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ndb85

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 24, 2014
19
5
Hi all,

Not wanting to spark up any controversy, just interested in a lively debate. I'm currently typing this on my 2018 MBA, 256GB model. However, today I noticed Best Buy is running a pre-Black Friday special on the 2017 MBP, non-touch bar model. 128GB model is selling for $1,149. 256GB model selling for $1,299. Here's the link:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/promo/black-friday-laptop-computer-deals-1?qp=category_facet=MacBooks~pcmcat247400050001

So after reading through much of the forums, I notice a lot of people point at the $100 difference in price being a key point in making their decision between the two devices (2018 MBA vs 2017 ntbMBP). Well, at this price point the ntbMBP is actually cheaper! Knowing this, does that potentially sway anyone's decision if you're thinking about purchasing? Or, like me, maybe it's made you reconsider your decision for the better value?

Personally, I'm a student who will be using my Macbook primarily for note taking, papers, excel, surfing, email, etc., but the extra horsepower at a lower cost is a bit tempting. On the other hand, not sure if it's worth going through the hassle of returning and having to order a new Macbook.

Knowing these sort of deals are coming out, would anyone consider making the switch? I'm admittedly weighing my options...


Regards!
 
Hi all,

Not wanting to spark up any controversy, just interested in a lively debate. I'm currently typing this on my 2018 MBA, 256GB model. However, today I noticed Best Buy is running a pre-Black Friday special on the 2017 MBP, non-touch bar model. 128GB model is selling for $1,149. 256GB model selling for $1,299. Here's the link:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/promo/black-friday-laptop-computer-deals-1?qp=category_facet=MacBooks~pcmcat247400050001

So after reading through much of the forums, I notice a lot of people point at the $100 difference in price being a key point in making their decision between the two devices (2018 MBA vs 2017 ntbMBP). Well, at this price point the ntbMBP is actually cheaper! Knowing this, does that potentially sway anyone's decision if you're thinking about purchasing? Or, like me, maybe it's made you reconsider your decision for the better value?

Personally, I'm a student who will be using my Macbook primarily for note taking, papers, excel, surfing, email, etc., but the extra horsepower at a lower cost is a bit tempting. On the other hand, not sure if it's worth going through the hassle of returning and having to order a new Macbook.

Knowing these sort of deals are coming out, would anyone consider making the switch? I'm admittedly weighing my options...


Regards!
I wouldn't get NTB it wasn't updated. Look at the TB MBP entry level is on sale too.
 
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Hi all,

Not wanting to spark up any controversy, just interested in a lively debate. I'm currently typing this on my 2018 MBA, 256GB model. However, today I noticed Best Buy is running a pre-Black Friday special on the 2017 MBP, non-touch bar model. 128GB model is selling for $1,149. 256GB model selling for $1,299. Here's the link:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/promo/black-friday-laptop-computer-deals-1?qp=category_facet=MacBooks~pcmcat247400050001

So after reading through much of the forums, I notice a lot of people point at the $100 difference in price being a key point in making their decision between the two devices (2018 MBA vs 2017 ntbMBP). Well, at this price point the ntbMBP is actually cheaper! Knowing this, does that potentially sway anyone's decision if you're thinking about purchasing? Or, like me, maybe it's made you reconsider your decision for the better value?

Personally, I'm a student who will be using my Macbook primarily for note taking, papers, excel, surfing, email, etc., but the extra horsepower at a lower cost is a bit tempting. On the other hand, not sure if it's worth going through the hassle of returning and having to order a new Macbook.

Knowing these sort of deals are coming out, would anyone consider making the switch? I'm admittedly weighing my options...


Regards!
I was thinking the same. But with a few days with the new Air it’s a keeper. The keyboard and Touch ID are awesome. I also have had zero performance issues..so far. Plus I’m not buying the MacBook Pro from last year.
 
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The 2017 has the previous gen butterfly keyboard without the condom underneath. You don't want that headache. Stay with your new Air.

Same, I almost considered getting the nTB MBP but then I remembered all the horror stories of people having keyboard issues so I went for the new MBA instead.

The 3rd gen has just as many problems.. Long thread in the Pro area.... I went with the nTB that has the 2nd gen KB since I get 4 years of KB warranty with it... 3rd gen KB are still at the basic one year warranty for the moment unless Apple is forced to add them to the 4 year program as well through lawsuits...

OP, I'd seriously consider the 13" nTB over the Air...... Best Buy has them on sale now and in many instances they end up being cheaper, have a better screen, a better CPU and a better GPU than the Air....
 
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The 3rd gen has just as many problems.. Long thread in the Pro area.... I went with the nTB that has the 2nd gen KB since I get 4 years of KB warranty with it... 3rd gen KB are still at the basic one year warranty for the moment unless Apple is forced to add them to the 4 year program as well through lawsuits...

