You’ve probably heard a lot about the benefits of using a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, but what if you don’t want to spend the money? You might be thinking ‘I can’t afford a MacBook’ but there are lots of ways you can get one for cheap.
If you want to buy the cheapest MacBook available, you are at the right place. This article is going to guide you with different ways to get a MacBook for cheap that does not break the bank.
Macbook Models Comparison
Before we proceed, let’s see which of the following MacBooks will suit your requirements. There are plenty of options available for you, but finding the perfect balance between performance and budget is necessary for any user.
2015 To 2019 MacBook Air & MacBook Pro Models
The best way to secure yourself a deal on a super-cheap MacBook Pro is to get the older versions. We recommend the 2019 MacBook Air and Pro models as these machines still support the MacOS updates. Also, they have the same chassis, display, and port layout that you will find in M1 models (2020). The only difference is in the keyboard and the processor. With the 2019 MacBook Air base model, you get an Intel i3 10th generation processor.
In the 2019 MacBook Pro base model, you get Intel i5 10th generation processor. With the Pro models, you can increase the CPU performance by equipping your MacBook with i7 or even an i9 processor (valid only for a 16-inch MacBook Pro). If you need MacOS specific software and are low on budget, getting the 2019 version will be great to save tons of money while still running your software with ease on a new Apple device.
Apart from the 2019 versions of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, you can go a little bit older as far as the 2015 models of MacBooks. As you move further towards the lower spectrum, besides the security concerns due to the lack of OS updates, these old machines could bear the workload like reading emails or web browsing. However, these still hold a punchy performance with the snappy user interface. You will be running all the applications with no problems at all. In addition to this, these older versions of the MacBook still come with a Techable warranty. As a result, even if there’s any hardware or software issue, you can get it fixed with ease.
Apple M1 MacBook Air & Apple M1 MacBook Pro
The MacBook Air (M1 2020) with 16GB of RAM scored a marvelous 7,416 on Geekbench. That crushed the XPS 13 inch core i7 11th gen processor, scoring 6,014 on multi-threaded performance. On the other hand, it comes with the update of the Magic keyboard.
The screen of the MacBook Air is pretty sharp, too, with a 2560×1600 pixel resolution. Still, the new MacBook Air (2020) comes with the old-fashioned 720p webcam, whose low-light performance is not up to the mark. The MacBook Air and MacBook Pro equipped with M1 have the exact dimensions, keyboard layout, screen resolution, and hard-drive capacity.
The significant difference between these two models lies in the M1 chip. For the base model of MacBook Air, you are only getting an 8-Core CPU and 7-Core GPU. If you go higher than the base model, there is no difference in the M1 chip as you get an 8-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU M1 Chip. The same chipset is present in the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2020 model. Also, with the MacBook Pro 2020 version, you are getting 4 Type-C Gen4 ports. Two ports on each side. But With MacBook Air, you are only getting two ports, and both of them are present on the same side. The display bezels are a bit chunky on the M1 Models, and there are no Type-A ports available. As a result, legacy devices will need an adapter to connect.
2021 MacBook Pro 14-inch With Apple M1 Pro
If you are willing to spend more on a MacBook, a 14-inch MacBook Pro would be a great option. Apple provides users with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, a single full-size HDMI port, and an SDXC card slot.
There are two variants of the M1 Pro chip, and the first one comes with an 8-Core CPU, 14-Core GPU, 16GB Of unified RAM, and 512 GB of SSD. You can take the M1 Pro up the notch by getting a 10-Core CPU, 16-GPU, 16GB of unified RAM, and 1 TB of SSD. This model of MacBook Pro comes with a 3024X1964 pixel liquid Retina XDR Mini-LED display. The display can run at a 120Hz refresh rate. Moreover, the panel is the best, with 1600 nits of peak brightness. Also, it is the most vivid panel outside OLED series laptops.
This Apple M1 Pro-based MacBook has 3.4 pounds of weight and a 14-inch display. This model can be a great deal for those looking to edit their 4K videos on the go and create 3D designs while sitting in a coffee shop.
Moreover, the 2021 MacBook Pros come with an updated camera configuration and have a 1080p Full HD camera. In addition to this, you are also getting a big notch on your screen, which houses the laptop’s camera. The notch disappeared after 5 minutes of continuous work during our testing, reducing the annoyance.
