Buy used/new MBA or MBP, or just wait

[imrazor]

A local retailer has MacBook Airs and Pros on sale this weekend for $150 - $200 off MSRP. I'm torn between waiting for the "education event" in a few days to see if Apple announces a new MacBook Air, or just going ahead and buying a MacBook.

My usage for this will be strictly casual (web surfing, Youtube video, etc.), but I could find a use for a 16GB laptop running virtual machines (currently relegated to a PC.) However, a MacBook with 16GB would be prohibitively expensive for me - unless I buy used. I'm not sure I want to spend $1000+ on a used machine though.

I also intend to run some older/lighter games like the original Xcom and Divinity Original Sin. I can get them to run on my 2012 MBP, but they only hit 20fps. The laptop overheats as well, and has other issues.

My budget is in the $1000 - $1200 range. I really need at least 256GB storage as well, which leaves certain base model laptops out of the picture. There's also a nice Late 2013 15" MBP on the local market, but again I'm hesitant to spend $1100 on an old, used machine.

Any thoughts on what I should do?

 

[smallcoffee]

Wait. In general you should always wait as long as possible. But in this case the upcoming event may reveal new Mac’s that may be well suited to your use case.

 

[kschendel]

The late 2013 might be "old" but it's a nice machine -- what I'm using now, and I feel no need to upgrade any time soon. It's not as light as an Air, but the performance ought to be reasonably close to a new MBA, and the retina screen is lovely. Whether it's a good value at $1100, I can't answer.

By the way, my money is on no MB/MBA announcement at this event, but that's just my wild guess; I have no inside info one way or the other.

 

[smallcoffee]

By the way, my money is on no MB/MBA announcement at this event, but that's just my wild guess; I have no inside info one way or the other.

Yea, but it's only two days away... might as well wait.