Trade mid-2012 15" cMBP for late-2012 13" rMBP

[DarkSel]

I have the fully upgraded 15" cMBP with a 2.6 GHz i7 processor, 8 GB of RAM, 750 GB 5400 RPM, and a 1 GB 650M. A friend of mine offered to trade me his 13" rMBP with a 2.5 GHz i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 128 GB SSD.

His rMBP comes with Applecare, but my cMBP has no warranty at all.

Considering this is the first generation 13" rMBP, would this be a good deal for me? I'm looking for a computer to take with me to college, and my current 15" seems a bit hefty, albeit powerful.

 

[Naimfan]

It's a spectacular deal - for your "friend." Ask him how much cash he's adding, and if less than, say, $500, laugh hysterically.

If you sell yours you'd make enough to buy a new 13" 2.4/8/256. That's what I'd do.

 

[DarkSel]

It's a spectacular deal - for your "friend." Ask him how much cash he's adding, and if less than, say, $500, laugh hysterically.

If you sell yours you'd make enough to buy a new 13" 2.4/8/256. That's what I'd do.

The thing is, they are on average about ~$50 apart used on Ebay.

 

[Naimfan]

The thing is, they are on average about ~$50 apart used on Ebay.

Well, in eBay sold listings the 15" models like yours seem to average ~$1300 or so. The 2.5/8/128 first gen retinas seem to average ~$900 or so. (I'm disregarding the ones that are for parts/repair, as-is, etc.)

So just laugh if he says less than $400. Though you're certainly welcome to give him a $400 or so windfall.

 

[DarkSel]

Well, in eBay sold listings the 15" models like yours seem to average ~$1300 or so. The 2.5/8/128 first gen retinas seem to average ~$900 or so. (I'm disregarding the ones that are for parts/repair, as-is, etc.)

So just laugh if he says less than $400. Though you're certainly welcome to give him a $400 or so windfall.

But mine doesn't even have AppleCare. Quite a few of the EBay listings include AppleCare.

 

[Naimfan]

But mine doesn't even have AppleCare. Quite a few of the EBay listings include AppleCare.

Kid, I am trying to help and you're giving me a problem. (Thank you, Kelly's Heroes, for the Oddball paraphrase.)

If you want to trade, go ahead, but you'll be getting the (very) short end of the stick. If that's OK, go for it. But know you're leaving a lot of money on the table.

 

[Meister]

Listen to naimfan!

 

[alphaod]

But mine doesn't even have AppleCare. Quite a few of the EBay listings include AppleCare.

Sounds like you're trying to justify the trade and you really want the 13", then go for it.

Just don't regret it later.

 

[Trvlngnrs]

Are you going to be happy with 128GB after being used to 750GB?

I have 32.56GB of OS & apps on my computer.

 

[thundersteele]

If this was a late 2013 model with 8/256 GB I would consider it. It is hard to compare the values since the non-retina 15'' machines have vanished from the refurbished store.

The base 2012 15'' can be had from MacMall for $1449. The cheapest late 2012 13'' retina with 8 GB of RAM can be had for $1300 there. However you should also consider that a refurbished 2013 13'' rMBP is only $1099 - with 4 GB of RAM.

Assuming you could get $1k for your 15'', I would rather add some extra money and get a late 2013 13'' with 8/256 GB. The stronger graphics is very useful due to the demands of the retina screen, and faster storage and longer battery life is also not bad

You can do whatever you want of course, but as many others here, I feel that you would be trading down if you don't get any extra cash, AppleCare or not.

 

[DarkSel]

If this was a late 2013 model with 8/256 GB I would consider it. It is hard to compare the values since the non-retina 15'' machines have vanished from the refurbished store.

The base 2012 15'' can be had from MacMall for $1449. The cheapest late 2012 13'' retina with 8 GB of RAM can be had for $1300 there. However you should also consider that a refurbished 2013 13'' rMBP is only $1099 - with 4 GB of RAM.

Assuming you could get $1k for your 15'', I would rather add some extra money and get a late 2013 13'' with 8/256 GB. The stronger graphics is very useful due to the demands of the retina screen, and faster storage and longer battery life is also not bad

You can do whatever you want of course, but as many others here, I feel that you would be trading down if you don't get any extra cash, AppleCare or not.

I decided not to do the trade; it was probably for the better.

I'm just as happy with my 15" cMBP as I would've been with the 13" Retina. They both have their shortcomings.