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

[Juicy Box]

I've always purchased refurb Apple products and never had one single issue. They are a much better deal than buying new, IMO.

I’ll take a Refurb over new any day.

I have to agree with the posters here about refurbished stuff - it rocks!

I have purchased many Apple refurbished products, and they are great. You would never know they were refurbished out of the box.

How long does it typically take for BH or Adorama to sell refurbs? Or do the good ones just get sold out from apple store?

Apple refurbished products are different than third-party refurbished Apple products. Apple's refurbishing process is stated on the website, and is very thorough.

For third-parties, there really isn't a standard for what "refurbished" actually means.
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Refurbs have been gone through and checked to ensure everything is 100% correct. A brand new machine rolls off the line and out the door after a few tests.

A lot of people don't realize this. They think that a brand new product from Apple is somehow less likely to experience a problem than an Apple refurbished product.

In reality, it is the opposite.

At these prices you'd just as well pay full MSRP and get it new, let alone if you can find a deal...

Why? You get the same product, but one that has been heavily tested for potential problems. It is also cheaper.
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The refurb store is almost always the way to go. iPhones, Apple TVs, Macs, Airports (sniff...) - I used to buy them new, but now I go to the refurbished store first.

Me too. The only times I do not buy Apple's refurbished is when:

The item I want isn't on the refurbished store..... Like the 64GB ATV4K
I need to do a BTO option that isn't available on the refurbished store.... usually Macs
Or if I could find a much better deal somewhere else.

 

[Kobayagi]

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

The best thing would be if they brought back the 2015 rMBP, with the same awesome ports like MagSafe but obviously update the internals.

 

[Zdigital2015]

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.

I know a lot of shade is thrown to Apple’s Smart Keyboard, but it is very easy, very quick and after spilling soda on it and wiping it up and going on with my day, it is very durable. I can type quite fast with it (12.9”), however the 9.7” version is completely unusable, due to the extremely small overall size. Caveat emptor!

I own a 2016 MacBook Pro, and with that dog in the hunt, I have not had any issues...knock on wood.

 

[Pablo.A.Pucci]

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.

You are wrong. I remember buying a new MBPr 2012 for $2300. The equivalent 2018 model costs 2400.

The 2018 models fixed all the weak points. I think you are a victim of all the you tubers trend of criticize apple.

There Is no better notebook in the world than a MBP

 

[aaronhead14]

Hopefully the 2019 model won't have an awful keyboard, and will bring back the SD card slot and HDMI port. Also hopefully there will be high-end, fully specced out models that without Touchbar.

 

[Falhófnir]

Why? You get the same product, but one that has been heavily tested for potential problems. It is also cheaper.

With something this expensive, I just can’t get my head around paying for something second hand. Paying £2,300 for something used that’s £2,700 new? Hadn’t you just as well pay the extra and get a fresh SSD with no write cycles on it? Knowing it’s fresh from the factory? I don’t doubt the rigorous refurbishment process, new battery, new casing, but just doesn’t feel right to me.

 

[ABunch]

Mmmmmm....no.

Let me know when Apple comes to it’s senses and starts selling MBPs without the touch bar nonsense.

Apple has added 2018 models of the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar to its refurbished store in the U.S. for the first time. Prices are discounted by roughly 15 percent compared to the equivalent brand new models.

Quantities are limited, so we recommend acting fast or using Refurb Tracker to monitor when inventory is replenished.

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[lec0rsaire]

I disagree 100%

I went back to 2015 models, and wouldn't touch these new keyboards. They said after 2016 that the 2017 wouldn't fail. They did. They said the 2018 wouldn't fail. They do.

The issues are twofold. Ergonomics and fundamental engineering design.

This post explains how the 2018 models only delay the failures - and explains how it is not just dust but also poor materials science: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/gen-3-butterfly-keyboard.2127111/page-25#post-26677592

Also - how to actually use the 2016-2018 keyboards ..

I don’t believe it! I’ve tried the 2018s and asked if I I could buy a top case for my 2016 and they said it wouldn’t fit since they have a slightly different layout.

Are these problems showing up when the CPU/GPU are under heavy load? My the machine is working hard I have seen “sticky” behavior on several keys in the center of the keyboard right on top of where the CPU/GPU are. I don’t really care about this since I’m no writing papers while taxing the GPU and when the machine is not under heavy load, the keyboard is among the fastest and most accurate I’ve ever used thanks to its low profile.

 

[criticasm]

A pro update?? Seriously? Apple just did a pro update six months ago. The event at the end of October is about iPads and the new MacBook Air, not the MBP's.

You call that an update? Seriously?? All Apple did was put in 8th gen Intel chips SEVERAL MONTHS after windows notebooks upgraded. No change to the ancient graphics chip. Oh & a silicone membrane under their unreliable keyboard 'cause it was the "future" until the future included lawsuits.

 

[jlc1978]

Hopefully the 2019 model won't have an awful keyboard, and will bring back the SD card slot and HDMI port. Also hopefully there will be high-end, fully specced out models that without Touchbar.

Unfortunately, once Apple removes a slot they don't bring it back; probably because you can get new cables that go USB C to HDMI. I agree on the MagSafe; that would not require a MBP redesign; only a power cable redesign.

One thing I find interesting is whenever Apple has replaced a laptop for me it never was with a refurb; rather a brand new one. Other companies I've dealt with send you a refurb; I guess Apple would rather centrally stock and sell rather than keep in stores or ship.

