The best cheap MacBook sale prices and deals in December 2020
Cheap MacBook sales are a rarity, but if you're shopping for the right models, you might be surprised with the prices you can get away with. We're here to show you all the latest MacBook deals so that you can pick up a luxury laptop at a price that doesn't scare away entry level buyers.
The best MacBook deals
We've tracked down the latest offers for every type of Apple laptop out there (as well as the latest cheap MacBook prices on a range of older models that can save you even more cash). That means we've got you covered for the standard 12-inch MacBooks, the 13 and 16-inch MacBook Pros and if you want something that sits between the two, then you'll want to take a look at our MacBook Air section.
Plus, we're also tracking prices on the latest M1 MacBooks, which means you'll find the lowest prices straight out the gate on these powerful new models.
You'll find all the best cheap Macbook deals available right now through our price comparison technology, which searches for the lowest prices from the best retailers every day. All you need to do now is work out whether it’s a MacBook, a MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air that you want. We'll help though by telling you about each one of them.
- Need something more flexible? Find the best iPad deals happening right now.
- We're also rounding up the best cheap laptop deals on offer this week
Cheap MacBook Air deals
The best cheap MacBook Air M1 (2020) deals
Apple brings M1 to play
CPU: Apple M1 8-core CPU | Graphics: 7-core GPU | Screen: 13.3-inch 2,560 x 1,600 Retina True Tone display (backlit LED, IPS) | Storage: 256GB to 2TB | Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.63 inches (30.41 x 21.24 x 1.61cm; W x D x H)
If you're after a performance boost, but still need that lightweight form factor, the new MacBook Air M1 might be your best bet. Don't worry though, there's a serious performance boost in this model but you're not paying as much for it as you may think. In fact, we even saw some early discounts over Black Friday 2020, so Apple certainly isn't afraid to drop this price every now and then.
The new M1 chip gives Intel a serious run for its money, and battery life doesn't even suffer for it. Plus, you're getting it all for the same price as the previous model which makes this the go-to for a 2020 release right now.
The best cheap MacBook Air (2020) deals
The best MacBook Air on the market
CPU: 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics | Screen: 13.3-inch 2,560 x 1,600 Retina True Tone display (backlit LED, IPS) | Storage: 256GB / 512GB SSD | Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.63 inches (30.41 x 21.24 x 1.61cm; W x D x H)
2020's MacBook Air is here, and it brings a pretty powerful overhaul of the previously underwhelming Air range. This is no longer a watered down Pro, but instead a lightweight luxury laptop with the specs to support itself in its own right.
That means the latest 10th generation processors with up to quad-core CPUs now available for the first time on an Air, double the storage space at entry, and up to 16GB RAM on offer as well. You'll be maxing out the spec sheet to pick up that configuration, but in even better news, the entry level model also starts at a lower sub-$1,000 / £1,000 price as well.
There's a new face on the street if you're looking for cheap MacBook sales and with a brand new keyboard in tow, it's easily one of the best models to pick up right now.
The best cheap MacBook Air (2019) deals
Still has its merits but pricey compared to 2020
CPU: 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 617 | Screen: 13.3-inch (diagonal) 2,560 x 1,600 LED-backlit True Tone display with IPS technology | Storage: 128GB – 1TB SSD | Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.61 inches (30.41 x 21.24 x 1.56cm; W x D x H)
Even though the 2020 MacBook Air comes in cheaper than its predecessor and offers that all-new Magic Keyboard and extra storage space, the 2019 model does still have its place. For starters, it's worth noting that the entry level 2020 model features an i3 processor, whereas you're getting more power from the 2019's baseline i5. You're also picking up an ever so slightly thinner and lighter model here as well as about an hour and a half of extra battery life.
However, that quickly falls apart when looking at the laptop as whole. You're only getting 128GB of storage space in this older model and dropping some key quality of life features that make the 2020 such a standout release.
If you value processing and battery life above all else, these MacBook deals may be worth a look, but with such a spec boost and price difference on the newer model, it's difficult to make an argument for the 2019 in most other cases.
The best cheap MacBook Air (2018) deals
An upgrade in its day but a little under powered now
CPU: Dual-core 8th-gen i5 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 617 | RAM: 8GB - 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch Retina display (2560x1600) | Storage: 128GB – 1.5TB SSD | Touch Bar: No | Ports: 2 USB-C Thunderbolts, 3.5mm audio
The MacBook Air 2018 will still run you over $1,000, which can be a little difficult to swallow seeing as the latest release comes in well below that price tag. If you spot a price that offers you more than 256GB of storage and a processor that will beat out a 10th generation i3 (think an 8th generation i5 or i7) while also coming in at around $1,000 - $1,300 then it's well worth picking up the older model for its configuration alone. However, it's worth noting that you're dropping the new keyboard and a range of more up to date features in those particular MacBook deals.
You're keeping touch ID and Retina display, but unless there's an excellent MacBook sale on right now we'd recommend picking up a newer model.
