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Purchase a '13 for cheap, or go for '14?

D

Drock93

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 17, 2014
13
0
Hey guys, bought an MBA and am dissapointed with the screen so I'm returning it for a 13.3" rMBP. I've got a couple coupons to use at Best Buy, so I can get one for a good deal plus 18mo zero interest financing. Here are my options, prices include tax:

1) 2013 4gb/128gb for $968

2) 2013 8gb/256gb for $1163

3) 2014 8gb/128gb for $1163

I'm having a really tough time deciding. I could easily get away with the base model and save some money. Nothing I do is RAM intensive, and almost all of my media is streamed (Netflix, Spotify, etc...). And I have a 500gb external HDD if I really need it.

Then part of me says splurge for the 8gb/256gb just for future proofing.

And the last part of me says go for the latest model 8gb/128gb for resale value in case the broadwell or skylake refreshes tempt me.

Any advice is appreciated.
 
Last edited:
NocturnalJazz said:
Which one is 256? I think you miss-typed something there.
Click to expand...

Oops, thanks for catching that.

----------

The more I think about it, the more I'm tempted to just go with the 14' base model so I have the newest and don't regret it.
 
Purchase a '13 for cheap, or go for '14?

I vote 2) 2013 8gb/256gb for $1163


Your computer needs/behavior may moderately change in the next couple of years. The $200 would give me peace of mind.

If you are keeping it just short term, then cheap may be the way to go.
 
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No. 2 for sure. The bump in processor speed is not going to mean that much for performance or future proofing, however doubling the SSD (and RAM compared to the base model) will make a difference. Other than the processor there are really no differences between the late 2013 and the mid 2104.
 
Second option for sure! The difference between the '13 and '14 models is very small, and you might not even notice it. Also, in my opinion you should always get as much storage as you can on a laptop! 128 just seems very minimal, but that's just my opinion! :)
 
Drock93 said:
Hey guys, bought an MBA and am dissapointed with the screen so I'm returning it for a 13.3" rMBP. I've got a couple coupons to use at Best Buy, so I can get one for a good deal plus 18mo zero interest financing. Here are my options, prices include tax:

1) 2013 4gb/128gb for $968

2) 2013 8gb/256gb for $1163

3) 2014 8gb/128gb for $1163

I'm having a really tough time deciding. I could easily get away with the base model and save some money. Nothing I do is RAM intensive, and almost all of my media is streamed (Netflix, Spotify, etc...). And I have a 500gb external HDD if I really need it.

Then part of me says splurge for the 8gb/256gb just for future proofing.

And the last part of me says go for the latest model 8gb/128gb for resale value in case the broadwell or skylake refreshes tempt me.

Any advice is appreciated.
Click to expand...

I was in a very similar situation when I picked up my rMBP. I got it a little over a month ago and with BB discounts, I got the base model for 975. I could have paid about 250 more and had the 8/256 but decided not to.

Based on my usage. I am shocked at just how much the 2013 base model 4/128 can handle. I can have over 10 programs open at once along with 20 plus tabs in Safari or Chrome and never miss a beat. In fact, I have to go way beyond anything I would realistically do in order for the memory pressure to go out of the green.

Check this out:https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1756865/

If your usage qualifies you for a 4GB model then I'd say go for the base model and save your money.

If you are asking about resale value, then you are more than likely going to upgrade in 2-3 years like I will. Save that 200 and put it towards the next machine.

If money is no object and you want more power, get the 8/256, but I can tell you that the 4/128 packs quite a punch.
 
Dang, resounding #2 answers. You guys don't think it'd be overkill for college work, browsing, and light gaming (league)? The 13 8gb/256gb would have more resale value than the 14 8gb/128gb even though it's a "year" older?
 
Drock93 said:
Dang, resounding #2 answers. You guys don't think it'd be overkill for college work, browsing, and light gaming (league)? The 13 8gb/256gb would have more resale value than the 14 8gb/128gb even though it's a "year" older?
Click to expand...

Resale between the 2013 8/256 and the 2014 8/128 would be roughly the same IMO. If you are dead set on 8GB of ram. Go with the 2013 model which gives you the extra storage space.

To answer the question above, The 4/128 is more than enough for college work, browsing and light gaming. I do all of that plus multi track recording in Garage Band with not issues at all. Did you look at the ram thread and see what it recommends for your usage?
 
Number one or number two.
If you are a college kid I'd save the money and get No. 1.

No 3 is out of the question.
 
Meister said:
Number one or number two.
If you are a college kid I'd save the money and get No. 1.

No 3 is out of the question.
Click to expand...

I am in college but I've only got a year left. I also work full time during the summer and part time during the school year. I don't have money to blow, but I can spend the extra if it's warranted.
 
Drock93 said:
I am in college but I've only got a year left. I also work full time during the summer and part time during the school year. I don't have money to blow, but I can spend the extra if it's warranted.
Click to expand...

I don't think it's warranted for your usage, but only you can decide.
 
Meister said:
Number one or number two.
If you are a college kid I'd save the money and get No. 1.

No 3 is out of the question.
Click to expand...

capathy21 said:
I don't think it's warranted for your usage, but only you can decide.
Click to expand...

How long would 4gb last me at my current needs? My only worry is that my needs change or the OS requires more. Also, graduating college and moving out I may not be able to afford another new laptop for a while.
 
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