Buying a Refurbished Mac

You can save some money when you buy your next Mac by buying a refurbished model. Apple lists refurbished Macs on their website. These Macs are tested and come with the same warranty as new Macs. You can also buy other Apple products like iPads in this same section of the Apple store.

Comments: 8 Responses to “Buying a Refurbished Mac”

    Bob Douglass
    9 years ago

    Thanks for exposing this much-underrated service from Apple. For years, I have always suggested that my 'students' look at a refurbished model.
    I, personally, have probably purchased 10-or-so refurbished Macs over the years. The products are always perfect, and sometimes are even supplied with more memory, etc. than noted. Just be sure to note that 'refurbished' units from OTHER resellers may-or-may-not have been through the Apple refurbished program.

    Jimmy
    9 years ago

    Thanx for the tip. Soon due to update. Definitely another option

    JoeAllen
    9 years ago

    Thanks for the very helpful information.

    Serge
    9 years ago

    This is definitely the way to go.

    Since 2006, I've purchased 4 MBP's, 4 iMac's, 2 iPads, a Time Capsule and an AppleTV -- all refurbished.

    I've never found a finger print smudge on any of these and as far as I can tell, the only difference is that they came in a plain brown shipping box instead of the glossy apple white box. I do think that the serial numbers indicate if the unit was sold refurbished but I never had any issues getting AppleCare or service from Apple.

    Simon
    9 years ago

    Another alternative to keeping tabs on official refurbs from Apple is:

    https://www.refurb.me/us/

    You can setup an account and monitor whichever Apple products interest you.

    Tim
    9 years ago

    There is a theory that the refurbished item is actually better than a new one. For example the much-discussed pixel failure threshold (how many pixels in a display have to fail before getting a replacement).
    What is certain is that the refurbished item will have had more scrutiny than a new one.

    Lee Taylor
    9 years ago

    Great video, as usual. I own a 2011 iMac & really enjoy it. Am considering getting my wife a 2012 or 2013 Macbook Pro, but Apple's prices are a little steep for me. Viewed Amazon.com, who I use extensibly, or do you know anything about "macs4u.com"? User comments seem to be outstanding & are priced very well. Would appreciate your feedback.

      9 years ago

      Never heard of them before. The prices didn't look that good for a 3-year-old Mac. If you figure a Mac lasts about 6 years before it becomes outdated, then you are buying something that will need to be replaced in half the time. Plus, it is used and you don't know what it has been through. That's even more of a concern with a MacBook when batteries are involved.
      A brand new MacBook Air is $899. Cheaper for a refurb from Apple and there are others there for under $1000 too. That is the better value in the long run. Look to save money by getting something that will last, instead of something that is cheap right now.

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