The best cheap MacBook Air (2017) sale prices
The older MacBook Air price is tempting
CPU: Dual-core 5th-gen i5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 600 | RAM: 4GB - 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch LED display (1400x900) | Storage: 128GB – 256GB SSD | Touch Bar: No | Ports: 2 USB-C 3.0, Thunderbolt 2, SDXC, 3.5mm audio
We have to admit, we thought Apple was done with the MacBook Air line after the Pro lineup became just as compact and almost as light. In 2017, Apple gave the 13-inch MacBook Air its first update since 2015. This meant you could get a much healthier 8GB of RAM instead of 4GB along with a processor upgrade to 1.8GHz (over 1.6GHz) making it much better at multi-tasking. Stock of this older MacBook Air will gradually run out at retailers as the newer model above phases it out, and MacBook prices could fluctuate due to its age. If you're shopping for the cheapest MacBook deals around, this and the 2016 MacBook (further down), may be the best jumping off point.
Cheap MacBook Pro deals
The best 13-inch MacBook Pro M1 (2020) deals
The most powerful 13-inch Pro on the market
CPU: Apple M1 chip - 8 cores | Graphics: 8 core GPU | RAM: 8GB - 16GB | Screen: 13-inch, 2,560 x 1,600 Retina display | Dimensions (H x W x D): 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.61-inches
The new M1 MacBook Pro is now available, which means you'll want to decide whether you go for a potentially cheaper price point with the previous generation or what looks like a stark performance upgrade with Apple's own chip. We've already seen some surprise price cuts over Black Friday - mere weeks after the latest MacBook Pro was released, however, which means the latest model may be more affordable than you think.
The new MacBook certainly delivers on Apple's promise of a revolutionary experience. Performance sees a considerable boost from the new M1 hardware, even running legacy apps designed for previous Intel machines. Things still look pretty similar from the outside, but you're running a serious powerful machine here, with a price that even manages to undercut other high end ultrabooks in value.
The best 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020) deals
The latest MacBook Pro with a decent price tag
CPU: 8th - 10th generation Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics | RAM: 8GB - 32GB | Screen: 13-inch, 2,560 x 1,600 Retina display | Dimensions (H x W x D): 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.61-inches
The new keyboard is sitting well on the 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro, a feature many will be looking forward to with this generation's refresh of each lineup. With the 13-inch being the model of choice for most entry level buyers due to its balance between power and affordability, it's likely that some frustration may arise from the baseline model's use of an 8th generation processor. That's a pretty old CPU for a laptop priced well over $1,000 but with improved RAM speeds and double the storage on offer, less power hungry individuals might be able to stomach the drop.
Boosted versions of the 2020 MacBook Pro, however, tell a different story (albeit one with a price tag that leaves those entry buyers behind). With the latest 10th generation processors and up to 4TB of SSD storage on offer, there's certainly room to pack some significant guts into this smaller model - if you've got the cash. Thankfully, we're already seeing MacBook deals hit this newer model so there's always money to be saved.
This is the latest Pro to hit the shelves and we've already seen some strong MacBook sales since release. That means you'll be able to find plenty of savings on the 2020 line.
The best 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) deals
The largest MacBook Pro ever released
CPU: 6-core - 8-core 9th-generation Intel Core i7 – i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5300M – 5500M, Intel UHD Graphics 630 | RAM: 16GB – 64GB | Screen: 16-inch, 3072 x 1920 Retina display | Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.62 x 35.79 x 24.59cm
Released just as 2019 was drawing to a close, the 16-inch MacBook Pro was set upon the world in order to replace the 15-inch model released earlier in the year. There's far more than a few inches tacked onto the display, however.
Top of the range specs will bring you an 8-core 9th generation i9 processor, 64GB RAM and an 8TB SSD - at a price that pushes $6,000. That means there's some mind-blowing power on offer here, but very few will actually get to experience it. At entry level you can expect a MacBook Pro price of just over $2,000, which is far more manageable but far from the cheap MacBook sales we all dream of.
Keeping all that power contained is, of course, the larger 16-inch chassis, but there's also an improved keyboard and brighter Retina display on offer here. 11 hours of battery life is an impressive feat at this spec, but if you're after a portable laptop to throw into a backpack, you might want to take a look at some smaller models - this beast weighs in at 2kg.
The best 15-inch MacBook Pro (2019) prices
Well worth a deal but on its way out
CPU: 9th-generation Intel Core i7 – i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 555X – 560X, Intel UHD Graphics 630 | RAM: 16GB – 32GB | Screen: 15.4-inch, 2,880 x 1,800 Retina display | Dimensions (H x W x D): 34.93 x 24.07 x 1.55cm
Stock of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Pro is starting to dry out now, after the 16-inch replaced it at the end of last year. If you're looking for entry level specs you might struggle to find boxes on the shelves, but there are still a few boosted configurations on the market right now. Depending on how much cash you're willing to splash, you can get up to 32GB of RAM with 9th-gen i7 6-core or i9 8-core processor options available too.
MacBook sales have stepped away from this old model now, but if you do happen upon a price that rivals the 2020 13-inch for affordability or the 16-inch for power, it's worth taking a shot as these laptops have a lot of staying power.
