Used 2015 or "same spec" new 2017?

[Zenton]

Hi,

My friend consulted me so naturally I consult MacRumors. The use case is light web browsing, word documents, Netflix etc.

Early 2015 MacBook Air, 700€/825$
-1.6 GHz i5
-8GB RAM
-128 GB SSD

New 2017 MacBook Air, 950€/1120$ (also gets a pair of beats headphones for free)
-1.8 GHz i5
-8 GB RAM
-128 GB SSD

Which one would you choose? I'm leaning towards the 2017 model.

Thanks!

 

[Boyd01]

I'd say it depends on the condition of the used 2015 MBA, not likely you would notice any difference at all in performance, especially for your low intensity usage. You get a full warranty on the new one though, which is worth something. The headphones wouldn't interest me personally. Will admit, I prefer buying new laptops but in this case you're paying over 35% more.

BTW, both of those machines are considered 2015 models since the only difference is the slight bump in CPU speed.

http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...book-air-core-i5-1.8-13-early-2015-specs.html
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On June 5, 2017, Apple quietly updated the MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.6 13" (Early 2015) with a modestly faster 14-nm "Broadwell ULT" 1.8 GHz Intel "Core i5" processor (5350U). This model otherwise is identical to late configurations of its predecessor apart from some identifiers.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I would choose the new computer; not only does it come with a warranty, you can also add Applecare - which gives you coverage for three years - if you buy new.

 

[Dustman]

Buy the used, assuming it's in 'like new' condition, and doesn't have signs of being dropped or misused.

I'd also ask how many cycles are on the battery, though replacing the battery down the road is technically possible via Apple and third parties. But for a machine as portable as the Air, you'll want a strong battery.

 

[_Kiki_]

For this money better go for MacBook Pro 13 Retina Early 2015

 

[Rocko99991]

That's too much for a used 2015 model. Go refurbished from Apple.

 

[Zenton]

Thanks everybody. Friend got the "new" 2017 model. Spending more was not a possibility and she plans to use the computer for many years so warranty was a big factor.

 

[maerz001]

Bestbuy had the M5 MB for $500 off last week for $999. now it's 1099.

Or the M3 2016 for 999 is still a far better deal than the Air for her use case.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/apple-...sh-storage-space-gray/5229400.p?skuId=5229400