Buying pre-owned Macbook at Bestbuy

[Adenitz]

Hello Macbook users and fans.
In a very near future, I'll travel to USA. I was there about 6 years ago and I bought myself a pre-owned DELL laptop at very good price. After new Apple M1 is there I was hoping that prices of older models dropped significantly. I'm very surprised to learn that MAcbook pro from 2013 still costs abouve 1000 USD.
It's here: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/apple-...id-state-drive-silver/6280422.p?skuId=6280422

I prefer 15 inch laptops because I got used to them. All my laptops so far were 15.4 inch. Now, I'm thinking of actually buying Macbook Air M1 13.3 inch laptop, because it has bigger resolution than my currently 15.4 inch laptop. I also used Macbook Air 2015 13.3 inch (mostly for entertainment purpose) but also during trips and holidays. It wasn't nuisance to work on.

What would you recommend for max budget 1000 USD. The laptop would be primarily used for MS Teams, Zoom MS Office package (WORD and Excel).

Thank you.

 

[Boyd01]

Personally, I would forget about buying a used computer at Best Buy. Now, I have nothing against Best Buy and have bought lots of new things there, just not used ones.

Instead, I would look at Apple certified refurbished Macs. They are "like new" with the same warranty as new (although I don't know how that would work if you aren't in the US). Anyway, they have quite a large selection of laptops in the $1000 and less price range. Here's a link, however if you aren't in the US, I'm not sure if it will work for you.

Refurbished Mac Deals - Apple

Save up to 15% on a refurbished Mac. Tested and certified by Apple including a 1-year warranty. Free delivery and returns.

www.apple.com

 

[Fishrrman]

Really, your best bet is to buy something new from an Apple Store.
It should carry Apple's warranty when you return to your home country.

 

[MBAir2010]

and who knows what used MacBook you are actually purchasing from some random American, that is hit or miss.
buy a new macbook air if there are any available at our stores, which is hit or miss as well

 

[Mousse]

I don't know if Apple would honor the warranty outside the US. Practically every manufacturer warranty their products for specific regions. I've brought grey market ie non-US warranty electrionics before. It's exactly the same as the US product, except the manufacturer won't honor the warranty in the US.

If Apple's warranty is region specific, then a used Mac is the same as a new Mac, except with some extra milage on the tires. Unless you're pretty tech savvy and can handle minor issues yourself, it's best to get new.

Apple's legalese is Greek to me. If I understand correctly, if there is no Apple store in your country, you're SOL.

Apple or its Apple Authorised Service Providers will provide warranty service on products that are tendered or presented for service during the Warranty Period, as permitted by law. If the product is portable, meaning that it can operate independently without a power cord, you may obtain warranty service worldwide. However, service will be limited to the options available in the country where service is requested. If the product is not portable, warranty service may be restricted to the country where the product is purchased. Service options, parts availability and response times will vary according to country. You may be responsible for shipping and handling charges if the product cannot be serviced in the country it is in.

 

[G5isAlive]

Going to disagree with those disparaging buying a returned Mac at Best Buy. I have had VERY good success buying an 'open box' 2019 MacBook Air that was described in 'fair' condition meaning it might be missing something. it was missing the apple sticker. besides that, like new condition. The advantage of buying open box at Best Buy is you can inspect it before leaving the store. Once home I also gave it a very thorough inspection and it did well for me. Oh, and it was eligible for AppleCare. But the open box deals you find at Best Buy are hit or miss depending on availabiltiy.

However, yes, if you can get the same deal at Apple Refurbished go for it. If you are here long enough you can have it sent to your accommodations. Otherwise, not sure you have have it shipped out of the country.

 

[Adenitz]

Thank you guys for replies. I know that Best Buy also sell refurbished, open box and pre owned laptops. I'm not sure but I think they are an authorized repair service. This about warranty is a very good point. I thought it is a world wide, but that doesn't change much. The only concern is possible recall due to some manufacturer error, but that is usually the case with new product. Few years old, pre owned product with a new battery and good price seems good option to me.

I'll also check Apple refurbished products near me. That could be even better option. Thanks.

 

[AZhappyjack]

Hello Macbook users and fans.
In a very near future, I'll travel to USA. I was there about 6 years ago and I bought myself a pre-owned DELL laptop at very good price. After new Apple M1 is there I was hoping that prices of older models dropped significantly. I'm very surprised to learn that MAcbook pro from 2013 still costs abouve 1000 USD.
It's here: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/apple-...id-state-drive-silver/6280422.p?skuId=6280422

I prefer 15 inch laptops because I got used to them. All my laptops so far were 15.4 inch. Now, I'm thinking of actually buying Macbook Air M1 13.3 inch laptop, because it has bigger resolution than my currently 15.4 inch laptop. I also used Macbook Air 2015 13.3 inch (mostly for entertainment purpose) but also during trips and holidays. It wasn't nuisance to work on.

What would you recommend for max budget 1000 USD. The laptop would be primarily used for MS Teams, Zoom MS Office package (WORD and Excel).

Thank you.

Avoid "refurbished" anything from BestBuy. IMO, of all the options out there, their Geek Squad is bottom of the barrel in terms of knowledge and tech savvy. Too much crap gets passed them, and into the consumer's hands... fraught with all kinds of problems. Run like the wind in the opposite direction. Been there, done that, still have the scars.