Should I Buy a Refurbished MacBook: Refurbished vs. Brand New

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In today’s tight economy, opting for cheaper alternatives to things we use in our day-to-day is normal. However, cheapness doesn’t always translate to low quality. For example, you can still benefit from a non-branded backpack if it’s durable enough to handle your belongings. A $12 water bottle would also be as effective as a $30 alternative if you needed a quick drink.

The same logic applies to personal devices such as smartphones, television, and laptops. Low-end and refurbished devices have the same functions as high-end and brand-new ones. They also perform well, especially if the brand is known for its products’ excellent performance, like Apple’s MacBook. 

While they don’t offer the same satisfaction as buying a new product, refurbished MacBooks give customers a bang for the buck. If you’re still unsure about buying a refurbished MacBook, here are some pointers you should note.

Apple produces high-quality products that are lasting and expensive in comparison to a basic PC. The most recent models with the best specs do cost more. Buying reconditioned rather than new Apple items is one way to get them for less money. You can get the same or nearly same features that a brand-new MacBook would offer.

Depending on where you purchase refurbished Apple products, joining a store’s mailing list can help you score an even better deal by keeping you informed of special sales promotions. It is advised to buy the model you like if you discover it, as refurbished goods are in limited supply.

Refurbished laptops often get some bad rep, and for an understandable reason. In the tech world, there’s no one way to define a refurbished device, as it’s up to the vendor. This leads to extensive research for buyers and looking at brands you can trust. Luckily, Apple is no stranger to the refurbishing industry and has strict guidelines for vendors who want to resell their products. Some even go above and beyond with how they test and market refurbished MacBook Pros to the public.

Common Misconceptions About Refurbished MacBooks

  • Independent reviews
    The major misconception about refurbished MacBooks is that they’re defective and can no longer be useful. In reality, they work just as well as a brand-new MacBook. If unsure, check a provider’s verified purchase reviews regarding client satisfaction to support your decision-making process. 

When customers are happy with their purchases, they write reviews to share their experiences and help others make buying decisions. As such, reviews will be helpful in your search for a refurbished MacBook.

  • Warranty and troubleshooting
    Another misconception is that refurbished MacBooks are not repairable should performance issues arise since they didn’t come from the official Apple store. Many refurbished MacBook sellers offer warranties. Make sure to ask about it before making a purchase. Ask if they also provide an online diagnosis, so you don’t have to leave your home to troubleshoot your device.
  • Faulty hardware
    Since they aren’t new, you may think that refurbished MacBooks possess faulty hardware. Apple-certified technicians resolve this by following Apple’s technical guidelines when refurbishing products.

    If you want to be sure, check for new, original replacement parts for defective ones. Take note of major components, such as the battery and display, then test their performance before buying a refurbished MacBook.
  • Security and old user data
    Like faulty hardware, you may think that refurbished MacBooks are less secure and still contain old user data.

MacBook refurbishers install new security programs and erase hard drives before selling MacBooks. This step ensures that refurbished MacBooks perform as if they’re brand new. When you purchase a refurbished MacBook, you will experience the same setup process as using a new unit.

Why You Should Buy a Refurbished MacBook

Some people may not want to purchase a refurbished MacBook for a lot of personal reasons, misconceptions, rumors, and whatnot. Nonetheless, it is worth considering a refurbished MacBook since it performs just as well as a brand-new unit. It’s also worth investing in a refurbished MacBook if you’re on a budget. Not to mention, Apple has good payment plans as well. 

Reviewing the specifications of your refurbished device before purchasing is a smart thought. Ideally, software and hardware updates for your MacBook Pro should be obtainable for the following five years of continuous use. 

  • Efficiency

Many users prefer using Apple computers because of their convenience and efficiency. With the macOS being customized and continuously updated, the operating system is said to be faster than other computers in the market. Whether you are browsing or gaming, refurbished laptops are up your alley.

Additionally, Apple continuously innovates their hardware to make it work more seamlessly, even without installing added extensions and applications. Due to its continuous updates, the reliability of MacBooks is expected to improve in the long term. 

Contrary to popular belief, refurbishing does not hinder efficiency. Buying from a legitimate provider guarantees that certified technicians thoroughly check your computer before it gets to you.

  • Data Security

Regardless of the model of your MacBook, data security and software are built into the hardware. Thus, you do not need to reinstall the software, do extensive research to determine the proper drivers, and study how to get things correctly working as you would with a standard PC. 

Similarly, the hardware and software of Macs are armored with advanced technologies to help them run more securely. This better protects your data, keeping you safe when on the web. Take note that when buying a refurbished MacBook, look for sellers that clean internals by erasing the data in all hard drives.

  • User-Friendly

Tech-savvy people go crazy over Windows or Microsoft PCs because they can tinker with their computer settings and tweak their back-end server infrastructure to their liking. On the other hand, Apple utilizes a front-end user interface with a simple design that does not require users to know all the intricacies and codes of their device. 

With MacBooks being efficient and user-friendly, their superior quality can make it expensive. If budget is your issue, you can buy a refurbished MacBook instead. You can guarantee the quality of your refurbished computer by choosing a provider that offers high standards and a warranty period, such as Macs4u.

  • Less Vulnerable to Viruses

Macs are less vulnerable to viruses than Windows computers, which can be attributed to the system of Apple products being built on “Darwin,” an innovative software based on complex codes.

Apart from their elaborate software, MacBooks are also less prone to viruses because of their lower market share when compared to Windows. More Windows users also mean more hackers utilize such devices, so the viruses that come out commonly infect those running on Microsoft OS.

Additionally, since hackers usually gain the most by targeting the government or businesses (which typically use Windows OS), most virus algorithms are designed to attack Windows PCs. Thus, the unfamiliarity of Apple products makes it more difficult for hackers to penetrate.

Own Top-Notch Gadgets for Less

If you used to think that refurbished laptops only come at subpar quality, it’s time for you to let go of this premise. Much like their brand-new counterparts, refurbished computers come with a high standard. There’s only one way for you to experience the quality Macs4u can offer: to try out their refurbished MacBook Pros yourself.