Apple Begins Selling Refurbished 2018 15-Inch MacBook Pro Models in United States and Canada

[TheIntruder]

When purchasing CTO models from at least some 3rd parties (e.g., Amazon Prime), the warranty begins when the product was originally shipped to the 3rd party, not when it was shipped or received by the end-user, which could be months later. (Or years later for out-dated models.) If buying CTO from a 3rd party, be sure to find out when the warranty begins or began. If you can get the serial number of an already-built device, you can look up the warranty yourself on apple.com

Apple will fix their records to reflect the actual purchase date if the owner submits proof of purchase. I've had to do it with an Amazon purchase.

As consumers, the retail purchase dates takes precedence, both in usual practice and under merchantability laws, not the wholesale date, unless the item was purchased under special conditions ("as is"; "used") or with other disclaimers.

While refurbs are an attractive option, they can't be automatically assumed to be the the best option. It's best to shop around first.

As I look at what I believe to the the base 15" MBP now (2.2/16/256), it's $200 off retail, $2199 at B&H.

The Apple refurb is $2039, and in any state in which Apple operates, and charges sales tax (almost all of them) the cost is in the same ballpark.

Another factor, for those who have credit cards that offer extended warranty coverage of their own, is that some of them have terms that may exclude refurbished products. The better programs will not only extend warranties, but can be stacked with AppleCare for even lengthier extended coverage beyond three years. Check the fine print.

 

[jonnysods]

I think USA get more stock than Canada - just the one stock model available.

 

[Zdigital2015]

I think USA get more stock than Canada - just the one stock model available.

I would assume that the Canada Refurb Store stocks models only originally sold in the Canadian market, so it might take longer depending on how many have been sold and/or returned to Apple, Inc and Apple Stores located in Canada. I would give it a bit longer, as Refurbs have hit the store faster than I thought, but after they do, there can sometimes be a large gap before the next wave hits the Refurb store and a broader selection of configurations are available, at least that has been my experience in the US.

 

[Glockworkorange]

I’d agree, but I’m trying to use my Apple Barclay Card for 0% over 18 months. Trying to figure out if I should take this refurbished or brand new. I feel like there’s no difference. And all signs are pointing to no real pro update at the end of the month?

If you’re waiting for a “pro” laptop update, that won’t be until next year, so buy now

 

[Detnator]

Sadly I would't even buy this line of the MacBook Pro at the discounts from the refurbish store. Between the keyboard malfunctions and the lack of connectivity on the one I was given for work..... I just can't see paying premium dollar for a machine that just isn't a premium. I never use the stupid Touch Bar so whatever that is costing in the build process is wasted money. Apple, for real. Please make a truly "Pro" laptop that is well made and reliable again and I'll replace my personal one from 2012. Until then I just can't see spending the money on any version of this new model.

Yes. I could do without the Touch Bar. I’d love more ram and cores too. But Apple, I still want to herald in the future so whatever you do, please don’t put all the old ports back in.

(Yes, I’m serious.)

 

[MoreRumors?]

They're already selling refurbished 2018 MBP? This would make me think twice about buying a MBP, whether a new or refurbished one.

 

[freediverx]

I have zero interest in any of Apple's current MacBook or MacBook Pro options, regardless of any discounts. The $500 premium for the useless Touch Bar is my main reason, followed by the pointless elimination of essential ports and the ridiculously fragile and unreliable keyboard. This is coming from someone who last purchased a top of the line 2013 RMBP—someone who used to buy a new MacBook every two years or so.

Same goes for iPhones. I waited for hours in line to buy the first iPhone, and bought a new model every year until the 6S. I have not replaced it yet, and probably won't until my old one is no longer usable.

The Apple I used to love no longer exists. It has morphed into a luxury fashion/lifestyle brand that has lost touch with its core users.

 

[Black Magic]

They're already selling refurbished 2018 MBP? This would make me think twice about buying a MBP, whether a new or refurbished one.

Why?

 

[freediverx]

Why?

Because it suggests unprecedented failure rates and design flaws?

Reports are already trickling in that their "new and improved" keyboards are still susceptible to failure if exposed to dust or the occasional grain of sand.

There is every indication that Apple's computers are becoming increasingly overpriced fashion statements with an effective lifespan defined by their warranty period.

 

[jlc1978]

Yes. I could do without the Touch Bar. I’d love more ram and cores too. But Apple, I still want to herald in the future so whatever you do, please don’t put all the old ports back in.

(Yes, I’m serious.)

