Good deal! People whine about the price, but it's solid hardware both in terms of build quality and performance. Don't like OSX, install W7 and have something comparable to the HP envy for steep discount.

dated model, refurb..nuff said

tiny screen

I'm not a big fan of Apple computers but their refurbs are the best out there. I have ordered a few Apple items (ipods, appleTV) and they were indistinguishable from "new" except for the packaging. There are many anecdotes out there that agree. Apple also gives you the same warranty as new.

Warranty + Apple Care = as good as new. As far as Dated, it's still *better* than a WinBlows machine (better = faster, no viruses, no issues, runs for years longer, better interface, usability, etc.). I've used the 13.3"ers and they're not that bad. It's bigger than a netbook. I like my 15.4", but with the great video card, just hook up a 24" monitor and dual screen it. The 13.3 is lite enough to feel like a netbook in your backpack, & still has good battery power for on the go.

#4, excellent points.

#2 Dated? This is the unibody 13" MBP they are currently selling in the store. Apple's 13" screen is small, but it's 1280x800 and it's got a real viewing angle ( as compared to most "cheap" laptops ). It's also got a 7 hour ( 5-6 IRL ) battery.

#4, #6 Apple "Refurb" is remanufactured. All cosmetic parts and consumable ( battery ) are replaced before repackaging as new. I have never once seen an Apple refurb that was not as good as new.

Not a bad price for an Apple, but EXPENSIVE compared to a Windows laptop.

My son needs a MAC for his graphics classes at college so we are in the market. This appears to be a pretty good deal even compared to Student Discount models.

#7, this is not a current 13" "MBP" (pro) as you write, it's a previous-gen MacBOOK. Not that it's a bad deal, it's still a fine computer (though it lacks the FW port of the later MBPs). Lots of people must agree since it's OOS now.

No backlit keyboard is a a difference.

#5 do you know anything about computers at all? A Mac is not faster than a PC if they have the same specs...thats ridiculous to say. Of course Macs have viruses, and only people not smart enough to use a computer correctly get them on a PC. There are plenty of issues with Macs, look up how often they crash for reasons people can't figure out. As for lasting longer, are you kidding me? When Apple releases a new product you throw out your old one and buy the new one. With a PC it's pretty easy to just throw in new parts, like a hard drive, RAM, processor, or a video card (not in most laptops though for the video card of course). Better interface and usability can't really be determined, that's more of an opinion. But by all means, continue paying Apple tax for a computer of lesser quality.