The best cheap 13-inch MacBook Pro (2017) deals [no touch bar]
The cheapest MacBook Pro still readily available
CPU: Quad-core Intel Core 7th-gen i5 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, (2,560 x 1,600) IPS | Storage: 128GB – 2TB PCIe 3.0 SSD | Touch Bar: No
If you're looking to spend as little as possible for a cheap MacBook deal, we'd recommend skipping the 2018 model and heading straight to the 2017. 2018 MacBooks seem to have only got more expensive as time has ruled them rarer, but the 2017s still offer up that bargain hunting allure of age.
These versions don't come with a Touch Bar which is something to factor in when comparing how much you'll save versus the added functionality the new tech could add to your work and computing life in general.
These are incredibly light for MacBook Pros, but they still pack an incredible punch with 2.3GHz and dual core processors ranging from i5 to i7. The trackpads are larger than older MacBook Pros too and you're getting fantastic Retina displays which still look stunning today. You'll find them available for roughly $100 - $200 less than the 2020 model, so this is a cheap MacBook Pro price that reflects the age of the laptop but also maintains that Apple power to keep your older model running well.
- Check out all the latest cheap MacBook Pro deals
Cheap MacBook deals
The best cheap MacBook (2017) prices
Small and stylish
CPU: Dual-core Intel Core m3 – i7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 12-inch Retina (2,304 x 1,440) IPS | Storage: 256GB – 512GB PCIe SSD | Dimensions (W x D x H): 11.04 x 7.74 x 0.14~0.52in
Apple didn't release a standard MacBook in 2018 or 2019, instead focusing on the Air and Pro lines, so this is the newest regular MacBook you can buy. The screen and compact dimensions on the 2017 MacBook are the same as the 2016 edition. The main improvement with the latest version is the inclusion of the 7th-gen Kaby Lake processors in either m3, i5 or i7 configurations.
2015 MacBook owners are the most likely to notice and appreciate the improvements, but if you're still looking for cheap MacBook deals and don't want to go near a $1,000 price tag, this could be the model for you.
The best cheap Macbook (2016) sale prices
Often the cheapest MacBook option
CPU: Dual-core Intel Core m3 – Core m7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 12-inch LED (2,304 x 1,440) IPS | Storage: 256GB – 512GB PCIe SSD | Dimensions (W x D x H): 11 x 7.8 x 0.5in
The internal specifications on the 2016 12-inch MacBook might be lagging behind the most recent version nowadays, but if you're not planning on pushing the device too hard with demanding tasks then it could be a great money-saving option for you.
While some of the cheapest prices might be reserved for refurbs, the 2016 MacBook is still a fantastic device and it's one of the most portable options in Apple's laptop lineup.
How to find the best MacBook deals
MacBook deals are hard to come by for a reason - these machines last. That means Apple rarely discounts its older laptop lines with new generations, so it's harder to find that standout price if you're willing to swallow a few years on the market.
That doesn't mean you're stuck with launch prices, however. In fact, MacBook sales are fairly common around certain times of the year, and do generally fall in line with new releases. While you might not find major discounts on cheaper entry level models, those shopping for the more specced out lines can enjoy some significant price drops around the holidays and major Apple launch windows.
Cheap MacBook prices: is it worth buying a pre-2017 MacBook?
We'll say it again, MacBooks last. Many 2015 MacBook Pros are still running healthy to this day, though you might struggle to cram the latest MacOS releases onto them. But we'll say something else again, cheap MacBooks don't tend to lose their value. That means you can easily spend $1,000 on a MacBook from before 2017 and miss out on the latest processors, RAM speeds, hardware features, and SSD storage sizes of the newer models, sitting at similar prices.
That means if you do spot a particularly good MacBook deal on an older model, it may well be worth your time. If you find yourself shopping between the $1,300 and $2,000 mark, however, double check you can't pick up something newer for the same price.
What to look for in MacBook sales
MacBook sales tend to offer creepingly reduced prices on the entry level Air and Pro models while reserving the big drops for the more expensive configurations. While these deals tend to stick around the same sale prices every time they are reduced, keen shoppers will notice that traditional discount does grow a little every now and then. That will knock an extra $50 off the price sporadically in order to make headlines, but it also means that if you spot a particularly good MacBook deal it's not worth sticking around and waiting for a better sale in the future.
It's worth shopping older models if you're looking to score a more impressive price drop, as retailers are keen to shift these units before any big release. Shop these MacBook deals if you're after a bigger spec in particular, as you'll often find the older mid-range models offering bigger power than entry level fresh releases for either the same price or slightly less.
However, it's always worth keeping one eye on the prices of those latest versions. As we've learned with the 2020 MacBook Air, Apple is looking to make the MacBook more cost effective moving forwards. That means you might be able to find MacBook deals offering entry level new releases for less than their ancestors.
- Keep your new laptop secure with the best Mac VPN
- Why not upgrade your storage with a cheap hard drive or SSD? See the best hard drive and SSD deals.
- Looking to fill out your Apple gadgets? Check out the best cheap Apple Pencil sales and deals available now.
from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/35WaIj1
Comments
Post a Comment