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vandrv

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jan 27, 2008
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I'm looking to replace an aging Macbook Pro and see that there is a fairly significant wait time to order what I'm looking for from Apple. They do have a 2019 15" refurb available that is similarly configured. I know these models have the butterfly keyboard, which could be a problem at some point, but other than that is the 16" enough of an upgrade to make it worth the wait and the price difference?
 
Get the 16. Maybe check B&H Photo, Adorama, or other authorized Apple dealers. Sometimes they have different configurations than standard for sale and may have significantly different wait times.
 
Thanks for the replies. So, it sounds like the answer to my question is just get the 16". That's kind of what I thought it might be.
I haven't checked B&H lately, but they did have the model I'm looking for in stock. I've bought tons of stuff from them with zero problems, but I'm hesitant because of their return policy on computers.
 
Thanks for the replies. So, it sounds like the answer to my question is just get the 16". That's kind of what I thought it might be.
I haven't checked B&H lately, but they did have the model I'm looking for in stock. I've bought tons of stuff from them with zero problems, but I'm hesitant because of their return policy on computers.

Does Apple have refurbished 16" yet? If so, that would be another way to go.

FWIW, I am also hesitant to buy a computer at B&H because of their return policies. Plus since sales tax is being charged everywhere as of 2020, there is less reason to not buy at the Apple store or other local retailer.
 
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Does Apple have refurbished 16" yet? If so, that would be another way to go.

FWIW, I am also hesitant to buy a computer at B&H because of their return policies. Plus since sales tax is being charged everywhere as of 2020, there is less reason to not buy at the Apple store or other local retailer.

So far the 16" hasn't shown up in the refurb store, at least when I've checked.
It seems like reading about some of the issues with the new model, I'd bee leery about buying one I couldn't return. B&H does offer that Payboo card which would eliminate the sales tax, but Apple offers a #5 discount if you use their card, so the difference isn't all that great. The only big advantage I can see at the moment is that they are in stock at B&H
 
So far the 16" hasn't shown up in the refurb store, at least when I've checked.
It seems like reading about some of the issues with the new model, I'd bee leery about buying one I couldn't return. B&H does offer that Payboo card which would eliminate the sales tax, but Apple offers a #5 discount if you use their card, so the difference isn't all that great. The only big advantage I can see at the moment is that they are in stock at B&H

If it is the same money, personally I would wait until the Apple store gets their new stock. China is slowly coming back online after the 2 week lunar shutdown and extension due to the Corona virus.
 
If it is the same money, personally I would wait until the Apple store gets their new stock. China is slowly coming back online after the 2 week lunar shutdown and extension due to the Corona virus.
It seems like I might as well just wait for Apple to start shipping them again. I'm not in a major hurry.
 
I'd say yes - the keyboard; improved thermals; improved performance; speaker array etc all make it a much better purchase IMO.

I totally agree. The keyboard now is so much better to type on and the speakers are much better than the 15 inch.

also resale will be MUCH better on the 16” because of the redesign and the more reliable keyboard which plagued the 15” and I think lowered their value even more
 
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Usually start to see a new release in the refurb store about 3-4 months. The 16 was released November 15th so it‘s getting close.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I guess the obvious answer is yes I will regret buying the 15". I will start checking the refurb store for a bit to see if any of the 16" models show up, but I imagine when they do they will be difficult to buy. I'm sure I'm not the only one looking.
 
Boomer; be careful how you spend your money

just a guess; Apple has made several incremental design improvements on the initial butterfly keyboard since it was initially introduced back late 2016.

Flog a very dead horse but the Mac Book Pro was dead for many years.

There is no reason to assume the new 16" MBP keyboard design is any better.
-If you do a lot of high speed typing
-if your text is message critical
 
Out of curiosity, how much of a discount is there? I have the base model 2018 15" Pro and I have really loved this machine. (Also, I have been using the butterfly keyboard since the original release on the old 12" MacBook and have never had any problems with it, and also really like how it types.) I run Office365, a couple writing apps, some IT support apps (my job) as well as Windows 10 VM in latest Paralles and Linux VM with no issues. Generally it stays pretty cool and gets the job done. If you can get a decent discount then I'd consider it. However, there have also been some good deals on the new 16 on Amazon and B&H Photo also. And I think Costco may carry it so could be a good price there.
 
There is no reason to assume the new 16" MBP keyboard design is any better.

Yes, there is. Apple switched the mechanism from butterfly to the same scissor switches used in the Magic Keyboard. (You can even swap most of the keycaps, though some are slightly different sizes.) It's a keyboard that has been known to be fine for some time.


As far as stock, I've been hearing that a number of BTO MBPs are shipping (including mine) so the factories seem to be firing back up, and Apple stores should have stock soonish.
 
Just an FYI, I just checked the refurb store and the 16" Macbook Pros are there now. Think I will grab one.
 
Usually start to see a new release in the refurb store about 3-4 months. The 16 was released November 15th so it‘s getting close.


In fact it's so close ...


Just an FYI, I just checked the refurb store and the 16" Macbook Pros are there now. Think I will grab one.


Yes, confirmed, it happened :D Score one ASAP!


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Yeah, ~15% discount, and basically the same as new (full warranty, option for AC, etc.)
 
I just ordered one. I was looking for the 2.3 I9 but the only one with the other specs I wanted in space gray was the 2.4. So I went ahead and ordered it. If the 2.3 shows up in the next day or so I may cancel and reorder that one. But other than price, I guess faster is always better.
 
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