I'm getting more used to the Touch Bar. I'm treating it like the old keyboard overlays that had the special keys and function keys all labeled for specific apps. I do have a problem with the escape key as I accidentally touch it because I rest my hands on the Mac and it exits out of web pages.

One of the biggest gripes I have with Apple is the changing of ports, mainly because it means I have to buy new cables and power adaptors to work with a new machine. As a result I have a collection of legacy cables and power adaptors.

I tend to avoid port adaptors because I've found they often are problematic, especially if they are not made by Apple. Sometimes I have no choice, such as going TB3 -> TB2 -> Firewire for a legacy Nikon slide scanner.

I need reliable cables and a second power adaptor as I depend on the Mac for work and don't want to get somewhere with a dead power brick or cable that doesn't work.

That said, I appreciate that Apple keeps making their ports faster and have gone to a single USBC/TB port. I do wish the had left an HDMI port on the 15" MBP as most projectors I run into now have HDMI input.

 

[4jasontv]

I’ve found that, with Apple, you make up more than the discount buy buying the newest model as close to launch as possible. Since the devices *typically* go obsolete due to Apple no longer providing support rather than hardware failure, one is often better off getting more days of use than an upfront discount.

There are exceptions, especially if you get out of warrenty failures, but as a rule I find if I want something they sell I’m better waiting for the next refresh.

 

[freediverx]

One of the biggest gripes I have with Apple is the changing of ports, mainly because it means I have to buy new cables and power adaptors to work with a new machine. As a result I have a collection of legacy cables and power adaptors.

I couldn't care less about having to buy "new" cables or adapters. What I care about is spending such obscene amounts of money on a product that is less capable and useful than its predecessors—a product that applies a veneer of simplicity to mask a hidden nightmare of necessary adapters and dongles. What's the point of having a slim and light notebook that requires a tangle of adapters for routine work? This is the sort of thing that Apple fans used to criticize about competing products. It's what's sometimes referred to as "******* design."
[doublepost=1540131226][/doublepost]

I’ve found that, with Apple, you make up more than the discount buy buying the newest model as close to launch as possible. Since the devices *typically* go obsolete due to Apple no longer providing support rather than hardware failure, one is often better off getting more days of use than an upfront discount.

There are exceptions, especially if you get out of warrenty failures, but as a rule I find if I want something they sell I’m better waiting for the next refresh.

You left out an important second part to that advice, which is to keep said product until it fails, and to reconsider whether it's worthwhile purchasing in the first place given that total cost of ownership is no longer competitive.

 

[nimbusthegreat]

Because it suggests unprecedented failure rates and design flaws?

Reports are already trickling in that their "new and improved" keyboards are still susceptible to failure if exposed to dust or the occasional grain of sand.

There is every indication that Apple's computers are becoming increasingly overpriced fashion statements with an effective lifespan defined by their warranty period.

This is only slightly faster than normal for them to start selling refurbs. I have purchased at least a dozen refurbished machines from Apple in the last 10 years and not once have I had any issues with them. They carry the exact same warranty as the new machines and you save a little cash. It looks like all these are just stock models so I'll wait until they get some refurbs with upgraded specs but I will be purchasing yet another refurb or 2 in the next few months.

 

[MoreRumors?]

Why?

The MBPs just came out a few months ago and I would not know the reasons why each one were returned to Apple. It make me hesitant to spend $2,799 for a laptop and at that price I don't expect to have a major issue. For Apple to accept the laptop, it had to have something major that could not be repaired in a short time without incoveniencing the customer.

 

[nimbusthegreat]

The MBPs just came out a few months ago and I would not know the reasons why each one were returned to Apple. It make me hesitant to spend $2,799 for a laptop and at that price I don't expect to have a major issue. For Apple to accept the laptop, it had to have something major that could not be repaired in a short time without incoveniencing the customer.

I disagree. Sure it could be a customer return. It could be one that came off the line and failed a test, was sent back for repair, and now is considered refurb. Any number of reasons could lead to them having a refurbished machine. But once again, it comes with the exact same warranty as a brand new one. Absolutely no difference so if there is an issue with the machine, they will fix or replace at their discretion as they always do.

 

[jlc1978]

I couldn't care less about having to buy "new" cables or adapters. What I care about is spending such obscene amounts of money on a product that is less capable and useful than its predecessors—a product that applies a veneer of simplicity to mask a hidden nightmare of necessary adapters and dongles. What's the point of having a slim and light notebook that requires a tangle of adapters for routine work? This is the sort of thing that Apple fans used to criticize about competing products. It's what's sometimes referred to as "******** design."

