Apple MacBook Pro A2289 · Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) · 13" Retina · 8 GB / 256 GB SSD

Looking for something dependable rather than flashy? This Apple MacBook Pro A2289 ticks that box. The 13-inch MacBook Pro is the compact pro Mac — a sharp Retina screen and a solid aluminium build in a size that's easy to carry every day. The A2289 is the 2020 two-port 13-inch MacBook Pro with the Magic Keyboard.

The Core i5 is the sweet spot for most people — quick enough for multitasking, Office, coding and online classes, without the extra cost of an i7. 8th generation was a big jump for Intel: it was the first time thin business laptops got four cores instead of two. In practice that means noticeably smoother multitasking than older models — this is the generation we most often recommend. 8 GB of RAM is comfortable for everyday multitasking — browser, Office, music and a video call. The 256 GB SSD means it boots in seconds and apps open quickly. The 13-inch Retina display is sharp and colour-accurate, which makes text crisp and photos look great.

Build and everyday use

Aluminium unibody, about 1.4 kg. Retina display with accurate colours and a large glass trackpad. It comes with a clean install of macOS, ready for you to sign in with your own Apple ID.

Upgrades

RAM is soldered on these models, so check the configuration. macOS support depends on the model year — we'll tell you which version it runs.

Who it suits

Students, writers, developers and first-time Mac users. It sits in our picks for programmers, startups, freelancers.

Condition and what's in the box

Grade A means it looks very clean — at most, light marks you have to look for. Every unit is tested on our checklist, securely wiped, cleaned and shipped with a compatible charger, a GST invoice and 6-month warranty.