2018 refurb 13" vs 2019 new?

[badsimian]

I've ordered a 2018 refurb from the apple store to pick up tomorrow with applecare. I can get the same model but 2019 version (i5/16/512) for about £120 more but have to wait two weeks. Can't decide if I should have just got the 2019 one or stick with the refurb?

 

[maflynn]

Can't decide if I should have just got the 2019 one or stick with the refurb?

The newer one has the 4th gen keyboard that may be more durable. I don't know about the 13" but the 15" 2019 model runs faster and cooler then the 2018 model. i don't think the 13" had throttling issues, so the point may be moot.

If it were me, I'd opt for the 2019 mode given its only 120 more.

 

[chabig]

I made the same consideration but opted for the 2019 because the difference in price didn't matter to me. If it had, I would have been happy with the 2018 refurb.

 

[badsimian]

I made the same consideration but opted for the 2019 because the difference in price didn't matter to me. If it had, I would have been happy with the 2018 refurb.

Yeah, the price doesn't matter too much but I am impatient...I suppose I have 14 days with the store one. I could order online in the meantime.

 

[zfarooq]

The newer one has the 4th gen keyboard that may be more durable. I don't know about the 13" but the 15" 2019 model runs faster and cooler then the 2018 model. i don't think the 13" had throttling issues, so the point may be moot.

If it were me, I'd opt for the 2019 mode given its only 120 more.

2018 keyboard are replaced with 2019, if you have any issues with the 2018. Save your money.

 

[solouki]

I would have a minor worry about the reason for the return to Apple. In particular, I would worry about the rare and apparently random problems some of the 2018 MBPs have encountered. These problems are not detected by Apple's hardware tests, and thus they could end up in the refurb store. In fact I know of three 2018 MBPs that had rare and random problems that did end up in refurb. You might run the risk of getting one of these machines, but maybe you don't mind.

 

[Dovahkiing]

I have to 2018 13" model - it's totally fine and I'm happy with it. But - if you can spare the extra 120 pounds I'd go with the latest model.

The real bottom line is that given they're older models now, apple should be taking more than 120 pound off the refurb price.

 

[maflynn]

2018 keyboard are replaced with 2019, if you have any issues with the 2018. Save your money.

The problem is that you have to give your machine to apple and do without it - time is money. Why not opt for the 2019 keyboard from the get go. We're not talking about a huge price difference and the OP benefits from new chipsets.

 

[badsimian]

Yes I think you are right. Pickup cancelled. Now whether to buy or wait a while . See if these new model numbers mean anything...

 

[lisek99]

2018 keyboard are replaced with 2019, if you have any issues with the 2018. Save your money.

This is not correct, I just had my keyboard replaced in my 2018 15 inch and I specifically asked the tech if they are going to put 2019 keyboard and he said that's not possible.

 

[zfarooq]

This is not correct, I just had my keyboard replaced in my 2018 15 inch and I specifically asked the tech if they are going to put 2019 keyboard and he said that's not possible.

This is correct and widely reported, that 2018 keyboards are replaced with 2019 keyboards. Geniuses @ Apple aren’t always the most informer.

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https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/21/...-keyboard-problems-apple-repair-new-materials
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Some current MacBook Pro 13-inch with Touch Bar and 15-inch customers that bring in their keyboards for repair will actually have their keyboards replaced with ones that have these new materials, Apple says. That will only happen for MacBooks that have the third-generation butterfly keyboard today: the 2018 models of the MacBook Pro and the new MacBook Air.

 

[lisek99]

This is correct and widely reported, that 2018 keyboards are replaced with 2019 keyboards. Geniuses @ Apple aren’t always the most informer.

—————+

https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/21/...-keyboard-problems-apple-repair-new-materials
——————
Some current MacBook Pro 13-inch with Touch Bar and 15-inch customers that bring in their keyboards for repair will actually have their keyboards replaced with ones that have these new materials, Apple says. That will only happen for MacBooks that have the third-generation butterfly keyboard today: the 2018 models of the MacBook Pro and the new MacBook Air.

Well, that's what apple genius told me so who knows, plus my keyboard doesn't seem any different.

I'm not popping my key cap and risking damaging it just to find out.

 

[lambertjohn]

I've ordered a 2013 refurb from the apple store to pick up tomorrow with applecare. I can get the same model but 2019 version (i5/16/512) for about £120 more but have to wait two weeks. Can't decide if I should have just got the 2019 one or stick with the refurb?

A 2013 refurb? Haven't seen one of those in the refurb store in years. You sure you got the right year on this computer?
[doublepost=1561591722][/doublepost]

This is not correct, I just had my keyboard replaced in my 2018 15 inch and I specifically asked the tech if they are going to put 2019 keyboard and he said that's not possible.

2018 and 2019 keyboards are absolutely interchangeable.