We still highly recommend these 3 older laptop models - especially while they're on sale
M1 MacBook Pro hits $707, Dell 16 Plus at $824, and Galaxy Book5 360 for $1,431 in limited-time offers.
ZDNET's expert testing team has identified three older-generation laptop models that continue to deliver exceptional value, especially while they remain on sale following Amazon's Big Spring Sale. The standout deal is Apple's M1 MacBook Pro, available for just $707—a massive 53% discount off its original $1,512 price. According to ZDNET's Cesar Cadenas, the M1 chip's performance leap remains relevant, offering fast, responsive multitasking with 16GB of RAM and excellent battery efficiency that lasts a full workday. The limited availability of these models makes the current pricing particularly compelling for professionals and students.
Alongside the MacBook, ZDNET highlights the Dell 16 Plus at $824 (saving $446) and the Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 at $1,431 (saving $269). These older models have aged well, maintaining solid performance and build quality while being priced significantly below their newer counterparts. The recommendation is based on extensive hands-on testing and comparison shopping, targeting buyers with fixed budgets who prioritize reliability and value over having the absolute latest specs. With inventory dwindling, these deals represent a short window to acquire high-performing hardware at near-historic low prices.
- Apple M1 MacBook Pro available for $707, a 53% discount ($805 off) with proven performance and all-day battery life.
- Dell 16 Plus priced at $824, offering $446 in savings for a reliable, large-screen productivity laptop.
- Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 listed at $1,431 (save $269), a convertible model that remains competitive despite newer Galaxy Book6 series release.
Why It Matters
Professionals can acquire reliable, high-performance workhorse laptops at near-historic low prices, maximizing hardware budgets.