3 Things to Remember: Buying a Refurbished MacBook Pro

3 Tips for Buying a Used or Refurbished MacBook Pro

The MacBook Pro laptop is the most powerful option that Apple has for laptop computers. MacBook Pros offer top quality and functionality, making them suitable for a wide variety of purposes and many types of users. Of course, these benefits come at a price. Buying a refurbished MacBook Pro is a great way to save money on a high-end laptop. If you're shopping for a used or refurbished MacBook Pro, here are three tips to keep in mind to make sure you get the best bang for your buck.

Spoiler alert: no, you don't need to wait for Black Friday or Cyber Monday to get a great deal!

What processor does your used MacBook Pro need?

A refurbished MacBook Pro is an Apple laptop that offers the ultimate in computer processing and software. While that means that it might be more expensive than some other laptop options, it is a high-end laptop with considerable processing power and great software in the form of Mac OS.

As you begin to set a budget for yourself and what laptop you want, consider that the MacBook Pro refurbished can cost anywhere from A$625 to over A$2,750. That's quite a large price range, but it reflects the range of capabilities for these devices. One of the biggest factors that affects the price of a used MacBook is the processor.

MacBook Pro processors are available in Core i5, Core i7, and Core i9. While the Core i5 processor of a 2015 device doesn’t compare to the Core i5 processor on a 2020 device, it does speak to the general capabilities of each device within its year of release. Similarly, a 2019 device with Core i5 is going to be a more powerful computer than a 2013 Core i7, simply because of the advancements in technology between years and processors.  

The prices for each of these processors range significantly. For two devices produced within the same year, one with the Core i5 will be on the lower end while the Core i9 will be the higher priced variant. If you’re working with videos and editing, you might want to consider the i7. If you’re heavily into video editing and programming, the i9 might be the best choice. If you use your laptop for more basic and everyday tasks, the Core i5 should be enough.

👉Helpful reading: How to choose your MacBook?

MacBook Pro screen sizes and Retina display

This might seem simple, but if you're wondering which used MacBook Pro you should get, consider the different screen sizes available to help decide which laptop is the best fit for you.

The MacBook Pro is available with a few different Retina display sizes: 13.3-inch display, 14-inch display, 15.4-inch display, and 16-inch display. If you need to have multiple tabs open or view videos or larger documents, the 15.4-inch or 16-inch display might be ideal. If you prefer something smaller and more compact for travel, the 13.3-inch or 14-inch display may be a better option.

Apple’s Retina display consistently keeps the pixel density at 300+ pixels per square inch. So even though the display size of MacBook Pros might vary, the quality of the screen remains consistent between the models. The resolution will be sharp and clear regardless of which dimensions you prefer, so it truly depends on how much screen size you'll need to work with.

👉You should also read this: How to choose a Macbook pro ?

Get a refurbished MacBook Pro with plenty of storage and memory

The MacBook Pro also has plenty of options for storage space and memory. You can find a used MacBook Pro with anywhere from 128GB to 8TB! While 128GB might sound low, if you already have an external hard drive, or rarely save documents on the laptop itself, that might not be an issue. Typically, average users invest in laptops with about 250GB, which is usually enough unless the laptop is purchased for a specific purpose requiring more space.

The RAM for MacBook Pros typically ranges anywhere from 4GB to 16GB. This has a direct impact on how many programs can run simultaneously and at what speed. Again, consider what you'll be using the laptop for to decide how much memory you'll need. The average user would likely find that a MacBook Pro with 8GB memory works well for their needs.

Buying a refurbished MacBook Pro will allow you to stay on budget and get plenty of storage and memory. No matter which model you choose, you'll save tons of money without waiting for a MacBook Pro Black Friday deal by shopping for a used and refurbished MacBook!

👉Considering a MacBook Air instead? Check out our 3 Reasons on why you should buy a refurbished MacBook Air