As Apple keeps adding and upgrading its Mac roster, early buyers are swapping in their aged but still functional Intel-powered Macs and some of the more recent Apple M1-powered Macs that are still in use. The switch can be advantageous for Mac users looking for a good deal and who aren’t concerned with having the most up-to-date and powerful MacBooks available.
If you’re looking to save money on a new Mac, you have a variety of used or refurbished Apple computers, such as our favorite – the M1 MacBook Air. And regardless of whether you’re upgrading from a slower Mac or PC, or your MacBook has finally given up on life after the fifth latte was spilled across the keyboard, purchasing a new Mac doesn’t have to be expensive.
Before discussing your deals and offers, it’s important to understand the difference between a used and refurbished Mac.
New vs. used vs. refurbished Macs
When you are in the market for a Mac, you might be wondering if you should buy a used one or go for a refurbished model. Both have their pros and cons, so it can be tough to decide which option is best for you. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between them:
Used Macs: These have been owned by someone else and are not guaranteed to be in good working condition. However, a used MacBook Pro or Mini can still have an AppleCare package attached, but it’s up to the owner at the time of sale whether they want to list that as included or not. Used Macs typically come with scratches or blemishes.
Refurbished Macs: A refurbished Mac is returned to the company by a consumer and then goes through the process of getting inspected, fixed if necessary, and then put back up for sale. Most companies offer a warranty on their refurbished Apple products. If the computer has any issues, it is fixed to like-new condition before being made available again.
The lifespan of a MacBook
A MacBook is a durable laptop that can last up to ten years with proper care. However, different factors determine how long it will last.
If you are looking for something that can last more than five years, then a 5-year-old or newer model is the way to go – they come with better features and faster processors. Plus, Apple offers a great warranty program for refurbished products.
Do MacBook Pros last longer than MacBook Airs?
There is no definitive answer as to whether MacBook Pros last longer than Airs, but there are a few factors to consider. The chances of a hardware break are about the same between used MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros, but it makes more sense to buy MBPs than MBAs since they have better CPUs. Additionally, don’t buy used products that you plan on using for five years – the older the model, the less it’s worth due to depreciation.
However, refurbished products can be a great option if you’re willing to risk it. Remember that not all refurbished models are created equal – sometimes they come with no information because they’re older and not worth the money you’ll spend on them. Finally, Apple products are expensive, but not always; Amazon has some fantastic deals on refurbished computers that might be worth checking out if you’re willing to take a chance. OWC offers the best MacBook Pro for under $800, but it’s up to you whether or not you want to spend more money to get better specs and higher capacity SSDs.
Can Macs slow down eventually?
All devices slow down over time, and this is especially true for older models. Macs are no exception to this rule and will eventually start working more slowly than when they were new.
This may be due to software that’s ten years old or older not working as well on newer machines. Newer Apple MacBooks should be fine, but if you’re using software that’s ten years old or older, it may work slower in the future.
Can I make my existing Mac faster?
Yes, you can speed up your old MacBook Pro. However, there are a few things you should consider before doing so.
First and foremost, check if Apple’s limited one-year warranty covers your device. If it does not, or the warranty has expired, you won’t be able to get the machine serviced through an authorized Apple service provider for free.
If the warranty does not cover your device, you can still try to speed it up by upgrading its RAM or hard drive. You can also replace the battery yourself, but this requires some technical expertise and tools. Finally, you can try to clean the inside of your computer with a vacuum cleaner and soft brush.
Get all necessary information
Apple’s Mac lineup has undergone significant changes over the last few years. While some Macs continue to use Intel processors, many newer models feature Apple’s M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Max processors.
It’s critical to note the processor type in the Mac you’re considering purchasing. Intel Macs can be years old or brand new. We suggest searching for the model number or requesting a screenshot of the “About This Mac” screen, which will display the model number and year of release for the Mac.
For instance, someone trying to sell a used Intel iMac may have the most recent model or one that is more than ten years old. The best way to figure out when Apple made it and how long it will last for you is to ask for the model number (and then use Google to find its release date).
Along with the processor, the amount of capacity and memory (RAM) available on the Mac is worth noting. When purchasing a MacBook or an iMac, you’ll also want to consider the display size. You should also know that old and already-used devices may not have the same amount of battery they did when they came out of the box.
So, where is the best chance to buy a used Mac?
Apple’s refurbished store
Apple refurbished products offer a great value. The Apple Certified Refurbished store has a wide selection of products, and new items are added. For example, at the time of writing, the M1 MacBook Pro was $200 off, and M1 MacBook Air was $150 off. In addition, each product comes with a full warranty from Apple.
You can set up alerts to notify you when specific items are available in the refurbished store. There are many options for doing this, but two popular ones are RefurbTrackers and RefurbMe. Both services offer email alerts, and RSS feeds for updated inventory on their websites. This way, you can be sure not to miss out on any great deals!
Amazon Renewed
When you buy a product from Amazon Renewed, you’re getting more than just a piece of hardware. You’re getting the peace of mind that comes with knowing the product has been tested and is guaranteed to work. All Renewed products are pre-tested and come with a satisfaction guarantee.
Macs that have been Renewed undergo a rigorous process of being tested before they’re put back on the market, so there’s less chance for defects. This means that all Amazon Renewed products go through an extensive testing process to meet Amazon’s high standards.
Renewed products are backed by Amazon’s satisfaction guarantee, which lasts 90 days if you don’t like your product or need to exchange it for another one. Plus, if you’re looking for something specific, Amazon probably has it available-the company offers the broadest range of products available. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for among Amazon’s own inventory, the site provides certified refurbished models from other sellers. These models come with all the benefits of buying new (including warranty and support) but at a fraction of the cost.
