Considering buying macbook for the first time: refurb 15in 2015 pro?

[Issa29]

Is there something that i need to know before buying this? Potential issues? What i might not like? Use mainly for typing up documents. Hub might use it for school. Also for business.

He said i might not be able to update it anymore? Is that a bad thing or will it be okay for how many more years?

Im thinking of connecting an external hard drive to it also.

Thank you for your time!

 

[rm5]

The 2015 MBP is an old, out-of-date computer. Would you be able to get a newer machine? It'll only be supported with security updates for another year.

 

[Issa29]

The 2015 MBP is an old, out-of-date computer. Would you be able to get a newer machine? It'll only be supported with security updates for another year

What will happen if no security updates? I can get viruses?

What newer models would you recommend? Money is tight that's why I'm trying to go for an old reliable refurb. I do get that Macs last longer than windows that's why I wanted to get one instead of the usual Windows on bargain. And maybe I will get more value for the money with a newer model in the long run. I really don't know a lot but I also heard about some issue with the new chips m1 m2 so idk..

Thanks for your patience with a noob lol

 

[arw]

<insert @Fishrrman 's warning for 'butterfly' keyboards>
Basically after the 2015 models you should only start looking from:
2019 and later for MacBook Pro 16"
2020 and later for MacBook Air/Pro 13"

 

[ApolloBoy]

Heh, I actually just recently picked up a 2015 15" but it was more of a fun project machine and not something I would consider using as my main Mac. It's still a nice computer mind you, but it's 8 years old at this point and I wouldn't dare drop serious money on something that old. Officially it'll only go up to Monterey but you can use OpenCore to update it to Ventura (and likely Sonoma).

My main Mac is an M1 Air and it would easily mop the floor with the 15" every time, not just in terms of power but also battery life, thermals, updates, etc. Using it has been such a breath of fresh air after so many years of using Intel MacBooks. You can get a new M1 Air for ~$750 on Amazon currently or find a good used one on Swappa for about $100 less.

 

[wilberforce]

Who did the "refurb"? If it is someone on eBay or an Amazon reseller, the "refurb" process is likely just clean it up a bit, initialize it, and call it good.
Refurb by Apple or equivalent would include replacing the battery and possibly even the keyboard, trackpad and screen, and fully testing it, and providing a one year warranty.
I suggest find out exactly what "refurb" (or other deliberately vague terms like reconditioned or renewed) means, and ignore rubbish like "mint condition."

 

[Issa29]

Looking at backmarket coz of good reviews. But because of the replies here, I'm thinking of getting air instead. Is there an advantage of buying refurb from apple vs back?

 

[MacCheetah3]

Looking at backmarket coz of good reviews. But because of the replies here, I'm thinking of getting air instead.

I have made one purchase via Back Market and have been pleased, though I did go with a device in “Excellent” condition and thus never needed to deal with a return/refund/replacement.

From what I am seeing at the moment, a base model M1 MBA is ~$100 cheaper at Back Market vs. Apple:

MacBook Air (2020) 13.3-inch - Apple M1 8-core and 7-core GPU - 8GB RAM - SSD 256GB | Back Market

MacBook M1 Apple MacBook Air 13" (2020) - QWERTY - English ✌ Up to 70% off compared to new ✅ Free shipping ✅ Cheap MacBook Air ✅ 1 year warranty ✅ 30 days to change your mind

www.backmarket.com

Refurbished Mac - MacBook Air

Save up to 15% on a refurbished MacBook Air. Tested and certified by Apple including a 1-year warranty. Free delivery and returns.

www.apple.com

Is there an advantage of buying refurb from apple vs back?

In Apple’s own words:

Why Refurbished

Save up to 15% and get a one-year warranty with the Apple Refurbished purchasing program. Read more on the Apple Refurbished promise.

www.apple.com

The warranty/guarantee period is the same (12 months/1 year), however, Apple’s is (of course) direct from manufacturer, and presumably better.

Unfortunately, I did notice one more thing...

Refurb by Apple or equivalent would include replacing the battery [...]

It appears that’s not always a provided perk:

Here’s what you get.​

You will receive a refurbished device with genuine Apple replacement parts (as needed) that has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Refurbished iOS devices will come with new battery and outer shell. Every device will come with all accessories, cables and operating systems.

And, indeed, if you select a refurbished iPhone, for example, the following is displayed before Product Information:


Disappointingly (and surprisingly), similar benefits are not shown on the refurbished Mac product pages. But… We’re not finished yet. I found a discussion from more than a decade ago that has some conflicting reports, although, overall customer reports are favorable.

Is a refurbished Macbook Pro's battery new?

When you buy a refurbished Macbook direct from Apple, is the battery in it new? I cannot seem to find a definitive answer on their website or on the internet. I am concerned that the savings from b...

apple.stackexchange.com

So, a refurbished Mac directly from Apple could have the benefit of a new/fresh battery but it’s not guaranteed.

Ultimately, I would recommend purchasing an Apple direct refurb, if the budget allows and the configuration you want/need is available. Otherwise, Back Market doesn’t seem like a bad choice — though I suggest going for the “excellent” condition items.

