Buying a Refurbished Mac Laptop or Desktop
The Pros and Cons of a Certified Factory Refurbished Apple Computer
Jul 8, 2009
An Apple Certified Refurbished Mac is a pre-owned Apple computer that has undergone Apple's strict factory refurbishment process before being made available for resale.
Although some pre-owned Mac computers are returned due to faulty technical components, Apple clearly states on their website that all of their refurbished computers have undergone a “stringent quality refurbishment process” to ensure that each refurbished computer is up to Apple's "tough quality standards”.
The Apple Computer Refurbishment Process
This rigorous refurbishment process includes comprehensive testing of the computer and if necessary, replacement of defective parts. The computer is also put through a thorough cleaning and returned to factory specs before being repackaged and assigned a new refurbished part number and serial number. Finally, each refurbished Mac goes through one more quality assurance inspection prior to joining the refurbished stock for sale in the Apple Store.
Advantages to Buying an Apple Certified Refurbished Mac
There are some great reasons to buy a refurbished computer from Apple in lieu of a brand new unit or a used computer from another reseller.
- The most obvious reason is that a refurbished Mac typically sells for between 10 to 30% less than the equivalent brand new unit. Depending on the model, this can mean hundreds of dollars in savings.
- Each refurbished computer includes the same one-year limited warranty that comes with all new Mac computers. Therefore if the refurbished computer is not satisfactory, it can be returned without hassle.
- All Apple Certified Refurbished Macs are eligible for the AppleCare Protection Plan (which extends warranty coverage to up to three years).
- All Macs refurbished by Apple have gone through the complete Apple Quality Assurance process twice – once as a new computer and again as a refurbished unit. Consequently, the chances of any technical issues occurring with the refurbished computer are significantly less than those in a brand-new computer.
- Apple pre-installs the operating software originally shipped with the computer and includes brand new cables, manuals, install DVDs and accessories with every refurbished unit.
Disadvantages of Apple Certified Refurbished Macs
Although there are not many drawbacks to purchasing an Apple Certified Refurbished Mac, they are worth mentioning.
- Depending on the individual unit, there may be some cosmetic flaws or blemishes.
- Refurbished computers are not subject to any customization. Memory, hard drive space or other upgrades must be purchased separately.
- By their very nature, refurbished Macs are at least a month older than the brand new Apple stock.
- Apple Certified Refurbished Macs may be slightly more expensive than buying a used Mac computer from a private seller or another computer reseller.
Many other computer resellers refurbish Mac computers and resell them. While the refurbishment process and results may be similar to Apple’s, most of these resellers offer only a 30-day or, at most, a 90-day limited warranty.
Anyone in the market for a new Mac laptop or desktop system could benefit from considering an Apple Certified Refurbished Mac. These refurbished units are a great value and the one-year warranty goes along way to assure peace of mind.
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