Apple Begins Selling Refurbished 2018 13-Inch MacBook Pro Models in United States and Canada

[lambertjohn]

If we’re talking anecdotes then I’ve had the opposite experience. Almost every new Apple product I’ve had has had an issue, save the Apple Watch Series 3. All of the refurbished devices I’ve owned haven’t had an issue yet and I’ve bought a lot of refurbs.

This is why I only buy refurbs, because Apple techs here in America have had a chance to go over them tooth and nail and fix/correct/update whatever issue caused the original owner to return them. Granted, usually the return was because the original owner just didn't want the thing--probably because they got buyers remorse for spending too damn much money on too damn little computer. But that's another argument for another day. My point is, refurbs have been checked and double checked for issues, and sold only when they are pristine and in 100% operating condition. You can never go wrong with an Apple refurbished product. My opinion, of course.

 

[Princejb134]

Personally, I would never buy a refurbished product. Each and every refurbished Apple product I owned (five iPhones, two Macbook Pros) was either faulty from the very first moment or broke down soon after I got. I think that their 'testing' process cannot detect many flaws...

bought 3 refurbished apple products and never had a issue
maybe apple just hate you

 

[Tozovac]

Apple has their own reasons to get rid of MagSafe...whatever they are, they are probably justified.

The thunderbolt ports are the most versatile port you can have. You can plug basically anything into them, which is why Apple gave you 4.

Apple can justify away all they want, disgruntled customers be dam*ned, right? After all, today’s Apple seems to be about being satisfied in the products they sell vs. having satisfied customers purchasing them.

 

[Baymowe335]

Apple can justify away all they want, disgruntled customers be dam*ned, right? After all, today’s Apple seems to be about satisfyingly selling their products, and no longer about satisfied customers purchasing them.

Where is your data for these disgruntled customers?

Apple has so much data, they know what they are doing.

Btw, customers have never been more satisfied.

 

[Tozovac]

Where is your data for these disgruntled customers?

Apple has so much data, they know what they are doing.

Btw, customers have never been more satisfied.

I don’t have a list of names, but based on MacRumors forum postings, there’s a decent size of folk disgruntled over MacBook Pro keyboards, having to load up on usb and headphone dongles, and wishing they could easily increase RAM, etc. A large amount of customers willing to buy what you peddle is a great way to assume what you’re doing is the best you can do.

 

[Baymowe335]

I don’t have a list of names, but based on MacRumors forum postings, there’s a decent size of folk disgruntled over MacBook Pro keyboards, having to load up on usb and headphone dongles, and wishing they could easily increase RAM, etc. A large amount of customers willing to buy what you peddle is a great way to assume what you’re doing is the best you can do.

I’ll spoil it...there is no data that shows people are upset.

Pointing to a forum where there are people posting anecdotal stories about issues by definition is not relevant data.

That average consumer doesn’t want to increase RAM. This is like a car enthusiast forum. I am on a BMW forum where people are tuning their cars. 99% of people drive their cars to work and never open the hood. Same with computers.

Apple understands their customers better than you. If accessible RAM were important to the strategy, it would exist.

People buy more Apple gear than ever and the data says they are also happier than ever.

 

[Tozovac]

Apple understands their customers better than you. If accessible RAM were important to the strategy, it would exist.

People buy more Apple gear than ever and the data says they are also happier than ever.

True for the majority I agree. If the preferences of the minority as I described don’t matter, let’s see what happens in a few years as Apple keeps removing features which make their hardware flexible and easy to use to many, and worth the Apple tax.

With MacBook Airs having certain design features and good price/value treasured by many still available but having an iffy future, and with iPhones trending towards ridiculous levels of preference toward thinness and bezelless design At the expense of fragility and high cost, I think we are on the verge of losing rational product offerings. Only time will tell.

 

[technole]

Apple has their own reasons to get rid of MagSafe...whatever they are, they are probably justified.

