Looking to get a base MBA M2. Open box or refurbished?

[Kristy1989]

Hi! this is my first post on the forum and I'm so glad there are still active forums

Anyway, I used to have a base MBA M1 and I was pretty happy with it, but I wanted to play games so I traded it in for a low budget gaming PC. The PC is ok, the battery is horrible and I have to charge it every 3 hours and I'm not liking windows 11 and I prefer macOS.

I'm in the US and usually shop at Best Buy, what would you guys recommend? Is open box better than refurbished?

 

[User #07242024]

I’d go for either one with 1 year warranty. You may ask seller or check the serial number for activation.

 

[smirking]

As @User #07242024 said, just as long as it comes with full warranty, you should be OK either way.

If it were me, it'd depend on the pricing. If the pricing is equal, I'll go refurbished all the way, but only if it's specifically Apple Refurbished. The word refurbished otherwise could mean anything.

An Apple Refurbished unit is as good as new. Knowing that, I'd only go for the open box if it's at a significant discount from an Apple Refurbished unit.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

If you're in the USA, or somewhere where you can buy from the Apple online refurbished store, then THAT is where you should be buying from.

You'll get something that you'll know works, and get an actual warranty with it as well.

Even if it costs a little more.

 

[Student of Life]

The safe bet is the Apple Store for refurbished. Best Buy has some good deals but it all depends on whether or not you can add apple care to it. If you dont value apple care then go for the cheapest price but remember buyer beware on the open item since I think you only have a very limited warranty time, think under 90 days more likely in the 30ish range.