Question Looking to buy a MacBook Pro

[fatgoose124]

Hello there, new to the whole Apple scene. I'm looking to switch from Windows to Apple for university and I've been looking at the Apple MacBook Pro lineups. Initially I was quite firm on the new base model MacBook Pro M3, with 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD, but then I started watching YouTube videos reviewing the device, and a lot of people say that you shouldn't be paying this much of a premium ($1599) for this basic of a specification. And also, the whole idea of only having one fan compared to the previous 2 fanned generation is quite a put off for me, because all my previous laptops suffer from overheating and I absolutely despise it. With that being said, we don't have any "official" Apple stores here, only resellers. So the selection I have is quite limited, so I wanted to ask for your advice. The options I currently have, within this similar price range are:

• 14" MacBook Pro M1 Pro with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD (~ $1,648)
• 13" MacBook Pro M2 with 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD (~ $1,456)
• 14" MacBook Pro M2 Pro with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD (~ $1,974 (a little bit over budget))

Generally, I prefer the 14", while I feel like the 13 is a bit too small and if I were to opt for an Air, the 15 would also feel too big. Or if actually the new base model M3 is still my best choice. So, any feedback would greatly be appreciated, thanks guys.

 

[turtletarget111]

If you're okay with getting something refurbished, you could save a buck and visit Apple's Certified Refurbished website. They repair their products with genuine Apple parts and still come with a one year warranty. There's a 14" M3 MacBook Pro up right now with 18GB of memory and a 512GB SSD for $1700.00. Just keep in mind Apple's refurbish site is first come first serve, so order it it soon if it'll work for you. I bought my MacBook Pro from and it arrived in quite literally brand new condition; you wouldn't be able to tell it was ever repaired or previously used.

If you don't want to buy refurbished, the 14" M1 with 16GB of memory will suit your needs if its for basic web browsing and school work. I was initially looking into the 14" model, but I decided to pay the extra 200 dollars for the 16" for the largest possible battery. I absolute love this machine, and despite using it for several hours a day, I legitiamtely only need to charge this thing 3-4 times per week. It will just last for two and a half days on a single charge with web browsing and checking email. I think the M1 will serve you well.

 

[fatgoose124]

If you're okay with getting something refurbished, you could save a buck and visit Apple's Certified Refurbished website. They repair their products with genuine Apple parts and still come with a one year warranty. There's a 14" M3 MacBook Pro up right now with 18GB of memory and a 512GB SSD for $1700.00. Just keep in mind Apple's refurbish site is first come first serve, so order it it soon if it'll work for you. I bought my MacBook Pro from and it arrived in quite literally brand new condition; you wouldn't be able to tell it was ever repaired or previously used.

If you don't want to buy refurbished, the 14" M1 with 16GB of memory will suit your needs if its for basic web browsing and school work. I was initially looking into the 14" model, but I decided to pay the extra 200 dollars for the 16" for the largest possible battery. I absolute love this machine, and despite using it for several hours a day, I legitiamtely only need to charge this thing 3-4 times per week. It will just last for two and a half days on a single charge with web browsing and checking email. I think the M1 will serve you well.

Great, thanks for the personal insight.