The new MacBook Pro: necessary or nice-to-have?
New MacBook Pro. Price tag: three thousand euros. Your old laptop still works perfectly. The specs are impressive, though. M2 chip, ProMotion display, all-day battery life. Colleagues swear by it. Reviews are glowing. You've already opened the configurator a dozen times. Even those expensive AirPods fit perfectly . But here's the thing: most users barely utilize thirty percent of that processing power. A refurbished model from 2021 runs the same programs flawlessly. For a fraction of the price. With the same accessories you already have . The question isn't whether the new MacBook Pro is good. The question is whether you can't put that extra thousand euros to better use. Spoiler alert: for 90% of users, the answer is surprising.
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The hard numbers: what do you get for three thousand euros?
The new 2022 MacBook Pro comes with the M2 Pro or M2 Max chip. Impressive specs on paper: up to 12 CPU cores, 38 GPU cores, and 96GB of unified memory. The ProMotion display refreshes 120 times per second. According to Apple, the battery lasts up to 22 hours of video playback.
For professionals in video editing or 3D rendering, these are significant improvements. 4K video export time is halved compared to Intel models. Machine learning tasks run up to five times faster. The miniLED screen boasts 1,600 nits of peak brightness.
But here's where things get interesting. A refurbished 2021 model with an M1 Pro chip costs about half as much. For word processing, web development, and photo editing, you'll barely notice a difference. The M1 Pro exports the same video only thirty seconds slower. For most users, this won't be noticeable in practice.
Alternatives under scrutiny
Three options deserve serious consideration before you place that order:
MacBook Air M2 (from 1,519 euros)
This model weighs 1.24 kilograms compared to the Pro's 1.6 kilograms. The screen is smaller (13.6 inches), but more practical for mobile work. The M2 chip handles everyday tasks effortlessly. Only under prolonged heavy loads does the processor throttle due to passive cooling. For short renders or compilations, you won't notice any difference compared to the Pro.
Refurbished MacBook Pro 2021 (from 1,800 euros)
The same ports, the same design, and virtually identical performance for regular use. It also features the ProMotion display. The M1 Pro chip will remain current for years. Apple supports models with software updates for an average of seven years. A refurbished model comes with a warranty and looks like new.
MacBook Pro 14-inch base model (€2,249)
The entry-level model of the current generation. Fewer GPU cores than the more expensive versions, but more than sufficient for most tasks. Its smaller size fits better in backpacks. You'll notice the weight difference compared to the 16-inch model (500 grams) after a day of lugging it around.
Practical scenarios: when is the investment worth it?
For video producers who edit 4K footage daily, the time savings are worth it. A project that used to take four hours of rendering time is now finished in two. At hourly rates of one hundred euros, you'll recoup the extra cost within months.
Developers running virtual machines benefit from extra RAM. With 32GB or more, you can easily run multiple Docker containers alongside your development environment. The fan remains quiet, and the machine responds instantly.
Photographers especially notice the difference with batch processing. Converting a thousand RAW files is noticeably faster. The HDR display shows more detail in shadows and highlights. A must for color-critical work.
But for the office worker who uses Excel, Teams, and Chrome? They won't notice any difference between an M1 and M2 chip. Programs open just as quickly. The battery lasts all workday on both models. The only difference is your wallet.
Hidden costs that no one mentions
That three thousand euros is just the beginning. AppleCare+ costs €429 for three years of coverage. A decent sleeve or bag: €80. Dongles for older devices: €150. An external display that utilizes the capabilities: starting at €800.
Refurbished models often come with accessories from the previous owner. Adapters, cases, and sometimes even a mouse or keyboard. At Leapp, specialists thoroughly inspect every device. Scratches or dents? Then the device won't be shipped.
The sustainability factor
Producing a new laptop costs 380 kilograms of CO2. Reusing a refurbished model saves 70% of that emissions. Apple's recycling program helps, but reusing remains more effective than recycling.
Plus, that 2019 MacBook Pro with an Intel chip? It still runs perfectly fine for basic tasks. With an SSD upgrade and a clean system, it feels like new. More than adequate for students or as a second laptop.
The moment of decision: three questions
Before you click, ask yourself three questions:
1. Am I using professional software that will noticeably benefit from the latest chip? Think Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, or CAD software. If not, you're paying for unused power.
2. Do I work mobile or primarily in the office? For a fixed workspace, a Mac mini or iMac is often smarter. Same performance, lower price, larger screen.
3. How much value do I place on "having the latest"? An honest answer will save you frustration. For tech enthusiasts, that feeling is sometimes worth the extra cost.
The smart choice
For 90% of users, a refurbished MacBook Pro from 2021 is the smartest purchase. You get 95% of the performance for 60% of the price. You can invest the difference in good accessories or save it for your next upgrade.
The new MacBook Pro 2022 excels in specific scenarios. For professionals who value time and money, the investment is worthwhile. For everyone else, that extra thousand euros will yield more in stocks, a course, or simply in your savings account.
When in doubt, start with refurbished. If you run into limitations, you can always upgrade. Chances are you'll be surprised by what a two-year-old model can do. And your bank account will stay healthy.
Conclusion: choose wisely
The 2022 MacBook Pro is undoubtedly a technical marvel, but don't be blinded by specs you don't use. For video producers and developers who truly need that extra processing power: buy it. For everyone else, a refurbished 2021 MacBook Pro will offer you the exact same experience. You'll have money left over for better accessories or your next upgrade. Because let's be honest: that M1 Pro chip will last you for years to come. Choose with your head, not your heart—your wallet will thank you later.
