling their rMBP to save the money to buy the new model, which opens an opportunity for getting used / refurbished units at discount prices, which is my preference since not willing to pay full MSRP. (Even knowing the new Haswell rMBP will be faster, have a better battery and graphics, etc.) My questions are:

1- Since there is no way of knowing if the display is LG or Samsung, are there reported issues of IR on the 13 inch rMBP 2012 or 2013 releases?

2-If IR is present in some units just like in the 15 inch, is there a pattern on which configuration is more likely to have IR?

3- Has someone figured out if a second SSD (custom Apple size or OEM) can be fitted on the open space inside of the body?

4- Does the 13 inch rMBP run as hot as the 15 inch rMBP?

5- What is the price at should be looking to pay for a low end 2012 or 2013 model with the 256GB SSD? How much extra for the 512GB SSD?


Thanks
 
Refurbished are bought from Apple. Used is used, bought from someone particular (not a store).

Well, if its used you want, there can be plenty of option out there. I might add that with so many options, you can definitely find the 256GB option with a nice LCD.

eBay can help, craigslist as well... just use caution.
 
MacMall has the 13" with 256gb ssd for $1,400, that is less then a refurbished one from Apple (and no sales tax!). Used versions seem to be selling for $1,200 - $1,300. Maybe after the next update they will drop to a little over $1,000 for used ones??? Right now that new one from MacMall seems like the best deal unless you get lucky and find a used one for less then the going rate.
 
EasyRider said:
MacMall has the 13" with 256gb ssd for $1,400, that is less then a refurbished one from Apple (and no sales tax!). Used versions seem to be selling for $1,200 - $1,300. Maybe after the next update they will drop to a little over $1,000 for used ones??? Right now that new one from MacMall seems like the best deal unless you get lucky and find a used one for less then the going rate.
Click to expand...

MacMall only charges sales tax in CA, IL, NY, TN, MN, GA, NC, and WI.
 
jav6454 said:
Can't comment on that as I am not entirely sure about it.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I am on my third 15 rMBP (2.3/16/256; 2.6/16/768 and current 2012 2.7/16/768) and the first two had LG SJA1 displays (first had IR, second did not but did not wanted the risk), so would prefer to avoid it on a 13 rMBP as well.
 
fskywalker said:
Thanks. I am on my third 15 rMBP (2.3/16/256; 2.6/16/768 and current 2012 2.7/16/768) and the first two had LG SJA1 displays (first had IR, second did not but did not wanted the risk), so would prefer to avoid it on a 13 rMBP as well.
Click to expand...

So you exchanged your 2nd rMBP based on screen manufacturer even though you didn't experience IR?

Is the 13" replacing your current 15"?
 
fskywalker said:
Hi, I'm considering buying a 2012 or 2013 13 inch rMBP and am looking to have at least 256GB of SSD. I know since the new Haswell rMBP are coming soon some people are selling their rMBP to save the money to buy the new model, which opens an opportunity for getting used / refurbished units at discount prices, which is my preference since not willing to pay full MSRP. (Even knowing the new Haswell rMBP will be faster, have a better battery and graphics, etc.) My questions are:

1- Since there is no way of knowing if the display is LG or Samsung, are there reported issues of IR on the 13 inch rMBP 2012 or 2013 releases?

2-If IR is present in some units just like in the 15 inch, is there a pattern on which configuration is more likely to have IR?

3- Has someone figured out if a second SSD (custom Apple size or OEM) can be fitted on the open space inside of the body?

4- Does the 13 inch rMBP run as hot as the 15 inch rMBP?

5- What is the price at should be looking to pay for a low end 2012 or 2013 model with the 256GB SSD? How much extra for the 512GB SSD?


Thanks
Click to expand...

1. There are a couple of sporadic reports of IR in 13" models, but it is nothing like the widespread, systemic problems of the 15" model.

2. Not applicable because no patterns have been found.

3. There isn't the space for a second connector. MacMall offers bigger capacity SSDs if an upgrade is needed.

4. I don't have a 15" to compare to but iStat was reporting a CPU temperature of 40 degrees at CPU heatsink and 31 degrees bottom case (Celsius). It's not hot, and a world away from my ball-burningly hot original CD MBP from early 2006 which could hit 80 degrees plus easily.

5. I paid $A1299 inc GST ($US1071 plus tax) for a 'new old stock' 2.5GHz 256GB model. But this was an exceptional deal. People seem to be getting $300-$400 discounts at the moment.
 
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tgi said:
So you exchanged your 2nd rMBP based on screen manufacturer even though you didn't experience IR?

Is the 13" replacing your current 15"?
Click to expand...

Not necessarly, but that is a possibility.
 
surroundfan said:
I paid $A1299 inc GST ($US1071 plus tax) for a 'new old stock' 2.5GHz 256GB model. But this was an exceptional deal. People seem to be getting $300-$400 discounts at the moment.
Click to expand...

That was indeed an AWSOME deal, something like that is what I want !
 
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I was considering a refurbished 13rmbp from Apple yesterday that was listed at 1250.

I found out Best Buy had dropped the price of a new for 1399 plus if you are a student you can get an additional 100 dollars off any macbook model.

