Is a refurbished MacBook worth it? It’s a question that many have asked, and for many Apple fans out there, there’s no substitute for a MacBook. Will you be better off with a new MacBook, or is it fine to go with a refurbished MacBook?
They say that two things are certain: death and taxes; but if there were a third certainty in this universe, it very well might be that Apple’s prices for brand-new MacBooks will always be expensive. A new M4 MacBook Pro 16-inch sells for a humble €3,000 in Ireland, so it’s no wonder that many are now turning to refurbished MacBooks as a cheaper alternative.
Of course, price is one of the big selling points of refurbished MacBooks, but are they worth it and what should you know before buying one?
Why Choose a Refurbished MacBook?
For most consumers, the single biggest reason to choose a refurbished MacBook over a new model simply comes down to cost. Unlike its competitors, Apple almost never offers discounts on its products (aside from student discounts) and the starting prices for newer models can be quite prohibitive for those on a tight budget. Refurbished MacBooks might cost around 30% less than a new model, which for a MacBook might work out to a few hundred euro to around a thousand euros saved - not bad at all.
Refurbished MacBooks from certified refurbishers should also come with warranty protection and be professionally refurbished and tested to ensure quality.
In addition to these benefits, buying refurbished is always better for the environment. E-waste is a major global issue, so buying refurbished means making sustainable purchases that prolong the lifespan of electronic devices.
What to Check Before You Buy
Buying refurbished means buying second-hand, so of course it’s natural to give it a good inspection before buying. If you’re wondering what to check buying used MacBook, start with with refurbisher themselves and whether they offer warranty protection and/or a returns policy should anything go wrong. Certified refurbishers are willing to put their money where their mouths are and offer warranty protection and a return policy.
As for the device itself, it’s always a good idea to read the product description for any remarks on condition. Quite often, refurbished MacBooks may have a scuff or scratch along the surface, but these should always be cosmetic only and not affect the device’s operation. You should also check the MacBook’s battery health and make sure that it’s reasonable.
Is It Right for Students?
Is a refurbished MacBook right for students? Well, a MacBook is a superb device for students, no doubt. What is a problem, however, is that they’re just so expensive new. As mentioned in the introduction, a new M4 MacBook Pro (16-inch) lists for €3,000! With the student discount, that same MacBook is €2,769. It’s a decent amount saved, but it’s still quite steep and out of reach for many students.
Instead, consider buying refurbished for a big student discount MacBook. Forget about spending a small fortune and instead get your hands on current and previous generation MacBook models (including Air and Pro) at great prices. Depending on what you plan to use the MacBook for, you might need something more powerful like the Pro, but for casual everyday educational needs, the lightweight MacBook Air ought to do you just fine.
Is a Refurbished MacBook Worth It?
Is a refurbished MacBook worth it? Buying a refurbished MacBook is certainly worth it just for the cost savings alone, but it’s always worth checking its condition and quality before deciding.
Things like device condition should be clearly stated, but more importantly, the refurbisher should be certified and trustworthy. To back that up, the certified refurbisher should always provide reasonable warranty protection and a generous return policy in case anything goes wrong with the device.
Buy Refurbished MacBooks at Wisetek Store
Make Wisetek Store your first choice for refurbished MacBooks, iPads, iPhones, and other electronic devices at great prices. We are leading certified refurbishers in Ireland with a commitment to refurbishing electronics and reducing e-waste, all whilst providing our valued customers with a great selection of MacBooks and other products and accessories.
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