I have ordered a lot of refurbished items from Apple and they have always been stellar. During my recent repairs on my 13" 2016 I bought 2 13" 2015 MBP refurbished and both were flawless. You have 14 days if there are any issues.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Help me choose: 13 vs 15" MBP
- Thread starter ChiSouthernGirl
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Do you find it difficult to read the codes while programming on a 13" screen? Isn't the keyboard on the 13" and 15" versions the same size?
I am using my own 2010 17" MBP now but I have used 15" rMBP 2012 and 2014 provided by schools. They were great machines and the screen size as well as default front size were about right. I had also used a 14.1" Thinkpad T21 20 years ago and the size was good.
I am considering to buy a 13" model since it is lighter and I am not truly in love with the 15" to pay for the high price. If I get the 13" model, I may build a PC/Hackintosh.
Only some people here and elsewhere who had issues. I have no idea what the percentage is but imo you do run the risk of having an issue
Where I work I know of at least a dozen of so people who have purchased many different Apple refurbished products and never has anyone had any issues. I honestly believe buying refurbished from anywhere else would be a bad idea and taking a risk, but if you look at what apple does with their refurbished stuff you in some cases get brand new machines. One example I know of off hand is all iOS devices get all new exteriors regardless of the issue that was fixed, so you get them scratch free and new looking. I have also been told, that many of Apple's refurbished products come from the returns they get when people "test drive" something for 14 days only to return it for another size, capacity, or color. Once they sell the serial numbered product, the only way they will sell it a second time is as refurbished once it has be gone over. Knowing how many people actually buy things and return and take advantage of no restocking fees from Apple I personally feel you actually have a good shot at getting a new unit.
But that is just my experiences and opinions and as always YMMV.
Neither is new. My new 2016 was replaced for multiple repairs. Refurbished 2015 were much less risky. New off the line will be assumed good as long as fail rate is acceptable on line. Refurbished are most likely hand inspected/repaired/restored.
Fair enough, but given Apples full 1 year warranty and Apple Care that you can get on the refurbished items I don't think there is any more risk then buying a new sealed in box unit. Of course then maybe more hassle if you have to use the warranty/apple care.
I am considering right now purchasing a maxed out MBP 13' or the entry MBP 15' (w/1TB hard drive) and keep checking the refurbished store in hopes they appear again. I should have jumped on it last week when they happened to be there for a day.
Hmm, no, it's not difficult to read code on the 13". However, there are times when I wish I had a little more screen real estate. But, overall, I manage just fine. I compensate by reducing the font size a bit.
I support going refurb - I've had a number from Apple myself as well and never had a problem... since it's essentially treated like a new product, what's the downside? If you have issues, you get it fixed/replaced just like a factory new version would be
Thanks, everyone! Just ordered a 15" refurb--my husband talked me into the 2.9 ghz in case he wants to use it for other things later... it also has the 4GB video card and of course, my 1TB SSD. It'll be here on Monday. Can't wait!
I came from a 2011 13" and tried out the 15" and while I loved it I ended up returning it for a maxed out 13" TB model and haven't regretted it. The 13" model is insanely powerful for its size. I use FCPX almost every day and its fast as a greased pig even when working with Multicam 4K footage.