The pricing and costs of used and refurbished Apple computers can be considerably lower than new Apple computers. In addition, many used and refurbished Apple computers come with a limited time warranty after purchase.

The MacBook Pro series is a great line of used Mac laptops for businesses. You can purchase a pre-owned or refurbished MacPro online for approximately $1,200 to $2,000 depending upon the machine’s features. In comparison, new MacBook Pro laptops cost approximately $2,000 to $3,000. While used Mac computers may carry a lower price tag, it’s important to plan for all expenses that you may incur with purchasing refurbished Apple computers. For example, some used Apple computers may not include keyboards or monitors. Additionally, refurbished Mac laptops may not carry a sufficient amount of memory to handle your business operations. Before purchasing used Macintosh computers, be sure to consider the following factors that could affect the pricing and costs of used and refurbished Apple computers.

1. Compare prices on new versus used Mac computers.

2. Budget for purchasing required accessories for used Apple computers.

3. Uncover any maintenance costs associated with purchasing used Apple computers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Shop around for pricing and costs of new and used Apple computers

While most people assume that purchasing used and refurbished Apple computers will be a more cost-efficient choice, this isn't always true. Be sure to shop around and compare prices on used Mac computers to new Apple computers before you buy. Many online vendors sell Apple refurbished computers at affordable prices.

I recommend: Get tips on what to look for when comparing the value of new versus refurbished Apple computers by visiting SmartMoney. You may also consider checking out Mahalo for tips on buying refurbished Mac laptops and desktop computer.

Budget for accessories to use with used Mac computers

Purchasing a different computer often means that you'll have to purchase new accessories and software. To keep costs down, it may be a good idea to check with vendors to inquire about any used apple computers for sale that may be compatible with your current printers, networking software and other accessories.

I recommend: Consider checking out Web 100 for tips on purchasing refurbished Apple laptops. You may also check out Apple Laptop Bargain for tips on shopping for refurbished Apple laptops.

Plan for maintenance costs for used Apple laptops and desktops

Buying the equipment is only a fraction of the costs incurred after purchasing used Apple laptops or desktop computers. It's a good idea to budget for any ongoing maintenance costs such as setup, upgrades and antivirus software, which usually costs around $50 to $100 and requires annual upgrades.

I recommend: Control maintenance costs by visiting Safari Books Online to purchase "Apple Training Series: Desktop and Portable Systems," a book designed to help owners of used and new Mac computers install upgrades, and service and troubleshoot their machines. You may also consider checking out MacWorld for information on security software for new and used Apple computers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're interested in purchasing refurbished or used Apple computers, it's a good idea to confirm that your computer comes with a warranty. This will allow you to set up your PC and return it if it does not work properly.

Buying used or refurbished Apple computers is the best way to get legendary Apple reliability without the sometimes steep price tag. It's also a way to keep your older "familiar and comfortable" software and hardware, some of which may not work with the new OS X or hardware connectors on new computers.

Used or refurbished Apple laptops and desktops also take a bite out of your IT bill. Their common-sense interface lets you easily install and run software yourself, without having to hire someone else to do it. As you're shopping the used and refurbished Mac computers for sale, keep these things in mind:

1. Used Mac computers can run the software and hardware you're already familiar with, and in most cases they can run the newer operating systems and software too.
2. If you want the legendary reliability and performance of an Apple, refurbished computers are a great way to reduce costs without compromising on performance or functionality.
3. Used and refurbished Apple computers have a strong reputation as reliable, easy to set up, and easy to use.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Identify which refurbished or used Apple computers are right for you

Make a list of any hardware accessories you have or plan to have in the future. Consider which software programs you've already paid for and know how to use, and any new programs that you plan to acquire. There's no reason to start from scratch again - there are used Macintosh laptops or used Macintosh computers for sale that will fit your needs.

I recommend: Call the software companies that produce your favorite programs and inquire whether the versions you are used to will function in OS X or not. Certain programs such as some Macromedia software or older Adobe PageMaker versions might not run with the latest versions of OS X, but some newer programs require the newest operating system. If you need to run both older and newer programs, you can meet both needs by getting a machine that runs both OS X and OS 9.

Purchase one of the many used and refurbished Apple computers for sale

Now that you know what you need, it's easy to find it online as a used Apple laptop or desktop.

I recommend: Browse through the used Mac laptops and desktops at PowerMax, an authorized Apple reseller, and search the selection of older Macs at MacOfAllTrades. If your needs warrant anewer system, check out refurbished Mac laptops and desktops directly from Apple.

Get used Apple computers up and running with a little online help

Apple or Macintosh computers have a reputation for being easy to use. You should be able to set up and run the computer yourself without hiring an expensive IT tech.

