9 Points You Should Keep Remember Before Purchasing Used MacBook

9 Points You Should Keep Remember Before Purchasing Used MacBook: MacBooks are inarguably known for being at the top of the list of most convenient laptops and computers. From its compact look to the firm and durable structure, MacBooks have tempted every tech-savvy. However, if you are thinking about trying a second-hand Mac device before purchasing the new one, then you can do that as well.

Especially if you are accustomed to handling only Windows computers, then it might take some time to adjust with the Mac devices. And, the decision to buy a used Mac is a perfect fit for the ongoing circumstances.

But, the entire procedure is out of the track than any regular purchase when you are talking about a used MacBook. After all, you have to use the device for quite an extended period. So, don’t skip any of the upcoming tips, if you don’t want to compromise with the price you are going to pay. However, avail MacBook repair services if the existing Mac is troubling you.

 

Tips to Remember Before Buying Used MacBook

1. How Old is the Device?

This seriously matters for recent updates and other security management issues. If the MacBook owner claims that the device is in brand-new condition, don’t get convinced with the words. You can check the age of the device on your own, and that’s not difficult at all. All you have to do is to go to the Apple icon. Click ‘About this Mac’ and there you can get all the details regarding the device.

Regardless, if the device doesn’t have the latest mac OS, then there’s nothing depressing. Because you can get the age with the serial number of the Mac. Just flip the device to get the serial number and start your inquiry at the official webpage of Apple coverage check.

 

2. Look out for External Damages

After verifying its age, check the Mac if you can notice any seam, scratch or dent all over the device. Afterwards, examine all the screws. However, tightening the screws can be easily achieved with any MacBook repair service near you. In addition to this, don’t forget the screen hinges along with examining the display of the Mac.

 

3. Run Some Quick Tests

Before you move on to some complicated diagnostics regarding the used MacBook, you can test and try its functionality. Switch on the Wi-Fi feature to check if it has any problem with connecting any Wi-Fi network. Whether you can enable the device as a Hotspot, examine all the USB or Thunderbolt ports with compatible drives or devices. Also, turn on the music and adjust the volume keys to test the audio quality.

Additionally, you can insert a CD or DVD to check if it runs. You might ask for the purchase documents from the owner for future servicing or repairing. Moreover, you might opt for the physical condition check-up of the Mac battery, if the device has a detachable one.

 

4. Investigate for the Remaining Battery Life

The scenario won’t be fruitful if you have to replace the MacBook battery just after you purchase it. More frankly, don’t invest in a used MacBook that isn’t left with much battery life. And, availing a battery replacement beyond the warranty period can’t make you happy.

So, how can you measure the battery life? MacBooks get the lithium-ion cells for their power-packed performance, and these cells have almost 1000 charging cycles allowed for their lifetime. Hence, you have to check this charge cycle count. Press and hold the Option key and click the Apple icon. Now, move on to System Information.

Now, go to the Power tab. Find out the cycle counts. Most probably, the load cycle counts would stay around 500. More than 500 cycle counts won’t prove to be beneficial for faster and smoother user experience on Mac. Consequently, power will drain out quickly if you grant more than 500 charge cycle counts.

 

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5. Keyboard Works or Not?

This test is unskippable as the keyboard is one of the most functional parts of a laptop or desktop. Therefore, open up the lid of the MacBook and start typing in a text box or so. Press and check every key as you type. Examine if the typing is smooth or makes a certain amount of delay. Also, make sure that the keys aren’t loose at all.

In addition to this, examine the trackpad before you make any commitment. If you find anything faulty, then it’s wise not to purchase second-hand laptops. However, if you can compromise with the requirements, then you can switch to a USB-keyboard rather than a replacement service of keys.

 

6. Examine the Hard Drive

In case, you want to check the health status of the hard drive of the Mac, and then you need not look for any third-party application. You have to use the in-built Disk Utility, and it will detect the health of hard drives. Here’s what you need to follow:

• Open up Applications under Finder.
• Search for the Utilities option.
• Now, select the Disk Utility option.
• Tap the First Aid option and opt for Run.

The disk check-up will be accomplished within minutes, and you can observe the full report of the hard drive of the Mac. If you can see any message in red, then there’s something fishy with that particular drive. Don’t go with that MacBook that has encountered drive problems. Otherwise, it can lead to hard drive failure or severe data loss shortly.

 

7. AHT for the Overall Hardware Test

If you don’t want to miss an inch for the hardware compliance test, then there’s nothing better than Apple Hardware Test. It is also known as Apple Diagnostics for the latest Apple launches. Follow the guidelines to initiate the test on the particular Mac.

• Detach all the cables and external devices from the MacBook. Switch off the device.
• Restart the device. Press and hold the key ‘D’ until you can notice the start-up notification.
• Choose any comfortable language. Now, you can run the test by using the navigation keys.

This test will examine the status of memory components, logic boards and other hardware systems on the Mac.

 

8. Is Webcam Working?

To quench your curiosity, explore Apple’s Photo Booth or Facetime application to examine the webcam. If you can notice yourself on display then the camera is perfectly fine. However, if the window shows any message regarding no connected camera, then the iSight camera is not set as the default one. Try to set the iSight camera as the default webcam. In case the issue doesn’t resolve, then there are chances that the webcam is faulty.

 

9. Watch out for Dead Pixels

Ignoring several dead pixels on a used MacBook can seem justified, but are you sure about that? Try this dead pixel check for your MacBook purchase. Apply a dark and solid background to find out any white pixels. Do the opposite to find out the black pixels. These are the dead pixels.

However, it’s very usual to grow dead pixels, but you can’t overlook if it is almost ten or more than that. Additionally, consider the positions of the dead pixels. Otherwise, you can grant the MacBook in its optimum condition.

 

Summing Up…

At last, if you find everything flawless with the used Mac device, then you can surely buy this. Don’t forget to disable the passwords for firmware before you make the payment. Additionally, ask the owner for a Reset on the MacBook. Hope you enjoy your MacBook experience.

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