Which refurbished MacBook is best?

[georgiebrown]

Hi,
I’m after an affordable refurbished laptop after my previous 2019 MacBook Pro stopped working (problem with screen and overheating that is prohibitively expensive to repair for the age of the machine).

I’m currently looking at newer 2023/2024 M2 and M3 15” MacBook Air, or slightly older 2021 16” M1 MacBook Pro. Both with 16GB memory and at least 512GB storage (same as before). The refurbished MacBook Pro is a lot cheaper, which is a serious consideration but would having a newer machine be worth the extra 100-150£ on a tight budget?

I use the laptop for personal and work - mostly via the web browser, and apps like Microsoft 365, Zoom, iPhotos, so nothing that requires really high performance, but it does need to be able to run a few apps at the same time (e.g. a video call alongside Microsoft 365 and a web browser). My daughter also has a separate profile for school homework using the web browser and Microsoft.

Any advice on which would be best for our use very helpful! I am hoping for a machine that is supported by Apple until 2030 at least.

 

[Bigwaff]

I am hoping for a machine that is supported by Apple until 2030 at least.

Supported in what way? Latest macOS in 2030? No way unless you get M4/M5, maybe M3, maybe.

You’ll definitely be able to use any M-series Mac in 2030 no problem. Just because latest macOS not supported does not mean Mac isn’t usable. Without understanding current budget, impossible to recommend anything. If had to make choices, I would opt for more memory and storage over chip series.

 

[UltraAppleFan]

I would look at an M4...I would rather have the newer chip and stretch the budget possibly a little more. Ebay will sometimes have really good deals on refurbished/used in really good condition with good battery health