Reliable Second Hand MBP - what’s best?

[That-Guy]

So I have an iPad Pro 10.5” and Apple Smart Keyboard, I have been thinking about trading in for a MBP as I can get things done faster on a Mac, just seems less fiddly.

What is a good solid MBP to look out for, been looking at refurbished ones but want one that has a good chance of lasting, must be able to run the lasted versions of OS X

Suggestions please

 

[jerryk]

Refurbished 2015 13" MBP with 256 GB hard drive if that works for you. If too much start looking at 2014 13" with the same config.

PS. I feel your pain. I have an iPad Pro and a keyboard. Great for watching videos, reading email, typing short replies, etc. But, no matter what Tim Cook says, they are no substitute for a good Mac for creating documents, editing videos, i.e doing creative work.

 

[dcpmark]

As with buying a used car, buy the newest you can afford. If you can afford a 2017, get a 2017. If not look at a 2015, as the 2016 have been more problematic.

 

[Anarchy99]

i would recommend buying a new 2017 trying for the 2 weeks and returning it.
(its even free return shipping )
see if you can stand the ultra low travel keyboard and touchbar.
if you can then return it and find a used 2016-2017 in 13" if your size conscious or 15 if you prefer power/ no comprimises.

if you cant handle that divisive excuse for keyboard the 2015 rMBP once again in 13" if your size conscious or 15" if you prefer power/no comprimises.

 

[Fishrrman]

jerryk "has the answer" for you in reply 2 above.

 

[nigelbb]

In both the 13" & 15" MBP the screen & maximum SSD capacity is the same & there has been precious little improvement in CPU performance or other features over the last five years so a 2013 MBP will be fundamentally as functional as a 2018 model. There my be better battery life or less weight or greater thinness. I have a late 2013 15" MBP & cannot see any reason to upgrade . They are very reliable so buying a 4-5 year old MBP is no more risky than buying one that is 2-3 years old but there will be a considerable cost saving.

 

[TiggrToo]

Whilst there may be some good deals out there on later models (2016) I'd personally stick to a 2015 or slightly before - simply because there's just way way way too many folk out there who get keyboard problems (e.g. one of our VP's who just took ownership of a 2017 and already has a fussy keyboard and it's not even been 2 months!)