With multiple configurations and various models to choose from, including ones equipped with Apple’s M1 processor, finding a deal on a MacBook or Mac Mini is not all that difficult. It’s a slightly different story for the newer M1 Pro and M1 Max-equipped MacBook Pros, but any bit of savings you can get on the new Pro models is sure to be worthwhile.
Here, we’ll run through the discounts that are currently available for the latest MacBook models, as well as any deals to be had on the Mac Mini. Of course, there are still some lingering discounts available for older, Intel-based configurations — which are compatible with macOS Monterey — but we strongly recommend opting for a newer model now that Apple has introduced its M1 chips across the MacBook Air and Pro lines. There is really no downside to opting for Apple’s own silicon, save for Windows Boot Camp holdouts.
Alternatively, purchasing refurbished is another way to save money on an Apple computer. Apple’s refurbished store provides a one-year warranty on all products and generally has discounts of 15 to 20 percent off the price of a new model. Two other retailers to look at for refurbished MacBooks are Best Buy and Amazon. If you’re looking for a new model, however, these are the best MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini deals available.
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The best MacBook Air deals
The MacBook Air is Apple’s entry-level laptop. It’s best suited for typical productivity work, with a comfortable keyboard, excellent trackpad, and all-day battery life. The most recent model includes the Apple-designed M1 processor and lacks a fan for quiet, efficient performance. It ticks all the right boxes when it comes to performance and price, which is why it’s currently our top pick for the best laptop you can buy.
The base MacBook Air with the M1 chip has 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. It typically sells for $999, although in the past few months we’ve seen it discounted down to $799.99. The best deal on the base model at the moment, however, is at Amazon and Adorama, where it’s on sale in select colorways for $949. The 256GB model with 16GB of RAM is also on sale at B&H Photo in the space gray configuration for $1,129 ($70 off) and, if you need additional storage, the 512GB model is discounted in select colorways at Amazon to $1,162 ($50 off). B&H Photo has taken $150 off the price of the 1TB model with 16GB of RAM, too, and is currently selling it for $1,499.
The best MacBook Pro deals
The MacBook Pro line has been split into two different segments — for the time being. The M1-powered MacBook Pro of 2020 remains the final Touch Bar holdout. It is a sibling to the MacBook Air, introduced at the same time, with similar innards, save mostly for a fan that allows it to run at peak performance for longer. The new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros announced in October, however, come with the M1 Pro or optional M1 Max CPUs.
Right now, Best Buy and Amazon are offering a $250 discount on the 14-inch, M1 Pro-equipped base model, selling it in space gray for $1,749, an all-time low. Both retailers are also selling the silver, 1TB configuration with 16GB of RAM, a 10-core CPU, and 16-core GPU for $2,249.99 instead of $2,499.95 (Amazon, Best Buy). If you prefer the 16-inch, 512GB base model with the M1 Pro, it’s currently discounted to its lowest price to date at Amazon, B&H Photo, and Best Buy, where you can pick it up for $2,299.99 instead of $2,499.
Our reviews of the latest MacBook Pro line were absolutely beaming with praise. Whether it was the beautiful display or the remarkable performance and battery life they exhibited, these premium laptops are investments that we can wholeheartedly recommend. As soon as there’s a steep price break on these impressive laptops, we’d suggest that anyone in the market for a new laptop consider purchasing one, as they’re likely to sell out fast.
The Touch Bar-equipped, 13-inch MacBook Pro is similar to the Air but geared toward slightly more demanding use cases, and starts at $1,299. The M1-powered base model includes 256GB of storage, 8GB of RAM, a brighter screen, longer battery life, and an internal fan designed to maintain performance under increased workloads.
In December, we saw the base model drop to $1099.99 at Amazon, but right now the best available price is at B&H Photo and Adorama, both of which are selling the space gray model for $1,199. That may not be as steep of a discount, but that’s still a savings of around $100. The 256GB variant with 16GB of RAM is also currently on sale at B&H Photo in silver for $1,399 ($100 off), while the 512GB configuration with 8GB of RAM is on sale for $1,399 instead of $1,499 at Adorama.
The best Mac Mini deals
While it is not an Apple laptop, the Mac Mini is an affordable desktop computer with macOS. It does not include a display, keyboard, or mouse (so you’ll have to supply your own), but this compact machine is an excellent performer if you aren’t concerned about portability. It’s fast, efficient, and comes outfitted with Wi-Fi 6.
Like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 13, the Mini features Apple’s new M1 processor. It starts at $699, with the price varying based on your RAM and storage configurations. If you’re looking for a discount, Amazon is currently selling the base model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $669.99, which is a far cry from its all-time low of $569.99. Costco members can pick up the same model for $569.99, however, as well as its 512GB variant for $749.99 ($150 off). The latter deal is $30 less than that configuration’s current asking price at B&H Photo, which is the second-best deal to be had on the 512GB model right now.
Source: The Verge