Advice on Buying a Refurb MacBook

17731773 on 24/03/2024 - 13:53
Last edited 24/03/2024 - 13:54

I have a antiquated almost dead Macbook pro from 2012. I use it for Indesign, Word, online shopping and emails.
It has served me well but is on the way out. Was wanting advice on buying a refurb. (Does not need to be a pro, can be an air)
Upon a google search I came across: https://reebelo.com.au/ they look good and in the price range I was hoping. (under 1k)
Does anybody have any other places they can suggest or reccomend? Should I go with this site?

I use Mac products for design, I have a seperate Mac for work that is a year old or so, apple watch Ipad etc. So wanting to stay with Mac as they speak to one another.

Thanks in advance.

Computing Apple Computer Laptop

Comments

  • Cave Fire on 24/03/2024 - 14:07
    +1

    Might want to try squeezing some life out of it first…. First step is to install an ssd ($40 - $50, unless you already have one). then install sonoma/the latest Os. They have streamlined a lot of stuff so low resource macbooks can run the OS better. Have a 2015 and it runs really fast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFYoCppHQrg Can pick up 2016 - 2017 pros for $300 - $400 on marketplace etc.

    • 17731773 on 24/03/2024 - 14:16

      Cannot be updated anymore, I am on Catalina 10.15.7 that is as far as it will go. Battery dies if not plugged in, screen is flickering on the side. It truley is on the way out.
      Thanks for your suggestions, I really do apprecite your reply.

      • Cave Fire on 24/03/2024 - 14:33

        yep so there is a patcher that lets you upgrade, details in the vid. Screen flickering could be the lvds cable, may want to try pinch the black part and back of case (carefully). My suggestion is getting a scratch and dent off ebay, some sellers with good ratings. Or guessing someone local will ditch theirs and it will be cheap. Have seen M1's go for less than $1k and 2019 pro with faulty touchbar under $500.

  • branners on 24/03/2024 - 14:12
    +1

    Writing this on a refurb MacBook 12 inch. Bought it from Kogan about 6 years ago for about half the price of a new one, came with a warranty (3 months, I think). Has not missed a beat, though if I am honest, I much prefer the feel of the keyboard on the 13 inch MacBook Air. Would be happy to do so again.
    I get the whole rebuild-the-old one vibe but if it was me, I would update to a later model reburb without hesitating

    • 17731773 on 24/03/2024 - 14:17

      I like the warranty etc. I will check Kogan out thanks.

  • AaronR on 24/03/2024 - 14:12
    +1

    Places like this aren’t really refurbs usually. They just format them and wipe them down with a cloth. No real difference to buying one from a random stranger on eBay. Some include a short warranty but eBay also has seller protection if it’s DoA.

    Actual refurbs come direct from Apple and are significantly more expensive, but still cheaper than buying new.

    • 17731773 on 24/03/2024 - 14:18

      Thank you for that, I had no clue hence my post. May look at Apple refurbs direclty from them. Donk mind going up to 1.5k but thats about my limit I think. Thanks again.

      • freefall101 on 24/03/2024 - 14:37
        +2

        I second this, Apple refurbs are a new battery and outer shell so they're basically brand new with older internals.

        So when you're comparing price, you've got to compare to the top end of Reeblo with a 100% battery life. Which tends to cost a lot more.

  • sumyungguy on 24/03/2024 - 14:18
    +1

    My experience purchasing a phone from reebelo is that being a marketplace, I was trading another reseller whose condition grading didn't correspond with my expectation. My last five MacBook purchases were from Apple refurb store and Cashies (only where I can pickup to inspect condition and confirm battery cycles, etc).

    • 17731773 on 24/03/2024 - 14:19

      Thanks for that, I think I will steer clear of that site! Appreciate your reply.

  • 17731773 on 24/03/2024 - 14:53
    +1

    Thanks so much everyone for your advice, really apreciate it. I am pretty clueless when it comes to these kind of things.

  • snivy on 24/03/2024 - 15:25
    +1

    Dunno if I can add to the discussion but I did buy a "refurb" from a similar site a while ago and got practically a used device with dying battery, scratches and was dirty as hell. I've been so wary when they claim it's refurb from then on. My refurbs from official retailers were great though.

    I think M1-M2 Air ranges are on discount now on reputable retailers, so if you don't need the latest chip you might want to check them out. JB and Good Guys seem to be running promos at the moment.

    • 17731773 on 24/03/2024 - 15:34

      Thanks for chiming in, I think I will go with JB, Kogan or most likely the Mac store itself.

      • AustriaBargain on 24/03/2024 - 18:07
        +1

        An M1 would smoke any 2012 Mac.

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