Buy store display model, worth it?

[hattifnatt]

I’m considering buying a MacBook Pro 16” (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) that was used as a store display model, and I’d really appreciate some advice.

The price is $2100 USD.

From what I can see, the same configuration new in where I live in EU is significantly more expensive, around $2900 USD equivalent depending on the retailer.

So this deal is roughly $800 cheaper than buying new here, which makes it more tempting.

My concern: It’s been a store demo unit, so it may have had a lot of usage (screen, battery, keyboard wear, etc.)

Battery is 100%, and has 118 cycles.

It's not possible to add Apple care.

Do you think this is a good deal given the higher prices in EU, or would you still go for a brand new unit?

 

[Bigwaff]

It's not possible to add Apple care.

.. but what is the offered warranty? If Apple Care One is available in your country and makes sense w/ other devices you have, I suspect you might be able to add it. A used, off eBay M1 Max MBP w/ expired Apple Care I purchased was eligible to be added to Apple Care One. Didn't make sense for me at the time but might make sense for you.

 

[maflynn]

Personally I avoid any and all floor models. Kids, teens, adults, older folks are all handling the computer, some of that handling could be considered abusive. I don't see any upsides and only downsides.

 

[hattifnatt]

The seller said that it looks like new and it's been tested.

Where I live, you always have a 3-year right to make a complaint under consumer law, regardless of whether the product is new, discounted, or a display unit. This means you can claim for faults that were present from the beginning, even if there is no warranty or if the warranty is shorter.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

If Apple Care One is available in your country

AppleCare One is USA only, so far.

 

[droplink]

I would not.
I know it's tempting for the money, but the floor models have a hard life.
On first glace everything might be fine, but then there is a flaky keyboard key, a scratch on the screen, a bit of fluff stuck in a grille that cannot be taken out.
All of that makes the ownership experience a bit bad, in my opinion.

I prefer new with the sweet new Mac smell and all.

 

[hattifnatt]

Yeah, maybe it’s not worth it. But a new one is so expensive, unfortunately.
I’ve ordered it now and will try it out. I have 14 days to test it and return it.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

I guess the cycles count of a demo unit will be low due to it been tethered on display.

Which store is this? This model began shipping end Oct 2024 so has it been a demo for 17 months? I'd advise to stay away and look at options in Apple's refurb store instead.

Edit: never mind, just read you've already ordered it.

 

[hattifnatt]

It has 118 cycles, would you consider that low?

The store is mediamarkt (power).

Yeah, but I might return it...

 

[Alpha Centauri]

It has 118 cycles, would you consider that low?

The store is mediamarkt (power).

Yeah, but I might return it...

I wouldn't have a good gut feeling. Subjectively the customer base at Saturn/ Media Markt do tend to be rougher with the Demo units, rarely an Apple Rep present vs at an actual Apple Store. I wouldn't consider 118 cycles to be low but honestly cannot recall if they're tethered to power while on display or just have a security cable attached.

I'm sticking by looking at the Apple Refurb online store as you'll get an original Apple warranty, brand new battery and whatever case, KB, Touchpad, display, or parts thereof that were marked by costumers during the return period. You won't actually be able to tell the difference from new except for a different and plain shipping box.

Edit: Are you quite set on a MBP or would a brand new M5 MBA (someone already suggested in #11) suffice for your use? See I keep my devices a very very long time and did make a choice of buying a new M2 2023 16" MBP with enough RAM to future proof somewhat. The display, speed, sound and thermals are quite amazing so I do get wanting a MBP. The M2 replaced a 15" mid 2009 MBP I used (still works) for 13 yrs and they're basically the same dimension.

 

[Midd324]

apple refurbished is what I went with twice. iMac and mba m5. mba m5 is nice and zippy.

 

[benwiggy]

It has 118 cycles, would you consider that low?

My M1 Pro 16" MBP reached 112 cycles and 99% capacity in about 20 months. It's now on 257 and 84%, after 4 years and 4 months.

The M4 Pro MBP was available in the shops for 16 months (Nov 24 - March 26). 118 cycles is about 1 full charge every 4 days.

In short: I'd consider this to be a secondhand model that has been 'used' every day for well over a year; and the battery is in line with that kind of usage.