2023 M2 Mac Macbook Pro 16

[penlost]

I am currently evaluating this machine to potentially buy it at £2400 with a years warranty. It has 32GB Ram and 1TB SSD, 110 battery cycles. Is it this or a newer M3 Pro 14 inch with 18GB Ram and 512GB SSD. I love the extra screen real estate and this thing is fast - but will it last another 3/4 years or should I go for the M3 Pro?

 

[chmania]

It has 32GB Ram and 1TB SSD, 110 battery cycles.

What is the battery health status?

 

[penlost]

What is the battery health status?

96% max capacity, condition Normal

 

[chmania]

96% max capacity, condition Normal

If I were you, I'd buy the M2 MacBook Pro with 32GB RAM. I'd also bargained with the seller. And, go there personally to check it before buying. Good luck!

 

[penlost]

If I were you, I'd buy the M2 MacBook Pro with 32GB RAM. I'd also bargained with the seller. And, go there personally to check it before buying. Good luck!

Thank you , I have the MacBook from Hoxton Macs so it comes with warranty. I was just worried that it would not last as long so considered sending it back. It is immaculate condition wise.

 

[chmania]

Thank you , I have the MacBook from Hoxton Macs so it comes with warranty. I was just worried that it would not last as long so considered sending it back. It is immaculate condition wise.

Hoxton Mac gives you 1 year warranty, so it'd be alright. Still you can try to bargain a bit. Most times, even such sellers would give you a discount.

 

[penlost]

Hoxton Mac gives you 1 year warranty, so it'd be alright. Still you can try to bargain a bit. Most times, even such sellers would give you a discount.

Yeah will give it a go, do you think it’s a bit pricey?

 

[chmania]

Yeah will give it a go, do you think it’s a bit pricey?

I'm not sure how the aftermarket prices go in the UK, but I like the challenge of bargaining. Why not check in Gumtree too?

 

[DaveEcc]

Which CPU? Is the the M2 Pro w/ extra memory, or a base M2 Max?

Looking at the UK Apple refurb site, a 16" M2 Max 32GB/1TB runs £2,979.00. If that's what you're getting, you're getting quite a savings.

They have no refurb M2 Pro w/ 32GB in stock, but M2 Pro 16GB/1TB runs £2,369.00. If that's what you're getting with a bit more RAM, you're essentially getting an extra 16GB for just £31 over Apple's refurb price, but without the same guarantees a refurb from Apple would have.

It's most likely an M2 Pro. Whether the bonus RAM is a fair trade for a 2nd hand system is up to you. While the store may offer you warranty, you likely won't be eligible for Apple Care if that's something you'd normally consider.

In terms of will it last 3-4 years. Absolutely. Likely double that.

edit: Looking at new M3 Pro prices, going from 18GB to 36GB is £400. I imagine the M2 16GB to 32GB was similarly priced, then lowered a bit for refurb discount... let's say it's £300-£350 less than refurb from Apple. Not a bad deal, if it's truly in close to perfect condition.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

I am currently evaluating this machine to potentially buy it at £2400 with a years warranty. It has 32GB Ram and 1TB SSD, 110 battery cycles. Is it this or a newer M3 Pro 14 inch with 18GB Ram and 512GB SSD. I love the extra screen real estate and this thing is fast - but will it last another 3/4 years or should I go for the M3 Pro?

Go for the more RAM.

 

[Mac mini power user]

I second going for a model with more RAM. The difference between the M2 and M3 is not that large, and RAM can be a bigger bottleneck for applications than the CPU.

 

[penlost]

Which CPU? Is the the M2 Pro w/ extra memory, or a base M2 Max?

Looking at the UK Apple refurb site, a 16" M2 Max 32GB/1TB runs £2,979.00. If that's what you're getting, you're getting quite a savings.

They have no refurb M2 Pro w/ 32GB in stock, but M2 Pro 16GB/1TB runs £2,369.00. If that's what you're getting with a bit more RAM, you're essentially getting an extra 16GB for just £31 over Apple's refurb price, but without the same guarantees a refurb from Apple would have.

It's most likely an M2 Pro. Whether the bonus RAM is a fair trade for a 2nd hand system is up to you. While the store may offer you warranty, you likely won't be eligible for Apple Care if that's something you'd normally consider.

In terms of will it last 3-4 years. Absolutely. Likely double that.

edit: Looking at new M3 Pro prices, going from 18GB to 36GB is £400. I imagine the M2 16GB to 32GB was similarly priced, then lowered a bit for refurb discount... let's say it's £300-£350 less than refurb from Apple. Not a bad deal, if it's truly in close to perfect condition.

It’s an M2 Max 😃

 

[penlost]

Just as an update, I am still testing between 14 inch and 16inch machines and taking far too long. It really comes down to form factor. The 16-inch is a beauty, but massive! It's still capable, though, and I only really use the thing out at coffee shops occasionally. I edit sound for a local radio station, and make the occasional video. I know this is not exactly M2 Max territory but I do love the sound and screen!

 

[chmania]

Just as an update, I am still testing between 14 inch and 16inch machines and taking far too long. It really comes down to form factor. The 16-inch is a beauty, but massive! It's still capable, though, and I only really use the thing out at coffee shops occasionally. I edit sound for a local radio station, and make the occasional video. I know this is not exactly M2 Max territory but I do love the sound and screen!

Even at a coffee shop, it'd be sitting on the table, so better go for the 16 inch. 😊