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Comment by barkingcat | Hacker News Reader

You don't need to buy new. I find this "new everything" by default to be very sad.

As a developer, you'd be well served by a 2015 (if you like the old keyboard), 2016 or 2017 MacBook Pro. Why do you want to spend so much money to pay for Apple Corporate to get even wealthier? Even something like a certified refurbish machine will get you what you need (with full Apple warranty), AND leave you enough money for peripherals and accessories.

Buy a tool of course, that works for your job, but don't be clouded by the idea that you need the newest, the latest gadget to do basic development.

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I've owned a 2016/17 MacBook Pro. Don't do it, OP. The '16/17 models feature the defective keyboard that will eventually break. Plus, they don't have the T2 chip.

I currently own a 2018 MacBook Pro which I like very much, but don't love. I paid $1,599 for it (13" 8GB/256GB w/ Touch Bar) here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1423729-REG/apple_mr9...

What's the benefit of the T2 chip? Your other criticisms of the 16/17 model years are valid.

> What's the benefit of the T2 chip?

Extra security. It’s definitely a strong nice to have for me, but anyone who makes it a key purchase decision is likely jumping the shark imho.

I love my early-2015 MBP. Best computer I ever owned - it hits the sweet spot between processing power, screen space, weight, battery life, durability, and features. No major problems other than a slightly off-kilter hinge (coming from dropping it edge-on), and it gets a lot of (ab)use.

My next computer will likely be something Windows, though. Part of this is the horror stories I've heard about recent-model Macs, and part is because between this computer and my 2013 System76 Pangolin still working, I'll be able to cover all major OSes with it.

I agree that the newest model isn't always strictly better than the old model. I still have a 2013 Macbook Air that loyally travels with me everywhere; I bought it new. In that respect, for something that I use (almost) every day I think buying new has worked out well for me, and whenever this thing gives up I'll certainly buy my next laptop new as well (Mac or otherwise).

Old laptops have old batteries that need to be replaced. Since it's Apple this will likely cost enough to justify buying new.

Not true.

And Genuine Apple refurbs have certified-to-be-restored batteries in them (ie they will have new batteries as part of refurbishing if needed), and they carry new machine applecare warranty like new machines do - so even if the battery is no longer good, you go to apple, they replace it on their dime.

That's why they are "apple refurbs".

I got a MacBook pro 2013 15” max spec 16gb/nvidia gpu. 430 cycles (not a lot) and if it needs replacing Mac store will do it not that expensively. I paid 900$ u.s. on eBay. Model had a bit of scratches but who cares made it way cheaper . OP just buy a refurbished max spec 2013/2014 15” off eBay .

Only gripe I have is that it sometimes doesn’t ground well with the unibody casing

I have a late 2013 macbook pro 13" ~500 cycles and 86% capacity

Last year I replaced my 2012 Macbook Pro that still had the original battery. I think it was approaching it's expected life of 1,000 cycles, but it was still at about 80% capacity. It still worked fine.

Most Apple batteries are about $130 to replace (when Apple had removable laptop batteries their lifespan was 200 cycles and new batteries cost about the same). The newer laptops might have more adhesive, but replacing the internal battery was ridiculously easy. https://support.apple.com/mac/repair/service

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