Used Macbook Pro?

[MajorFubar]

Don't tell the missis but I'm contemplating buying a used 15" Macbook Pro in the new year.

I'll probably be looking at pre-retina models to keep the price sensible.

Ebay is disillusioning: tons of over-priced, battered and abused models which look literally battle-weary. Loving the sellers who point out that the whacking great chunk out the corner of their Macbook's solid aluminium housing or the massive dent in its lid doesn't affect its performace and so they still want £YOU WHAT?? for it.

Are there such things as specialist re-sellers which deal in 'low mileage one careful owner' models with maybe a little warranty on the side as a sweetner? I know about the official Apple Refurbished store, but their stock tends to be a little too recent for my budget.

 

[robjcooper]

Hi major,

CEX here in Kingston often have used macs in stock, and you could always check out their website to see if they have any in stock at any of their other branches- they do deliver I believe. It's also still worth keeping an eye on the Apple refurb store especially after a line has been recently updated like the MacBook pros have just been.

rob

 

[John Duncan]

Their stores are here:

https://uk.webuy.com/stores/

Stock always looks in good condition but really can't remember what prices are like.

 

[MiddleMan]

Remember you want a pre- 2011 model if you want to future proof it. New models have soldered hard drives, memory and batteries, so no chance to upgrade them in the future. Seems Apple see their Macbooks as 'disposable these days.

 

[iMark]

There's still the option to buy a new Mac Mini which can be upgraded. I have installed 16GB of RAM and I could in future install SSD if I wanted to. Pre 2011 Macs have one great advantage though: digital audio out and in. In current Macs this is hard to find.

Pre-2011 models may be upgradeble (extra RAM, SSD etc) but the processor won't be any better. It's good advice though to buy extra RAM and storage if you buy a brand new Macbook Pro or Air.

 

[scene]

Apple actually do refurbs/clearance on MacBooks - might be worth a quick look at, just in case... (not cheap, but with guarantees)

 

[MajorFubar]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

 

[d_a_n1979]

I've just sold my MBP; a 2012 model 15.4" non-retina with 128GB SSD and 8GB RAM for £1100!

There are 'other' hifi & AV forums that you could buy from; one in particular where they crop up regularly and where I sold mine

They do retain their value I agree but people must'nt shop around much as the eBay prices are daft as people pay £150+ TOO MUCH and more at times. Daft!!!

Have a look elsewhere and on other forums before you buy at a shop or eBay; and deffo Apple Refurb website

Gumtree usually has a few good ones listed too; just make sure they're either local enough to collect etc...

 

[JamesMellor]

Don't know if you've already bought Major , but on Friday I was in Comet at Junction 9 m6 , don't know where you live and they have the 15" pro , i7 512Gb / 4G RAM for £1299 , it's discontinued I guess as its missing from the website .

Just thinking if you want a new one it maybe worth trollong round afew shops seeing whats still in stock

James

 

[Kamikaze Bitter]

One word of caution - I had a Macbook pro where the 'logic board' - Apple for mother board - went just after it's warrany expired. It cost £470 for Apple to repair it. If you do buy used Apple kit be careful that you have some protection if it is faulty - repairs are not cheap.

 

[simonlewis]

but on Friday I was in Comet at Junction 9 m6 ,

James

Impossible.

 

[chebby]

but on Friday I was in Comet at Junction 9 m6 ,

James

Impossible.

He probably meant PC World.

 

[JamesMellor]

My mistake the Currys , opposite PC World , John Lewis can be cheaper than the apple store aswell