5 Tips for Buying a Used or Refurbished Laptop or MacBook
Learn how to make the best choice when buying a refurbished laptop or MacBook.
Buttons
SIM and/or memory card reader
Data deletion
Software
Chargers and/or cables
Unlocking
GPS and/or positioning system
Cameras
External sensors
Internal sensors
Biometric sensors
WiFi and Bluetooth
IMEI serial number
Oxidation
Mics and speakers
Input and output ports
Battery health
Mechanical parts
Parts compatibility
Screen
Fans and ventilation
Hardware assembly
Trackpads, keyboards, touch bars, and backlighting
Other features specific to this device
Buttons
SIM and/or memory card reader
Data deletion
Software
Chargers and/or cables
Unlocking
GPS and/or positioning system
Cameras
External sensors
Internal sensors
Biometric sensors
WiFi and Bluetooth
IMEI serial number
Oxidation
Mics and speakers
Input and output ports
Battery health
Mechanical parts
Parts compatibility
Screen
Fans and ventilation
Hardware assembly
Trackpads, keyboards, touch bars, and backlighting
Other features specific to this device
Buttons
SIM and/or memory card reader
Data deletion
Software
Chargers and/or cables
Unlocking
GPS and/or positioning system
Cameras
External sensors
Internal sensors
Biometric sensors
WiFi and Bluetooth
IMEI serial number
Oxidation
Mics and speakers
Input and output ports
Battery health
Mechanical parts
Parts compatibility
Screen
Fans and ventilation
Hardware assembly
Trackpads, keyboards, touch bars, and backlighting
Other features specific to this device
This includes pressing the button and making sure that they open the right functions (volume, lock screen, etc.)
This tests that SIM cards and memory cards are correctly read by the device, and any trays or slots to insert or remove the card works properly.
Devices undergo a factory reset, which means that data is securely erased to original manufacturer settings.
This test ensures that the device has the most recent operating system installed.
Chargers, including the connector(s) and cord(s), are inspected for damage and that the plug is compatible your country's sockets. (Please note: Not all refurbished devices come with chargers).
Refurbished devices are unlocked from any previous protection systems set by the previous owner, or third-party accounts or software (e.g. user accounts, passwords).
This tests that the GPS and positioning system are accurate and working.
All cameras are inspected for functionality, image capture and quality. This includes video conferencing.
This includes checking that sensors for distance, camera aperture, brightness, laser measurement, and heartbeat are working correctly and accurately.
This tests that internal sensors, like temperature, are working correctly and accurately.
This includes testing that Touch ID, Face ID, ID sensor, and voice recognition are working correctly and accurately.
This tests that the WiFi and Bluetooth functions are working correctly and accurately.
The IMEI serial number on a device is checked to see if it has been blacklisted and if the device configuration (like color and capacity) match manufacturer settings.
This tests for water damage by inspecting the oxidation indicator within the device.
Speakers and microphones are inspected and calibrated so that they capture and play sound correctly.
Ports, like those used for headphone jacks, USB, ethernet, are inspected for functionality.
Battery health is assessed to meet battery health and capacity requirements. Batteries that do not meet requirements will be replaced.
Mechanical parts like screws, case, frames, and others are check are genuine or compatible parts. If compatible parts are found, they are tested to ensure that they function as well as genuine parts.
If compatible parts are used during refurbishment, these parts are tested to ensure that they have the same performance as genuine parts.
On-screen visuals are tested to ensure that there are no defects like stains, dusts, and discoloration from burn-in.
Cooling components like fans and vents are cleaned and inspected.
Internal components like the hard disk, SSD, graphics card are inspected to ensure that all parts are present and fully functional.
Trackpads, touch bars, keyboards are tested and checked for full functionality. This can also include inspecting that backlighting works properly.
Other features specific to this device are checked