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Comment by gnicholas | Hacker News Reader

It is amazing that a review in Ars recommends—even for a subset of users—getting a refurb last-gen model. But I give them credit for making this honest assessment.

Just yesterday I was thinking that when I upgrade from my current laptop (the recently-discontinued 11" MBA), it will likely be to a used 13" MBP. If money and dongles were no object, I'd take the plunge on a new one. (But cost is a consideration for me, and dongles is a consideration for everyone!)

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Speaking of people picking up refurb last-gen models, I'm going to post two links here for your consideration.

Before the MBP 2016 announcement: https://web.archive.org/web/20161028012214/http://www.apple....

And today: http://www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/macbo...

Notice any differences?

Get them while they're still in stock. That's all I can say, it's what I just did. I cannot stand the new microwave-keypad feel of the new keyboard, and the lack of useful ports and price hike is just the extra slap in the face for me to wake up. This is probably going to be the last Mac laptop I buy.

I'm hoping my 2012 MBP lasts another 6 months so I can pick up one of these machines from Apple’s refurbished store. $300 cheaper the new models look a lot more compelling.

If you're stateside you should check Microcenter. They usually have in stock previous year MBAs or MBPs (new or refurb) - often on huge discounts.

I'll take a look. Thanks!

If you can wait until January or February, and live in a larger city, you will most likely be able to find one of the newly released MBPs on Craigslist.

In a couple years you won't be able to use a cheap, off the shelf battery charger, monitor cable, or even printer cable without some weirdly expensive dongle trying to keep the ports on your 2015 MacBook Pro still useful.

I think it's terrible advice for anyone who wants to use the computer for a long time.

Well, I already have several magsafe charges, monitor adaptors, and a wifi printer, so none of these is much of a concern for me.

I'm more concerned about having to purchase several chargers (we have 5 magsafes in various rooms throughout our house) and adaptors so that we can plug in phones, hard drives, and monitors.

Will I transition eventually? Yes. Does the new MBP make me want to do it now? Not on pricing or features.

I have two types of magsafe chargers, half of the lightning cables in the house don't work because they're clones of a proprietary standard. Monitors are connected with DVI, mini-DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort and VGA and none are older than 2008.

I'm relieved that it's like they're finally putting an end to all of the madness. My 2024 computer might offer a lot more protocols, but it finally seems like the physical form factor will be USB C—all of the physical negotiation will be done inside the computer rather than by me attaching an adapter.

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