Which Macbook Pro 2016 To Buy



For a while, loyal Apple customers were starting to get nervous the company might be abandoning the Mac. It’s still true that the iMac and Mac Pro have gone without refreshes for far too long, but Apple finally released the all new MacBook Pros in 2016.

MacBook Pro 13 (2020) A solid MacBook with a Magic Keyboard. You don't need to buy a 16-inch MacBook Pro to get your hands on the Touch Bar – there is also a 13-inch model that packs in great. May 13, 2018.

Unfortunately, the update created even more issues for Apple. Customers have reported a number of issues ranging from poor graphics performance, inconsistent battery life, and general discontent with the lack of ports.

With all of these complaints still rolling in every day, let’s sort through the ones that are legitimate and concerning and the ones that are minuscule enough to disregard.

More importantly, I’ll attempt to address whether you should buy one at all or if the problems outweigh the perks.

Full-Speed Ahead with USB-C

Yes, the MacBook Pro has infamously gotten rid of all ports except for USB-C, but is that such a bad thing? It depends.

First, it’s worth noting that models of the new MacBook Pro without Touch Bar come with two USB-C ports. Models with the Touch Bar come with four. All come with a headphone jack as well — a bit ironic, but welcome nonetheless.

If you use a lot of ports now and are still considering a new MacBook Pro, first figure out which ports you can do without. Maybe you don’t need the SD card reader because your camera has built-in Wi-Fi, maybe HDMI isn’t a priority because you have an Apple TV with AirPlay.

For all the remaining accessories you do need ports for, you’ll have to buy dongles. Apple sells them, but you can get them cheaper on Amazon. A popular choice is the Aukey USB 3.0 to USB-C adapters; a two-pack sells for just 10 bucks.

The famous MagSafe connector is also gone with the 2016 MacBook Pro. You have to charge through USB-C, which doesn’t have a mechanism to conveniently snap the cable out should you trip over it.

That puts your Mac at some additional risk, but at least you can charge from both sides of the notebook now.

Gaming and Graphics Woes

Let’s first get something straight. If you’re looking to get any type of advanced gaming done on a Mac, you may want to think again. Macs have never been known for superb gaming performance compared to elite PC brands like Alienware. Still, I personally think it’s fair to expect at least good graphics and gaming performance out of a machine that starts at $1500.

Extreme gaming is less than ideal on these machines.

That apparently isn’t the case though. Some users have reported graphical distortions on screen, weird artifacts, glitches and crashes. Fortunately, Apple issued an official response stating that updating to the latest macOS Sierra software update should act as remedy. Ultimately, the graphics glitches shouldn’t prevent you from purchasing a MacBook Pro.

That said, extreme gaming is less than ideal on these machines. Just search through Twitter or YouTube for “MacBook Pro gaming” and you’re sure to find a lot of disappointed customers.

The cherry on top of the cake comes from EverythingApplePro on YouTube. He went all out to buy the top-tier $4300 2016 MacBook Pro only to find that many of his graphically intense games are near unplayable on it. Most of them work, but for the most intense game you’ll likely have to dramatically alter your in-game graphics settings to get a decent frame-rate. Even then, it’s disappointing to say the least.

Poor and Inconsistent Battery Life

A very weird report came out from Consumer Reports stating it could not recommend the 2016 MacBook Pro due to poor and inconsistent battery life. In some tests, it claimed the MacBook Pro would get 16 hours of battery life, in others it would get as little as three.

Apple responded essentially criticizing Consumer Reports for an inaccurate assessment. It also blamed a bug in Safari for some of the concern over battery life and released an update to fix the problem.

After the rejection from Consumer Reports sparked controversy within the tech community, Consumer Reports said it would retest the MacBook Pro after Apple released a software update. The publication kept its promise, found better results the second time around, and now recommends the MacBook Pro.

