NEED ADVICE: How should I go about buying a 15" MacBook Pro?

[Hieveryone]

The only reason why I'm buying a 15" is because I need a bigger screen and also want the Retina display.

All I do is light tasks such as Safari and Pages.

Which model should I buy and where is the best place to get it?

Should I buy a used one? Refurbished? A 2015 model?

I don't think I should spend like $2,400 on the latest one although I will miss True Tone

 

[maerz001]

2013 base model on swappa eBay or Craigslist

 

[AppleHaterLover]

Get a refurbished 2017 at apple.com.

 

[Hieveryone]

Get a refurbished 2017 at apple.com.

Why would you recommend the 2017 over the 16 or 15?
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2013 base model on swappa eBay or Craigslist

Are those safe? Meaning no spyware or something like what if I buy it and the previous owner can spy on my stuff?

Also, what if it’s a fake Apple?

Just want to make sure. Not being paranoid.

 

[AppleHaterLover]

Why would you recommend the 2017 over the 16 or 15?
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Are those safe? Meaning no spyware or something like what if I buy it and the previous owner can spy on my stuff?

Also, what if it’s a fake Apple?

Just want to make sure. Not being paranoid.

The 2015 has attained legendary status around here but frankly it's just a 4 year old machine (6 year old design) performance-wise whose only saving grace is an HDMI port.

2016 was the first-generation of the new design, and you never buy first-generation Apple anything. Plus 2017s are a very mature machine, and you can get leftover stock/refurbished models for very reasonable prices.

I am not aware of any fake Macs going around. The only risk with buying used is it being stolen (I've had a Mac stolen before and later learned that, despite Find My Mac, those can be erased very easily)

 

[Hieveryone]

The 2015 has attained legendary status around here but frankly it's just a 4 year old machine (6 year old design) performance-wise whose only saving grace is an HDMI port.

2016 was the first-generation of the new design, and you never buy first-generation Apple anything. Plus 2017s are a very mature machine, and you can get leftover stock/refurbished models for very reasonable prices.

I am not aware of any fake Macs going around. The only risk with buying used is it being stolen (I've had a Mac stolen before and later learned that, despite Find My Mac, those can be erased very easily)

Good to know. Thanks for the inside scoop on what’s going on. I’ve actually heard great things about the 2015 bc of the ports but yeah it is kinda old.

I’ll make sure not the get a stolen one. That would be terrible!!!!

 

[maerz001]

Why would you recommend the 2017 over the 16 or 15?
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Are those safe? Meaning no spyware or something like what if I buy it and the previous owner can spy on my stuff?

Also, what if it’s a fake Apple?

Just want to make sure. Not being paranoid.

Never heard of fake ones. Spying? Seriously? Except of NSA you should be save when you do a fresh install

You r here long enough to know. What happend to your 2013 and 2018 model?

 

[Hieveryone]

Never heard of fake ones. Spying? Seriously? Except of NSA you should be save when you do a fresh install

You r here long enough to know. What happend to your 2013 and 2018 model?

My late 2013 is a 13”

My 2018, as stated in my other thread, has a problem when playing videos so has to go back sadly
[doublepost=1534753017][/doublepost]When will these new MacBook pros show up in the refurbished store?

 

[ales876]

Good that you ask.

I was wondering myself the same. I don't do super power stuff with that machine but I like the bigger screen, especially when you change the resolution. Besides, the power is also needed when working in a highe resolution, right?
External Monitor is not an option.


At work I got a Macbook Air 13" and beside the fact that it has no retina...the screen seems so small.

 

[maflynn]

When will these new MacBook pros show up in the refurbished store?

2 to 3 months

 

[Ma2k5]

The 2015 has attained legendary status around here but frankly it's just a 4 year old machine (6 year old design) performance-wise whose only saving grace is an HDMI port.

2016 was the first-generation of the new design, and you never buy first-generation Apple anything. Plus 2017s are a very mature machine, and you can get leftover stock/refurbished models for very reasonable prices.

I am not aware of any fake Macs going around. The only risk with buying used is it being stolen (I've had a Mac stolen before and later learned that, despite Find My Mac, those can be erased very easily)

Considering the 2017 does not have the membrane on the keyboard, I'd take a 2015 over a 2017 at the moment, unless you want to deal with the "almost" inevitable keyboard failure.

 

[AppleHaterLover]

Considering the 2017 does not have the membrane on the keyboard, I'd take a 2015 over a 2017 at the moment, unless you want to deal with the "almost" inevitable keyboard failure.

And deal with an inevitable, certain and catastrophic display delamination that all 2015s face sooner or later instead?

No thanks.

