Tek Deals Store via eBay has
16" Apple MacBook Pro M1 Max Laptop (Refurbished, Silver, 2021, MK1F3LL/A) on sale for
$1388.99.
Shipping is free.
Thanks to community member
Dr.Wajahat for finding this deal.
Condition Note: "Signs of wear, if any are minimal and do not affect the normal use/functions of the item. Does not come in its original packaging."
Specs:
- 16" Liquid Retina XDR display (3456 x 2234)
- Apple M1 Max 10-Core 3.20GHz Processor
- 64GB Memory
- 1TB Solid State Drive
- Apple GPU w/ 24-Core Graphics
- WiFi 6 + Bluetooth 5.0
- Backlit Keyboard
- MacOS
- Includes Power Adapter
- Ports:
- 1x HDMI 2.0
- 3x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C
- 1x 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo jack
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Top Comments
The M1 Max is far superior to the base M1, and in many ways, it's pretty much just as good (if not significantly better in some tests) than the M4 base chip.
Let me break it down:
- the M1 Max single core is slightly slower than the base M4, but it's so close, you'd be hard-pressed to see the difference in real life use.
- the M1 Max multi-core is just as good & better than the M4 (depending on the benchmark test being used). There are some benchmarks where the M4 performs modestly better on multi-core, but it's not easily perceptible under normal conditions. This is even more so when factoring in thermals (see next point below). If you have a real-life usage scenario that uses the M1 Max's extra video encoders, you will see a very sizable performance gain over the M4.
- This is probably the most important performance factor right here -- the M1 Max is inside a large 16" Macbook Pro chassis, which has active cooling (fans). This means it can sustain continued high-demand tasks near indefinitely. The M4 base is in a smaller/thinner non-cooled chassis (M4 Air 13" or 15", for example), which gets heat-soaked really quickly, leading to thermally throttling the performance. It happens REALLY fast with multi-core performance, but a little slower with single core. In short, M4 Airs will experience thermal throttling under heavy loads. So yes, the M4 might have "faster" specs on paper or in laboratory benchmark tests -- but in the real world, it doesn't have the stamina to maintain that top speed.
- This is a 16" Macbook Pro with enhanced screen, speakers, and microphone + a larger trackpad. The Pro screen is absolutely gorgeous, and the speakers are probably best-in-class for ANY laptop. A 13/15" M4 Air will be smaller, and they don't have those premium tier components. Don't get me wrong, the Air isn't a slouch -- it's some of the best ultraportable hardware to be had at the $850-1000 pricetag. But the MBP is in an entirely different quality class.
- Last but not least -- you're getting a 1tb drive and 64gb of ram. That's a massive upgrade to the base specs of the M4 Air -- which you can only max out to 32gb of ram. The extra ram will help performance in a variety of high-stress applications. What Apple charges for extra storage and ram in a new machine is almost criminal.
The closest machine to the specs of the deal above is the 15" M4 Air w/ 32gb ram + 1tb ssd, which will run you $2000.
Simply put, this is an excellent value at sub-$1400, and it will outperform any M4 Air. I'd suggest going with an M4 Air only if you are on a strict $1000 budget or absolutely need the weight + size reduction instead of performance.
1. Single core performance is ~50% faster on M4 vs M1 Max.
2. Multi core performance is generally similar to, albeit slightly higher on M4.
3. M1 Max has 2 media engines so video work that can take advantage of that will be faster.
4. MBA will thermal throttle under constant load but the impact is workload dependent.
5. MBP chassis is nicer but, especially in the 16" config, it's also much larger and heavier.
6. More storage and RAM is always nice, but 64GB is well past the point of diminishing returns for most people.
I'd also add a few things you didn't mention:
The M4 MBA has:
A. A 2-3x faster Neural Engine for many ML tasks (AI denoising, transcription, etc), and a GPU with support for mesh shading and ray tracing.
B. An actual warranty from Apple so you can get service anywhere without having to deal with being reimbursed, and you're also AppleCare+ eligible.
C. A longer software support window from Apple
D. Some newer tech like Wi-FI6E.
The M1 Max MBP has:
A much faster GPU; around 2x as fast as an actively cooled M4, and could be ~3x+ the sustained performance of a fan-less MBA (in games.)
64GB of RAM which is indeed very nice if you have a use for it.
I disagree. There are a lot of good reasons to choose a MBA at this price point. In fact I would argue that unless you know you can benefit from what the the extra RAM, GPU grunt, and screen size that the 16" M1 Max MBP offers, and are willing to tolerate the tradeoffs, you'd probably be better served by the MBA
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edit: ok, link is working now....but it's out of stock. You have anything that's actually NOT sold out?
1. Single core performance is ~50% faster on M4 vs M1 Max.
2. Multi core performance is generally similar to, albeit slightly higher on M4.
3. M1 Max has 2 media engines so video work that can take advantage of that will be faster.
4. MBA will thermal throttle under constant load but the impact is workload dependent.
5. MBP chassis is nicer but, especially in the 16" config, it's also much larger and heavier.
6. More storage and RAM is always nice, but 64GB is well past the point of diminishing returns for most people.
I'd also add a few things you didn't mention:
The M4 MBA has:
A. A 2-3x faster Neural Engine for many ML tasks (AI denoising, transcription, etc), and a GPU with support for mesh shading and ray tracing.
