Macbook Pro M3 Pro 16" (Base) Pricing Question

[timothyjay]

Currently in the market to replace my aged 2015 15" MBP (yikes) and I'm seeing the base M3 Pro at Best Buy for $2000. I don't need the latest and greatest, so I'm not too worried about the M4s.

My question is, do you think the price would go significantly lower than $2000 for the base M3 Pro (16)? I haven't been keeping up with pricing for the macs recently, so I'm not sure what the trend is last year with the M2s. Thanks!

 

[bellflyer14]

Currently in the market to replace my aged 2015 15" MBP (yikes) and I'm seeing the base M3 Pro at Best Buy for $2000. I don't need the latest and greatest, so I'm not too worried about the M4s.

My question is, do you think the price would go significantly lower than $2000 for the base M3 Pro (16)? I haven't been keeping up with pricing for the macs recently, so I'm not sure what the trend is last year with the M2s. Thanks!

If you are a Best Buy plus or total member the price has been as low as $1800 and that was a couple weeks ago. If you buy it and it goes on sale again, Best Buy will price match. I did the plus membership which is $49 a year. Gives you access to some better sales, plus 60 days return period. The extra benefit of the 60 days return is they will price match a lower price during your return window....ask me how I know

 

[DaveEcc]

Also consider what you actually need. Even a base M1 Air was faster than the highest end prior years MBPs. All the Apple Silicon chips are stupid fast. Unless you're doing something computationally intensive you may not need a Pro or Max CPU. An M3 Air (potentially with RAM and storage bumped) may get you the computing power you need at a more affordable price. (Or wait a few weeks to see if there's a new M4 Air or M4 MBP about to drop...)

 

[timothyjay]

Also consider what you actually need. Even a base M1 Air was faster than the highest end prior years MBPs. All the Apple Silicon chips are stupid fast. Unless you're doing something computationally intensive you may not need a Pro or Max CPU. An M3 Air (potentially with RAM and storage bumped) may get you the computing power you need at a more affordable price. (Or wait a few weeks to see if there's a new M4 Air or M4 MBP about to drop...)

I'm a graphic designer and photographer, and every now and then do some video work. I'm currently working with an M1 Mac Mini with an 8gb ram at the office, and it's worked for me so far.

I've toyed with the idea of more ram, but with my workflow, I've never had too many tabs or apps open all at the same time, so I feel confident I'll be ok with 18gb. My 2015 15" MBP has 16gb and I've honestly dont think I've ever pushed it to its limits in terms of ram wise.

 

[timothyjay]

If you are a Best Buy plus or total member the price has been as low as $1800 and that was a couple weeks ago. If you buy it and it goes on sale again, Best Buy will price match. I did the plus membership which is $49 a year. Gives you access to some better sales, plus 60 days return period. The extra benefit of the 60 days return is they will price match a lower price during your return window....ask me how I know

Good to know - Thanks! I might consider that considering they'll be able to price match it if it gets cheaper within 60 days.