When should I buy MacBook Pro?

[Christian 5G]

I am needing an upgrade by end of this year from my Air due to my needs coming up with a lot of school and something I will have going on in a few months online.

I don't need the top of the line but wondering when is a good time to buy the Pro and if I purchase the last years one, it'll still be useful for another 3-5 years?

Has anyone purchased refurbished, experience?

 

[argentum47]

If you're price sensitive, you'll be able to buy some deeply discounted 2015 models (new, refurb, or like-new used ones) from now until the updated rMBPs arrive, starting at around $300+ discounts. Although we forumers like to complain that the CPUs in the 2015 models are 1+ years old, they are still very strong computers that will easily last 3 years, but I'm not sure about 5.

This is because CPU performance has been improving very slowly since around 2010; 2011 (Sandy) and 2016 (Skylake) CPUs only differ by around 30% performance. On the other hand, graphics performance has been improving much faster, so if your work involves a lot of 3D graphics work or if you play games a lot, it might be worth waiting. If you are interested in neither, performance-wise, you're not really losing much by buying the 2015 model.

Also this year, they're switching to all-USB-C connections, but these are not yet seeing very widespread use, so it might actually be easier to work with the 2015 models for maybe 1~2 more years. While USB-C is the future, they're not just there yet.

But if you're not price sensitive, I'd just wait and buy the updated ones, especially since you already own a MBA. Who doesn't like flashy new gadgets

 

[maflynn]

The best bet is to buy right after apple updates the line.

Also for price sensitive, consider apple's refurbs, you get a great machine at a lower price. BH Video typically runs sales, some very good ones, especially around the Christmas season, so keep that in mind.

 

[jerryk]

I would be a little careful about the refurbs from Apple right now. I placed an order for one (15" 512GB, dGPU) Wednesday and 15 minutes later checked Amazon and they had a new one for $80 more . I cancelled the refurb and ordered the new one. Some ebay sellers seem even cheaper, but I like dealing with Amazon and other more established retailers.

 

[r2stu2]

I am needing an upgrade by end of this year from my Air due to my needs coming up with a lot of school and something I will have going on in a few months online.

I don't need the top of the line but wondering when is a good time to buy the Pro and if I purchase the last years one, it'll still be useful for another 3-5 years?

Has anyone purchased refurbished, experience?

I bought a MacBook Pro in 2007. Despite the age, it still works great! Unfortunately, the battery gave out and I need a replacement. I called Apple Support for help and was underwhelmed to say the least.

The first person I spoke with couldn't help so I asked to speak with someone who may have more resources at their disposal. The next person I spoke with came on the line with some serious attitude like "wow, your an idiot for owning such an old model so I'm going to talk to you like I would a child" sort of attitude.

She also said Apple can't help me. I let her know that with a quick search online, I found multiple places that carry a battery for my model. She essentially said "great, go for it, we can't help you."

Thanks Apple. Having been a customer for my entire working career (over 30 years) I'm really disappointed to find that you can't treat your customers with a little more respect and think a bit outside the box to solve my dilemma.

Though I was planning on buying another Apple laptop within the next 6 months, I'm going to rethink that decision and try my hardest to see what alternatives I have in doing so.



-SB

 

[robvas]

Do you have one? Do you need one? Then buy it.