Students and educators should always check the Apple Education Store for year-round discounts. Amazon is often the king of pure price cuts.

Before you buy new, check Apple’s official refurbished site. These units are inspected, cleaned, and come with a fresh battery and outer shell. They are virtually indistinguishable from new and include the same one-year warranty. If you'd like to narrow down your search: (e.g., under $2,000) Primary use (e.g., video editing, coding, or student life) Preferred screen size (14-inch vs. 16-inch)

An automatic 90-day return policy and a second-year manufacturer warranty.

Finding the deepest discounts on "base" models (the standard versions Apple ships to retailers).

Immediate in-store pickup and an excellent "Open-Box" program for deep savings.