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NEW? 2018/2019 MBP - Lost in Purchase Options

Sir.T.Grant

Sir.T.Grant

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jun 21, 2019
5
2
KCHS
Good Morning,

I have been a long time stalker on the forum but finally have a question to pose to the collective expertise of the group.

Short Background. I am in the Military and have been over seas (Africa) for the past four years. I am just now returning stateside and need to upgrade my Apple set-up. I have a 2013 Macbook that is standing on it's last legs. I run a lot of photography (Adobe PS) and some digital processing but little gaming, i really am inclined to the new MacBook Pro 13 with Touch Bar and was excited to buy one this week...

MY problem arises from previously (2010-2014) when you wanted to buy a Mac, you normally purchased one from the Apple Store. NOW (2019), it seems EVERYONE sells them with various deals, to the point i am overwhelmed.

As I see it my options are:
Apple Store NEW with Military discount (1,619.00)
Apple Store REFURBISHED 2018 MBP (1,318.00)
Amazon NEW (1,688.00)
Amazon REFURBISHED 2019? MBP (1,258.00)
Costco NEW MBP (1,588.00)
There is a WIDE range of online retailers that are selling "Latest Model" Refurbished and NEW 13" MBP but I lack the knowledge to make an informed purchase.

Knowing the above, and that I work for the government so my money is important to me, which avenue would you choose to pursue?

V/R

~tge
 
I wouldn't buy refurbished from anyone other than Apple, unless I would absolutely certain of the pedigree.

Do Military discounted deals have the same return policy as retail deals?

Assuming the same return policy, I'd take the military discount. If the return policy is not the same, from the options that you have, the 2018 refurb from Apple is likely that I'd go for. It's going to be slightly slower than the equivalent 2019, but it's also cheaper.

Maybe post a link to the Amazon "refurb" and we can take a look.
 
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Apple refurbished should come in like new condition with full new warranty and option to add AppleCare+. The only way you should be able to tell a refurbished from new should be the plain white box. So I would only get the Apple refurb.

I would not get anyone else's refurbished.

If you do want to get the latest and greatest, you can get it from anyone. The MacBook from any authorized retailer is fully backed with warranty, etc. Go where you can get the best deal. And Costco is always a good choice IMHO.
 
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jerryk said:
Apple refurbished should come in like new condition with full new warranty and option to add AppleCare+. The only way you should be able to tell a refurbished from new should be the plain white box. So I would only get the Apple refurb.

I would not get anyone else's refurbished.

If you do want to get the latest and greatest, you can get it from anyone. The MacBook from any authorized retailer is fully backed with warranty, etc. Go where you can get the best deal. And Costco is always a good choice IMHO.
Click to expand...

I thought I would also mention that Microcenter has Apple certified refurbished MBPs. They include the one year warranty (if you select the correct one) and cost a hell of a lot less than directly from Apple. Unfortunately the closest one to me is about 170 miles away, so I was never able to justify the drive just to scoop up a less expensive Mac.

Example: https://www.microcenter.com/product...uter-apple-certified-refurbished---space-gray
 
Apple refurb store is a GREAT way to go if they have what you want. I have purchased several refurbs from them. Don’t hesitate to do it if you find one you want. You won’t be able to tell the difference between a new one. Comes with the same warranty.
[doublepost=1561127326][/doublepost]
Sir.T.Grant said:
Thoughts on this 2016 MBP for $1,277 vs 2018 MBP $1,340

https://www.apple.com/us_epp_805199...4220b719fe2e63dd0723b06550e4916a7e5fa513dc89c

vs.

https://www.apple.com/us_epp_805199...3c6e13bc51db921cc9455b615756b5c67e03121e8b53e
Click to expand...

Links don’t work for me but I’d get the 2018.
 
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If price is "the consideration", buy Apple-refurbished -- almost impossible to go wrong that way. The item should be indistinguishable "from new" and will have a 1-year Apple warranty. You can get AppleCare, too, if you wish.
If a 2018 model will work for you, this is the way to go.

DON'T buy a 2016 -- TOO MANY PROBLEMS.

The Costco price for a new (2019) one looks good. They're now an authorized Apple reseller. If you had any problems, Apple Store will take care of them.
MAKE SURE the item you're buying -IS- "a 2019" MBP. They might also be selling "new-old-stock" 2018 MBPs.
Check carefully.
Use your due diligence, soldier!
 
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We were in a similar position recently and went for another refurbished 2018 MBP from Apple. Seems to offer the most "bang per buck" given the small differences between 2018 and 2019 for the 13" models.
 
Sir.T.Grant said:
Good Morning,

I have been a long time stalker on the forum but finally have a question to pose to the collective expertise of the group.

Short Background. I am in the Military and have been over seas (Africa) for the past four years. I am just now returning stateside and need to upgrade my Apple set-up. I have a 2013 Macbook that is standing on it's last legs. I run a lot of photography (Adobe PS) and some digital processing but little gaming, i really am inclined to the new MacBook Pro 13 with Touch Bar and was excited to buy one this week...

MY problem arises from previously (2010-2014) when you wanted to buy a Mac, you normally purchased one from the Apple Store. NOW (2019), it seems EVERYONE sells them with various deals, to the point i am overwhelmed.

As I see it my options are:
Apple Store NEW with Military discount (1,619.00)
Apple Store REFURBISHED 2018 MBP (1,318.00)
Amazon NEW (1,688.00)
Amazon REFURBISHED 2019? MBP (1,258.00)
Costco NEW MBP (1,588.00)
There is a WIDE range of online retailers that are selling "Latest Model" Refurbished and NEW 13" MBP but I lack the knowledge to make an informed purchase.

Knowing the above, and that I work for the government so my money is important to me, which avenue would you choose to pursue?

V/R

~tge
Click to expand...
don't forget Best Buy :)
[doublepost=1561128831][/doublepost]I'd really GO for the 2019 model... much improved... all around IMO
 
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I am really liking this option. Please tell me if it is any way worth it to spend $304 to get a NEW 2019. I don't even know how to look to find the pricing on NEW 2018 and I feel it will hurt my simple head to work it... Please let me know if I am about to make a major mistake...
 

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i just got the 2019 and it is a dream. macs last so long you might as well get the new one as the 300 difference will be worth it over time. i LOVE the 4 usb c ports as i only had one on my macbook 2015. also get 16gb if you run a lot of applications. enjoy.
 
2018 and 2019 models are exactly the same (I had the 2018 and now have the 2019...)
The only difference is a modest bump (0.1 GHz) in CPU. Not worth the additional dollars.
 
Does MBP without touch bar also come with silent 3th generation keyboard or are currently sold new units still using older louder 2nd generation model?
 
So found the entry 2019 MBP with Touch Bar from B&H, they matched Apple Military's Discount. So I am looking at $1,619.00 out the door... Any reason this is not the best option...
 
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