I disagree with the less capable comment. I've gone from White MB to 2010 MBP -> 2012 MBP-> 2015 rMBP -> 2018 MBP and in each case I found it more capable than the predecessor, with more memory, faster processors and better screen. From my 2015 to 2018, a move made due to the 2015 having problems, the addition of Touch ID is a big time saver for entering PWs and unlocking my Mac.

Would I still be happy with my 2015 MBP? Certainly? Do I feel like I have a less capable machine in the 2018 MBP? No. YMMV To each his own. HAND

 

[Gaprofitt]

Better off buying new from B&H or Adorama. Brand new, full warranty, less expensive on average than refurbs.

Merry Xmas, here is a refurbiahed laptop with a sticky keyboard issue.

 

[mcpix]

I almost always buy from the refurbished store and I've always been happy. The 2015 MBP Pro I'm using right now came from the refurbished store and it was in perfect condition. I think that most refurbished units are open box customer returns. In the old days, you could often win the "refurbished lottery" by receiving a higher spec'd computer. I once bought a Mac Mini that came with more memory already installed.

 

[Val-kyrie]

Still a terrible value for money IMHO. I’m really curious what will Apple come up with after the abysmal touchbar generation.

Junk keyboard? Tiouch bar?

I’ll pass at any price, and I need a new laptop.

Sadly I would't even buy this line of the MacBook Pro at the discounts from the refurbish store. Between the keyboard malfunctions and the lack of connectivity on the one I was given for work..... I just can't see paying premium dollar for a machine that just isn't a premium. I never use the stupid Touch Bar so whatever that is costing in the build process is wasted money. Apple, for real. Please make a truly "Pro" laptop that is well made and reliable again and I'll replace my personal one from 2012. Until then I just can't see spending the money on any version of this new model.

The biggest problem with these MBPs is the keyboard, which in its third generation is still experiencing issues. I simply can't justify purchasing or recommending any laptop which does not reliably accept user input. Even with AppleCare, I don't understand how anyone can justify its purchase....

Unless Apple changes its keyboard design, my next laptop will be a Lenovo X1 Carbon. If Lenovo can include an industry leading keyboard in its ultra book, there is no excuse for Apple to continue with this current, problem-plagued design, which is failing due to the inability of the key mechanism to maintain its structural integrity due to the combination of heat and applied pressure. No membrane can solve a structurally weak mechanism.

 

[Enlightened Doggo]

Unless Apple changes its keyboard design, my next laptop will be a Lenovo X1 Carbon.

Have you tried the trackpad on the Carbon yet? Might want to adjust your expectations if you've become used to Apple input devices.

 

[Naimfan]

Have you tried the trackpad on the Carbon yet? Might want to adjust your expectations if you've become used to Apple input devices.

Yes. Almost as good as Apple’s. Not quite, but close - say 90%.

 

[code-m]

::snipped::

If Apple had a textured MBP KB or a fabric covered KB similar to the Smart KB, most of these issues would be addressed. Here is hoping.

 

[Val-kyrie]

Have you tried the trackpad on the Carbon yet? Might want to adjust your expectations if you've become used to Apple input devices.

You raise a valid point, but yes I have tried the Lenovo trackpad. Apple has by far the best trackpad technology in the industry, but Lenovo's is perfectly serviceable. The lack of trackpad functionality in Windows is usurped by the feel and function of the Lenovo keyboard.

 

[Weaselboy]

Moderator Note:

Several off topic comments discussing the pros/cons of financing a laptop have been removed. If you would like to discuss that topic, please start a new thread.

 

[4jasontv]

I couldn't care less about having to buy "new" cables or adapters. What I care about is spending such obscene amounts of money on a product that is less capable and useful than its predecessors—a product that applies a veneer of simplicity to mask a hidden nightmare of necessary adapters and dongles. What's the point of having a slim and light notebook that requires a tangle of adapters for routine work? This is the sort of thing that Apple fans used to criticize about competing products. It's what's sometimes referred to as "******* design."
[doublepost=1540131226][/doublepost]

You left out an important second part to that advice, which is to keep said product until it fails, and to reconsider whether it's worthwhile purchasing in the first place given that total cost of ownership is no longer competitive.

Agree with the former but disagree with the latter. Always consider if a purchase is worthwhile, but as long as OSX remains hard to emulate Apple is only competing with itself.