 

[Issa29]

Hmm ok so air refurb from backmarket... Kinda iffy on m1 coz of the logic board issue especially since I'm hoping it will last longer than a few years coz I've had enough of that with windows. Does anyone have news on if that issue has been fixed?

If I were to avoid the butterfly keyboard and m1, with my budget, it looks like I need more time to save up for m2? Or is there some hope with late 2019 MBA?

 

[badgerbadgerx2]

Hmm ok so air refurb from backmarket... Kinda iffy on m1 coz of the logic board issue especially since I'm hoping it will last longer than a few years coz I've had enough of that with windows. Does anyone have news on if that issue has been fixed?

If I were to avoid the butterfly keyboard and m1, with my budget, it looks like I need more time to save up for m2? Or is there some hope with late 2019 MBA?

Apollo Boy is spot on. 100% agree. We now have 2 votes for M1 MBA.

macheeta is also correct, apple offeres same warranty as new. Apple refurbs in apples eyes are brand new. Same warranty as new. Same option for applecare. Same phone support. I have pretty much only bought refurbs for most of my macs. IF there was an issue with any hardware in the first year, like a bad battery, apple is really good with support. Apple stores (if one near you) are great, just bring it in for a free check.

brand new at amazon, $750: https://www.amazon.com/Apple-MacBoo...mzn1.fos.2b70bf2b-6730-4ccf-ab97-eb60747b8daf

Im not sure what logic board issues you are referring to, but nothing is 100%, 100% of the time. If you look hard enough, you can find a flaw with anything...

that said, I have 2 base M1 MBAs, near 2 years old, used by teenagers, back and forth to school, in backpacks and everywhere else -- they have performed perfectly. We did make them get snap on cases.

As soon as you say M2 MBA, people will start to give you negatives on it as well. its never ending.

I also have no problem recommending a nice Dell Latitude. Build quality is no mac, and the battery is crap for duration, but Just keep care of it and it should last for a long time. Might be able to score a 14" for under $500. 3420, 3450 are the best models

 

[genexx]

@ least an MBA M1, do not get any Intel based Mac period.

Reasons:

• Noise
• The Intel based Laptop Line has several Flaws and to get one this Old could leave you with a potential full loss
• Updates
• Speed

I had completely avoided the MAC Laptop Line after 2016 for a Reason and was using Windows Laptop Hackintosh instead.
I waited for the M2 MBA as i have an Lenovo AMD U4700 14 Inch and a HP 440 G5 I7 as well and if i had to replace them i would go MBA M1 for cheap instant.

But i do not have to replace as i have an Desktop Z490 Hacky and these Laptops and all of them where collecting Dust since i Purchased the MBA M2 last year so my Daughters now get these Laptops to Game via Parsec on their NASA PC´s or simply use them instead of their Heaters ( they have energy Profiles on their NASA PC´s but still the Laptops burn less Energy ).

 

[Larsvonhier]

Intel, over and out.
Don´t even think about it any more if working with macOS.

 

[Alex Cai]

What will happen if no security updates? I can get viruses?

What newer models would you recommend? Money is tight that's why I'm trying to go for an old reliable refurb. I do get that Macs last longer than windows that's why I wanted to get one instead of the usual Windows on bargain. And maybe I will get more value for the money with a newer model in the long run. I really don't know a lot but I also heard about some issue with the new chips m1 m2 so idk..

Thanks for your patience with a noob lol

refurb M1 MacBook Air
Apple silicon provides the “real" Mac experience

 

[Issa29]

Okay I will save up for that. Thanks everyone!

Just to reply to the question about the m1 issue, there was a thread on it over at reddit. Many have reported their few months old m1 dying suddenly and cause was the logic board thing and the solution was oreplacing it but with same board that will last for just 2-3 years. Heard lots of good reviews tho so maybe by the time I've saved up for it, the issue will have been fixed and I don't end up with one that suddenly dies lol.

refurb M1 MacBook Air
Apple silicon provides the “real" Mac experience

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Okay I will save up for that. Thanks everyone!

Just to reply to the question about the m1 issue, there was a thread on it over at reddit. Many have reported their few months old m1 dying suddenly and cause was the logic board thing and the solution was oreplacing it but with same board that will last for just 2-3 years. Heard lots of good reviews tho so maybe by the time I've saved up for it, the issue will have been fixed and I don't end up with one that suddenly dies lol.

Do not get worried about anecdotal "Many have reported their few months old m1 dying suddenly." An Apple-refurb M1 MBA is indeed your best low budget choice. If you stumble on an MBA with 16 GB RAM, snap it up, because odds are RAM limitations will constrain your refurb MBA before some logic board thing does.

 

[md2433]

What your needs/wants always first. My bride and I teach RE at our church. Lot of computer work goes with that. Being said, here is our tools. Two MBP 2016 15in. Three MBP 2013/14 15in. One 2021 MBA 13 and one 2021 MBP 13. All are ARE fantastic computers. All work perfectly for what WE need them to do. It is ALL what you want them to do. I'm fine on our 2013/14's and our 2016's. Love them all. I still have a Wallstreet MB working and still look to it for the smile it gives me. All answers a good answers but, they do not know what you have planned for it. You can keep bad stuff from your computers.

