If you're in the market for an affordable laptop, you may have seen advertisements for a refurbished MacBook®. However, many buyers aren't clear on what refurbishment means or how it differs from any other pre-owned computer. Here's a closer look at the term to help you understand how it's better than simply buying used.

What MacBook Refurbishment Entails

Refurbishment can mean several things. For instance, the device may have been purchased and returned to the manufacturer without being used. It could be a store model, or it might have suffered scratches during shipment. It also may have failed a quality test and had to be rebuilt to the company's standards. 

In any case, the manufacturer addresses any issues and approves the machine as sellable. Apple® examines each product, completes any necessary repairs, and ensures it meets the company's standards of excellence before it is resold. One key difference between MacBook laptops and other models is that Apple has more exacting standards, including a certification process that involves the hard drive, encryption protocols, connections, displays, ports, and overall performance.

How It Benefits the Buyer

The primary benefit of buying a refurbished MacBook Pro® or Air® is that it's considerably less expensive than a brand-new machine. You can often save 25% to 40% on the price of a new model without sacrificing quality or performance. Apple products are designed to last many years, and refurbished models still have the large majority of that working life ahead of them.

Refurbishment also reduces landfill waste by preventing pre-owned products from being discarded. This benefits the environment by reducing manufacturing and transportation costs and by reusing metals and other scarce resources.

What You Should Consider When Buying

When buying refurbished, first consider your budget and your computing needs. This will help you narrow down your choices. For instance, if you just need a computer to send emails and browse the web, you won't need as much RAM or video support as you would if you're a graphic designer or avid gamer. 

Also, inspect the battery and its capacity. Apple is dedicated to testing batteries before certifying a laptop as refurbished and will replace any battery with a defect before doing so. Check the case and body for scratches, too. Most importantly, make sure the MacBook is Apple-certified before agreeing to the purchase, as this will ensure the machine has gone through the rigorous testing process.

If you need a refurbished MacBook, turn to the experts at Experimax Middleton. Located across from Richardson’s Ice Cream, at 149 South Main Street, Suite M, Middleton, MA, 01949, they serve customers throughout Essex County and the surrounding areas. They specialize in iPhone® and laptop repair and also have numerous pre-owned and Apple-refurbished computers for sale. They are known for their affordable prices, reliable work, and friendly, experienced staff. Learn more about them on their website or call (978) 304-0134 to ask about their refurbished MacBook inventory.