Apple MacBook - Used, Refurbished or Apple Certified Refurbished?

There are several ways you can go about purchasing a pre-owned MacBook. You can get a used unit. You can also buy a refurbished unit. Or you can consider an Apple Certified Refurbished MacBook. These three options are all great alternatives to purchasing a new MacBook. This article will briefly explain the merits for each route of purchase.

Used MacBooks are MacBooks that have been owned before, usually for some duration of time. In most instances the notebooks have been used and the owners are simply selling the units for monetary funds. You’ll find private parties, such as those found on Cragislist, listing their MacBooks for sale. Or you’ll find stores that do the same. Often these units are of older generations and product lines. Usually no warranty is included.

Refurbished MacBooks are units that have been owned before, but have been cleaned and fixed up to be sold. This is done by professional technicians. Refurbished MacBooks come from a variety of sources. They may come from a private party that has sold his notebook to a store that specializes in refurbished products. Refurbished MacBooks may also be sourced from academic or corporate environments. Such institutions often sell back outdated systems to stores to make room for newer models. Refurbished MacBooks most frequently included a 30-day or sometimes a 90-day limited warranty.

Apple Certified Refurbished MacBooks are MacBooks that have undergone Apple’s refurbishment process. Apple factory technicians test, restore and clean units that come in, usually from cancelled or returned orders. All units are of the current product lines and generation. Original factory cables, manuals, CDs, and accessories are included. Apple Certified Refurbished MacBooks carry a 1 year limited warranty. This is the same warranty that new MacBooks carry.

Pre-owned MacBooks can be great deals for those that are interested in getting a Mac. Whether you go with a used, refurbished or Apple Certified Refurbished MacBook, you’ll definitely be saving some cash as opposed to if you buy new. The differences between these three types of pre-owned MacBooks caters to different market segments, and thus it is important to know what you’re comfortable with and how much you’re willing to spend before making such an investment.

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