New M3 MBP - what would you do in this scenario?

[biffarino]

Last week I took delivery of a certified refurbished MBP 14-inch. Spec: 16GB, M2 Pro 12/19 core, 1TB SSD. I haven't opened it yet as have been too busy with work to set it up so I'm waiting for a day off.

I wasn't expecting an M3 reveal when I ordered it, but now, I'm tempted. Looking at specs, a similar build M3 MBP with 1TB is roughly the same price. £2.3K give or take.

The new model comes with 18GB base - not sure if there's enough newness there on the M3 chip to warrant returning.

Would you return and order the M3?

 

[maerz001]

If it is the same price of course i would return it.
You get a faster machine and Resell value will be higher.

 

[Saturn007]

Maerz is right! ✅

You'll get a brand new computer, with the latest chip. It also has better battery life. For a rundown comparing the two models:

Mac - Compare Models

See what makes each Mac laptop and desktop different. And find the one that’s perfect for your life, your work, and your budget.

www.apple.com

N.B. You do lose a USB port on the other side. You also lose some cores, so depending on the type of work you do, that could be an issue.

One question is how tricky the return will be…

Is the refurb from Apple or someone else? How complicated are their return policies? Are you comfortable sending it back? Is there a restocking fee?

If you bought it from Apple, and have an Apple Store locally, it should be a piece of cake to return. (Unless Apple requires refurbs to be returned via the mails. I do see that returns of refurbs are free.)

No doubt there are already plenty of comparisons of the two devices on the basis of their specs, so those should help you decide.

But I’m with Maerz — a brand new, most recent device is the way to go. It will be supported longer, will fetch a better resale price if need be down the road, etc.

 

[MRxROBOT]

For the same price and similar specs… it’s a no brainer. Return and get the new one.

 

[maerz001]

Maerz is right! ✅

You'll get a brand new computer, with the latest chip. It also has better battery life. For a rundown comparing the two models:

Mac - Compare Models

See what makes each Mac laptop and desktop different. And find the one that’s perfect for your life, your work, and your budget.

www.apple.com

N.B. You do lose a USB port on the other side. You also lose some cores, so depending on the type of work you do, that could be an issue.

One question is how tricky the return will be…

Is the refurb from Apple or someone else? How complicated are their return policies? Are you comfortable sending it back? Is there a restocking fee?

If you bought it from Apple, and have an Apple Store locally, it should be a piece of cake to return. (Unless Apple requires refurbs to be returned via the mails. I do see that returns of refurbs are free.)

No doubt there are already plenty of comparisons of the two devices on the basis of their specs, so those should help you decide.

But I’m with Maerz — a brand new, most recent device is the way to go. It will be supported longer, will fetch a better resale price if need be down the road, etc.

I think OP even meant M3 Pro as he mentioned 18GB ram. With that he doesn’t lose One USB port.

But why a refurb M2 Pro should be the same price is unclear.

 

[xraydoc]

Last week I took delivery of a certified refurbished MBP 14-inch. Spec: 16GB, M2 Pro 12/19 core, 1TB SSD. I haven't opened it yet as have been too busy with work to set it up so I'm waiting for a day off.

I wasn't expecting an M3 reveal when I ordered it, but now, I'm tempted. Looking at specs, a similar build M3 MBP with 1TB is roughly the same price. £2.3K give or take.

The new model comes with 18GB base - not sure if there's enough newness there on the M3 chip to warrant returning.

Would you return and order the M3?

In real-life speed tests, the M2 Pro and the base M3 will likely be similar (less than 10% either way) in my estimation, though real benchmarks are still pending.

** Do you need support for two external displays? The base 14" M3 does not support two external displays while the M2 Pro will support two external displays.

Otherwise, you lose one TB4/USB4 port on the base M3 as compared to the M2 Pro. The M2 Pro might support higher refresh rates on the HDMI port (double check that if it's important to you).

More RAM is usually helpful but may not be worth the other differences above. Like if you want/need two external displays, more RAM won't make up for it.

 

[AJB1971]

Based on the price, the OP is referring to the M3 Pro with the 11-core CPU and 14-core GPU.

I'd definitely return the M2 Pro as I believe the refurbished versions dropped in price when the M3 models were announced. If the OP paid around £2,295 (£2,699 retail price less 15%) for the M2 Pro, these are now being discounted by 25%, which works out at £2,029.

MacBook Pro 14" M2 Pro Specs and Prices - MPHH3-149

Shop refurbished MacBook Pro 14" M2 Pro 1TB SSD, Apple M2 Pro with 12-core CPU, 19-core GPU, 16GB memory • Silver, 2023 release at £2,029 from Apple Store.

www.refurb.me

Return the M2 Pro and either wait for it to come back in stock for £2,029 unless Apple will refund the difference, or get the M3 Pro for £2,299.

 

[biffarino]

Thanks, everyone. Return created.