The thunderbolt ports are the most versatile port you can have. You can plug basically anything into them, which is why Apple gave you 4.

Left or right side power plug-in is neat. I never really thought about how much I would appreciate having it on the right side sometimes.

Current MBP is great had it since 2017, the keyboard haters need to get a life.

 

[Baymowe335]

Left or right side power plug-in is neat. I never really thought about how much I would appreciate having it on the right side sometimes.

Current MBP is great had it since 2017, the keyboard haters need to get a life.

The keyboard is only a major issue here. Apple took care of broken ones and redesigned it so the people who can’t keep it clean can once again eat crackers over it

 

[Tozovac]

Left or right side power plug-in is neat. I never really thought about how much I would appreciate having it on the right side sometimes.

Current MBP is great had it since 2017, the keyboard haters need to get a life.

It’s funny how those of us who take issue with certain Apple offerings would never tell those who are satisfied that they are wrong or should get a life. If Apple offered a little more flexibility of hardware choice, everybody could be happy, possibly.

 

[BWhaler]

WIth that junk keyboard, it’s a rip-off at any price.

 

[sarge]

Have only bought refurbished Macs from apple for 20+ years and have never had a problem

Same here, have bought many refurbs and the only problems I ever had were after warranty (which is the same as any other non-refurbished machine) issues which were known to effect all models of that particular vintage. Mostly video or graphic card failures.

 

[sguser]

Personally, I would never buy a refurbished product. Each and every refurbished Apple product I owned (five iPhones, two Macbook Pros) was either faulty from the very first moment or broke down soon after I got. I think that their 'testing' process cannot detect many flaws...

I've bought two refurbished iPad Air 2 and an Apple TV. They looked as good as new and still perform without a hitch.

 

[sarge]

I am actually considering returning my MacBook Pro 15 2018.
The fullscreen video playback glitches out. (short multi coloured line popping in and out every so often.)
To test this, just playback some youtube video in safari in fullscreen mode.

*Tried with my friends MBP 15 2018, they all do this. And Googling it reveal people having this issues from the beginning of release. Don't know if Apple is ever gonna fix it. If not fix soon, I am returning it before its too late.

Doesn't seem like there are any more reliable choices out there but I would definitely be interested in knowing what to replace my 15" with. The graphics card on my beloved 2011 model finally bit the dust. Now using a mid-2014 15". Sad to say I'm not interested in the new lineup at all.

 

[AppleHaterLover]

at $1,500 this is a killer deal.

 

[SuperBrown]

Sad to say I'm not interested in the new lineup at all.

Same. I used to love all things Apple, but these days...sigh...not so much.

 

[Tozovac]

Where is your data for these disgruntled customers?

Apple has so much data, they know what they are doing.

Btw, customers have never been more satisfied.

Most every tech type person I know who owns a mac is dissatisfied at the options going forward, all want a device that fits super well into their world today and not 5 years from now, and they don't want to keep track of headphone & USB-C dongles as they tote around their portable device. They want a robust keyboard with good feedback for hours of driving. None love the new thin MBP or buttonless jackless iPhone X that will decrease usability out in the field (work, not meadow) wearing gloves sometimes and surrounded by 25-50 year old sound hardware that works super well. None.

As far as doing the right things to fill their coffers, yup, they're on a roll. My thought is their direction is a bad one, considering how my techie friends/coworkers feel now about their products.

Baseball - if they can support themselves with these type of fans:

while alienating more and more of these types of fans:

Then God bless them in their newfound world and success. I'll miss my good memories at the park.

 

[Abazigal]

I don't know about you, but when I want French cuisine, I find a French restaurant. When I wanted a MacBook that fit my needs best, I purchased an MBA in 2014. The difference with Apple is, they're moving towards having only Japanese restaurants to choose from. They have every right to do that but IMHO that's not deserving respect and understanding, and acceptance.

I think you posted this in the wrong thread, but it’s cool.