The bottom line is that battery life issues with the new MacBook Pro should be a thing of the past. Apple boasts up to 10 hours of web surfing and 30 days of standby time on one charge.

The 16GB RAM Cap

There has been a flood of disappointment surrounding the fact that the 2016 MacBook Pro isn’t expandable past 16GB of RAM. Many pro users want 32GB of RAM to handle demanding tasks and heavy multitasking.

However, unless you’re in a very niche group, this is not an issue you need to worry about. Macs and macOS excel at memory compression. If you choose to upgrade to 16GB of RAM, macOS will work its magic to make 16GB of RAM feel roomy.

The minimum nowadays should be 8GB of RAM, which is suitable for most users already. Plus, MacBooks and MacBook Pros now come standard with 8GB. A cap on 16GB of RAM is not something 99 percent of customers will have to worry about, at least not for several years to come.

Macbook

Should You Buy?

Gamers should steer clear from Apple’s latest machines as should anyone who uses a lot of older or wired accessories.

Since the battery life and RAM issues really aren’t major issues, the only worthy concerns about the MacBook Pro should revolve around gaming and the lack of ports. The total switch to USB-C for connectivity and power is a deep dive. Gamers should steer clear from Apple’s latest machines as should anyone who uses a copious amount of older or wired accessories.

If you don’t fall into those categories, the 2016 MacBook Pro is a perfectly acceptable and capable machine. It’s starting at under $1400 right now on Amazon.


The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Also See#apple #hardware

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The thought of buying a used or refurbished MacBook or MacBook Pro has certainly come to mind if your old Mac broke. However, you probably discarded the same thought even before questioning if it’s the right choice.

To give you a glimpse of how many people use MacBook computers, 5.3 million Mac computers were sold worldwide from July to September 2018. It’s only one quarter of the year. So, imagine how many of them get thrown away in a good condition.

Most of you will become skeptical when it comes to used or refurbished stuff. Nonetheless, purchasing a refurbished product is, in fact, a great way to save money and get a perfectly fine device that will last for quite some time.

Mac computers are known to have a longer-than-usual lifespan for laptops. It means they will serve you for up to seven or eight years if you don’t have high-end needs. Therefore, if you ever questioned buying a refurbished MacBook, question no more.

In this guide, we’ll go through the steps needed to find the perfect used or refurbished MacBook or MacBook Pro.

Should I Buy a Refurbished Mac?

Luckily, refurbished Mac models are most often the devices that people returned the year before. They got some new parts but work pretty well otherwise. Buying a refurbished Mac could save you money as well as bring a few more of the following benefits.

#1 MacBook’s value

The first benefit to consider prior to the purchase is MacBook’s value. The components and the software make up one of the best value-for-money products out there. Another thing to consider is the option of linking various Apple devices for easier work.

Also, the fact that they’ll last for so long with moderate use proves our first claim. Although you will get a refurbished Mac made two years ago, it will still last you for at least four years. Plus, it will come with a warranty, but more about that later.

#2 Many different options

Deciding to purchase a used or a refurbished MacBook might frighten you at first. Why? Well, once you see how many computers you can choose from, it will be tough to decide which to buy.

However, having a plethora of possibilities should encourage you to look until you find the perfect piece. In other words, you should be able to find what works best for you.

The Difference Between a Used and Refurbished MacBook

As you may already know. There’s a slight difference between used and refurbished MacBooks. The used laptops are the ones that the sellers (or previous owners) simply listed as for sale. They’ve been used for a certain period of time before they’ve been put to auction. Read on to know what to inspect in a used device if you decide to buy one.

A refurbished MacBook is a device in a slightly better condition. It is either a laptop that the previous owner returned to the store or a previous model that stayed in the store for longer. This kind of laptop got new parts, such as the outer shell, the battery or the headphones. It usually comes with a warranty from the company of origin. In case it’s from Apple, you’ll certainly get it with a one-year warranty, the same as you would if you bought a new device.