Decluttr
Decluttr is a third-party marketplace for refurbished Macs (among other tech products). The site includes helpful features like the year of the computer, which helps people determine when their item was purchased, and the warranty offered.
You can buy or sell anything from old cell phones to brand new laptops on Decluttr, with a limited warranty included in each purchase.
The Refurbished Pristine rating means that the device is nearly as good as new. Devices classified as “Refurbished Very Good” have light signs of use, while devices in the “Refurbished Good” category have moderate signs of wear and tear.
Swappa
Swappa began as a marketplace for owners to sell and purchase used phones. It has grown in recent years to encompass virtually any gadget imaginable, including computers. Several Mac products are currently available for purchase from Swappa users.
When purchasing from Swappa, keep in mind that you are purchasing a used — not refurbished item. Swappa policies require that each listing include multiple images with the product listing number. Swappa staff is always on hand to assist you if you encounter an evasive or rude seller.
Things to know and do when buying a used Mac
Refurbished is usually better than used
When looking for a used device, it’s essential to know what you’re getting. The manufacturer has tested and certified a refurbished device, which means that any defective parts have been replaced. You can usually find refurbished machines at a lower price than their used counterparts, and they come with a warranty still in effect.
However, not all sellers offer refurbished products – you’ll likely have to go through the manufacturer or an authorized reseller to find them. It’s also worth noting that “refurbished” doesn’t always mean “like new.” Some devices may have cosmetic defects or show signs of wear and tear. Make sure to do your research before buying!
Operating system support
Every Mac eventually becomes obsolete, so it’s essential to know when Apple no longer supports a computer. For example, the company has announced that it will not support macOS Mojave as of November 2021. This means that if your old laptop isn’t compatible with the latest version of the OS, you’ll have to upgrade once again!
Be sure to check back for more information about compatibility every few years. You can also find out how long Apple will support your old machine on their support page.
The lifespan of a Mac can last up to 7 years post-release, depending on how long Apple supported it before the end of its support period. If you’re interested in buying a used MacBook or iMac, check compatibility lists first!
Get all the details on the used Mac
When buying a used Mac, it’s important to get all the details from the seller.
The following are all critical pieces of information to find out:
- Check for physical damages like visible scratches, etc.
- Ask for the About this Mac screenshots to determine how old it is
- Boot the Mac to ensure it’s working properly
- Disable firmware password if it’s set
- Check the display condition and ensure there are no dead pixels
- Run a keyboard test and ensure all keys are working smoothly and properly
- If the Mac has an optical drive – test it and ensure it’s working correctly
- Check all the ports to ensure they’re functioning correctly (USB, HDMI, Card Reader, etc.)
- Run webcam diagnostics using the FaceTime or Photo Booth apps
- Check SSDs and HDDs using the disk utility app to ensure they’re working properly
- Check battery health and how many charging cycles it has had so far
- Perform a standard Apple Hardware Test (disconnect all peripherals and third-party devices from the Mac, reboot it, and hold the D key once you hear the startup chime)
Perform a factory reset
If you’re looking to buy a used Mac, perform a factory reset before using it. This will remove any malware that the previous owner might have installed.
Run Apple Diagnostics
You can use Apple Diagnostics to evaluate a used MacBook before purchase. It’s an integrated Apple tool that can assist you in identifying problems with your RAM, sensors, battery, GPU, and CPU, among other hardware components. How to use Apple Diagnostics to inspect a used MacBook before making a purchase thoroughly:
- Turn off your Mac and unplug all peripherals.
- Keep the power button pressed and held down until the startup window appears.
- Hold Command (⌘) + D buttons.
- Allow for the completion of the test and then review the results.
Check if the MacBook is authentic
To determine whether your MacBook is genuine, navigate to the Check Coverage page, an Apple service that allows you to authenticate your warranty status. Once there, type your Mac’s serial number into the search field, answer the CAPTCHA, and click Continue. The results will show things like the date of purchase, telephone tech support, and service coverage.
To determine whether a MacBook is genuine, you’ll need to know its serial number, and it is accessible via the Apple menus About this Mac section. Alternatively, you can look up the serial number on the bottom of your Mac.
Make sure the Mac isn’t stolen
To determine whether a used or refurbished Mac is stolen, request the seller’s original box and receipt. If the reseller cannot show you the receipt, check the Find My Mac settings on the used Mac. If the settings are disabled, this does not always indicate that the Mac has been stolen, but it is cause for concern.
Ask the seller to give you an approximate date when Apple’s Limited Warranty will run out. Check to see if the information on the Check Coverage page is the same.
Can I trade in my old Mac?
When you’re ready to buy a used Mac, you might be wondering if it’s possible to trade in your old device. Apple has two ways of handling trade-ins: through its website or in-store. If you decide to go through the website, you’ll need to answer a few questions about the condition and which accessories are included with your Mac.
If trading in directly at an Apple Store, make sure you have all the necessary information–like the serial number and proof of purchase-ready to go as smoothly as possible. Remember that not every Apple Store offers this service, so it’s best to call ahead before making a special trip.
Another option for selling your device is Decluttr. You can either sell your device whether or not it works, and Decluttr will provide an estimated value based on market conditions. You can then choose to accept or decline the offer. One thing to keep in mind is that Decluttr offers discounts when you agree to their privacy policy and also when you sign up for their email list! If you’re looking for some extra savings, this is definitely the way to go.
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