Apologies if this is in the wrong forum or if there's a separate thread but I'm looking to buy the latest UK macbook (not overly bothered whether it's Air or Pro) with at least 256GB and 8GB RAM. I've looked around and have seen the prices fluctuate around the £950 mark - does anyone know of any deals where I can get one cheaper?
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- Thread starter daansy
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You've checked out the Apple Refurb Store?
http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/macbook_pro
http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/macbook_pro
I looked at buying from eBay. Found most were shipping from the UK but on further questioning I discovered they were US machines. Also a couple of sellers refused to supply serial numbers so I could validate warranty status.
I decided I couldn't be arsed with the hassle.
To be honest with you that's exactly why I started this thread - I don't trust eBay and would prefer to buy from a reputable company.
Apple Refurb then
I was hoping for something in the sales but doesn't appear to be very much out there :/
To be honest there's not a whole lot of flexibility with Apple's pricing - the only way you're really going to get one a whole lot cheaper is if you buy a Chinese model off say, Amazon, which is basically what I ended up doing.
Is there much of a difference between other country models? I've seen a Swedish version for much less on eBay....
Keyboard, power supply and the Chinese ones have a wireless card that has WAPI capabilities, which is a requirement for devices sold in China for security reasons (probably so that the government can break into the computer).
Hmmm will also leave them then! I keep seeing links with educational discounts - do they check?
In store they check for a student ID or similar I believe.
Online I believe you have to order from either a network recognised as being related to an educational institution, or you get to pick the institution from a list and then further checks are initiated.
If you know someone who qualifies for EDU pricing, that would be a bonus.
Depends on region.
In Malaysia (I was based there before moving back to Melbourne), anyone can just buy Macs online at educational discounts. No ID check required, and .edu email address isn't necessary.
The Air and Retina models have the RAM soldered in, so you cannot upgrade it. Only the older non-Retina MacBook Pro model that is still sold new has user replaceable RAM.
Ah thanks. I know this is a really generic question but seen as you guys have been so helpful I thought I'd ask - what's the major difference between an Air and a Pro? Would you advise getting one over the other?
Air is thinner and lighter with 2013 and newer models having amazing battery life.
Pro is better in every other respect IMO.
I have an Air 2012 that I've just replaced with a 2014 13" MBP
Thanks, think I've decided on a Pro 13 inch with 256HD and 8GB RAM - found it at £1030 - good price no?
Another vote for Apple Refurb. I just upgraded from a 2010 MBA to a 2013 rMBP. I have had to eat some crow, I said that the MBA was about the perfect laptop platform and I would never leave it. And then I got my hands on one of the new retina macbook pros.
Thanks I've found it £10 cheaper there and direct from apple:
http://store.apple.com/uk/product/F...-26ghz-dual-core-intel-i5-with-retina-display
What is a refurb? One that Apple has previously sold but been returned?
Possibly. Maybe it had shipping damage or didn't meet quality standards out of factory. All get shipped back, rebuilt, and rigorously tested before being sold out of the refurb store. I am pretty sure they throw end of life products in there too.
Latest Macbook deals
Refurb could be machines that are returned within the 14 day return period with nothing wrong with them. Or they could have been returned due to issues.
For example I recently returned a new machine due to a duff pixel, and returned it's replacement simply because I found a better deal on a refurb. Both the devices I returned will no doubt end up being refurbs ( the first after a screen replacement )
There is an opinion that refurbs are actually more rigorously tested than devices off the production line.
Finally, you get the fun of the "refurb lottery" where some people have actually received a better spec than ordered. For example receiving an i7 instead of an i5, or 16GB RAM instead of 8 (although I wouldn't purchase expecting this to happen)
My current i5/16GB/1TB 13" is a refurb.
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If you have the budget, I think this is a sweet spot
http://store.apple.com/uk/product/G...-28GHz-Dual-core-Intel-i5-with-Retina-Display
Refurb could be machines that are returned within the 14 day return period with nothing wrong with them. Or they could have been returned due to issues.
For example I recently returned a new machine due to a duff pixel, and returned it's replacement simply because I found a better deal on a refurb. Both the devices I returned will no doubt end up being refurbs ( the first after a screen replacement )
There is an opinion that refurbs are actually more rigorously tested than devices off the production line.
Finally, you get the fun of the "refurb lottery" where some people have actually received a better spec than ordered. For example receiving an i7 instead of an i5, or 16GB RAM instead of 8 (although I wouldn't purchase expecting this to happen)
My current i5/16GB/1TB 13" is a refurb.
----------
If you have the budget, I think this is a sweet spot
http://store.apple.com/uk/product/G...-28GHz-Dual-core-Intel-i5-with-Retina-Display