What is a better deal?

[mstgkillr]

I already have a 15" 2012 RMBP with 16GB/512GB... I'm looking for a slightly smaller, more portable laptop for school (Civil Engineering Major).

What is a better deal?

New (Oct 13) 13" RMBP 8GB/256GB/2.4GHz $1,148
Open Box (Oct 13) 13" RMBP 8GB/256GB/2.4GHz $1010
New (May 14) 13" Air 4GB/256GB/1.4GHz $891
New (June 13) 13" Air 4GB/256GB/1.3GHz $805

 

[KUguardgrl13]

New Oct. 2013. Since its release, it's seen as the best price for the specs you get. I definitely wouldn't get the Air with only 4gb of RAM. Especially if you need to use any CAD programs. Open boxes are iffy, and I wouldn't trust one even to get a deal. Better to buy Apple certified refurbished if you don't want to pay full price for a brand new machine. They even qualify for AppleCare.

 

[MarvinHC]

I would love to know where you get them for so little money. The curent 13" Air with 256GB SSD is advertised at $1199 - so you get a 25% discount?

To answer your question:
I would go with the 2013 Air. Best bang for money and a nice complement to your Pro. I wouldn't see the point of buying a 13" Pro, the difference in size and weight to the 15" is not significant enough IMHO

 

[maflynn]

It really depends on your needs.

If size is a major factor, I'd say the MBA is a better choice.

 

[mstgkillr]

Best Buy decided for me... They dropped the sale price today so I was left with the following options:

New (Oct 13) 13" RMBP 8GB/256GB/2.4GHz $1,215
Open Box (Oct 13) 13" RMBP 8GB/256GB/2.4GHz $1010
New (May 14) 13" Air 4GB/256GB/1.4GHz $945
New (June 13) 13" Air 4GB/256GB/1.3GHz $855

I went with the open box (Oct 13) 13" RMBP 8GB/256GB/2.4GHz for $1010. I'm not sure if it was even used. It had 3 battery cycles, A018 screen, and still in the plastic.

 

[KUguardgrl13]

Best Buy decided for me... They dropped the sale price today so I was left with the following options:

New (Oct 13) 13" RMBP 8GB/256GB/2.4GHz $1,215
Open Box (Oct 13) 13" RMBP 8GB/256GB/2.4GHz $1010
New (May 14) 13" Air 4GB/256GB/1.4GHz $945
New (June 13) 13" Air 4GB/256GB/1.3GHz $855

I went with the open box (Oct 13) 13" RMBP 8GB/256GB/2.4GHz for $1010. I'm not sure if it was even used. It had 3 battery cycles, A018 screen, and still in the plastic.

Sounds like you got lucky and found a return or something. Should be eligible for AppleCare if you want it.

 

[maflynn]

I went with the open box (Oct 13) 13" RMBP 8GB/256GB/2.4GHz for $1010. I'm not sure if it was even used. It had 3 battery cycles, A018 screen, and still in the plastic.

Congrats and good luck. Its ways nice saving a little dough