Instead of buying this year’s newest MacBook, consider evaluating your exact needs to see if a refurbished device will meet them. Refurbished devices aren’t as scary as many think, and with the proper buying knowledge, you can turn your needs and wants into the perfect purchase experience. Below, we discuss how to choose the right refurbished MacBook for your needs and offer insight to safeguard your buying experience.
Understanding What a Refurb Device Is
When shopping for a new-to-you device, it’s critical to understand the terms used to describe its condition. Refurbished devices often receive a negative review for various reasons, from poor device care to a lack of proper recycling and everything in between.
Refurbishment means a pre-loved and -owned device was handed off to a technology servicing provider to recycle the existing parts and make them usable. Most often, the entities handing over a pre-loved device chose to upgrade their systems and no longer need the other. Turning it over to someone with the capacity to recondition and resell the device is a sustainable option that reduces tech waste and circulates usable devices back into the market.
Choose a Trustworthy Seller
With a basic understanding of refurbishment terminology, completing all refurb purchases with a trustworthy seller is critical. A reputable seller of these pre-loved devices has the wherewithal to properly inspect all inbound inventory and handle it delicately. Each inbound device may only have cosmetic nicks or need a new keyboard.
The issues with inbound devices range, but a reputable seller uses professional discernment to determine its recyclability and seller compatibility. You’ll know the seller is trustworthy when they offer a thorough return policy and a device warranty agreement that extends into the first year. Additionally, there are good and bad signs to look for before finalizing your purchase that increase seller reputability and improve your refurb buying experience.
Check for Signs of a Good Buy
As mentioned above, a few of your first signs the buy is good and you should move forward include a return policy and a warranty program. These two purchase protection measures back you and your buying habits and showcase seller integrity. Sellers knowingly and willingly selling poorly reconditioned devices will not typically include purchase protections. So when they do, you can rest assured knowing your devices will more than likely exceed your expectations, especially for a refurb.
Buying a refurb device online can limit other promising signs, like hands-on inspections and confirmation of original packaging. But when the seller is authenticated, they may be able to offer you this information before you complete the purchase.
Check for Signs of a Bad Buy
Signs of a good buy will ease your mind and make the buying process feel like buying a brand-new model. But the signs of a bad buy should stop you in your tracks. This includes a seller or purchase without return and warranty programs and potentially lacking photos. Using stock images is relatively standard, but if the seller cannot offer exact device photos, take this as a sign to run in the opposite direction.
Additionally, the device’s age should be within reason because the older it is, the more difficult it will be for the refurb to support the newest versions of Apple software. When the age is over 5 years, make sure to ask the seller about battery maintenance or replacements and software compatibility.
Define Your Usage Needs
Defining your usage is critical in choosing the right refurbished MacBook for your needs. Your use will determine many variables, including software, processor speed, display size, and how much you should or shouldn’t spend. Fortunately, it’s challenging to overspend on a refurb device because they are almost always priced affordably and fairly.
If you only need a secondary device for streaming, moderate web browsing, and leisure use, you could invest in a Mac with fewer specifications and use your budget to determine your buying power. When you need the device for work functions and lifestyle demands, you need reliability and a powerful processor. The newer Mac versions are complete with more advanced processing systems, so factor this into your criteria.
Other common usage needs include educational purposes, in-home security, and secondary screens for existing desktop systems. A refurbished MacBook can serve all these needs seamlessly.
What Specs Matter the Most to You?
Creating a list of specifications that matter most to you when using a laptop, specifically a MacBook, is essential. The Mac selection is full of numbers, ranges, and sizes, so understanding the differences and what makes a device great can be challenging or a little overwhelming. You can identify the most suitable model, display, and storage demands when narrowing down your spec needs.
Typically, Mac devices feature a range of storage sizes, and if you know you will require a large amount, it’s best to buy a device that offers terabytes in space. But if you plan to use the cloud or alternative storage devices, you can reduce the device’s storage capacity and save a few dollars.
What Kind of Display Do You Prefer?
Various display sizes are available regardless of new or refurb, creating a more personalized buying and user experience when choosing a MacBook. The Mac Pro features a 15.4-inch and 16-inch display size, allowing for a larger viewing pane. When working on multiple tasks or screens, this larger display easily houses more information.
A Mac Air offers a much smaller display screen and is excellent for compact, on-the-go lifestyles and virtual learning experiences for younger children. The most common option is a 13.3-inch display size and does feature a multitasking screen feature depending on user needs.
It’s essential to note display size is a personal preference, but choosing the right one for your MacBook and your needs is essential to your experience.
Wisetek’s Mac Selection
Wisetek Market makes buying refurb devices easy. We are a leading seller in the refurbishment market with a reputation for quality and trusted purchases. We back each outbound device or accessory with a supportive one-year warranty and return program. Browse our selection of Macs to grab one for your needs today!
