MBA M1 Refurbished - Could also be treated as a new machine

[tomstone74]

Wanted to have a first MacOS device for quite some time now. Long-term Windows user, software dev use case, e.g. getting into MacOS-specific ala XCode etc.

Looked at the release of M1 in 2020 back then, although it has been hard I didn't buy, but awaited the rumored more powerful MBP M1 in 2021 to re-think things. Forth and back between 14" and 16". Looked at both in a store, followed many Youtube videos and then re-questioned what I really need and ended up with: "Let's give a MBA M1 a try".

Got my MBA M1 16G/1TB Refurbished at 1.599 EUR (compared to ~ 3.200 EUR for my targeted 14") yesterday. As said, my first MacOS device, thus need some time to get into this eco-system, but first impression: the "Refurbished" could also be treated as a new one. From an outside, absolutely no sign of any sort of usage. No scratches on the chassis, superb display etc. Battery cycle count is reported as 2.

I don't regret (yet - if ever) going that route and possibly use the saving for getting a new 27" 4K monitor. Really like this handy/portable device already.

 

[yitwail]

The only thing that could wear out anytime soon on a MBA with your configuration is the battery and keyboard, and apparently you have a new battery, so your machine really is as good as new.

 

[Hunter5117]

I have bought a number of Apple refurbished devices over the years and every one looked like a new one and always had a new battery and keyboard. I never regretted any of those purchases.

 

[thadoggfather]

The only thing that could wear out anytime soon on a MBA with your configuration is the battery and keyboard, and apparently you have a new battery, so your machine really is as good as new.

even the keyboards should be good to go since they're not butterfly

 

[jerryk]

Yes. Apple refurbished devices look new. Often, the only way you can really tell is the box is not the same as the retail-priced system.