 

[Issa29]

What your needs/wants always first. My bride and I teach RE at our church. Lot of computer work goes with that. Being said, here is our tools. Two MBP 2016 15in. Three MBP 2013/14 15in. One 2021 MBA 13 and one 2021 MBP 13. All are ARE fantastic computers. All work perfectly for what WE need them to do. It is ALL what you want them to do. I'm fine on our 2013/14's and our 2016's. Love them all. I still have a Wallstreet MB working and still look to it for the smile it gives me. All answers a good answers but, they do not know what you have planned for it. You can keep bad stuff from your computers.

I was wondering what people were doing with the 2012 stuff. Good to know that they still work 😁

 

[BeatCrazy]

I was wondering what people were doing with the 2012 stuff. Good to know that they still work 😁

They still 'work' but either take some tinkering (Open Core Legacy Patcher), or are starting to lose support for apps and web browsers.

Keep with your plan to save for a M1 Air or similar (non Intel) MacBook Pro. You might get 10 year's use out of it!

 

[Flash1420]

I would recommend purchasing a MacBook Air M1 which is currently on sale for $749 at various retailers. While the 2015 MacBook Pro is a great machine, it is considered old and will not be supported by Apple soon.

 

[JustAnExpat]

I agree with everyone else - save up for a base MacBook M1, ideally new or refurbished.

- There are no major well-known flaws with these machines (sorry, the logic board story sounds like a story to me).
- They are fast and reliable.
- They will be supported for a few more years at least
- The battery life is amazing

 

[wegster]

Your use case is on the simple side computing-wise, which is fine and actually opens up more options to you.
You can find dozens of refurbished or used systems on ebay - find one that still has active applecare on it, have them supply battery health details, and look for a used M1 MB Air or 13" MBP M1 if you can't go for the recent $750 deal on new. If you can't find one checking all the boxes for $500 vs the $750 sale (note - larger ram or storage will increase prices somewhat), keep looking and also check Apple refurbished. Ensure long-time seller with recent feedback, and 'ebay refurbished' may both have existing AppleCare still as well as another year warrantee.

Most of the Intel machines are solid, but their support lifetime is limited - much better off going with an/any M1 model.

 

[JustAnExpat]

Most of the Intel machines are solid, but their support lifetime is limited - much better off going with an/any M1 model.

VERY FEW intel machines are good The machines from 2015 - 2019 almost always have the butterfly keyboard, which is prone to breaking.

Basically, any MacBook listed here:

Apple's Butterfly Keyboards vs. Scissor Switch Keyboards

Since 2012, Apple has developed two kinds of keyboards for its MacBook Pro and MacBook Air machines - one that uses butterfly switches and one that...

www.macrumors.com

Should be avoid. The only intel MacBooks that are worth purchasing - AT THE RIGHT PRICE, are:

- MacBook Air 2020 (intel)
- MacBook Pro 13" 2020 (intel)
- MacBook Pro 16" 2019 (intel)

What are the max prices I would purchase these machines for the base model?

MacBook Air 2020 (Intel): $400 USD
MacBook Pro 13" (intel): $600 USD
MacBook Pro 16" (Intel): $1,000 USD

But these machines have some massive flaws that give me long pause to recommend.

1. The MacBook Air was very very slow, and the only advantage was the Magic Keyboard. It's probably one of the worse Macs Apple released.

2. The MacBook Pro 13", all things considered, isn't too bad. It does get loud.

3. I heard the MacBook Pro 16" gets very loud, very hot, under stress.

I also expect one more MacOS update before they no longer get updates

 

[Rychiar]

I wouldn’t buy anything that wasn’t apple silicon. Find a deal on an m1

 

[wegster]

VERY FEW intel machines are good The machines from 2015 - 2019 almost always have the butterfly keyboard, which is prone to breaking.

Basically, any MacBook listed here:

Apple's Butterfly Keyboards vs. Scissor Switch Keyboards

Since 2012, Apple has developed two kinds of keyboards for its MacBook Pro and MacBook Air machines - one that uses butterfly switches and one that...

www.macrumors.com

Should be avoid. The only intel MacBooks that are worth purchasing - AT THE RIGHT PRICE, are:

- MacBook Air 2020 (intel)
- MacBook Pro 12" 2020 (intel)
- MacBook Pro 16" 2019 (intel)

But each one of these machines have some massive flaws that give me long pause to recommend.

1. The MacBook Air was very very slow, and the only advantage was the Magic Keyboard. It's probably one of the worse Macs Apple released.

2. The MacBook Pro 12", all things considered, isn't too bad. It does get loud.

3. I heard the MacBook Pro 16" gets very loud, very hot, under stress.

I also expect one more MacOS update before they no longer get updates

Yeah, this is true and I lived it - my 16GB 1TB MPB15 I was slamming resource limits on both had no viable replacement until the 2019 MBP16, between keyboard, no ESC key, memory limits.

Either way we're all pushing strongly to go Apple Silicon.

 

[mrmister]

Kinda iffy on m1 coz of the logic board issue

What logic board issue?