 

[Tozovac]

I think you posted this in the wrong thread, but it’s cool.

ha ha oopsie!

 

[mattopotamus]

I have a 2017 model and have no delays at all.

Honestly, I just think some people are not sensitive to lag. I have seen it on every single pro laptop.

 

[Naimfan]

Apple has their own reasons to get rid of MagSafe...whatever they are, they are probably justified.

The thunderbolt ports are the most versatile port you can have. You can plug basically anything into them, which is why Apple gave you 4.

Of course, Apple forgot to either:

A. Tell the rest of world anything but USB-C/TB3 is obsolete;

Or,

B. Include the necessary dongles in the box.

Apple did not, however, forget to stock said dongles in their stores at its now-usual rip-off prices.

 

[LiamKelly]

That's cool. Now we just need them to fix the keyboard.

Why do you think they have so many 2018 refurbs?

 

[Tozovac]

Of course, Apple forgot to either:

A. Tell the rest of world anything but USB-C/TB3 is obsolete;

Or,

B. Include the necessary dongles in the box.

Apple did not, however, forget to stock said dongles in their stores at its now-usual rip-off prices.

What's amazing to me is how so few (other than users like you & me) seem to be frustrated in Apple's overlooking the customer pains during their narrow-minded focus on the projected gains.

Even if provided with each MB, dongles require toting around and a watchful eye so as to not lose them, completely opposite of what a "conveniently portable all-in-one laptop device" is all about. Plus the durability over time concerns for a flexible corded device. And buying an adapter brick is once again completely opposite of the intent of a portable, powerful device.

Jony Ive is the world's most amazing designer? Apple is the poster child for consumer-based industrial design? Raise your hand if you would prefer purchasing (and paying up for beyond already inflated prices, if that’s what it would take) an MB with at least some or all user-swappable ports, released via a small sharp object like SIM cards. USB C, USB A, magsafe.

I'm in manufacturing and completely understand the cost impact to adding this option, where the majority of food-photographing instagram pilots and weight obsessed supermodels who seem to be AAPL’s prime customers nowadays might not see value in paying up for an option like that.

In a world where the MacBook Pro is a sealed non-upgradeable commodity, is it finally the time for a "MacBook Pro Pro," for real "professionals" or at least hardcore users yearning for a true all-in-one device that's more about flexible function than one-sized-fits-all fashion?

 

[Barkston Livermount]

More than ever - with Apple's increasingly nutball pricing and their apparent lack of desire to update anything with "Mac" in the name on any sort of regular basis - saving $200-500 by going refurb is just smart. As long as you can get the specs you're wanting/needing, you're kind of a fool not to, with everything inspected, defective components replaced, the standard one-year warranty included and the ability to add AppleCare. Unless you've just got some sort of "I've got to be the only person who's ever owned this!!!" fetish, why wouldn't you go this route?

Why would any reasonable person, considering all the above, spend top dollar on a 21.5" or 27" iMac that hasn't been updated in 16 months when they could get the exact thing for several hundred less? Or, even better, spend the same that you would for a stock new model, but get a refurb with some nice upgrades already added (extra RAM, or maybe an upgraded processor, etc.). It shakes out to a much better bang-for-the-buck.

Maybe someday, when Apple regains their senses/perspective on a few fronts, it'll be fun to buy brand new gear again. But, until then, refurb is the way to go. It's all I've done for nearly a decade. I've saved right at $1,200 total and I've never had a single issue.

 

[kakinc]

Doesn't seem like there are any more reliable choices out there but I would definitely be interested in knowing what to replace my 15" with. The graphics card on my beloved 2011 model finally bit the dust. Now using a mid-2014 15". Sad to say I'm not interested in the new lineup at all.

I just exchanged for another 15" 2018, this one has no issue YET. But cannot be certain, as the one I returned didn't seem to have those issue for the first day. I think it really depends on luck, as the ones on display at the apple store none of them shows sign of this issue.