How Much a Used or Refurbished MacBook or MacBook Pro Cost

The prices of used Macs vary since the sellers determine their subjective prices. The prices of refurbished models usually come at a similar price for each refurbished model which can slightly differ due to the production year.

A used or refurbished MacBook will cost you between $800 and $1100, the latter price being a refurbished Apple store’s version. A MacBook Pro, however, costs somewhere between $500 and $1100, depending on the date and the condition. All in all, you’ll save around 20% if a refurbished model is what you’re after. It’s quite a difference, considering the price tag on a new MacBook.

Where to Buy a Used or Refurbished MacBook or MacBook Pro

Online marketplaces are packed with used and refurbished goods. However, one must be very careful when buying these types of products, especially if they have a big price tag. Our biggest piece of advice is to look on the verified sites that specialize in selling used or refurbished MacBooks.

Swappa


Swappa is a specialized store where you can find various used and refurbished phones and laptops for a fraction of the original price. The biggest advantage of visiting Swappa is the certified staff and the tests each individual device went through before the listing.

On Swappa, you can search for the device by the company. Their certified team strives to meet Apple’s high standards and you can rest assured their MacBook listings have only top-quality products.

If you look for a MacBook that’s refurbished or used, make sure to visit Swappa. Not only will they inspect and test device prior to listing it, but the price will be well below the original MacBook or MacBook Pro price.

Amazon

Amazon is one of the sites that sells Refurbished Apple MacBooks directly from Apple. So, a 2-year- old refurbished Mac could perform better than the same 1-year-old model that was bought new. Also, Amazon has an awesome deal for all of you willing to go down the refurbished lane. They offer a 30-day return policy in case you decide the purchase was a wrong choice.

Moreover, a bunch of sellers are Amazon-qualified suppliers, meaning they are certified to refurbish MacBooks and put them up for sale on Amazon. Even though the online retail giant is technically a third-party seller, you can find a whole lot of great deals coming from certified sellers out there.

Apple

Apple refurbished store is the most expensive choice on our list. Nevertheless, you will get written proof and a one-year warranty if you decide to purchase a refurbished MacBook or MacBook Pro directly from the manufacturer. It is true you’ll save only about 10% on your purchase but it will pay off in the long term.

The gadget giant ensures the quality with the highest Apple standard for each device they return to the market. It certainly is the safest place to buy a refurbished Mac. However, you won’t save as much money as you expect.

eBay

Another online marketplace worth mentioning on our list is eBay. It is an all-in-one-type of shops where you can buy everything. They sell both used and refurbished MacBooks and it all looks nice. However, you should be extra cautious when it comes to eBay.

Numerous sellers won’t really care if they’re selling a faulty device. As long as you pay them and it gets into your hands, they can easily disappear from the platform and you’re left with a worthless device and no money in your wallet. In case you opt to buy from eBay, make sure the seller is a certified Apple reseller and that the Mac isn’t a used one, without a warranty or replaced components.

Craigslist

The last from our list is a website where you would usually go to buy second-hand, used stuff. You won’t really find certified resellers there but you might find someone with a laptop in good condition.

We strongly advise not to purchase used products if there’s no proof of origin or proof of purchase. Still, many people opt to buy used goods, so make sure you do the following steps before the purchase.

Things to Check in a Used MacBook or MacBook Pro

  1. A proof of purchase

Once you decide to buy a used MacBook, it’s essential to know if it was obtained legally. The seller should have a proof of purchase to make sure it wasn’t stolen. It doesn’t mean that the third-party sellers are fraudsters, we only want to imply that you have to be careful. In case they try to avoid that question, you know that it’s time to bail.

  1. Returns policy

You have to have a back-up plan if you want to purchase a used Mac. It’s not a matter of a few bucks, it’s hundreds we’re talking about. You probably won’t have buyer protection from the seller. However, ask if the platform you found them on has a returns policy. If it doesn’t, avoid it.