 

[bigpics]

Agree 100%. All refurbs come with an Apple one year warranty, same warranty as any new Apple product. And refurbs have been looked over head to toe by an Apple technician here in the U.S. before they're resold. Any issues, updates, whatever, and they're fixed to like-new standards then packaged in a new box with all the stuff a new MacBook comes with. I've always purchased refurb Apple products and never had one single issue. They are a much better deal than buying new, IMO.

Fully agree. I had to get a new keytop this year for my 2013 fully loaded MBA (I'd literally worn off a lot of the keytops and one stuck), but with that (and I ended up getting it for $20 thanks to a kind genius), it's running like brand new.

[which is good since I'm still not sold on the MBP KB even in this third maybe-crumb-resistant generation and I'm worried the MBA replacement is going to have the same kind of feel and potential issues to comply with Apple's thin to win design aesthetic. but that's another story ain't it, and hopefully we'll know what's to be in 10 days]

 

[SeattleMoose]

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

There is actually a design team at Apple called the "Backwards Compatibility Elimination Team".
The lead is from the cable/dongle world....

 

[aaronhead14]

Unfortunately, once Apple removes a slot they don't bring it back

Not true, actually. When Apple removed FireWire 800 from the first 13" Unibody MacBook, professionals flipped out. So Apple brought it back the next year.

When it makes sense to have certain ports, we need to tell Apple. They CAN bring ports back. It's our duty to stand our ground and tell Apple what we need. As consumers, we can't just be pushovers.

 

[Timmy D]

and Washington state

Add Oklahoma to the list...

 

[bhenny1]

Just checked. Looks like they’re all gone for now.

 

[kakinc]

It took 2 returns to get a MBP 2018 without any issues. (Brand new)
First bought a 15" - Graphics card glitches out. Pink lines popping in and out in milliseconds.
Then got 13" - should be all good without a graphic card... then it heats up by simply browsing the web..3 tabs opened.
Again got a 15" - This time no glitches, everything seem to works fine. (For now)

For the price, I expect higher quality control, I know we have apple care, but I prefer not having to use it in the first place.

 

[jlc1978]

Not true, actually. When Apple removed FireWire 800 from the first 13" Unibody MacBook, professionals flipped out. So Apple brought it back the next year.

When it makes sense to have certain ports, we need to tell Apple. They CAN bring ports back. It's our duty to stand our ground and tell Apple what we need. As consumers, we can't just be pushovers.

Ok, but that is once in what 50 years? Unless a significant number complain Apple might listen to them but that isn't happening and today's Apple seems to decide on a path and sticks to it.

 

[639051]

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.

Funny enough I bought a (used) X1 last night. I’m done with apple and their refusal to correct this stupid decision in keyboards.

 

[code-m]

I know a lot of shade is thrown to Apple’s Smart Keyboard, but it is very easy, very quick and after spilling soda on it and wiping it up and going on with my day, it is very durable. I can type quite fast with it (12.9”), however the 9.7” version is completely unusable, due to the extremely small overall size. Caveat emptor!

I own a 2016 MacBook Pro, and with that dog in the hunt, I have not had any issues...knock on wood.

Apple claims the 10.5” Smart KB is full sized, however I have to agree with you that it being the 12.9”

I love the feel of textured keys, something I miss when I have to use my 13” MBP. Never felt that the low/shallow travel distance of the Smart KB was an issue. That being said on the rMB and 2016-17 MBP it just feels off. 2018 improves on it a bit, however it still not quite there yet IMO.

 

[bigpoppamac31]

Still $3000 after tax here in Canada. With that plus all the bad stuff I’ve heard about this year’s model from its current owners, I’m a bit hesitant...

Yeah whether new or refurb the prices for Apple products here in Canada are insanely high. I'm still going on my 2014 MBP. Wouldn't mind a new one but this one is still working well overall.

 

[aaronhead14]

Ok, but that is once in what 50 years? Unless a significant number complain Apple might listen to them but that isn't happening and today's Apple seems to decide on a path and sticks to it.

Literally everyone has been complaining at the lack of the SD card slot and HDMI port... except you, apparently.

 

[jlc1978]

Literally everyone has been complaining at the lack of the SD card slot and HDMI port... except you, apparently.

Do not confuse the handful of users who post on MacRumors with the vast percentage of users who never use an SD card and a dongle if they need HDMI, which many probably never do use. I want them to return the slot for an SD card so I can use my mini drive to have a flush micro SD card in my system for backup; but I'd bet I am in a ver small percentage of the overall user base.

Regular users of forums fall prey to a common phenomena - they assume the views presented on the forums echo those of the majority when they really represent ta small fraction of the actual population.

 

[Peperino]

They are so bad brand new... why would I care about buying a refurbished one??

 

[aaronhead14]

I want them to return the slot for an SD card so I can use my mini drive to have a flush micro SD card in my system for backup; but I'd bet I am in a very small percentage of the overall user base.

No, you're not in a very small percentage of the overall user base. You're in the vast majority.

 

[ignatius345]

The 2018 models fixed all the weak points. I think you are a victim of all the you tubers trend of criticize apple.

Haha, ok buddy. I think a few people disagree with you. Loads of people reporting failing third-gen "Butterfly" switch MacBook keyboards. But by all means, enjoy the kool-aid.