OP, I'd seriously consider the 13" nTB over the Air...... Best Buy has them on sale now and in many instances they end up being cheaper, have a better screen, a better CPU and a better GPU than the Air....
look thats his choice and the 2017mbp have ssd problems as well
 
Same, I almost considered getting the nTB MBP but then I remembered all the horror stories of people having keyboard issues so I went for the new MBA instead.

Can the issue be prevented by using a keyboard protector?
 
Hi everyone, just a quick update. After much deliberation and thought, I made my decision this afternoon. I'm currently typing this response on a 2017 ntbMBP! I honestly don't think I could've gone wrong either way, but I will say - for me - price and the great deal offered by Best Buy (and that extra power that comes from the Pro model) were deciding factors in my final decision.

Totally get that I may likely run into keyboard issues in the future. If they pop up, I will cross that bridge when I get there. Until then, I feel 'better' going with the Pro model versus the Air model. Again, nothing wrong with the Air, but for me this decision offers some peace of mind and it feels like the right choice FOR ME.


Good luck to everyone else in their decision making. This is a tough one, for sure! But if you're considering the Best Buy deal on the ntbMBP, I don't know how much longer they will be offering it, so act fast. Hope this discussion continues, seems to be pretty productive!
 
Hi everyone, just a quick update. After much deliberation and thought, I made my decision this afternoon. I'm currently typing this response on a 2017 ntbMBP! I honestly don't think I could've gone wrong either way, but I will say - for me - price and the great deal offered by Best Buy (and that extra power that comes from the Pro model) were deciding factors in my final decision.

Totally get that I may likely run into keyboard issues in the future. If they pop up, I will cross that bridge when I get there. Until then, I feel 'better' going with the Pro model versus the Air model. Again, nothing wrong with the Air, but for me this decision offers some peace of mind and it feels like the right choice FOR ME.


Good luck to everyone else in their decision making. This is a tough one, for sure! But if you're considering the Best Buy deal on the ntbMBP, I don't know how much longer they will be offering it, so act fast. Hope this discussion continues, seems to be pretty productive!

Great decision. In my country, there is no similar deal so decision is harder for me. Since ntb MacBook Pro is protected by 4 years of replacement coverage, you should have no worries. In the worst case, towards the end of your coverage, invest in a keyboard protector to keep the dust out.
 
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In the past few years, Apple Store offered $150 Apple Store gift card if you purchase a Mac on the Black Friday. I ordered 512GB 16GB MBA and shipped to the nearest Apple Store, and the earliest pickup date happens to be Black Friday.
 
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In the past few years, Apple Store offered $150 Apple Store gift card if you purchase a Mac on the Black Friday. I ordered 512GB 16GB MBA and shipped to the nearest Apple Store, and the earliest pickup date happens to be Black Friday.

Ever been inside an Apple Store on Black Friday? I absolutely love Apple retail and visit them all over the world, but being in an Apple Store on that particular day is like being in a dress rehearsal for purgatory.
 
Ever been inside an Apple Store on Black Friday? I absolutely love Apple retail and visit them all over the world, but being in an Apple Store on that particular day is like being in a dress rehearsal for purgatory.

No, but I have been to the Apple Store on weeks following Black Friday and it’s pretty terrible.
 
In the past few years, Apple Store offered $150 Apple Store gift card if you purchase a Mac on the Black Friday. I ordered 512GB 16GB MBA and shipped to the nearest Apple Store, and the earliest pickup date happens to be Black Friday.
Nothing last year. :(
 
In the past few years, Apple Store offered $150 Apple Store gift card if you purchase a Mac on the Black Friday. I ordered 512GB 16GB MBA and shipped to the nearest Apple Store, and the earliest pickup date happens to be Black Friday.
 
Last edited:
Nothing last year. :(
Yah I remember literally being in a local Apple store last year on Black Friday and one of the staff members told me they normally do like 10% off purchases (or something like that?) but last year they hadn't planned on anything.

Could have just been specific to the store I was in, though. I'm not necessarily in a major city like LA or the Bay Area.
 
Looks like Best Buys early Black Friday sale is now over.. Yeah it will come back but I am glad I took advantage of it...
 
Hi everyone, just a quick update. After much deliberation and thought, I made my decision this afternoon. I'm currently typing this response on a 2017 ntbMBP! I honestly don't think I could've gone wrong either way, but I will say - for me - price and the great deal offered by Best Buy (and that extra power that comes from the Pro model) were deciding factors in my final decision.
Microcenter has the New Air for $999. So i dont get your price reason. And the extra power is sitting idle with your basic use...
 
got my 2018 MBA for $999 at Best Buy after price match - Black Friday be damned
 
Microcenter has the New Air for $999. So i dont get your price reason. And the extra power is sitting idle with your basic use...

In store only and not everyone lives by a physical store....

Why do people care what others spend their $$$ on? It's not a referendum on your purchase decision.....
 
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