I need to replace my 2012 Retina MBP 15". I thought about going 2018MBP, but my needs have changed and don't need a heavy duty mobile rig anymore as I'm doing much more work on my iMac at home. So I thought about getting one of the Integrated GFX versions from 2013~2015. The price/performance differences are making me lean towards getting something older, but I wonder if there are any significant issues I should be aware of - and if I should just aim to get the 2015 integrated model.
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Buying used Macbook Pro 15"
- Thread starter solaraMAC
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Just go for the 2015 model as this one was still available at Apple just a few weeks ago. You’re more likely to find a model that still has warranty and still has normal battery life.
If you're looking for something a bit cheaper and less power, the 2015 model is an excellent option. I was kicking around that idea myself in replacing my 2012 rMBP. I came close to putting some offers in on craigslist but instead I did take the plunge on the 2018.
The issue with that move, is two fold, first those machines are not always available, and secondly the price is not that great. If memory serves me, the buyer is only saving somewhere in the neighborhood of 13% and so spending almost 2k on a 3 year old machine is very high
The OP will find a better price from craigslist, or eBay, etc.
I'd have to agree with @maflynn, I typically would recommend buying from the refurbished products on Apple's site, but buying a laptop that is almost 3 years for only 15% off isn't a good discount.
Here is one that is currently on their site (for now), and is going for $1700 before tax: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/...-22ghz-quad-core-intel-i7-with-retina-display. You could probably buy the same computer off craiglist/ebay for $1200-1300.
You would be better off finding one used on craigslist or eBay. If you have a local Apple store, and are buying from a user on craigslist or facebook market, you can ask the buyer to meet at the Apple store and the Genius Bar can check to make sure everything is good for free.
Here is one that is currently on their site (for now), and is going for $1700 before tax: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/...-22ghz-quad-core-intel-i7-with-retina-display. You could probably buy the same computer off craiglist/ebay for $1200-1300.
You would be better off finding one used on craigslist or eBay. If you have a local Apple store, and are buying from a user on craigslist or facebook market, you can ask the buyer to meet at the Apple store and the Genius Bar can check to make sure everything is good for free.
Unless the op really knows how to check for problems without going to an apple store, it may be better to buy the refurbished unit from apple for peace of mind.
I have had a two situations where the apple store missed a couple of problems with two Macbook airs I purchased off Craiglist for parts. I'm not blaming the Apple techs because they are limited to using the tools provided by Apple.
I have had a two situations where the apple store missed a couple of problems with two Macbook airs I purchased off Craiglist for parts. I'm not blaming the Apple techs because they are limited to using the tools provided by Apple.
I was thinking about getting something from the more reputable used vendors like the better rated Amazon sellers or Macofalltrades, Powermax, OWC, etc. I can run a bunch of diagnostics and if the machines don't pass - I can always return them. I figure the extra cost is worth of the piece of mind if I'm not getting a refurb directly from Apple.
I'm leaning towards the 2013~2014 models with integrated graphics (the dedicated GPU models are ALL dying) for less than $1000.
I've seen some decent looking models hovering around $800~$900.
Would the 2015 be worth it at $1100?
I'm leaning towards the 2013~2014 models with integrated graphics (the dedicated GPU models are ALL dying) for less than $1000.
I've seen some decent looking models hovering around $800~$900.
Would the 2015 be worth it at $1100?
I am trading my 2015 16GB, 512, with dGPU for $1090. I am sure I could get more if I wanted to sell it on eBay, but my time is limited.
This is a 2015 16 256 and I think that base model didn’t have the dGPU. So I am guessing it is worth less.
Well I'm not sure if it matters to you, but the speed of the PCIe flash storage drives in the MBP increased by almost 2x in the early 2015 model vs the late 2013/mid 2014 model MBPs. The 2013/2014 models averaged roughly 700-800 MB/s R/W (still plenty fast) vs the roughly 1400-1500 MB/s R/W on the 2015 models.
Also the late 2013 15" model came standard with 8GB of RAM.(could be upgraded to 16 via BTO) The upper tier model had 16GB standard and starting from 2014 the base model came with 16GB of RAM. So watch out for that.
Late 2013 models also start with slightly slower speed CPUs (2.0 base/2.3 upper/2.6 BTO) vs the 2014/2015 15" models (2.2 base/2.5 upper/2.8 BTO) although they are all from the same CPU family, so there isn't too much of a difference.
I never had a problem with the dGPUs (both GT 750m) in the late 2013 and mid 2014 models that I used. I also had an upgraded base model late 2013 15" with IG that I used for awhile with no problems.
nice! On the apple trade in it'll give me 1050 in store credit towards a new one. (exact same model) Not seeing a real need to upgrade though
Yes, I was running my late 2013 15” w/ IG on my 4K monitor (Eizo EV3237). Although the HDMI port is limited to 30hz on MBPs.
I didn't try out a miniDP to Displayport with it though, so I'm not sure about that. It should work okay though with a 4k compatible cable.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206587