B. An actual warranty from Apple so you can get service anywhere without having to deal with being reimbursed, and you're also AppleCare+ eligible.
C. A longer software support window from Apple
D. Some newer tech like Wi-FI6E.
The M1 Max MBP has:
A much faster GPU; around 2x as fast as an actively cooled M4, and could be ~3x+ the sustained performance of a fan-less MBA (in games.)
64GB of RAM which is indeed very nice if you have a use for it.
I disagree. There are a lot of good reasons to choose a MBA at this price point. In fact I would argue that unless you know you can benefit from what the the extra RAM, GPU grunt, and screen size that the 16" M1 Max MBP offers, and are willing to tolerate the tradeoffs, you'd probably be better served by the MBA
What model and configuration do you recommend?
Thanks.
4 Actually, from what we've seen, anything multi-core or using the GPU in an ambient temp room will heat-soak the M4 Air near instantly. The M4 Air really doesn't take kindly to heat.
5 Moderately larger and heavier. Let's not exaggerate here, "much" is an overstatement. If an able-bodied person has an issue picking up a MBP vs. a MBA, then they may need to see a medical doctor.
6 It's not diminishing returns when it's literally cheaper than what you can get the 24gb/36gb version. Literally the exact opposite than diminishing!
A AI slop is slop.
B Allstate warranty is just as good for one-year. Applecare is only good if you have an Apple Store nearby you -- not everyone lives near one. They give you seven levels of grief if you want to mail the machine to them.
C That remains to be seen, both the M1 Max and M4 are still supported.
Folks, if you're on the fence -- go to a WorstBuy or Apple Store, and try out a Macbook Pro (any 16" version) and a Macbook Air. Take note of the screen quality, screen brightness, and audio fidelity. It's night and day difference between the Air (good) and the Pro (amazing).
Also, you're buying used -- instead of new. Reduce, reuse, recycle. There's enough ewaste on the planet, no reason to increase it just because the M4 Air is a "shiny new toy".
The M1 Max is far superior to the base M1, and in many ways, it's pretty much just as good (if not significantly better in some tests) than the M4 base chip.
Let me break it down:
- the M1 Max single core is slightly slower than the base M4, but it's so close, you'd be hard-pressed to see the difference in real life use.
- the M1 Max multi-core is just as good & better than the M4 (depending on the benchmark test being used). If you're in a real life usage scenario that uses the M1 Max's extra video encoders, you will see a very sizable performance gain over the M4.
- The M1 Max is inside a large 16" Macbook Pro chassis, which has active cooling (fans). This means it can sustain these levels of equivalent (or better) performance near indefinitely. The M4 base in a smaller/thinner non-cooled chassis (M4 Air 13" or 15", for example) gets heat-soaked really quickly, leading to thermally throttling the performance. It happens really fast with multi-core performance, but a little slower with single core. In short, M4 Airs will experience thermal throttling under heavy loads.
- This is a 16" Macbook Pro with enhanced screen, speakers, and microphone + a larger trackpad. The Pro screen is absolutely gorgeous, and the speakers are probably best-in-class for ANY laptop. A 13/15" M4 Air will be smaller, and they don't have those premium tier components. Don't get me wrong, the Air isn't a slouch -- it's some of the best ultraportable hardware to be had at the $850-1000 pricetag. But the MBP is in an entirely different quality class.
- Last but not least -- you're getting a 1tb drive and 64gb of ram. That's a massive upgrade to the base specs of the M4 Air -- which you can only max out to 32gb of ram. The extra ram will help performance in a variety of high-stress applications. What Apple charges for extra storage in a new machine is almost criminal.
The closest machine to the specs of the deal above is the 15" M4 Air w/ 32gb ram + 1tb ssd, which will run you $2000.
Simply put, this is an excellent value at sub-$1400, and it will outperform any M4 Air. I'd suggest going with an M4 Air only if you are on a strict $1000 budget or absolutely need the weight + size reduction instead of performance.
The points you made about the M chip are from true. The M4 base outperforms the M1 Max in most scenarios.
This is a deal because of the amount of RAM, the storage size, and it being a MBP.
The downsides are lower CPU performance and battery life.
The form factor is can be either a pro or con depending on your use case.
Here's info on the M series performance:
Comparing each of these max M series
https://medium.com/@kellyshephard.
Comparing each of these M4 series
https://medium.com/@kellyshephard.
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank trrbo
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For an extra $200, upgraded to 2tb ssd and 32 core gpu (refurb, excellent condition). Link: https://ebay.us/m/Kv62m9 Edit: I'll also add that my primary uses are for full time mobile dev, plenty of photo/video work on the side.
