With multiple configurations and various models to choose from, finding a deal on an M1-equipped MacBook or Mac Mini is not all that difficult. It’s a slightly different story for the MacBook Pros with the beefier M1 Pro and M1 Max CPUs, but any bit of savings you can get on the new Pro models is sure to be worthwhile. As for the new 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air with M2, it may still take a while to see some deals.
Here, we’ll run through the discounts that are currently available for the current MacBooks, 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 and the upcoming macOS Ventura — but we strongly recommend opting for a newer model now that Apple has introduced its M1 and M2 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, here 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 newly redesigned M2 version of the MacBook Air is now out, but even with the arrival of that pricier model, the 2020 version with an M1 processor and fanless design remains in the lineup as the budget option. For most people, the M1 Air 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 we’ve seen it dip as low as $799.99. There aren’t many great deals on the base model at the moment, but if you’re a Costco member, you can get it for $849.99. If you need additional storage, the 512GB model with an eight-core GPU is available to all at Amazon and Best Buy for $1,099.99 (about $150 off).
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 and its new 2022 replacement with the M2 processor remain the Touch Bar holdouts. These are siblings to the 2020 MacBook Air, with similar designs save mostly for a fan that allows them to run at peak performance for longer. At this point, it’s probably best to avoid the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro and opt for the newer M2 version and its exceptional battery life if you really do love a Touch Bar — though, maybe don’t opt for the base model. As for the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros announced in October, they come with the M1 Pro or optional M1 Max CPUs and are the likely choice of demanding creative professionals.
Right now, Best Buy and B&H Photo have a $250 discount on the 14-inch, M1 Pro-equipped base model, selling it for $1,749. If you need 1TB of storage, you can save $300 at Best Buy and get it for $2,199. As for the 16-inch MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage and the M1 Pro, Amazon and Best Buy have it for $2,199 ($300 off). Likewise, you can save $300 when stepping up to the 16-inch model with 1TB SSD. These prices are as low as the 14- and 16-inch models get — if you’re in the market for a workhorse laptop, be sure to pounce on them before they’re gone.
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 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 2020 MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro, the Mac Mini features Apple’s 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 and B&H Photo are currently selling the base model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $659, which is a far cry from its all-time low of $569.99. The new Mac Studio may be getting all the recent praise, but that’s a much pricier machine. The little M1 Mac Mini is still a very capable desktop for everyday users who dabble in some creative work, though the $40 discount at this time is quite modest.
Source: The Verge