Refurb MBP 2019 vs MBA 2020

[robots3humans0]

Since the release of the new MBP, the refurb prices have dropped significantly. The prices in Canada are $1319 (education) for i5/8/256 MBA, and $1379 (refurb) for i5/8/256 MBP 2019.

Managed to get Apple to authorize a return for my month-old MBA 2020 and placed an order for the refurb.

Lose the magic keyboard, wedge shape and RAM speed. Gain CPU performance, better screen, cooler operation, quieter fans at full blast, and (according to some reviews: notebookcheck) better battery life.

I don't really need the power of the MBP but for $60, it's hard to ignore.

Thoughts?

 

[IngerMan]

Since the release of the new MBP, the refurb prices have dropped significantly. The prices in Canada are $1319 (education) for i5/8/256 MBA, and $1379 (refurb) for i5/8/256 MBP 2019.

Managed to get Apple to authorize a return for my month-old MBA 2020 and placed an order for the refurb.

Lose the magic keyboard, wedge shape and RAM speed. Gain CPU performance, better screen, cooler operation, quieter fans at full blast, and (according to some reviews: notebookcheck) better battery life.

I don't really need the power of the MBP but for $60, it's hard to ignore.

Thoughts?

[automerge]1588819406[/automerge]
So your getting the crap keyboard, I can say that I have a 2017 MBP, typo typo typo. Slower DDR3 ram, much slower GPU. A few other things but you save $60.

Bad choice in my opinion. The keyboard experience alone is worth $60.

I think you should give the new one it’s 14 day trial before you back track.


read your post again and see you had it for a month. Maybe you should try an entire different model.

 

[robots3humans0]

[automerge]1588819406[/automerge]
So your getting the crap keyboard, I can say that I have a 2017 MBP, typo typo typo. Slower DDR3 ram, much slower GPU. A few other things but you save $60.

Bad choice in my opinion. The keyboard experience alone is worth $60.

I think you should give the new one it’s 14 day trial before you back track.


read your post again and see you had it for a month. Maybe you should try an entire different model.

Yeah I've had the Air for a month now. I don't have any major complaints.. it does run warmer than I'd like but not super hot or loud like some reviewers say. Honestly I was mostly happy with it, but the $60 upgrade (side grade, downgrade?) to the 2019 MBP has me questioning.

The Pro should be in my hands with time left in the return window so I'll give it a good try out.

 

[thekev]

The difference in cpu performance between 2 dual core machines isn't going to change anything. Keyboards might though. If the 2019 is still the butterfly keyboard, I wouldn't buy one, even at a significant markdown.

 

[robots3humans0]

The difference in cpu performance between 2 dual core machines isn't going to change anything. Keyboards might though. If the 2019 is still the butterfly keyboard, I wouldn't buy one, even at a significant markdown.

They're both quad core machines with the MBP able to perform better due to better thermal management.

Hell, in the end I might end up with the i3 2020 Air as it would probably suffice for my needs. Would definitely appreciate the cooler performance of either the i3 or the MBP. Figured I'd try it out though.

 

[thekev]

They're both quad core machines with the MBP able to perform better due to better thermal management.

I keep thinking that the 2019 models still had dual core, but it looks like I'm a generation off. I'm with you regarding preferring a cooler machine. I still wouldn't touch that butterfly keyboard.

Typically these failures are not exactly randomly distributed, so heavier users may see higher failure rates. I seem to put a lot of wear on keyboards, which makes me avoid any that are potentially problematic.

 

[robots3humans0]

I keep thinking that the 2019 models still had dual core, but it looks like I'm a generation off. I'm with you regarding preferring a cooler machine. I still wouldn't touch that butterfly keyboard.

Typically these failures are not exactly randomly distributed, so heavier users may see higher failure rates. I seem to put a lot of wear on keyboards, which makes me avoid any that are potentially problematic.

That’s definitely good to know. I only used the butterfly keyboard for a couple weeks before returning that machine (2019 Air) when the 2020 was announced.

This may be a grass is always greener sort of situation for me. Feels like I’m trying to justify it to myself. I appreciate you lending your opinion.

 

[deeddawg]

Lose the magic keyboard

Thoughts?

That right there would be a deal killer for me.

Plus you're losing the physical function key row. While some may prefer the touchbar setup, I don't like it at all.

 

[russell_314]

If you don’t need the extra CPU power of the MacBook Pro it would be silly to get one with a butterfly keyboard just to say you have a "Pro". In addition to the better keyboard, the MacBook Air is also lighter and the battery lasts longer. Sure they’re going to dump butterfly keyboard Macs cheap but there’s a reason why they’re cheap.