See what I did here? All of these Macs have been recalled at some point or another. Some of them will have defects. Apple will replace all of them in case they do.

 

[Ma2k5]

And deal with an inevitable, certain and catastrophic display delamination that all 2015s face sooner or later instead?

No thanks.

See what I did here? All of these Macs have been recalled at some point or another. Some of them will have defects. Apple will replace all of them in case they do.

The amount of keyboard complaints vs staingate complaints would still make me go for the 2015. In addition, I wouldn't have to deal with the touch bar, have higher battery capacity and won't be needing dongles. 2018 to me is the only model worth replacing the 2015 with in my opinion.

 

[Fishrrman]

The OP asks:
"Which model should I buy and where is the best place to get it?
Should I buy a used one? Refurbished? A 2015 model?"

My answer will be short, sweet, and the best you'll get:
Buy an Apple-refurbished 2015 MacBook Pro 15" from the Apple online store.
Get whatever configuration you want.
BE READY TO BUY when one appears -- they tend to go QUICKLY (and there's a reason for that).

A keyboard that works.
Plenty of ports that you can actually plug things directly into.
No dongles.

 

[deeddawg]

Buy an Apple-refurbished 2015 MacBook Pro 15" from the Apple online store.
Get whatever configuration you want.
BE READY TO BUY when one appears -- they tend to go QUICKLY (and there's a reason for that).

A keyboard that works.
Plenty of ports that you can actually plug things directly into.
No dongles.

Each to their own, but spending $1700 in 2018 for a three year old computer with a four year old / three-generations-behind 2014 CPU just doesn't make sense to me.

Ports? Depends on your usage and how long you're going to hang onto your old cables. Today it's simple just switch over.

Grab a USBC to microUSB cable for a whopping $7 from Amazon. Or grab a couple USBC to USBA adapters to stick on existing cables for a bank-balance-busting $7 for two from Amazon. USBC to HDMI cables are easy to get, same for USBC to Displayport/mDP cables. Convert the cables you use and you're done, no dongles necessary in your home environment.

Sure, someone who travels to client sites a lot might still need to carry a couple adapters just in case -- but that's no different with a 2015 since it doesn't provide ethernet or displayport or VGA connectors. even the 2015 has no ethernet port or VGA port or displayport -- so a field person would still be carrying dongles with a 2015 model if he or she were to be prepared.

On the flip side, with a 2018 you can do single-cable docking with a USBC or TB3 hub. Use your legacy cables with the dock and have all you stuff with one connector. Including power.

Just my thoughts on this whole ports / dongles stuff. Not the big deal it's made out to be IMHO, excepting perhaps some particular individual circumstances.

I've had a rMB12 for a couple years. I have a little USBC hub that I leave connected to power and a 24" 1080p display to dock with when I wish to. Rarely need USB, but have a little Nando adapter that stays attached to a card reader in my camera kit. While I'd rather the rMB have two USBC ports instead of one headphone and one USBC, the ports this has been a complete non-issue for *my* usage.

 

[Hieveryone]

It’s true about spending $1699 in 2018 on a 2015 computer.

I’m no expert, but it just doesn’t feel right tbh.

I might wait for the 2018 to hit the refurbished store.

If it’s only 2-3 months, then already a decent amount of time has passed.

I do like True Tone, or at least having the option.

If I bought a 2016 or 2017 model today, and the 2018 hit the refurbished store in just a few weeks, I’d be like “DOH!” lol

 

[DannEboE]

It’s true about spending $1699 in 2018 on a 2015 computer.

I’m no expert, but it just doesn’t feel right tbh.

I might wait for the 2018 to hit the refurbished store.

If it’s only 2-3 months, then already a decent amount of time has passed.

I do like True Tone, or at least having the option.

If I bought a 2016 or 2017 model today, and the 2018 hit the refurbished store in just a few weeks, I’d be like “DOH!” lol

If all you want is just a bigger screen with Retina, there is a 2017 15 inch refurbished unit for $1909. With tax, it will probably hover around $2050.

If you feel icky about spending this much and not getting the latest and greatest, check out AppleInsiders. It shows that you can buy a 2018 model for $2200 and they won't charge you sales tax. Technically, you have to report these types of purchases when filing taxes, but almost no one does and I can't advise you on your tax liabilities. :3

I've had coworkers use a 2015 model for work. Once they upgraded to the 2016 model (the new generation where it was thinner and lighter), they loved it. Loved that they had better battery life for what they were using it for and having it lighter was a tremendous load on their back.

 

[Hieveryone]

If all you want is just a bigger screen with Retina, there is a 2017 15 inch refurbished unit for $1909. With tax, it will probably hover around $2050.

