You may be considering buying a new Apple Mac computer for your studio, especially with the new range of Silicon based Apple Macs now coming out on the market.

Before you go out and spend money on a brand new Apple Mac are you aware that there is a growing industry around selling refurbished Apple Mac computers? When I first heard about Apple Mac refurb (the term generally used for refurbished Apple Macs) I was a little skeptical about them.

My concerns were numerous;

• What was the history of the machine I was buying?

• What kind of warranty could I expect?

• What condition would the machine be in when I received it?

Not All Apple Refurbished Computers Are Equal

It’s important to understand that Apple Refurb is almost a brand or term in itself. It’s not the same as buying a used computer or one returned to your local store. Although Apple has its own refurbished store, there are several independent stores operating the same scheme in your country. For example the computer company Scan offer Apple Certified Refurbished Products, you’ll need to check for stock.

What Apple Certified Refurbished Means

The Apple Refurbishment Process

• The product is fully tested for functionality, with any modules identified as defective being replaced

• The product is rigorously cleaned inside and out, and inspected to make sure it meets Apple’s stringent standards

• It is then repacked with all additional items it would have shipped with when new (cables, manuals, subsidiary boxes and packing materials etc.)

• It will include the operating system with which it originally shipped, or in some cases a more recent version

• It is then given a final QA inspection to ensure everything is in order before it is declared as fit for sale

• Finally it is given special Apple packaging identifying it as an officially refurbished product, and sealed by Apple

There are lots of companies online offering used Apple Macs for sale, you will also find them on site like eBay. However, if they are not Apple Certified Refurbished Products then they are not the same and you can’t guarantee you’ll be getting a good deal.

What Is The Experience Like?

My last refurb Apple Mac order was for the top of the range 2.4 GHz 8-Core Intel Core i9 MacBook Pro with 32gb of RAM retailing at £3,499.00. I paid £2,939.00 for it. That’s nearly 17% off.

A few days later it arrived. I opened the brown box and inside was an Apple box covered in the original cellophane. I opened the box and found what was to all intents and purposes a brand new MacBook Pro, with every piece of wrapping and seals all intact. I was able to have the full Apple unboxing experience!

I would have defied anyone to tell me that it was anything but a brand new product.

Perhaps you are an Apple Refurb veteran, but if not here are a few facts you should know.

1. As promised Apple has restored the unit to full working condition. They could be returns or ex-display, but in my experience, you would never know, Apple does such a good job.

2. Apple tests the units before selling them. If there are any defects Apple put them right and then test them as if they were a new machine.

3. They come with the latest operating system pre-installed and when you first launch it's like launching a new Mac.

4. Cosmetically the machine should look like new if not then Apple make that clear when purchasing.

5. You can buy an AppleCare protection plan for an Apple refurbished product. You may have to call Apple to get the serial number verified but after that then you should be good to go.

You can save a lot of money buying an Apple Refurbished product, either from Apple or from an Apple-approved dealer. Just make sure it's an Apple Certified Refurbished product you are buying.

Apple Refurbished Computers For The Studio Are Recommended

For those who don't care about having the latest version of a product then this is a smart way to get a great Apple product for your studio at a hefty saving.

You can see the kind of deals possible by visiting the Apple Certified Refurbished Store but also check out Apple Approved dealers Google who may have better deals.

Have you purchased an Apple Certified Refurbished product? What was you experience like?