Should You Choose Official Apple Certified Refurbished Electronics?
When it comes to purchasing official Apple certified refurbished electronics such as Macs, iPads, and iWatches, the decision is often a mix of convenience and cost-saving. While the selection may be limited, with new product offerings potentially changing rapidly, it's a choice that requires careful consideration. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of opting for refurbished Apple products, including their warranty and pricing, to help you make an informed decision.
The Pros of Apple Certified Refurbished Electronics
Quality Assurance: Apple's certified refurbished products undergo a rigorous refurbishment process. This includes replacing any damaged or non-functioning components. Once the process is complete, these refurb items are essentially new, offering peace of mind that they are in working condition.
Full Warranty**: Unlike many third-party refurbished products, Apple certified refurbished items come with a full warranty. This means you're covered in the case of any unexpected issues, providing greater security and reliability.
Cost-Effective**: For budget-conscious consumers, purchasing refurbished Apple products can be a cost-effective alternative to buying the latest models brand new. This can be particularly appealing when you're looking for specific configurations that might not be available new, or when the latest models are hitting the high-end price point.
The Cons of Apple Certified Refurbished Electronics
Limited Selection and Pricing: The availability and pricing of refurbished Apple products can be hit-or-miss. For example, an Apple iPhone 13 Pro with 1TB storage can cost $1,100 in the Apple Certified Refurbished Store, which is slightly more than 30% off its original price. However, this is 300 dollars more than the original price of $1,400, three years ago. Similarly, a MacBook Air 2020 with 16GB/1TB can cost $1,250, which is a 150 dollar discount off the original price of $1,500, four years ago. This limited savings may not justify the purchase for some buyers.
Limited Customization**: When you buy a refurbished product from Apple, you might be locked into the configuration options available at the time of purchase. You can't customize storage or RAM, which can be a drawback if specific configurations are not offered.
Lock-in with Fixed Configurations**: Apple decides the configurations available in the refurbished store, meaning you have no choice but to accept what's offered. If you need a different storage or RAM configuration, you might end up purchasing a new device, which can negate the cost savings.
Conclusion: Making the Decision
Ultimately, whether to choose Apple certified refurbished electronics depends on your personal needs and budget. If you're an iSheep and excited about owning the latest Apple products, go for it! But if cost savings and flexibility are more important to you, it might be better to opt for the new model, even if the price is higher. In the end, you should make your own decisions and be prepared for the consequences, whether good or bad.
When you do decide to purchase a refurbished Apple product, carefully consider the cost and configuration options available. Remember, while Apple's refurbishment process is thorough, the savings and warranty are not always enough to justify the purchase for everyone. Take your time, compare prices, and choose a configuration that suits your needs and budget.