I recommend: Just plug your new-to-you computer in, turn it on, and follow the easy setup directions. If you get confused, the Apple New User Guide will get you back on track. If you're using a Mac for the first time, My First Mac will help you find Mac software that compares to what you're used to from Windows.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider purchasing used or refurbished Apple laptops and desktops to be an investment in your personal and business security. PCs remain the focus of virus/spyware/trojan development, averaging about three new threats per day.

You can save a considerable amount of money by learning the used and refurbished Apple computers basics. For example, the costs of used and refurbished Apple computers can be considerably lower than new Apple computers. In addition, many used and refurbished Apple computers include a money back guarantee that covers defects and operational issues you may discover during set up.

Before you buy, it’s important that you become knowledgeable about the used and refurbished Apple computers basics. Find answers to the following questions to help you determine if purchasing used and refurbished Apple computers is a wise business investment.

1. What is the difference between product features for new versus used Macintosh computers?

2. Are there any operational disadvantages to purchasing Apple refurbished computers?

3. Are refurbished and used Mac computers really more affordable than new Apple computers?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare new versus used and refurbished Apple computers

By definition, refurbished Apple computers are those that customers bought and returned to Apple due to defects or an incorrect order. Even though the company has repaired and recertified the machine, they cannot repackage and sell it as a new computer. The Apple Store and other online computer stores sell these refurbished Mac computers at discounted prices.

I recommend: Get tips on what to look for when comparing the value of new versus old Apple computers by visiting Apple-Computers-Guide-and-Advice.com. You may also consider checking out Refurbished Macbook for information on buying refurbished Macintosh computers.

Research the pros and cons of refurbished Mac laptops and desktops

In most cases, refurbished computers will function just as well as a new Apple computer. The advantages of purchasing used Apple computers are dependent upon the wear and tear put on the machine by the previous owner. In any case, it's best to only buy refurbished and used Apple computers for sale that come with product warranties that cover defects and operational issues.

I recommend: Consider checking out Laptop-Computer-Comparison.com for tips on purchasing new and used Macintosh laptops. You may also check out Cheap Computers for tips on shopping for refurbished Apple laptops.

Save money with used Mac computers

In most cases, refurbished and used Mac computers will be less expensive than new machines. For example, the MacBook Pro series is a great line of used Mac laptops for businesses. You can purchase a pre-owned or refurbished MacPro online for approximately $1,200 to $2,000, depending upon the machine's features. In comparison, new MacBook Pro laptops cost approximately $2,000 to $3,000.

I recommend: Consider visiting Mac360 for details on how to purchase used Mac computers. You may also check out iLounge for information on purchasing used Apple computers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When shopping for used Apple computers, it's important that you confirm that the computer comes equipped with a working battery and plug adapter. It's also not a good idea to purchase 'as-is' items unless you need a specific part from the computer.

Used and refurbished Apple computers are notebooks and desktops that are not purchased directly from the factory. Retailers of used and refurbished Apple computers give customers access to models that are possibly discontinued.

Used Apple computers are purchased “as is” either directly from the initial owner or through a reseller. On the other hand, refurbished Apple computers have been rebuilt and inspected for distribution. You will come across some common key terms when shopping around for these types of computers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Operating system (OS)

An operating system, or OS, is the type of Mac system that you will use to operate an Apple computer. In each listing for a used and refurbished computer, it should state the version of Mac OS loaded.

I recommend: Mac of All Trades has more information operating systems.

Mac Minis

The Mac Mini is a compact-sized desktop computer that has up to 320GB storage space and 4GB of memory, despite its small size. Another perk of the Mac Mini is that it has proven energy efficiency. Since these desktops can be expensive, they are a popular find on used and refurbished Apple retail sites.

I recommend: Find the features and specifications of the Mac Mini on the Apple Computer website.

Trade in or trade up

Macintosh used and refurbished retailers will often have a trade-in request page on their site. When you trade in your used Mac, you will be eligible to receive credit towards a newer model after the store has valued the system. The site will, in turn, price your used Mac to sell as a pre-owned or used Apple computer.

I recommend: Power Max details the trade-in process for the acceptance of Mac computers to be resold on their site.

XServes

Xserves are Apple's line of server hardware for their Macs. XServes utilizes dual Xeon processors and multiple firewire, serial and USB ports.

I recommend: Get an overview of XServe through the review posted on Macworld.

Refurbished Mac computer

A refurbished Mac computer has been sent to the factory for inspection and any flaws have been repaired prior to resale. Pre-owned Apple computers are sold without going through factory inspection.

I recommend: Find out more about refurbished Macs though HongKiat.com.

Installation CD

Prior to buying a used Apple computer, look through the ad to see if the Apple installation CDs are included. An installation CD is required to load the operating system and includes all of the Mac start-up software programs.

I recommend: Apple Support Page has information about the Apple installation software which you will find relevant when buying used and refurbished Macs.