Example: the new, 2014 MacBook Air 1.4 GHz just came out.
Retail price for the basic "13 model is $1000.
$965 on MacMall.com (with coupon)
Head over to http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/macbook_air/13
2013 model costs $800 - said 15% off (1.3 GHz, but essentially the same)
2012 models are listed as 33-35% off.
See the trend?
Price for this year's product: 100%
Price for previous year's product: ~15% off
Price for the product 2 years before: ~30% off
(I know it's not the Pro model but the Pro forums are read by more people and my question is general regarding all Macs and iOS devices.)
Question: as I heard Macs keep their resale values better, from a long term value standpoint, if you are planning to but refurbished, maybe it's not the best time to do it.
Maybe a few months later the line up will be (same 13" Air):
2014 model - Apple.com - $1000
2014 model - MacMall - $950 (they usually have a discount in this range)
2014 refurbished - $800 (instead of the 2013 model you can get now)
So, from a long term value standpoint, if you have to buy a machine now (because your old one is broken or you just need a new one right now), considering future resale values you might not be worse off for buying the 2014 retail model for an extra $150 (I know it's essentially the same machine but for a resale value it's $150 in difference a year makes). But in a few weeks, months(?) when the 2014 model will be available as refurbished obviously it will be a better deal for $800 than the 2013 model now.
Long story short: the new Air (or insert model here) just came out. Usually how much later the latest model will be available as Apple Certified Refurbished? That's it. The same question applies to any new Retina MacBooks Pros, iPads, iPods, etc.
Retail price for the basic "13 model is $1000.
$965 on MacMall.com (with coupon)
Head over to http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/macbook_air/13
2013 model costs $800 - said 15% off (1.3 GHz, but essentially the same)
2012 models are listed as 33-35% off.
See the trend?
Price for this year's product: 100%
Price for previous year's product: ~15% off
Price for the product 2 years before: ~30% off
(I know it's not the Pro model but the Pro forums are read by more people and my question is general regarding all Macs and iOS devices.)
Question: as I heard Macs keep their resale values better, from a long term value standpoint, if you are planning to but refurbished, maybe it's not the best time to do it.
Maybe a few months later the line up will be (same 13" Air):
2014 model - Apple.com - $1000
2014 model - MacMall - $950 (they usually have a discount in this range)
2014 refurbished - $800 (instead of the 2013 model you can get now)
So, from a long term value standpoint, if you have to buy a machine now (because your old one is broken or you just need a new one right now), considering future resale values you might not be worse off for buying the 2014 retail model for an extra $150 (I know it's essentially the same machine but for a resale value it's $150 in difference a year makes). But in a few weeks, months(?) when the 2014 model will be available as refurbished obviously it will be a better deal for $800 than the 2013 model now.
Long story short: the new Air (or insert model here) just came out. Usually how much later the latest model will be available as Apple Certified Refurbished? That's it. The same question applies to any new Retina MacBooks Pros, iPads, iPods, etc.
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