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Buying a MacBook Pro
- Thread starter primitiques
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pros: essentially new, same warranty, same service, same access to applecare extended coverage, save 5%-30%
cons: if your OCD that you aren't the first person outside china to touch your computer.
cons: if your OCD that you aren't the first person outside china to touch your computer.
Amazon usually has discounts on all of the new AND old models (Mine is brand new and it was 5% off, which doesn't sound much, but 1132.99 vs. 1299.00 is a lot of money in the long run.) They don't charge tax (depending on your state/location and no shipping), and of course, Apple themselves.
A friend of mine is selling his. I think he has one of the newer ones. If not check Amazon or BHPhotoVideo, they have some really good prices and good customization options.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E87JigGFPc <-- my friend's computer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E87JigGFPc <-- my friend's computer
...and don't mind sometimes getting some extras. In my recently purchased refurb, I got an extra 4GB of RAM...at no extra cost.
When do you all think the current (late 2011) base model of the MBP15" will start showing up on the Apple Refurb site and what would the cost be?
They'll probably show up when Apple introduces the early 2012 models, and they'll be in-between 350-700 cheaper, depending on which configuration you order.
Amazon is the best I've seen hands down. You can get a new MBP for cheaper than a refurb from Apple. Also I've had some great luck with craigslist too. Just find the right person/computer and make sure to inspect it beforehand - but there are some bargains out there.
In recent memory, refurbs have started showing up 60-90 days after the product introduction.
If you don't need the latest and greatest Mac a previous-generation Mac can be had at a great price. Refurbed previous-generation Macs will be priced at a 15% or larger discount.
For example, the 2.3GHz early 2011 13" MBP has recently been available as a refurb for $929 compared to $1199 new. The new model is only 100MHz faster and has a 500GB drive vs. a 320GB drive. Are those tiny differences worth $200-$300 to you?
I have found the best deals at university bookstores that sell previous-generation Macs at a deep discount. I got my 24" iMac that originally cost $2000 for $1099 and that included $150 off an iPod. Occasionally similar deals can be found at online retailers such as MacMall. A few years ago I found a new BTO 24" iMac that originally cost around $2400 for only $1299.
For example, the 2.3GHz early 2011 13" MBP has recently been available as a refurb for $929 compared to $1199 new. The new model is only 100MHz faster and has a 500GB drive vs. a 320GB drive. Are those tiny differences worth $200-$300 to you?
I have found the best deals at university bookstores that sell previous-generation Macs at a deep discount. I got my 24" iMac that originally cost $2000 for $1099 and that included $150 off an iPod. Occasionally similar deals can be found at online retailers such as MacMall. A few years ago I found a new BTO 24" iMac that originally cost around $2400 for only $1299.