If you feel icky about spending this much and not getting the latest and greatest, check out AppleInsiders. It shows that you can buy a 2018 model for $2200 and they won't charge you sales tax. Technically, you have to report these types of purchases when filing taxes, but almost no one does and I can't advise you on your tax liabilities. :3

I've had coworkers use a 2015 model for work. Once they upgraded to the 2016 model (the new generation where it was thinner and lighter), they loved it. Loved that they had better battery life for what they were using it for and having it lighter was a tremendous load on their back.

I’m so lost. Using Apple insiders to find a discounted Mac is a special type of transaction?

How? Why? lol

 

[DannEboE]

I’m so lost. Using Apple insiders to find a discounted Mac is a special type of transaction?

How? Why? lol

It's not a special type of transaction. Appleinsiders just helps aggregate all the different Apple resellers that sell Apple products and their corresponding prices. Its nothing special about it, it is a one stop place for the consumer to see what store is selling what item at what price. If you click the link, you can see what I mean.

 

[Hieveryone]

It's not a special type of transaction. Appleinsiders just helps aggregate all the different Apple resellers that sell Apple products and their corresponding prices. Its nothing special about it, it is a one stop place for the consumer to see what store is selling what item at what price. If you click the link, you can see what I mean.

Cool well thanks for the site. Seems like a great way to find the best prices out there.

 

[deeddawg]

I might wait for the 2018 to hit the refurbished store.

If it’s only 2-3 months, then already a decent amount of time has passed.

They'll be there soon enough. Maybe late September or early October. YMMV. I've had great success buying Apple refurbs.

Have you considered taking advantage of the back-to-school deals? At least some colleges/universities will allow alumni to order under the deal; base 2.2/555x/16/256 is $2249, keep the free Beats headphones or ebay them for ~$100 in your pocket. Bonus is some of them also have AppleCare+ for MBP15 at $259. So effectively another $100 savings.

IMHO yes the keyboard is still a concern even with the adjustments. For that reason I bought AC+. I also bought using a credit card (Citi) which provides 24 months warranty extension after the AC+ is over. So effectively five years warranty.
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Cool well thanks for the site. Seems like a great way to find the best prices out there.

https://prices.appleinsider.com/15-macbook-pro-with-touch-bar-mid-2018

MBP15 2.2/555x/16/256 for $2199 at Adorama using the Appleinsider link and code APINSIDER

 

[ficktjuv]

If all that you use it for is safari and pages I would recommend a cheaper model with external display instead. The 15" has 6 cores and that might be a "slight" overkill for your purposes

 

[Hieveryone]

Can anyone guess what the approx price of the base 2018 would be once it hits the refurbished store?

Right now it's $2,399 for a new one I think.

My plan right now is just to wait. The reason being is that I don't want to buy another one then again have problems.

My hope is that if it is refurbished, it would be checked out by Apple, and have no problems.

So hopefully no problems, AND a discount. Sounds like a deal to me!

I was going to go for the 2015 model, but again it just doesn't feel right spending $1699 on an older piece of technology.

And while I have no problems with the 2016 or 2017 refurbished model, I wouldn't be happy if the 2018 showed up for a same or similar price in the refurb store in the next few weeks.

Now if the 2018 was coming out refurbished in like 3 months, I would just get a 2016 or 2017.

But seems like it might be sooner, so I'll just wait it out for now I guess.

 

[maerz001]

It’s always 15% off

 

[deeddawg]

My hope is that if it is refurbished, it would be checked out by Apple, and have no problems.

Maybe. The check may be cosmetic and cursory and not as detailed as an owner might make. I wouldn't bet on anything.

And while I have no problems with the 2016 or 2017 refurbished model, I wouldn't be happy if the 2018 showed up for a same or similar price in the refurb store in the next few weeks.

2017 refurb prices already dropped when the 2018s came out. Their pricing will remain below the 2018 refurb prices when those models hit the refurb store.

Now if the 2018 was coming out refurbished in like 3 months, I would just get a 2016 or 2017.

But seems like it might be sooner, so I'll just wait it out for now I guess.

Consider that Apple will charge sales tax when ordering from the Apple refurb store. Alternately, you can order from Adorama or B&H at about $150 off retail at the moment, and not pay sales tax unless you're in NY or NJ or your state currently requires/enforces it. Alternately order from Apple's online education store at $150 off, and get free Beats headphones -- which you could resell if you didn't find value in them for yourself.

There's nothing wrong with Apple refurbs, but you have enough other options that IMHO there's not much reason to wait for the refurb store 2018s and zero reason to buy a 2016/2017 at this point.