If you've been waiting for a serious price drop on a pro-level MacBook, this might be your moment. The 2021 Apple MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro chip – the 16.2-inch model with the gorgeous Liquid Retina XDR display – is down to $660 on eBay right now. That's a 74% discount from its original launch price, and honestly, it's one of the best values I've seen for a machine that still competes with many current laptops.
Why This Deal Stands Out
The M1 Pro chip isn't ancient history – it still delivers excellent performance for video editing, coding, music production, and heavy multitasking. The 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU combo is no slouch, and the 16GB of unified memory handles most workflows without breaking a sweat.
The display is another highlight. The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR panel with 3456 x 2234 resolution is bright, color-accurate, and perfect for creative work. It's also got ProMotion (120Hz) for buttery smooth scrolling.
At $660, you're getting a machine that originally cost over $2,400. Even factoring in that it's a 2021 model, the performance per dollar here is hard to beat. Just keep in mind: this is likely a refurbished or open-box unit, so check the seller's return policy and condition notes before buying.
- M1 Pro still outperforms many Intel and AMD laptops in single-core tasks
- 16-core GPU handles 4K video editing and light 3D work
- 16GB RAM is enough for most creative professionals
- 512GB SSD is fast but might feel tight if you store lots of media
Who Should Buy This?
This deal is perfect for students, freelancers, or anyone who needs a powerful laptop without spending a fortune. It's also a great option if you want a larger screen for coding, design, or video editing but don't want to pay current-gen prices.
If you're a gamer, the M1 Pro's GPU isn't designed for AAA gaming at high settings, but it'll handle lighter titles and emulation fine. For most productivity tasks, this machine will feel snappy for years to come.
- Video editors and photographers on a budget
- Software developers needing a reliable Unix-based machine
- Students in creative fields (graphic design, music production)
- Anyone upgrading from an Intel MacBook
Bottom Line
- At $660, this is a steal for the M1 Pro's performance and the XDR display
- Check condition and seller ratings – deals this good often come from refurb stock
- Great for creative work, but storage might be tight – consider external SSDs
- Don't expect gaming performance, but it's a beast for productivity
Common Questions
Is this a new or refurbished MacBook?
The listing doesn't specify condition in the snippet, but at this price it's almost certainly refurbished, open-box, or used. Always read the full description and check seller feedback before purchasing.
How does the M1 Pro compare to the M3 or M4 chips?
The M1 Pro is still very capable – it outperforms many Intel i7 and i9 laptops. The M3 and M4 are faster in single-core and GPU tasks, but for most real-world work, the M1 Pro won't feel slow. The main trade-off is battery life and future software support.
Can I upgrade the RAM or storage later?
No – the RAM and SSD are soldered on Apple Silicon Macs. What you buy is what you get. Make sure 16GB RAM and 512GB storage are enough for your needs.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
Leave a Comment