Deals

Best 13″ MacBook Pro Prices

Daniel Knight - 2015.03.21

Apple last updated non-Retina MacBook Pro (MBP) models in June 2012, and only the 13-incher remains in production. Mid 2012 models were the first to include USB 3.0.

The 13″ MacBook Pro was a late addition to the MacBook Pro family, arriving in 2009.

13" and 15" 2012 MacBook Pro

13″ and 15″ 2012 MacBook Pro

The 13″ Mid 2012 MacBook Pro has a 1280 x 800 glossy display and a dual-layer SuperDrive, the last MacBook model with a built-in optical drive. The 2.3 GHz i5 model has a 320 GB hard drive and 4 GB of RAM (expandable to 8 GB); the 2.7 GHz i7 model has a 500 GB hard drive.

The 2012 version starts with a 2.5 GHz dual-core i5 CPU, 4 GB of system memory, and a 500 GB hard drive. The “better” version has a 2.9 GHz CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a 750 GB hard drive. Build-to-order options include SSDs and higher capacity hard drives. See our initial analysis of the new model in The Mid 2012 MacBook Pro Value Equation.

We have a separate price tracker for the 13″ MacBook Pro with Retina Display.

Core i Models

Apple previously updated the 13″ MacBook Pro in February 2011, moving it to dual-core Intel Core i5 and i7 CPUs, introducing the high-speed Thunderbolt port, and moving to Intel HD 3000 graphics. The Early 2011 model claims 7 hours of wireless productivity from a full battery charge. In October 2011, Apple speed bumped the MacBook Pro with even faster processors.

13 inch MacBook Pro

All Thunderbolt models support up to 16 GB (although Apple says 8 GB max). The Early 2011 models shipped with OS X 10.6.6, and Late 2011 ones come with OS X 10.7 Lion.

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard is supported on the 2009 model; newer models require 10.6 Snow Leopard. Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard requires 1 GB of RAM (even the oldest 13″ MBP comes with 2 GB) and really wants at least 2 GB for decent performance. Check out prices in our Best Mac OS X Snow Leopard Deals. All 13″ MacBook Pro models support OS X 10.7 Lion and will run OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, 10.9 Mavericks, and 10.10 Yosemite with sufficient memory (we suggest 3 GB minimum for Lion, 4 GB for Mountain Lion and Mavericks, and 6-8 GB for Yosemite).

Core 2 Duo Models

Every pre-Thunderbolt 13″ MacBook Pro left the factory with 2 GB or 4 GB of memory and supports up to 8 GB. Because Mac OS X always runs better with more memory, you may want to upgrade. If you have the 2 GB 2.26 GHz 2009 model, upgrade to at least 4 GB, and if can swing it, max out your 13″ MBP to 8 GB. (See Is More RAM More Important than Matched RAM in the MacBook? for more on unmatched memory such as OWC’s 6 GB upgrade kit.)

Every MacBook Pro ships from Apple with a SuperDrive, Bluetooth, and AirPort Extreme.

The best deals are marked in bold type in the full listings below. Listings note RAM/hard drive size.

Best Used Prices

  • 2.26 GHz Core 2, $549, Mac of All Trades
  • 2.53 GHz Core 2, $599, Mac of All Trades
  • 2.66 GHz Core 2, $750, Small Dog
  • 2.4 GHz Core i5, $625, UsedMacs.US
  • 2.7 GHz Core i7, $749, DV Warehouse
  • 2.9 GHz Core i7, $849, DV Warehouse

Best New Prices

  • 2.5 GHz Core i5, $983 shipped, Amazon.com
  • 2.9 GHz Core  i7, $1,599 shipped, Amazon.com

Recent Memory Prices (per module)

The 13″ MacBook Pro has two memory slots.

Best Mac OS X Prices

Be sure to factor in shipping costs and possible sales tax. Your best value depends on whether you need/want a color printer, extra RAM, etc.

Unless otherwise noted, there is no surcharge for credit card purchases, and shipping is not included. Vendors are listed in alphabetical order. Be sure to visit their sites for full details.

Core Duo models are listed before Core 2 models, which are more efficient and run cooler. Other than that, models are listed by CPU speed. Prices may be limited to quantity on hand. Not responsible for typos.

