Refurbished Macbooks

[hamfeet]

Hey guys

I've been running a mid 2010 4gb ram 2.66ghz intel core 2 duo for the past 6 years and it can't really hack the intensive Logic 9 projects anymore. I'm eager to use more power intensive virtual synths and effects and upgrade my software so looking for something that could enable that.

Im looking into getting a refurbished macbook, these 2 seem to be alright

MacBook Pro 9,1/i7-3615QM/16GB RAM/1TB SSD/15"/Unibody/B (Mid 2012) £630

MacBook Pro 10,1/i7-3740QM/16GB RAM/256GB SSD/15" RD/B (Early 2013) £730

for £100 extra the changes seem minimal + a lot less SSD space, is the early 2013 really that much better? What does a i7-3740QM really change? Are these the best mac's available at this price range or for a bit more could i find something thats much better?

Would the increase in performance from what i had been previously running be that noticeable?

 

[mtneer]

To me the prices seem quite steep for 2012 hardware. You should check how that processor performs against even the ones in the latest MBA's and see how they do. The 2020 MBA's have been on sale quite a lot brand new.

 

[hamfeet]

How would someone compare the performance of a processor, was looking at refurbished laptops as I can't afford to spend £1300

 

[0128672]

Don't know if this fits into your budget, but in Apple's UK Refurb Store, there's like-new a 2019 MacBook Pro for £979. You get a one year warranty and the option to buy Applecare for it too. It has only 8GB of RAM though. You can also store your Logic libraries on an external drive. If this configuration doesn't work for you, keep checking back in the Refurb Store for a 16GB.

Refurbished 13.3 inch MacBook Pro 1.4GHz quad core Intel Core i5 with Retina display Space Grey - Apple (UK)

Apple Store Search Results

www.apple.com

 

[Fishrrman]

Going from a 2010 to a 2013 is "not a big enough jump up", in my opinion.
I'd be looking for a 2015.

AVOID ALL Macbook Pros made in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 (exception is the 16" model).

 

[hamfeet]

Going from a 2010 to a 2013 is "not a big enough jump up", in my opinion.
I'd be looking for a 2015.

AVOID ALL Macbook Pros made in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 (exception is the 16" model).

this is right on the edge of my budget but would this model be alright at £850? Apple Macbook Pro 12,1/i7-5557U/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/13"/C (Early 2015)

 

[Alex W.]

So, I did an experiment and ordered a refurbished and compared it to my new unit.
I will not be getting a refurb again, too many issues you have to look very closely for.

-Flickering display that comes and goes, battery life losing 20% max charge after 3 cycles, crashing, fan noise.

Buy new, is like 200-300 more but the product is engineered with improvements, where the refurb are likely early production runs.

 

[Fishrrman]

Alexander...
You didn't say if the refurb was from Apple or elsewhere, but...
... if it was from Apple, and if it's still within the 14-day return period, I would return it immediately, and either try another refurb or else "buy new"...

 

[0128672]

Buy new, is like 200-300 more but the product is engineered with improvements, where the refurb are likely early production runs.

Apple's refurb stock is from returns and replacements, not early production runs per se.

Apple Refurbished Products: Should You Buy Them?

There's sometimes a stigma against purchasing refurbished electronics because many companies don't have rigorous quality control programs for...

www.macrumors.com

 

[Alex W.]

Apple's refurb stock is from returns and replacements, not early production runs per se.

Apple Refurbished Products: Should You Buy Them?

There's sometimes a stigma against purchasing refurbished electronics because many companies don't have rigorous quality control programs for...

www.macrumors.com

Well I just got two map 16" one refry one new, major issues with the refurb, unimpressed.