So registered with my alumni edu email address and still got the coupon and went out and purchased it for 1299 before taxes.
 
Kashsystems said:
I was considering a refurbished 13rmbp from Apple yesterday that was listed at 1250.

I found out Best Buy had dropped the price of a new for 1399 plus if you are a student you can get an additional 100 dollars off any macbook model.

So registered with my alumni edu email address and still got the coupon and went out and purchased it for 1299 before taxes.
Click to expand...

What model? 128 or 256gb?
 
Best have seen so far (Ebay) is about $1300 for a 256GB 2.5 Ghz 13 inch retina, $1600 for the 512gb version.
 
fskywalker said:
Best have seen so far (Ebay) is about $1300 for a 256GB 2.5 Ghz 13 inch retina, $1600 for the 512gb version.
Click to expand...

I decided to take the plunge, saw a 13" rMBP 2.5Ghz 256GB for $1,148, from Amazon (open box warehouse deals) and couldn't resist! They had 2, now I see that both are gone (although there are some for around $1,300 from different used sellers).
 
EasyRider said:
I decided to take the plunge, saw a 13" rMBP 2.5Ghz 256GB for $1,148, from Amazon (open box warehouse deals) and couldn't resist! They had 2, now I see that both are gone (although there are some for around $1,300 from different used sellers).
Click to expand...

Very nice deal! Congrats!
 
How does $1400 for an used, late 2012 13 inch retina, BTO 2.9ghz, 512 GB Samsung SSD sounds? I check the serial number and warranty is valid until november 2013. Would be from an online retailer, saids it is like new condition, it does looks nice on the pictures.

I'm considering purchasing it, swap SSD with my 15 inch machine to go to the 768GB capacity, then sell my 2012 BTO 2.7 15 inch retina with the 512GB SSD (has Applecare) for around $2000-2200; savings would be used on a future Haswell machine on 2014 (factory refurbished).
 
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fskywalker said:
How does $1400 for an used, late 2012 13 inch retina, BTO 2.9ghz, 512 GB Samsung SSD sounds? I check the serial number and warranty is valid until november 2013. Would be from an online retailer, saids it is like new condition, it does looks nice on the pictures.

I'm considering purchasing it, swap SSD with my 15 inch machine to go to the 768GB capacity, then sell my 2012 BTO 2.7 15 inch retina with the 512GB SSD (has Applecare) for around $2000-2200; savings would be used on a future Haswell machine on 2014 (factory refurbished).
Click to expand...

Unfortunately it was sold to someone else ! :mad:
 
Im looking to return my 13" and buy the 15". Does anyone know where I can buy the cheapest 15" 8GB ram 256 GB SSD
Im looking at either buying from Apple refurbished, MacMall, Amazon, or some other known company. apple refurbished is 1599 for 2012 model.. and 1899 for 2013 model. but im not sure where everyone finds the best deals (i dont want ebay, need credible company)
 
phillyfan9090 said:
Im looking to return my 13" and buy the 15". Does anyone know where I can buy the cheapest 15" 8GB ram 256 GB SSD
Im looking at either buying from Apple refurbished, MacMall, Amazon, or some other known company. apple refurbished is 1599 for 2012 model.. and 1899 for 2013 model. but im not sure where everyone finds the best deals (i dont want ebay, need credible company)
Click to expand...

Better off waiting for the refresh?
 
EasyRider said:
I decided to take the plunge, saw a 13" rMBP 2.5Ghz 256GB for $1,148, from Amazon (open box warehouse deals) and couldn't resist! They had 2, now I see that both are gone (although there are some for around $1,300 from different used sellers).
Click to expand...

Hi EasyRider, did you received your machine already? Was the one you bought the MD213LL/A (2012 year, 256GB SSD) ? Was it listed as used, like new or what category? I see that model right now for $1140.41 (14 left) in Amazon under their Warehouse deals and wonder this is the same deal you got. On the one I'm looking does not reference to any scratches, just said item may be repacked. I also wonder if yours came with the remaining portion of the original Apple 1 year warranty of if it has no warranty or a third party warranty.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
fskywalker said:
Hi EasyRider, did you received your machine already? Was the one you bought the MD213LL/A (2012 year, 256GB SSD) ? Was it listed as used, like new or what category? I see that model right now for $1140.41 (14 left) in Amazon under their Warehouse deals and wonder this is the same deal you got. On the one I'm looking does not reference to any scratches, just said item may be repacked. I also wonder if yours came with the remaining portion of the original Apple 1 year warranty of if it has no warranty or a third party warranty.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Yes I have had it for 6 days now (got next day shipping, and yes the MD213LL/A ). Very happy with it. It looked like it was returned and repacked. Forgot to check how many charge cycles it had when I received it, but after a few days of use it showed 11 cycles.

I registered it and have a full 1 year warranty from Apple. It did not mention any scratches or dents (and I see that sometimes it will say if it has it) it did have a couple scuffs that I cleaned up easily. Looks brand new. I made sure all ports worked, and they do.

BTW I looked at it really quick and the one for 1,140 says "Minor cosmetic imperfection on top or sides of item." So maybe wait for one that doesn't state anything wrong with it? Again I am very happy and will give it a try again for my next purchase.
 
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