Need Laptop-Which one?

[Mom-N-Stuff]

When I look at what to buy on this site it says don't buy Mac Air or Pro because they should be updated soon. But I need a laptop. I have always used Windows and am tired of the hassle. I'm not a power user-don't do graphics. Just for surfing the web, finances, word and excel documents. So should I look at buying a refurbished machine since the new one will be out of date in 2 months? And what should I look at? I do tend to like a larger than 13 inch screen but I can deal with it.
I would like to go ahead and purchase one now.
Thanks

 

[glenthompson]

When I look at what to buy on this site it says don't buy Mac Air or Pro because they should be updated soon. But I need a laptop. I have always used Windows and am tired of the hassle. I'm not a power user-don't do graphics. Just for surfing the web, finances, word and excel documents. So should I look at buying a refurbished machine since the new one will be out of date in 2 months? And what should I look at? I do tend to like a larger than 13 inch screen but I can deal with it.
I would like to go ahead and purchase one now.
Thanks

With those requirements, almost any 15" MBP would fit the bill. The Apple refurbished store offers some savings and you get the benefit of a full warranty and their return policy. Older Macs can perform fairly well if you don't have demanding needs. I just picked up a old iMac to use in a vacation house. Does fine for the limited demands there.

 

[LiveM]

Get a refurbished 12" Macbook or wait for the new one. The others are too old/big/heavy.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Any Apple laptop will perform your use with ease, buy refurbished directly from Apple and choose whatever you like.

 

[old-wiz]

"out of date" is sort of meaningless to me. Laptops are always changing - there are no really big changes coming in the next year. Yes others will say "oh no you need to wait for xxxx" But both Intel and Apple always have something new coming down the line. If a current MBP works for you, go ahead and buy it. Yes, the next generation chips will have better (insert component name here) but I don't see a huge change coming within this year. Others will disagree of course.

 

[Tomorrow]

Take the "don't buy" advice in the Buyer's Guide with a grain of salt - you should probably take that to mean, "Wait, if you can afford to wait." My advice is, if you need it, go ahead and buy it.

That being said, I agree with the other posters - an Apple refurb is a great option. They're "new" in that they leave the factory meeting all the same specs as a non-refurbished machine and they have the same warranty. And you can save quite a bit of cash.

 

[glenthompson]

Get a refurbished 12" Macbook or wait for the new one. The others are too old/big/heavy.

The OP said she preferred screens larger than 13" so a 12" wouldn't meet her requirements. Some of us are quite willing to accept some weight/size in exchange for a larger screen. If they offered a 17" rMBP I would be planning to get one.

 

[pjfan]

When I look at what to buy on this site it says don't buy Mac Air or Pro because they should be updated soon. But I need a laptop. I have always used Windows and am tired of the hassle. I'm not a power user-don't do graphics. Just for surfing the web, finances, word and excel documents. So should I look at buying a refurbished machine since the new one will be out of date in 2 months? And what should I look at? I do tend to like a larger than 13 inch screen but I can deal with it.
I would like to go ahead and purchase one now.
Thanks

You might be shocked how large the smaller MacBook screens look like. If your mobile while computing, it would behoove you to swing by an Apple Store to see the MacBook 12"and 13" & 15". With your requirements, it seems any of these machines will perform fine for you. Perhaps storage requirements, portability (or lack there of) might factor in -- but the cheapest refurb of any of these three flavors will serve you perfectly.

 

[LiveM]

The OP said she preferred screens larger than 13" so a 12" wouldn't meet her requirements. Some of us are quite willing to accept some weight/size in exchange for a larger screen. If they offered a 17" rMBP I would be planning to get one.

Actually, she didn't say that, and I believe the weight and size, plus power to weight advantages mean she will be more than happy, although personally I would wait for the new model if it comes out soon. In my mind it will only be keyboard that could be a potential dealbreaker. I just wouldn't touch the old Macbook designs now unless I had to.

I do tend to like a larger than 13 inch screen but I can deal with it.
I would like to go ahead and purchase one now.
Thanks

 

[maflynn]

I do tend to like a larger than 13 inch screen but I can deal with it.

Get the 15", you'll only regret getting the 13" If you like larger displays, don't compromise on that, as you may incur buyers remorse after a period. I too like the 15" laptop form factor and that works well.

 

[erbodi93]

When I look at what to buy on this site it says don't buy Mac Air or Pro because they should be updated soon. But I need a laptop. I have always used Windows and am tired of the hassle. I'm not a power user-don't do graphics. Just for surfing the web, finances, word and excel documents. So should I look at buying a refurbished machine since the new one will be out of date in 2 months? And what should I look at? I do tend to like a larger than 13 inch screen but I can deal with it.
I would like to go ahead and purchase one now.
Thanks

I faced the same question a year ago and have similar computing needs as well. I've also previously owned only 15" laptops only in the past, but i'm on-the-go a lot and after awhile got tired of lugging my older late 15" 2011 MBP around. I never thought i'd grow to like the 13" size, but honestly you get used to it and can adjust the scaling to give you as much real estate as a 15" monitor when necessary. Now i'd never go back to a bigger laptop. I was torn between the 12" MB, 13" rMBP and 15" rMBP but I ultimately chose the 13" rMBP due to it being the least compromised machine- almost-as-good-as Air battery life, almost-as-good-as Air 13" portability (it'll feel very portable coming from a bigger computer), significantly better performance than the MB and a better screen than the Air. The sharper screen is a real benefit if you like to scale up to increase your workspace real estate (which I do a lot, will run it at 1440 X 900), as elements become smaller it makes things easier to see. Was really torn on this and I have no regrets- it's the best Apple product i've owned and you really can't go wrong with this purchase unless you either a) don't have the budget, b) need more graphics/processing power or c) your laptop sits at your desk all day.