Second hand MBA/Pro or a new pre-Retina MBA?

[jauho]

It’s the start of the year at university and I’m in need of a laptop to use. No heavy weight stuff is required and, if need be, I can always use my iMac at home to churn out more power. I’m studying business and economics so not much in the way of graphics editing or anything like that. Mostly office programs, browsing and whatever.

So, here’s the deal. I’m wondering the difference between the non-retina Airs and the retina Pro is as bad as some people claim, how much of a deal breaker is having less RAM in my use case and if a 2014/2015 machine is worth buying anymore at all.

Basically, my options at the moment are (all but one of these has 8Gb RAM and a 128 SSD, they all have the basic level processor for their year):

1) A new pre-retina MacBook Air 13” for 900€

2) A used 2014 MacBook Pro 13” 745€

3) A used 2017 MacBook Air 13” for 725€

4) A used 2015 MacBook Air 13” (with 4 Gb RAM) for 549€

Any opinions which of these would you choose and why would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ghanwani]

Is 1 & 3 basically the same machine new v used? If so, the price of the used one makes the new one look like steal. Is the new one being bought from an authorized seller, i.e. it will be under Apple warranty?

 

[jauho]

Is 1 & 3 basically the same machine new v used? If so, the price of the used one makes the new one look like steal. Is the new one being bought from an authorized seller, i.e. it will be under Apple warranty?

Yeah, they are basically the same machine. The new one is covered by Apple’s warranty and has a seller’s warranty extension up to 3 years free of charge included.

 

[ghanwani]

Yeah, they are basically the same machine. The new one is covered by Apple’s warranty and has a seller’s warranty extension up to 3 years free of charge included.

That's what I would choose then.

 

[sracer]

That's what I would choose then.

I agree. I would buy the new one too.