subject: What's The Difference Between A Used And Refurbished Mac? [print this page] You have lots of purchase options when it comes to buying a replacement Macintosh. Today we'll be focusing on MacBook and MacBook Pro systems - looking at the differences between used systems and refurbished. Is there a difference? Let's find out.
Why would you want to buy a used, refurbished or restored Mac in the first place? To save money, of course! Used, refurbished and restored MacBooks and MacBook Pro systems represent a great value to end users and businesses alike.
Used MacBook and MacBook Pro systems are typically pre-owned systems that come to you with a wipe-down and a smile. What we mean is that you don't get much when buying a used system, other than perhaps a photo of the unit you are buying and the word of a seller who tells you that everything works with the used product. That's about it - and for some people, this is fine and some great deals are to be had on used systems at places like Craiglist and eBay. However, you need to be careful when buying a used system - after all, you're not buying a toaster, you're buying a complex piece of equipment that performs hundreds of different tasks as you use it. Be sure you test the system for things like a WiFi connection, optical drive, hard drive, memory, screen brightness, keyboard lights, hinges, etc.. You get the picture - there's a lot of things that could be hidden that you don't want to miss when purchasing a used computer. We suggest taking the system to a repair center and having a certified technician inspect it for problems. This simple step could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars down the road.
Let's move on to refurbished or restored MacBook and MacBook Pro systems. Typically, these systems have undergone an entirely different experience prior to being sold. This can include:
Thorough diagnosis by Apple Certified Technicians to locate and replace any components that may have failed
Test and replace known problem components such as screen hinges that may be failing
Run extensive diagnosis software to insure that the hard drive, memory and optical drive are still operating within factory specifications. Any component that fails is replaced.
Clean and replace any damaged case parts
In addition, the after sale experience is typically different for refurbished MacBook and MacBook Pro systems. Included with most refurbished or restored systems is:
A warranty. Typically 30-days to 1-year
A return policy - in case you are not happy with the system
Professional packaging and often free shipping
So, clearly there are some big benefits to purchasing a refurbished or restored MacBook / MacBook Pro system vs. buying a used system. Yes, refurbished or restored systems can cost a bit more than a comparable used system. We recommend that you take a look at the pros and cons of each and make your decision based on the overall value of each condition.
