MacBook Air: Repair Screen or Buy Refurbished

Not a question really, I'm more just documenting my experience.

Our 2020 Macbook Air (M1) was dropped and the screen doesn't work.

My options seem to be as follows:
(x) It's not covered by an warranty
(x) We do not have Apple Care for this device.
(x) The device is not covered by portable contents insurance
-> Replacing the screen will cost about $787.
-> PhoneBot has the same model as a refurb for $1000.
-> Officeworks has the 2022 model with similar specs is $1350.

My thoughts are:
Logic tells me not to get the screen repaired on old technology, but it is the cheapest option for me.
Logic tells me not to spend money on refurbished old technology.
My wallet tells me that I can't buy a new model for $600 more than the other options.

Looking forward, (if this were to ever happen again) Apple Care and Insurance seems like a good idea. But, even though the cost of the premium and excesses is less than repairing or buying new, we would still be fixing old tech.

Apple Care Costs and Service fees.
AppleCare+ 3 years A$329 (Or A$110 per year)
Service fees for incidents covered:
Tier 1 ADH Service Fee A$149
Tier 2 ADH Service Fee A$149
Theft or loss Service Fee A$429

To qualify for the Tier 1 ADH Service Event fee, the Covered Device must have no additional damage beyond the screen-only damage (if applicable) or the external enclosure-only damage where such additional damage would prevent Apple from repairing the display or external enclosure. ADH damage to the Apple-branded stand and/or VESA mount used with your Apple-branded display will be treated as external enclosure-only ADH damage. Covered Devices with additional damage will be charged the price of the Tier 2 ADH Service Event.

Comments

  • +2

    Locally stocked replacement displays are sub $300. Are you ok to DIY? Otherwise re-task as a desktop, highly usable machine

    • I wish I was that tech savvy :(

      • Take a look on youtube - I'm no tech guy but a few yrs ago upgraded an old macbook putting in a SSD in place of a DVD drive.

  • +1

    I would buy a whole new laptop and flog off the old one on marketplace (as parts) to recover some funds.

    • Nice, I had not thought about selling this one. Thank you

      • +1

        They can go for a surprising amount, because they're essentially a mac mini with the added bonus of a battery so you don't lose work if the power goes out or someone kicks the cable. I've picked up a few laptops with broken screens over the years because they make great low power, battery supported devices.

    • -1

      Who would buy a laptop that cannot be checked for what is working.
      There may (likely) be more than just the screen damage
      Therefore hard to say how much OP would get. But it would not be much.
      So even harder to say how much OP would get.
      Best way to find out tis to list it on eBay for auction instead

      Some gun-ho home repairer might but it super cheap with the aim and making a nice profit.
      But as mentioned there are always risks involved with buying damaged electrical goods that cannot be tested.
      Just as there are risks in repairing those goods only to find out there was more damage than meets the eye.

      Good luck in whatever you do OP

      • Ummm. You plug in an external monitor and check it. It's not rocket surgery.

  • Not an economical repair.

    Replacing the screen will cost about $787.

    You can often find the M1 cheaper second hand. JB had some M1 refurbs at $749.

    Dead laptop will make a decent home server or could even be used with a monitor as an alternative to repair/new.

    • -1

      Dangerous making such assumptions

      OP doesnt know the full extent of the damage
      Screen may be just the starting point

      • +1

        I am actually recommending replacing the whole system as I don't think a $787 repair on a $600-$850 item is worthwhile.

        At a lower cost mentioned below, it is worthwhile considering a repair. Some common sense does apply -

        • MacBook air - no moving parts - much less risk compared to other devices.
        • As already mentioned, you can use a external monitor to verify the board is working
        • You can perform a visual inspection of the device to ensure the case is not bent etc.
  • +3

    Are you in Sydney? We got Peakhurst macbook repairs to fully replace with warranty original screen $349 (m1 in pink). The guy was amazing did the job really quickly and in the quote he said it was an original new screen. Contact on whatsapp.

    I was evaluating whether to buy a new mac for clumsy teen, but she wanted to keep it. Also $350 is better than $750. The one she broke was in top notch conditions until she smashed the screen.

    https://laptopscreenreplace.com.au/contact-us/

    • I'm in Perth, I haven't looked around too hard, but we don't have as many options in this city.

  • +1

    I would just buy a new one unless you can get a guaranteed repair for less then 500 it’s just not worth it.
    You can buy a new m3 from the education store. You can then get 10% off apple vouchers bringing the cost down further.

    • If you ask around you might find a good repair and cheap shop. I found one in Sydney for $350, the other quotes all came to $450-550.

  • +5

    I recently had a 2020 M1 MacBook Air screen replaced for $245 (+$18 outgoing postage via Australia Post, return postage is included) via https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/285260677025 — currently $225 with HGTECH1 coupon code

    • OMG that is much cheaper than mine! I wish I had read before I got mine repaired for $349 lol.

    • Great price!

    • This option is interesting, I never thought of sending it away to get fixed!

      • +2

        I would normally DIY, but this was cheaper than any DIY option and saved me time/hassle. I was a little sceptical of the whole idea, but the impressive 100% positive feedback rating and genuine-looking reviews made it look worth a shot

    • I can not work out how they do that so cheap - and post back. 2nd hand screen? Not genuine?

  • +1

    You've had plenty of 3rd party options suggested here. Go with those.

  • +1

    Hi,
    You can get a MBA M1 256GB SSD (New and Sealed) for $849 using Coupon Code HGTECH1
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/167069043787?epid=2313457518&itm…

    You can get a MBA M1 512GB SSD (New and Sealed) for $949 using Coupon Code HGTECH1
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/167080999127?itmmeta=01JCF7QHZHD…

  • Does the computer need to be portable? Plug it into a screen via the USB C and just use it as a desktop. Probably the cheapest way.

    • Shame the M1 Air only officially supports one external monitor. But still better than throwing it in the trash.

    • I think that is what I will do.
      Only a single monitor port for the M1 but it seems mirroring works ok, so at least I can put it in the study, and mirror to the loungeroom.

  • Alternate option.
    Treat yourself and upgrade to an m2 or m3 air through a work/education portal. The base air’s are now 16gb ram so you’ll at least likely get an upgrade.

    • +1

      That would be lovely, but I am already buying a new one for a kid going into high school, so my pockets are already burning :D

      • Fair enough. Don’t forget the education portal at least.

  • Good guys has a ClickFrenzy code but it excludes Apple :(

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