So, the cheapest configuration with 16 GB of RAM (and still with a measly 256GB of SSD) begins at €1479 (previously incorrectly stated as €1700) in the EU with VAT and that's with the older M2 chip. As for the external display thing, you basically have to "sacrifice" the laptop's screen and built in keyboard and trackpad in order to use a 2nd display. Jesus wept.
CORRECTION: The price for 16/256 is at €1479.
You can get open box macs from some retailers a few months after the sku releases for huge savings sometimes almost 20%. I got a mbp for like over $400 off iirc from best buy with three cycles on the battery. At that price it didn’t even make sense to go with apple refurbished.
I don't think many people use a laptop with an external display without closing the lid. Laptops are terrible for ergonomics and the only solutions are using a stand with a separate keyboard and mouse or closing the lid and using it like a desktop. In both cases the built-in keyboard and trackpad aren't being used.
