The increasing prices of MacBooks have led many people to buy a well-used second-hand MacBook. It can be advantageous to buy a MacBook Pro or Air second-hand, especially if it is in new condition and still under warranty. So where can you buy a second-hand MacBook Air? Where are the places to buy a second-hand MacBook Pro? And of course, the real question: What should you look for when buying a second-hand MacBook?
We have prepared a short and easy-to-read guide. Before that, you can also read this article to choose the most suitable MacBook model for you. Let's take a look.
Quick CheckList: Second Hand MacBook Buying Guide
Before we get into the details, let's do a quick checklist of everything you need to consider before buying a second-hand MacBook.
- Request a receipt, invoice or serial number.
- Perform a visual cosmetic check.
- Perform a screen check and include a pixel check.
- Check battery health and battery cycle count.
- Check connectivity features like WiFi, Bluetooth, and AirDrop.
- Run the hardware test and wait for the results.
- Check the functions and touch of the TrackPad.
- Check the fingerprint detection sensor.
- Plug in the charger and try charging the device.
Now it's time to dig into the details and explain how you'll be doing the checks. Shall we get started?
Request Proof of Purchase: Receipt, Invoice or IMEI number
In fact, you do not need a receipt or invoice to check the originality of your device. The serial number can be checked from Apple anywhere in the world. You can click here for Apple serial number query or MacBook originality query . Here you will also get information about the purchase date of the device and the warranty coverage.
Especially for a Mac that is still under warranty, it may be advantageous to obtain the box, receipt or invoice for later periods. But of course, these are not mandatory.
Cosmetic Check: Check for Physical Damage
If you want to buy a good and valuable MacBook, make sure that there are no bumps, scratches, tarnishes or stains on the device. The edges of accessories such as bag zippers, key chains, mice and keyboards can damage the Mac at any time. Therefore, if KraftCover is not used, the Mac will most likely be scratched.
Apart from scratches, the following details are also among the points to consider when buying a second-hand MacBook:
- Check for physical damage by adjusting the screen brightness to lowest and highest levels.
- Turn the device completely over and check both the back and front cases.
- Examine the keyboard thoroughly and make sure that the keys have not been changed. Also, make sure to check if all the keys on the keyboard work.
- Try connecting a cable to the device if you can to make sure the inputs are working.
Screen Check Time: Pixel Check, Colors, Physical Damages
Make sure the screen is OK. To check for pixels, open a white screen on the device. Make sure there are no white dots, black dots, or areas that do not show a display. Pixel loss can grow on the screen faster than you think and can render your Mac unusable.
A little tip: A Mac that has been used for a long time may have traces on its screen from keyboard contact. Check and try cleaning if there are any. If it doesn't completely come off, these traces may be permanent.
Battery Health Check on MacBook: Battery Duration and Health
We have previously provided information about checking and extending battery life on MacBook in a blog . Let's repeat it here.
Go to System Settings. It may also be located as ''System Preferences''. Then there should be a ''Power'' or ''Battery'' option. Click here. When the battery screen opens, there should be a ''Battery Health'' button just below. It is very important that the battery health is at least above 80%. Otherwise, you may have problems when using the device and when you want to resell it.
Checking the MacBook battery cycle count is also very important when buying a second-hand device. The battery cycle count indicates how many times the device has been charged. The number given as "cycle count" or "cycle count" via the system preference "Power" menu is the battery cycle count. This also indicates how heavily the Mac is used.
Connection Features: WiFi, Bluetooth, Microphone and Speaker
At first glance, the easiest features to test on Mac. To do this:
Try connecting to the WiFi network.
- Connect and disconnect your phone or AirPods from your Mac.
- Open a video and listen. Pay attention to any hissing noises.
- Open the camera recording and check the quality of the front camera.
- Try making an audio recording.
If the above are working properly and without any problems, your checklist is going great.
How to Test MacBook Hardware:
It is very important that the hardware that determines the performance of the device is complete, complete and healthy. So try a short MacBook hardware test.
- Shut down the Mac first.
- Then press the power button.
- Immediately after that, press and hold the ''D'' key.
- Release your hand when the Apple logo appears on the screen.
- The hardware test will start automatically.
This test tells you if there are any missing or serious problems with the hardware components of the device. Make sure that the Mac is plugged in while doing this. Otherwise, this will be the first error given during the check.
TrackPad Control: Shortcuts, Functions and Dead Area Control
The TrackPad has a lot of shortcuts that allow you to easily perform many functions on your MacBook. That's why it's very important for Mac users that the trackpad works flawlessly. Bumps, liquid contact or chronic problems can cause the trackpad to not work properly. So take the device in your hand for a few minutes and try to make sure that every area of the trackpad works.
Fingerprint Reading Control: Does It Work?
The new MacBook Pros have a fingerprint reader function and the device can be unlocked and closed with a fingerprint. If possible, ask the owner to unlock the device with a fingerprint. This way, you can easily test the function. Again, if the device you are going to buy has the touch Control Strip, which is found on some MacBook Pros, do not forget to test it by touching it. Such details will protect you from buying a broken device.
Almost Done: MacBook Charger Check
Finally, before buying a second-hand MacBook Pro (of course, this also applies to MacBook Air), make sure that the device detects the charging cable and charges. For this, wait at least 15 minutes and see if the charge level increases.
Profiles, Passwords, Linked Accounts: Take Care of Your Security
The second-hand MacBook may have many features such as iCloud backup, backup user profiles, fingerprint or device encryption. The old user's accounts, syncing or passwords should be completely removed. Otherwise, it will threaten your data security. Request to log out of all accounts. Request a complete reset of the device.
So where to buy a second-hand MacBook? First of all, you can choose computer shops that have high credibility and sell second-hand devices. Make sure the company you are dealing with is reliable by checking Google reviews or Instagram pages. You can also take a look at individual ads opened on second-hand platforms.
Buy MacBook Pro Sleeve or MacBook Air Sleeve
To use your device for a long time without scratches, fingerprints, impacts, stains, liquid contact, you need to protect it. KraftCover MacBook Pro sleeve or MacBook Air sleeve provides you with the following:
- It protects against impacts thanks to its hard upper and lower body.
- It protects from scratches thanks to the fabric, carbon fiber or leather coating on the top cover.
- The hard structure prevents dust accumulation or micro scratches on the Mac surface.
- Protects against liquid contact thanks to its water-resistant surface.
- Thanks to the silicone non-slip feet, you can use the device wherever you want.
Calculating Depreciation When Buying a Used MacBook: Which Models Hold Their Value?
MacBooks are generally known for holding their value well, but there are significant differences between different models and series. MacBooks with M-series processors, in particular, tend to lose much less value than models with Intel processors.
According to market analysis:
- The M1 MacBook Air loses an average of 15-20% of its value in a year
- Latest-generation Intel-powered MacBook Pros are losing 25-30% of their value
- Models from 2019 and earlier experience a 35-40% annual depreciation
In light of this data, it may make sense to opt for a 1-2 year old device, especially if you are considering buying an M series MacBook. Because after the sharp depreciation in the first year, these devices retain their value quite well.
Tip: MacBook colors also affect resale value. Classic colors like Space Gray tend to attract more buyers than specialty colors like Gold.
