Shopping for used Apple® products can be an exciting process. You could end up with something as good as new but at a much lower price, as long as you look for the right qualities. If you're new to the used Mac scene or have been burned in the past when purchasing pre-owned electronics, keep a little advice in mind when you go shopping. 

5 Qualities To Look For When Buying A Used Mac

Age 

Macs — new and used — have a good track record of dependability, but you still should take the age of the computer into consideration. It can be hard to tell some of Apple’s systems apart, so you may have to depend on the assistance of a salesperson to identify the year of the model in question. That information, combined with your needs and system specs, will help you make a smart decision. 

Battery Life

Battery health is a big deal if you're going for a laptop rather than a desktop computer. You can learn more about the used Mac’s battery by entering the "power” section of the “system Information” utility. The "health information" section will tell you everything you need to know about the cycle count and overall condition of the battery.  

Components

Beyond making sure the computer boots up and the display is in good shape, there are components you should inspect before buying a used Mac. Check the keyboard and mouse or trackpad for functionality. Test the ports and optical disc drive, if it has one. This inspection also offers an opportunity to inspect the computer for physical damage. 

Drive

You don't want to take a used Mac home only to deal with hard drive failure shortly after your purchase. Speak with the salesperson about the health of the file system structure and partition map, because problems can be hidden. A good technician can fix or replace a broken hard drive, but you should be able to buy your computer with confidence in every regard. 

System & Hardware

Run tests on the system settings and hardware to check for underlying issues in RAM, sensors, fans, and other components. Apple makes this fairly painless, so you will get to the root of problems swiftly. 

Finding a high-quality used Mac doesn't have to be a hassle. With a little research and the help of a seasoned pro, you'll end up with a satisfying purchase. 

For the best in Apple product sales and repairs, visit the experts at Experimac North Tampa. Residents of Tampa, FL, depend on them for quality devices and excellent customer service, so head to their website to see their selection of used Macs. Call (813) 280-2620 to speak with a member of their team.