Should you buy a used MacBook? Which model to buy? The most accurate buying experience - Mytour

Deciding whether to buy a used machine depends on various determining factors. There are benefits as well as drawbacks to consider in making the best decision:

Benefits of Purchasing a Used MacBook

- The most noticeable advantage of opting for a used MacBook is cost-effectiveness. Buying used will save you a certain amount of money compared to purchasing new.

- When buying second-hand, you can get a better deal for the price. At the same price point, you can own a higher-spec MacBook compared to a new one at that price.

Investing in a used MacBook can yield substantial savings.

Risks of Buying a Used MacBook

- Purchasing a used MacBook carries the risk of encountering refurbished or low-quality items. Particularly with older models, components may have been replaced with uncertified parts, compromising longevity and user safety.

- Buying a used MacBook often comes with a shorter manufacturer warranty period or uncertain warranty coverage. Confidence and peace of mind in purchasing used items can be ambiguous.

- If you're aiming for long-term usage, opting for a new MacBook is advisable. Used MacBooks typically have shorter lifespans due to prior usage.

- Used MacBooks may harbor hidden internal issues that manifest over time, unbeknownst to the user.

Therefore, when considering purchasing a used MacBook, it's essential to weigh the savings against the potential risks. For instance, a used MacBook with a slightly discolored screen may seem like a bargain compared to a new MacBook with a similar configuration, but the discolored screen could worsen over time. The cost to replace a MacBook screen ranges from 455 USD - 755 USD (approximately 10-16 million VND) according to gophermods. Hence, the 5-million VND savings from purchasing a used MacBook could potentially entail spending 10-16 million VND on a new screen if it malfunctions.

Balancing savings and trade-offs is crucial when buying a used MacBook.

To avoid unfortunate incidents when purchasing a used MacBook, refer to section 2 below for some tips on buying a pre-owned MacBook.

2. Best Practices for Choosing a Pre-Owned MacBook

- Choose a reputable supplier

When considering the purchase of a used MacBook, the reputation of the supplier is crucial. Used laptops in general, and particularly used MacBooks, carry inherent risks of defects. A reputable seller will reinforce your confidence and peace of mind in using the product. If purchasing a used MacBook from an individual, inquire about the device's origins and authenticity to ensure its legitimacy.

If you're in the market for a used MacBook, you can explore the range of trade-in MacBooks at Mytour.

- Pay attention to the MacBook generation

When purchasing used MacBooks, it's essential to thoroughly check whether the model is a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. Additionally, there's often confusion about which generation of used MacBook to buy. As of the current date (1/7/2021), it's advisable to opt for MacBook models from 2017 onwards to ensure stability in usage, long-term durability, and smooth support for future macOS updates.

- Thoroughly inspect the exterior of the MacBook

It's important to carefully assess the exterior of a used MacBook before making a purchasing decision. The outward appearance reveals a lot about the MacBook's quality. Are there any dents on the casing? Are the hinges damaged? Is there any scratching? Preliminary evaluation of the MacBook's exterior condition will provide confidence in the machine's status.

You need to understand the reasons behind these dents.

- Check the charger unit

In addition to hardware, it's essential to check the accompanying charger for your MacBook to ensure it's an authentic charger. This is crucial because using a low-quality charger can adversely affect the machine and indicate potential issues with its origin. If there's no charger included, inquire about the reason from the seller.

- Check network connections

You should examine the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections of the device to ensure stable network connectivity. A MacBook won't be able to perform smoothly without a reliable network connection.

- Inspect the screen

The screen is a delicate component of the MacBook; you should check if there are any cracks, heavy scratches, or dead pixels. Also, assess the color display capability of the MacBook to ensure clarity and uniform brightness before making a purchase decision.

- Check the keyboard and trackpad

Before purchasing, you should test the sensitivity of the keyboard and trackpad on the MacBook. Try pressing the keys to see if they bounce back and check if the device responds.

- Examine the drive, ports, and camera of the machine

Test the ports of the MacBook to ensure smooth functionality and signal reception upon insertion. Avoid purchasing if the MacBook ports are faulty, as this could impact usage.

Thoroughly inspect the ports to ensure seamless operation.

- Check the battery status of the MacBook

When buying a used MacBook, assessing the battery is crucial. Therefore, thoroughly examine the battery's remaining usage and cycle count to make an informed decision.

- Hardware Check

You should test the performance of the machine, look for performance evaluation software for MacBook, and software to test the read and write speeds of the hard drive to ensure smooth operation.

- Ensure the firmware password is disabled

Make sure the firmware password on your Mac is disabled. If it's still enabled, it can cause a lot of trouble when reinstalling the operating system on Mac.

You wouldn't want this screen to appear on your MacBook

3. Top 10 Quality MacBook (Refurbished) Available at Mytour

4. Guide to Choosing an Authorized MacBook Retailer

To ensure you purchase a genuine MacBook, you can consider Mytour's supermarket system, a reputable place that always provides genuine, quality products with various attractive policies.

Currently, you can pre-order MacBook at Mytour both online and offline. For both purchasing methods, you will receive attractive offers and the same product quality assurance.

To ensure you purchase genuine Lenovo laptops, you can consider Mytour's supermarket system.

5. Warranty Policy for Purchasing MacBook (Refurbished) at Mytour

For refurbished machines, Mytour provides warranty based on the machine's condition. Therefore, to view the exact warranty period, please click on the product link in the article HERE.

Warranty policy for used products at Mytour

The article has analyzed the risks of buying a used MacBook as well as how to check a used MacBook before purchasing. Hope the read is helpful!