Is the "512GB PCIe-based Flash Storage" on the new mac worth the extra cost? I am comparing with a refurb with better specs (faster CPU, larger hard drive) and from what I undersand the PCIe flash storage is the big differentiator in cost.

Question

Is the "512GB PCIe-based Flash Storage" on the new mac worth the extra cost? I am comparing with a refurb with better specs (faster CPU, larger hard drive) and from what I undersand the PCIe flash storage is the big differentiator in cost.

hello - i am considering two macbook pros
NEW - http://store.apple.com/us/buy-mac/macbook-pro?product=ME294LL/A&step=config#
REFURB - http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0ML1LL/A/refurbished-macbook-pro-27ghz-quad-c ore-intel-i7-with-retina-display

The refurb actually has a faster processor and a larger hard drive. From what I understand, the big difference in cost is the new macbook pro contains "512GB PCIe-based Flash Storage" versus the refurb "768GB Flash Storage".

Is the PCIe flash storage really worth the extra cost (and smaller size)?

PS - Also I believe the brand new one has 2 GB graphics memory as opposed to 1 GB graphics memory. I don't really care about that as much as I won't be doing a lot of video editing or gaming.

MacBook Pro with Retina display

Posted on Nov 24, 2013 2:22 PM

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Answer 1

LowLuster

Level 6

12,105 points

Nov 24, 2013 2:26 PM in response to RestonManJavaLuver

Not really. The newer system has the newest Intel CPU which will extended the battery run time. New verses Refurb, older model.

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Answer 2

Nov 24, 2013 3:08 PM in response to LowLuster

Thanks LowLuster - but did you mean "not really the increased price isn't worth it"? Or "not really the assumption about why it costs more is wrong" ?

Thanks

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Answer 3

LowLuster

Level 6

12,105 points

Nov 24, 2013 3:17 PM in response to RestonManJavaLuver

No. I meant Not really that the cost of the PCIe drive isn't the overall difference in the cost betweenn the 2 system.

That is only a small price increase if any at all. Refurbs are basically used computers. Even though they may look brand new and come with the same warranty as a new system. In this case the refurb is really Old technology. Older Intel CPU.

If the refurb was the same model year I'd say go for the refurb. But since it is Last years model, and last years technology, I'd buy the new system.

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Answer 4

Nov 24, 2013 3:24 PM in response to LowLuster

Thanks LowLuster - they don't really get into specifics about exact model of Intel CPU - only stating i7 at xGHz. Maybe they are being intentionally vague.

The woman at the apple store told me that the refurbished models were not actually owned and returned by customers- that they were new machines that failed some sort of step in the inspection (she gave the example of maybe a key on keyboard was loose). Is she wrong - are these actually going to people's homes, being used, then returned and resold?

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Answer 5

carl wolf

Level 6

14,631 points

Nov 24, 2013 3:30 PM in response to RestonManJavaLuver

"Is she wrong - are these actually going to people's homes, being used, then returned and resold?"

Apple never sells used computers as new.

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Answer 6

LowLuster

Level 6

12,105 points

Nov 24, 2013 3:30 PM in response to RestonManJavaLuver

All you have to look at it the Original Release Date. The Refurb was originally released in June 2012. That is about one and a half years ago. The new model was release in October 2013.

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Answer 7

LowLuster

Level 6

12,105 points

Nov 24, 2013 3:35 PM in response to RestonManJavaLuver

RestonManJavaLuver wrote:

Is she wrong - are these actually going to people's homes, being used, then returned and resold?

Some are some are not. Otherwise Apple has a ton of Mac's sitting around that have been returned by customers under their 14 day No Questions Asked return policy.

But they not just Returned and Resold. They go back to Apple, checked out (Tested) any parts that are not up to spec replaced and then repackaged in a plain white box to be sold as refurbs.

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