2021 MacBook Pro 16-inch With Apple M1 Max
This MacBook is for those users who want some massive real estate in the display department of their laptop. The 16-inch can be equipped with M1 Pro if you want to. But the primary use of more significant housing is to allow the chassis to cool down the Apple M1 Max processor. The battery of this model is tested out to be a whopping 21 hours on a single charge.
You are getting everything you loved about the 14-inch and increasing the 2-inches of display size. As a result, you can score yourself the smaller model with quite a similar performance at a much more reasonable price point if you are someone who requires a 16-inch screen and needs massive performance from both CPU and GPU. Only then does getting your hands on a 16-inch sound feasible. Most people are well off with a 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 Pro chip.
Beware of the Mac’s impending obsolescence
Whether you are buying a used MacBook or a refurbished one, make sure you put the obsolescence date as far as possible. Depending on your budget, it is recommended to look for a MacBook that is not more than four years old in the current year. There are several reasons for this, the top reasons being security updates and the other being hardware. Apple keeps supporting its MacBooks for five years. The MacBooks that are 5 – 7 years are considered vintage, and the ones beyond that are categorized as obsolete.
Apple services and the availability of spare parts for its Macs is five years. Having a MacOS version that Apple still supports is crucial if security updates are essential to you. However, many people own Macs that are 10 to 20 years old and still working like a charm.
The latest version of Mac OS is Monterey, and it is compatible with these MacBooks.
MacBook Pro
- MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021)
- MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2021)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)
- MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015)
MacBook Air
- MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020)
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
- MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015)
- MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015)
What is the difference between a used and refurbished MacBook?
So now that you know the difference between the Apple M1, Apple M1 Pro, and Apple M1 Max MacBooks. It’s time to find out how you can land yourself a good deal when buying a used or a refurbished MacBook. There are always a few risks associated with purchasing a second-hand computer.
Used MacBook
A used device is a second-hand product, and in most cases, it is the one that is usually well taken care of. The product can be in good condition, but it doesn’t come close to the new product. The unit might have some cosmetic wear and tear. Still, you will get it in a state where it works perfectly and functions as intended. There are tons of websites where you can find used MacBooks up for grabs at a much lower price. But on these websites, you will not encounter any regulation on how the items should be performing.
If you have known the person who is selling you the used MacBook and you see the system doesn’t have any problem, you can purchase it for yourself with a little bit of inspection. However, if you don’t want to be stuck in the attempt to fix a broken item, then it is best to pass over the used item and go with the refurbished MacBook from online stores like Techable.
There is always a fear of getting scammed or not getting the right product at half its original cost when you purchase it. But sometimes, you can hit the jackpot and get yourself a nice inexpensive MacBook that runs with no problems.
Check the power adapter and cable
Before turning on the MacBook, you need to check if the wire which comes with it has any wear or tear present? After that, plug it in with the charger and see if it is working fine or not. If the laptop can charge from the adapter, but the adapter looks quite crapped out. You can ask for an extra discount. If the machine isn’t working without the power plugged on, you should walk right off that MacBook as it is not worth the money.
Get the details on the inexpensive MacBook
If you are purchasing a MacBook from a private seller, you will need that person’s help to get a detailed look at the computer before you can finalize the purchase. The best thing to do is to ask the owner to show you the screenshot of “About This Mac,” which can be found in the Apple menu of every Mac OS device. You will get all the details of the model, serial numbers, RAM, version of OS, and more. After that, you can check the model number with the invoice and at the back of the MacBook’s chassis.
Make sure there isn’t a firmware password
The previous owner might have put up a firmware password to protect their laptop. This can prevent another user from booting a MacBook from a USB port. This might come quite handy during troubleshooting or recovering from a disaster. In order to find this, you have to start the MacBook and then hold down the option key. If then you will be asked for the password, ask the owner to provide you with one. So you can turn it off before you buy the computer.
Check the network and display
The simplest way to check if all the bands are working correctly in the system is by checking the internet speed. After that, you can check the speed of the same network on your mobile phone via wifi to see if there’s any significant dip in speed during the test on the MacBook. The seller tells you there is no wifi connection available. You can create your own via Mobile Hotspot and then check how much the speed lag in the MacBook. If there’s none, you are good to proceed to the next step.
When you are at it, open the YoutTube video with the white background and then play it. This will show you where the dead pixel is located in the display. Run it through many colors and see if any discoloration or pixel is being stuck. If you find a significant screen issue or many dead pixels, you should look for another deal.