Thank you for sharing this. I def want to get this one instead of the one posted as the $200 extra for these specs is killer. Question: What would you advise in terms of a warranty goes or what did you do with yours if not buying thru apple or thru a third party who offers it for 1 year like the other link posted here. Is that something they offer uniquely as a seller or is it possible to buy it thru a third party who offers it? I heard someone mention "all state" or something as the warranty coverage. I originally bought a 16 inch MBP when it first came out fully loaded with all the maxed out specs at $4K and it stopped working after many faithful years. I took it to Apple but they couldn't fix it in house and it was past the warranty coverage and they told me it's a hardware issue that would cost $700 to ship and fix due to motherboard issue. I'd rather direct $700 to a new purchase vs another $4,000 model newThat said: I also don't wanna end up buying another dud for $1,700 that'll crap itself. Especially when we don't really know what the battery life isWhat's the best way to protect yourself in terms of third party coverage for purchases like this online?Would love any advice you or anyone has who's been down this road before
1 You'd be hard-pressed to see any meaningful difference on the M4 Air, especially after the thermal throttling kicks in.4 Actually, from what we've seen, anything multi-core or using the GPU in an ambient temp room will heat-soak the M4 Air near instantly. The M4 Air really doesn't take kindly to heat.5 Moderately larger and heavier. Let's not exaggerate here, "much" is an overstatement. If an able-bodied person has an issue picking up a MBP vs. a MBA, then they may need to see a medical doctor. 6 It's not diminishing returns when it's literally cheaper than what you can get the 24gb/36gb version. Literally the exact opposite than diminishing!A AI slop is slop.B Allstate warranty is just as good for one-year. Applecare is only good if you have an Apple Store nearby you -- not everyone lives near one. They give you seven levels of grief if you want to mail the machine to them.C That remains to be seen, both the M1 Max and M4 are still supported.Folks, if you're on the fence -- go to a WorstBuy or Apple Store, and try out a Macbook Pro (any 16" version) and a Macbook Air. Take note of the screen quality, screen brightness, and audio fidelity. It's night and day difference between the Air (good) and the Pro (amazing). Also, you're buying used -- instead of new. Reduce, reuse, recycle. There's enough ewaste on the planet, no reason to increase it just because the M4 Air is a "shiny new toy".
Have you used all state warranty coverage on used Mac's that you bought refurbished? Is it covered?I have no experience with that and have only gotten Apple care on new ones. Can you provide a link to the one you recommend? Would be super helpful to look into the details and see what it actually covers if shit goes wrongThe devil is usually in the details w stuff like this and I'm not sure if they cover purchases that are refurbished like this from eBay, do they? Have you had any personal experience with all state and they were helpful for you?I ask because I spent $4,000 on a brand new MacBook Pro 16 inch fully loaded when it came out and it crapped itself after the apple care warranty expired after 3-4 years and they tried to fix it but couldn't fix it in house and said it would need to be shipped to the warehouse to fix the motherboard issue (which would cost at least $700 they said)So now I'm in the market for a new model instead of throwing more money at itDon't wanna have the same issue happen again though and be out another $1,800 in 1-2 years What kind of shelf life would you expect with a purchase like this?I'd be happy with at least 3 years on it but who knows If it only lasts 1-2 years max, it makes me wonder if it's worth it
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[IMG]https://api-web.slickdeals.net/images/misc/backlink.gif[/IMG] : For an extra $200, upgraded to 2tb ssd and 32 core gpu (refurb, excellent condition). Link: https://ebay.us/m/Kv62m9 Edit: I'll also add that my primary uses are for full time mobile dev, plenty of photo/video work on the side. Thank you for sharing this. I def want to get this one instead of the one posted as the $200 extra for these specs is killer. Question: What would you advise in terms of a warranty goes or what did you do with yours if not buying thru apple or thru a third party who offers it for 1 year like the other link posted here. Is that something they offer uniquely as a seller or is it possible to buy it thru a third party who offers it? I heard someone mention "all state" or something as the warranty coverage. I originally bought a 16 inch MBP when it first came out fully loaded with all the maxed out specs at $4K and it stopped working after many faithful years. I took it to Apple but they couldn't fix it in house and it was past the warranty coverage and they told me it's a hardware issue that would cost $700 to ship and fix due to motherboard issue. I'd rather direct $700 to a new purchase vs another $4,000 model newThat said: I also don't wanna end up buying another dud for $1,700 that'll crap itself. Especially when we don't really know what the battery life isWhat's the best way to protect yourself in terms of third party coverage for purchases like this online?Would love any advice you or anyone has who's been down this road before
Yes it does -- 1 year allstate warranty. Within a year, if you have an issue, file a claim. After a year, it's entirely your problem to deal with -- though Apple may offer a repair at high costs (if spare parts remain).
That's the risk of buying used. The closest "equivalent" brand-new M4 Max w/ 64gb ram and 2tb ssd will run you about $4600. So paying $1600 for a 4 1/2 old used laptop, you're saving $3k versus buying new. If it's a toy or secondary machine, have fun. If it's your primary and only machine that 100% absolutely cannot fail -- you might be better off buying two cheaper laptops instead so you have a "hot spare". It all depends on your risk tolerance.
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