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2017 15 inch MBP: 2.9, 512GB, 560 - Great Deal
- Thread starter DSTOFEL
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You cannot beat that, that is freaking insane resell value for current macs are going to plummet.
I bought the same model from B&H a couple of weeks ago on a flash deal for $2,049 (still boxed up)....wanted to see if I saw a better deal over Thanksgiving sales. This is $50 lower....might ask them if they’ll match the price....but not worth shipping the other one back.
Another way to look at it is that at least the 2016/2017 models are now covered by a 4 year warranty (ie due to the class action suit brought against Apple about the KB). The 2018 models are still suffering keyboard issues (ie see long threads discussing this on MR) and are not covered by this warranty. Plus, the 2016/2017 models don’t have the T2 chip...so no issue with KP to deal with. Also no cracking speaker issues.
It seems to be a bit of a crapshoot no matter which model year you choose.
I honestly have to stop reading at "2017".
The upgrade the 2018 brings is crazy - it isn't just the keyboard issue (which is a major issue) that has been improved (although I agree not corrected), you are jumping from 4 cores to 6. The battery benchmarks seem significantly better on the 2018 models for both the 15" and 13" compared to their older counterparts - this could be due to the T2 chip's efficiency in some HVEC video playback, the CPU being more efficient or the larger battery life (despite going to more powerful components and DDR4, which is faster).
You also get a better WiFi card/Bluetooth 5, TrueTone and some other little things I am forgetting. Honestly I'd just wait for a good deal on the 2018 before jumping on these.
People buying these machines obviously aren't that budget limited clearly, or they wouldn't be considering MacBooks in the first place - I totally think it is worth stretching a bit more for the 2018.
2018 MacBook is the first MacBook since 2015 that I actually would buy, it is that much of an improvement.
The upgrade the 2018 brings is crazy - it isn't just the keyboard issue (which is a major issue) that has been improved (although I agree not corrected), you are jumping from 4 cores to 6. The battery benchmarks seem significantly better on the 2018 models for both the 15" and 13" compared to their older counterparts - this could be due to the T2 chip's efficiency in some HVEC video playback, the CPU being more efficient or the larger battery life (despite going to more powerful components and DDR4, which is faster).
You also get a better WiFi card/Bluetooth 5, TrueTone and some other little things I am forgetting. Honestly I'd just wait for a good deal on the 2018 before jumping on these.
People buying these machines obviously aren't that budget limited clearly, or they wouldn't be considering MacBooks in the first place - I totally think it is worth stretching a bit more for the 2018.
2018 MacBook is the first MacBook since 2015 that I actually would buy, it is that much of an improvement.
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Great points! That’s the main reason I kept the 2017 model “unopened” (ie to see if the 2018 models prices would come down). It looks like the 2018’s are starting to make a break in price!
Still though, the 2017’s at this price point are very compelling especially since much of the risk has been removed by the presence of the 4 yr warranty on any KB failure. It’s not like the 2017 is a bad machine.
Clearly the 2018 comes with some major improvements.....but also comes with some risks of its own. Honestly, if the 2018’s didn’t continue to have KB issues (and failures are not covered under the 4 yr warranty), T2 chip KP issues, crackling speaker issues, thermal issues, etc... it would be a no brainer for me..even at the current 2017 prices. I’d go with the 2018 model....hands down. These issues are really the only reason I’m really considering the 2017 model.
Probably there is no wrong answer at this point. A great case can be made for either I think.
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I would say there is a very good chance the repair program gets extended to the 2018. Besides, if you got AppleCare+, in the worst case scenario you'll have 3 years vs 4 - but irrespective of that, you have a higher chance of not getting affected by KB issues in the first place, I'd hate to be the person who had to repair my MBP 2-4 times in it's lifetime. So as great as the repair program is, I would rather not have to use it in the first place and the 2018 may help towards that.
I however do agree that the T2 Kernel panics an annoying issue
I just reserved the 2018 MBP 512GB vesrsion w/ touchbar for $2499.99. After tax $2,721.86.
Apple price, $2,799.00 before tax.
I have to make a 30 minute drive to Microcenter, but it's worth the savings. It's a present for my mom.
If it wasn't for the keyboard issue, I would have jumped on the 2017 deal.
Apple price, $2,799.00 before tax.
I have to make a 30 minute drive to Microcenter, but it's worth the savings. It's a present for my mom.
If it wasn't for the keyboard issue, I would have jumped on the 2017 deal.
You are one hell of a son, good sir.
So Microcenter's return policy is more or less the same as Apple's, right? Basically no questions asked 14/15 day return policy even for opened laptops if you decide you just don't want it and no restocking fees?
Not sure about open box items. But new products, with the exception of some desktop PC parts, the return policy is basically the same.
Chatted with their online rep, it's basically the same as Apple - as long as the machine isn't damaged you can return it even if you just decide you don't like it, and no restocking fee. Solid.
I’ve done this. Just email them with your information and tell them about the lower price. They will credit you on your card you purchased from. Pretty easy. Just make sure you give all the detail.
The prices are starting to break lower for the 2018 models it seems. I’m going to keep a close eye on things between now and CyberMonday in hopes of snagging a 2018 at a great deal! If not I’ll likely keep the 2017 15 inch, 2.9, 16g, 512gb, 560 for $2,049 (still sitting unboxed). Btw....B&H just put the $2,049 price back on the SG model today!
I “finally” decided on the 2018 15 inch MBP, 2.6, 512GB, 560x from B&H on their CyberMonday $2,399 price. So, I’ll just return the (unopened) 2017 15 inch, 2.9, 512GB, 560 that I bought from them for $2,049. Both great deals.... but I guess I’m casting my lot in with the 2018’s! Hopefully I won’t be plagued with KP issues, crackling speakers, etc....
I just ordered the same model from Apple Refurbished for $150 more. Seems like I better return that to Apple and buy the one from B&H?
P.S. Started buying from B&H and realized that they have a $150 tax for IL buyers. So will be keeping the refurb from Apple. Not worth it returning to Apple as they can ban you for too many returns. (and I have recently returned 3 devices: iPad Pro, XS and 8).
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I finally ended up buying a 2017 MacBook Pro from B&H for $2399 on their cyber sale.
- 3.1 GHz Intel Core i7 Quad-Core
- 16GB of 2133 MHz RAM | 1TB SSD
- 15.4" 2880 x 1800 Retina Display
- AMD Radeon Pro 560 Graphics (4GB GGDR5)