Check the keyboard
The most common part of a laptop which gets to be changed is the keyboard, as it is the one that is being used all the time for the input in a machine. When buying a budget MacBook, you need to open the notes or a text editor and type every letter present on the keyboard. You also need to press caps, caps lock, function keys and repeating keys. The repetition of the keystroke should stop when you lift your finger. If it is stuck, you need to show this to the seller and let them know the system has a problem. You don’t want to spend $100 to change the keyboard from an inexpensive MacBook that you have just bought. So make sure all the keys are working fine.
Check the ports, camera, and drive
Check the optical drive present in the MacBook; if there isn’t one, plug yours or see if this refurbished MacBook reads it. Test the external USB drive on each port. Also, try out the microphone and headphone jack combo. After that, you need to open the Facetime or a Photo Booth to see if the camera is working correctly or not.
Find the health condition of the battery
Apple has a series of simple steps which allow users to know how much battery health remains. You can even check the cycle count. Make sure you know how much max cycle count the given MacBook could last. On the other hand, if the given MacBook has less than 50% of the battery. Then getting this laptop is not worth your money, as you have to change the battery after a few years.
Run Apple Diagnostic or Hardware Test
When getting a cheap Apple MacBook, you need to run the hardware test to see how well all the hardware performs in the system. This test will put a limelight on the hardware condition. As a result, it’s a must test that you need to perform.
Refurbished Macbooks
Refurbished MacBooks are the ones that have been sold by the previous owner to companies such as techable due to some technical glitch or they wanted a new unit. Once the unit reaches our facility, it undergoes rigorous testing and a quality check. Once all the checkboxes on the testing are ticked, the product is made available for sale.
Is Refurbished better than used?
The difference between a refurbished MacBook from Techable and a pre-owned MacBook can be a lot. That’s because a refurbished product will undergo durability tests whereas a used macbook does not undergo any durability test that too conducted by a professional. If we find any hardware not working properly we replace it with a new one. You will also get a warranty on the product that can be extended up to 3 years.
When you are buying a used MacBook, from the surface, it might seem like it’s working fine, and there is no need to make any changes. However, the insides of a laptop can go unseen and this could happen to the best of us.
With the refurbished MacBooks, the units are categorized depending on the condition as excellent, good, and Fair. This assures you that you are getting what you pay for along with 30 days money back guarantee.
Certified refurbished – The best way to get MacBooks for Cheap
Companies like teachable can give you a significant discount on the retail price tag. This store is available exclusively online. As we said earlier, the defective parts will be replaced by the company, and you will get the affordable Apple laptop at an affordable price.
How to make your refurbished MacBook last long?
When you buy a refurbished MacBook from a seller, it is the same as buying a new MacBook but at a discounted price. As a result, in both cases, you must know a few tips that will help you take care of your refurbished MacBooks so they can last some years and you don’t have to worry about changing the internal hardware soon.
Install an SSD drive
If you have a cheap MacBook under $200, you are probably getting a laptop with a slow hard drive. To give your MacBook a new life, install the SSD on your computer and you will see how fast it becomes. You can ask the authorized repair center to install the SSD drive or do it yourself if you are confident enough.
Install latest updates
When you get an inexpensive MacBook, you need to ensure that every application and software is completely updated. It will take you some time, but with the updated system, you can work better, and there is less chance of crashes and errors.
Don’t leave the charger connected all the time
When you keep your charger connected all the time, your battery’s health will be affected at a much more rapid speed because electricity will keep on flowing. It is better to unplug the MacBook once the battery reaches 90%. It is recommended to not charge it up to 100%.
Turn off the system periodically
Shutting down your refurbished MacBook will save battery life whenever you are on the move and not using the MacBook frequently. You can shut it down to make the computer reset to its ideal form.
Stay within Optimal CPU temps
Even an old MacBook can operate well with optimal temperatures of 50 degrees to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. But if you are working in a location close to the equator, it is best to use the machine indoors and keep it safe from direct sunlight.
Is it worth buying a refurbished MacBook right now?
Not everyone can spend $1000 on a laptop. As a result, many people prefer buying an older version of MacBooks and using them to get the work done. The old MacBooks are still performing well, and many people are using them as their daily drivers. As a result, investing in refurbished MacBooks is all worth it, and they can easily last for 8 to 10 years.
There is no way to get a MacBook for free, but you can secure a great deal on these laptops with the methods mentioned earlier and tips. Apart from that, we also provide the purchase of refurbished Mac computers, so if you are interested in them, make sure to check out their website for the same.
