Why Getting a Refurbished Mac is a Bang For Your Buck
Buying a refurbished Mac can be just as good as getting a new one.
Even though shopping for a brand-new unit of the latest Mac can seem enticing, it’s not always the best choice, especially if you are on a tight budget. Most refurbished macs can run the macOS 10.14 (OS Mojave) and higher, making it the most practical purchase you can make today.
To convince you further, here are some more reasons why getting a refurbished Mac is definitely a bang for your buck.
- Refurbished doesn’t mean secondhand!
Did you know that even the iPads and iPhones on display in the Apple store are eventually refurbished and sold off? Before we dive in any deeper, let’s define what a refurbished gadget is.
All electronic device manufacturers have a standardization process for their products. Refurbished units are the units that may have been overlooked during their assessment. These products are shipped back to the factory to undergo necessary repairs. Whether it’s a broken USB port or a defective letter on the keyboard, these components are repaired by their certified technicians and are sold off at a discounted price.
Often, most people think that a refurbished unit is secondhand. But don’t get the two confused! There’s a risk when you are purchasing a secondhand gadget because you don’t know what the product has been through. It may have been dropped countless times or water may have spilled on them. Problems may not appear at first but they’ll slowly appear with continued use.
While refurbished units may have had earlier defects, before any end-user sale is made, repairs have already been done by their developers.
Apple has a similar standardization procedure and does the same thing when they discover issues with a unit. Once a unit is returned, experts apply the necessary methods for refurbishment and optimization After some time, users will not be able to distinguish the difference when comparing a new Mac to a refurbished one.
- All the same functions at a cheaper price
Often, the regular buyer overlooks the purpose of his purchase and the circumstances that define his financial decisions. Most are led to believe that buying the latest model is always the best choice.
But what exactly are you going to use the Mac for?
Do you need to edit photos and videos? Will it be for music production? For graphic design? If you require certain specifications to aid you in your tasks, then it's understandable. In the case that you don’t really need any fancy features, then getting a refurbished Mac is an excellent choice for general use.
Discounts for refurbished Macs and other Apple gadgets may range from as low as 15% to as high as 25%. Take note that different retailers may vary in the prices they give you, but the general rule of thumb should be: The older the machine, the greater the discount.
If you’re concerned about future damages and periodic maintenance checks, you don’t need to worry. Apple is generous enough to provide a warranty for refurbished products and your authorized service provider will be more than happy to address your concerns.
- Availability as your only limitation
Availability is one notable limitation for those who are interested in buying the latest models available. In this case: The newer the unit, the longer the wait.
Patience is a virtue.
If you desire a refurbished version of the latest model, it may take some months before dealers publicly release these units for sale. The stock of your preferred Mac may still be limited and the discounted price may still be expensive.
If you need a unit immediately or if getting an older model is not an issue for you, there are already many options to choose from. It may take a while, but you will eventually come across a good deal.
Find the best deals.
Setting aside all the fancy features and specs newer models have, it all comes down to maximizing your Mac’s use. The practicality of your purchase will determine if your decision was worth every single penny.