Macbook Pro. Refurb w/Skylake or new w/Kaby lake

Question

Macbook Pro. Refurb w/Skylake or new w/Kaby lake

Hi all, looking for some Macbook purchasing advice. I'm beginning graduate school in the fall and in the market for a new computer. I'm really torn between 3 models.

The $1189 refurbished (October 2016)3.3-inch 2.0GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 (256GB - 8GB) Skylake

The $1439 refurbished (October 2016) 3.3-inch w/touch bar 2.9GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 (256 - 8GB) Skylake

The $1449 (new) 3.3-inch 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 (256GB-8GB) Kaby Lake

Is it worth the $250 between the models? Will I see large differences in processing speeds within these 3 models for web browsing research and word processing needs? Should I get more bang for my buck in the 2nd choice touchbar feature? Should I opt for the newest Kaby Lake option? Any help in deciding would be really appreciated!

Posted on Jun 27, 2017 9:10 AM

Reply

Answer 1

tjk

Level 9

51,192 points

Jun 27, 2017 11:23 AM in response to Princecameronxiv

Hi,

The 2GHz model will perform your tasks quite easily. I think the TB is mostly a gimmick which you pay for in the cost of the machine, plus it's something else to go wrong. While 8GBs of RAM will be enough for now, in the future it may not, as apps and OSes get more and more RAM hungry, and that RAM is not upgradeable. Therefore, if possible, I would wait for a 2GHz model to show up in the refurb section with 16GBs of RAM or get the 2.3GHz and pay for the 16GB RAM upgrade. If you want to save some money, look at B&H Photo, an Authorized Apple Reseller.

Reply

Answer 2

macOS11

Level 3

931 points

Jun 27, 2017 10:05 AM in response to Princecameronxiv

Hi, for your needs the first one will be enough, unless you'd like the Touch Bar but to be fair I have it and I just set the brightness and choose emojis with it so 😝 Also the new models are not even 10% faster so don't pay an almost $300 extra just for this!

Reply

Answer 3

Jun 27, 2017 11:44 AM in response to tjk

I think that's a great recommendation. I don't need to purchase the computer immediately and have had a good bit of feedback from friends suggesting that I go for more RAM. I didn't know that refurbished options are updated from time to time or that there was even a 2.0GHz 16GB RAM option. I'll keep my eyes peeled for it in the coming weeks.

Reply

Answer 4

Jun 27, 2017 11:35 AM in response to Princecameronxiv

Get 16GB RAM rather than the touch bar. RAM is not upgradable so you'll be stuck with what you buy.

Reply