The refurbished MacBook Neo could be the ideal solution to avoid Apple’s price increase.
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The MacBook Neo has appeared in Apple's refurbished store following a price increase.
The MacBook Neo was introduced in March as Apple's most budget-friendly notebook, but it has already experienced a price bump. The entry-level model featuring 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is now priced at $699, while the 512GB variant equipped with Touch ID is listed at $799.
Shortly after, Apple has begun offering refurbished MacBook Neo models on its online storefront, providing buyers with a less expensive official option, although the savings may not be as significant as anticipated.
Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends
Refurbished models are now available
The refurbished MacBook Neo models are essentially priced similarly to the new models prior to the price increase. The 256GB model was available for $599, although it seems to be currently out of stock, while the 512GB model is being sold at $679. Therefore, the most affordable MacBook Neo that you can purchase directly from Apple at this time costs $679.
Although this is less expensive than Apple’s new pricing, it still isn’t a clear-cut win. Regrettably, the Amazon Prime Day sale has concluded, making these deals the only means of acquiring the Neo for less than its manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
Apple's refurbished products generally offer a reliable option
While some may be hesitant about purchasing refurbished items, Apple assures that its certified refurbished products undergo thorough functional testing, cleaning, and inspection, using genuine Apple replacement parts as necessary. They also come with accessories, operating systems, free shipping and returns, and the same standard one-year limited warranty offered with a new device.
This scenario is not quite the same as buying an arbitrary used laptop or taking a risk on an unknown refurb vendor. Though the original retail box may not be included, you benefit from Apple’s quality assurance and warranty protection.
Apple’s refurbished store might not provide significant discounts, but it is currently one of the few ways to sidestep the increased price of the MacBook Neo. With ongoing pressure on memory and storage prices, it is unlikely that Apple's recent price hikes will be the final ones. If you're considering making a purchase, delaying could result in even higher prices later on.
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The refurbished MacBook Neo could be the ideal solution to avoid Apple’s price increase.
Refurbished MacBook Neo models have been listed on Apple's online store, but the discounts might not be as substantial as you might anticipate.