[anon(153966)]

My birthday is around the corner. I already have an iMac 27", bought in June.
But, I'd like a laptop of sorts for when I'm working from the sofa or dinning table. However, Apple are seriously pricey with the new products...

[TwitchyPuppy]

Maybe you should check their 'previous gen' MacBooks?

[anon(153966)]

I've looked at the previous generation MacBook and even Refurbished (my missus says, I wouldn't be happy, long term with refurbished).

And, I'm now also considering merely upgrading my iPad Air II, to an iPad Pro, WITH the SmartKeyboard. That might just do the trick. The problem is when I look at that pricing, I think just get a MacBook and call it a day.

Yep, the struggle is real...

[Graham Lee77]

I bought a refurbished Mac book pro 15" from mid 2015 to replace my early 2015 Air. Couldn't be happier with it.

I got it back in August and it looks, feels and acts as if its just come off the production line.

And it was 300 - 400 cheaper than a brand new one for same spec.

Apple do put a lot into refurbishing these MacBooks before resale. I'd definitely consider it again next time.

[MelCali82]

I bought a refurbished Mac book pro 15" from mid 2015 to replace my early 2015 Air. Couldn't be happier with it.

I got it back in August and it looks, feels and acts as if its just come off the production line.

And it was 300 - 400 cheaper than a brand new one for same spec.

Apple do put a lot into refurbishing these MacBooks before resale. I'd definitely consider it again next time.

I never had a problem with refurb products(apple or any other manufacturer). I think refurb might be a better choice sometimes. Usually if there is a known problem, its fixed and you do not have to deal with sending in and waiting for repair or dealing with exchanges.

[Matty]

Maybe you should check their 'previous gen' MacBooks?

The 13" Macbook Pro he has in the cart is the 2015 Macbook Pro

OP i feel your pain. I would personally go with the 13" Macbook Pro. Its still a grew laptop. Its got more horse power and a longer battery life. Plus its got the glowing Apple logo.

[James Falconer]

Seems like this is a comment sentiment!

My advice would be to seriously consider the previous gen. I know I always want the latest and greatest too, but I have to justify the spend. If you don't feel the upgrade is worth it, nothing wrong with sticking to the previous gen (or refurb). I picked up a new MBP earlier in the year and absolutely love it. I'm not upgrading this cycle, maybe next time around

[Matty]

Don't get me wrong, i love the 12" Macbook and would love to own it just as much as the new 2016 MacBooks but wow, you sacrificing a lot of power for thin.

[anon(153966)]

...see like I said; the struggle is real

Best Buy have the 13" MacBook Pro for $1199.99 & $249 for Apple Care.
Hmm, tempting and interesting, too.

[robertk328]

...see like I said; the struggle is real

Best Buy have the 13" MacBook Pro for $1199.99 & $249 for Apple Care.
Hmm, tempting and interesting, too.

Keep an eye on pricing. I got the 256gb MBP for $1299 on sale. Also, for what you're looking at, you won't have any difference between refurb and new for those models. Save the money and get the refurb, and at least 256gb SSD on the Pro. The difference will cover Apple Care.

[anon(153966)]

Good point! Thanks...

Keep an eye on pricing. I got the 256gb MBP for $1299 on sale. Also, for what you're looking at, you won't have any difference between refurb and new for those models. Save the money and get the refurb, and at least 256gb SSD on the Pro. The difference will cover Apple Care.

[anon(153966)]

I just left Best Buy. I was there to test the MacBook, MackBook Air, iPad Pro 12.9 with smart keyboard and iPad Pro 9.7 with smart keyboard.

To put it simply, the iPad Pro 9.7 with Smart Keyboard, wins.

Why?

What I was originally looking for was something to use while sitting on the sofa. Bear in mind, I already have an iPad Air II, with no physical keyboard. Sometimes I'm posting constantly on forums, doing work stuff and such from the sofa and wanted physical keys for long typing. Hence my research.

Now to decide if I want to upgrade to an iPad Pro 9.7 with smart keyboard or carry on as is...

[Premium1]

I bought a refurbished Mac book pro 15" from mid 2015 to replace my early 2015 Air. Couldn't be happier with it.

I got it back in August and it looks, feels and acts as if its just come off the production line.

And it was 300 - 400 cheaper than a brand new one for same spec.

Apple do put a lot into refurbishing these MacBooks before resale. I'd definitely consider it again next time.

I did the same but with 13". For my usage the pro is fine and when I upgrade again in a few years these new touch bar Macs price will drop.