Buying through some of these links benefits Low End Mac. Buying at these prices benefits you.

Profiles

  • Mid 2009 Core 2: 2.26/2.53 GHz, OS X 10.5.7, GeForce 9400M graphics, 2 GB RAM in 2.26 model
  • Early 2010 Core 2: 2.4/2.66 GHz, OS X 10.6.3, GeForce 320M graphics
  • Early 2011 i5/i7: 2.3 GHz dual i5/2.7 GHz dual i7, OS X 10.6.6, Intel HD Graphics 3000
  • Late 2011 i5/i7: 2.4 GHz dual i5/2.8 GHz dual i7, OS X 10.7.2, Intel HD Graphics 3000
  • Mid 2012 i5/i7: 2.5 GHz dual i5/2.9 GHz dual i7, OS X 10.7.4, Intel HD Graphics 4000, USB 3.0

New 13″ MacBook Pro

Prices include ground shipping unless noted otherwise. (a/r means after mail-in rebate.)

Amazon.com B&H MacMall PowerMax
Mid 2012
2.5 GHz dual i5, 4/500 $982.95 $999 $994.99 a/r $1,079
2.9 GHz dual i7, 8/750 $1,599  $1,799
  • Amazon.com collects sales tax on orders shipped to AZ, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MA, MI, MN, NV, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV, and WI.
  • MacMall collects sales tax on orders shipped to CA, IL, MN, TN, and WI.

Used & Reseller Refurbished

DV Warehouse

Shipping may add $20 or more.

  • 2.4 GHz Core 2, 4/250, $629
  • 2.3 GHz Core i5, 4/320, $689
  • 2.7 GHz Core i7, 4/500, $749
  • 2.9 GHz Core i7, 4/500, $849

ExperCom

Estimated shipping is $13.50.

  • none listed today

LA Computer Company

Ground shipping may add $18 or more. LA Computer collects sales tax on orders shipped within California. 30 day warranty.

  • none listed today

Mac of All Trades

Ground shipping averages $30. Mac of All Trades has the highest product turnover of any used Mac dealer we track and collects sales tax on orders shipped within FL.

  • 2.26 GHz Core 2, 4/160, $549
  • 2.53 GHz Core 2, 4/250, $599
  • 2.4 GHz Core i5, 4/500, $749
  • 2.7 GHz Core i7, 4/500, $799

Operator Headgap

Shipping included. Operator Headgap thoroughly refurbishes and tests every Mac they sell. When ordering, please let them know you heard about them on Low End Mac when entering your shipping information. Thanks!

  • none listed today

PowerMax

Ground shipping may add $26 or more.

  • 2.26 GHz Core 2, 2/160, $669
  • 2.4 GHz Core 2, 4/250, $709
  • 2.53 GHz Core 2, 4/250, $729
  • 2.66 GHz Core 2, 4/3200, $779
  • 2.3 GHz Core i5, 4/320, $809
  • 2.4 GHz Core i5, 4/500, $829
  • 2.5 GHz Core i5, 8/500, $929
  • 2.7 GHz Core i7, 4/500, $939
  • 2.8 GHz Core i7, $4/250, $989
  • 2.9 GHz Core i7, 4/750, $1,059
  • pages and pages of other configurations listed

Small Dog

$4.99 flat rate ground shipping.

  • 2.4 GHz Core 2, 4/250, $699.99
  • 2.66 GHz Core 2, 4/320, $749.99
  • 2.4 GHz Core i5, 4/500, $899.99

TechRestore

30 day warranty. Inventory changes daily.

  • none listed today

Teksale.com

Ground shipping can add $15 or more.

  • none listed today

UsedMacs.US

Local pickup available in West Hollywood, CA. Ground shipping may cost $50 or more. 30 day warranty.

  • 2.4 GHz Core i5, 4/500, $624.95

Need something thinner and lighter? Check out our Best MacBook Air Prices. Need something less expensive? See our Best Used 13″ MacBook Prices. Need something bigger and more powerful? See our Best 15″ MacBook Pro Prices and Best 17″ MacBook Pro Prices.

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