  1. Check it for damages

The third advice is pretty much self-explanatory. You will have to turn the Mac on and check the iCloud first. If it’s removed and the Mac has a factory reset, you can use it. Otherwise, you should ask the seller for the password. Moreover, check for the obvious stuff, like the scratches on the surface and the screen, the loose screws, the battery life (which we’ll explain later), the ports, and run a keyboard test (which we’ll also explain later).

4. Find out its age

Next, you should find out how old is the MacBook. Sellers will often say the condition is “like-new”. However, click on the up left corner Apple menu and click on About This Mac to find the serial number. Make sure to follow Apple’s steps to find out how old is the MacBook or how old is the MacBook Pro before purchasing it.

5. Disable firmware password

If there’s a firmware password set up on the Mac, you won’t be able to start up from any other disk. You can find out if there’s a firmware password by holding the “alt” key when you hear the startup chime. If there’s a password, ask the seller to turn it off.

6. Inspect the display and the keyboard

To inspect the display, you should take red, green, blue and white-colored backgrounds and check if there are any dead pixels. If there are, there’ll be spots on the display. As for the keyboard, there’s a native MacOS app called Text Edit. Start it up and type in every character on the keyboard. If everything works fine, you’re good to go. If the seller starts getting nervous, you can presume there’s something wrong. They should let you check everything.

7. Webcam diagnostics

The FaceTime app lets you see if the webcam is working. Simply run the Search and look for FaceTime. If you can’t see your face in the app, it means the webcam is faulty.

8. Examine the S.M.A.R.T. status

S.M.A.R.T. or Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology will scan the hard drive for any possible errors. You can examine the S.M.A.R.T. status in 4 simple steps.

9. Check the battery

One of the most important steps is to check the battery life. MacBooks are known to last for over 7 or 8 hours after a single charge, so buying one that will last for an hour or so is something to avoid. Identify the battery cycle count in a Health Information section.

10. Hardware troubleshooting

If you suspect there are issues with the components such as the logic board or memory, you can run the Apple Hardware Test. It will detect any problems with the hardware.

11. Paying securely

Needless to say, it’s not smart to walk around with hundreds of dollars in cash. To avoid getting scammed in one way or another, make sure you deposit the money to a platform such as PayPal before it goes off to the seller. Also, avoid the seller if they insist on paying with cash.

12. Meet in a public place

Meeting an individual for the transaction may be inevitable but we strongly advise against it. If you have to meet the seller, going to their house isn’t a good idea. A public place, such as a shopping mall, is a much better idea. It may sound like an overly-cautious decision but when it comes to larger sums of money, you can never be too careful.

Things to Check in a Refurbished MacBook or MacBook Pro

Macbook Pro 2016 On Sale

  1. A refurbishing proof or a warranty

Which Macbook Pro 2016 To Buy Pro

You will buy a refurbished MacBook or MacBook Pro either from the manufacturer itself or a certified Apple reseller. What you first need to ask for is some kind of proof. It is usually the one-year warranty that comes with the device. Apple’s website states that “Every Apple Certified Refurbished product completes a rigorous refurbishment process that includes full testing that meets the same functional standards as new Apple products. Your refurbished device is truly “like new,” with special savings of up to 15%,” so you needn’t worry about what condition your laptop will come in.

  1. Turn it on and see if everything works

Refurbished devices are prime resale products, meaning there’s little to no chance of them even being faulty before the touch-up. Even though it’s extremely rare your new old MacBook will have problems when you turn it on, you should go through the steps 3., 4., 6. and 7. that we mentioned earlier.

Conclusion

MacBook laptops have a long lifespan, which makes them perfect for users who need a device that will serve them for at least a couple of years. Although many seem skeptical towards the purchase of a used or a refurbished MacBook or MacBook Pro, rest assured that buying one will be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. Plus, you’ll save some money in the process.

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Which Macbook Pro 2016 To Buy One

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