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Sptzz

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jan 13, 2024
135
63
So pretty simple premise.

I own an M3 Max MBP16” 48GB/1TB. I’ve decided that this purchase was more of an indulgence one and have come to regret it. Now, I want to still have a MBP so my question is this.

Would you say its worth selling this and purchase a 14” M4 or M4 Pro? I reckon I might be able to get some money back but not sure how these go for 2nd hand. This is only used in clamshell mode, it’s in pristine condition.
 

russell_314

macrumors 604
Feb 10, 2019
6,658
10,259
USA
So pretty simple premise.

I own an M3 Max MBP16” 48GB/1TB. I’ve decided that this purchase was more of an indulgence one and have come to regret it. Now, I want to still have a MBP so my question is this.

Would you say it’s worth selling this and purchase a 14” M4 or M4 Pro? I reckon I might be able to get some money back but not sure how these go for 2nd hand. This is only used in clamshell mode, it’s in pristine condition.
If you’re in the USA, look at the prices on eBay and Facebook marketplace to get an idea of what you expect to get.

Don’t just run out and buy something because obviously that’s what got you into this situation. We all do it so no judgment.

You mentioned you’re only going to use it in clamshell but you want a MacBook? They just came out with a new Mac mini so if you’re only using it in clamshell, there’s no point in paying for a screen, battery, keyboard and trackpad that you’ll never use.
 
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Sptzz

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jan 13, 2024
135
63
If you’re in the USA, look at the prices on eBay and Facebook marketplace to get an idea of what you expect to get.

Don’t just run out and buy something because obviously that’s what got you into this situation. We all do it so no judgment.

You mentioned you’re only going to use it in clamshell but you want a MacBook? They just came out with a new Mac mini so if you’re only using it in clamshell, there’s no point in paying for a screen, battery, keyboard and trackpad that you’ll never use.

I’m in the UK.

I use it in clamshell 99% of the time. Very rarely take it out but want that flexibility, mainly for travelling, though I havent done so with this one
 

russell_314

macrumors 604
Feb 10, 2019
6,658
10,259
USA
I’m in the UK.

I use it in clamshell 99% of the time. Very rarely take it out but want that flexibility, mainly for travelling, though I havent done so with this one
I believe you still have eBay and I would check whatever online marketplace is popular there.

If you’re doing this because you over specced and want to recoup money then buy a more affordable model you might be disappointed. You’re going to take a hit because it’s used even though it’s in pristine condition. That’s why I said check the used prices and then expect to get a little less than what’s listed unless you’re really lucky. I’m not saying you won’t get some of it back but you’re going to take a big hit especially now that the M4 MacBook models have been released. For example, I got 70% of what I paid when I sold my iMac a year after I bought it. It was still the current model at that time and I felt that I did well in the sale.

If it’s because you want the smaller MacBook then this might get you what you want.

You could always get the Mac mini with the studio display, then have a MacBook Air for travel… I promise I’m not trying to cause you to spend more money 😂
 
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cassmr

macrumors member
Apr 12, 2021
58
62
I think we need to understand what you are trying to achieve.

A smaller lighter machine doesnt seem like a focus, since its docked 99% of the time.

I can only assume you are hoping to get some money back. But to be honest it feels likely that you will be lucky to break even unless you significantly downgrade. Is the stress of selling and buying, to end up with a less capable machine really worth an extra 300 quid in your pocket if that?

The m3 max you have will be much more capable than your proposed replacements.
 

blufrog

macrumors regular
Dec 19, 2014
188
71
There is no sense selling a high-end machine for a lower-end maschine. M4 or not, the M3 Max is no slouch and will still be faster than the M4 Pro, if previous benchmarks are anything to go by.

Enjoy what you have now, even if it isn't the form-factor you would like. The hardware in a MBP is actually VERY good. Better than any Mini you can buy.

What is it you think is wrong with your current system, exactly?
 
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