Owning a MacBook is as close to premium as it gets. No matter what year the MacBook was released, it is still seen as a high-end device, and as you may have noticed it has a high-end price attached to it. Even older or used versions still have a steep price tag. What is the reason for this high price? Why are old MacBooks still expensive?
Old MacBooks are still expensive because no matter how old or used the model is, a MacBook can still perform seamlessly. Due to their high performance, old MacBooks are rarely replaced, leading to a shortage in supply and an increase in demand. This increased demand for a scarce product also attributes to why old MacBooks are still expensive.
Aside from its consistent performance and high demand by the public, other factors come into play regarding a MacBook’s great price. Let us take a look at them.
Why Are Macbooks So Expensive?
Before you can truly understand why old Macbooks are still expensive, you have to know why MacBooks, in general, are expensive.
Some might say that they are too expensive because they do not measure up when you compare their specifications and prices with laptops of the same range. But the truth is, they are worth the price. Here’s why.
Longevity
If MacBooks did not last as long as they do, there would not be any old MacBooks to buy, would there? On average, a MacBook will outlive several Windows laptops.
MacBooks can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years, sometimes even longer. With proper care, a Macbook’s build, internal hardware, and software will not deteriorate. It would still look and function like it did when you first purchased it.
Most people don’t upgrade their MacBooks because they broke them. Instead, they upgrade just to get the latest or newer version of their MacBooks.
Great Customer Service
Compared to other laptop brands, Apple offers one of the best customer services in the market. Regardless of the model of your MacBook, a customer service representative will always be available to attend to you.
Their customer service representatives are not only online. If you’re having an issue and can’t solve it online, you can visit a Genius bar at any Apple store. The experts there will be able to help you out.
With the fantastic customer service Apple provides, it is no wonder their laptops have such a costly price tag.
High-Quality Parts
The internal and external hardware of a MacBook is made of high-quality materials. From the retina screen to the speakers within, everything is made with only the best materials. These materials possess a higher grade than materials used by other brands like ASUS or even HP.
The use of high-quality materials makes the hardware of a MacBook long-lasting and its software fluid. These materials are expensive and, as such, reflect in the price of the laptop
High Demand
Newer MacBooks are just as in demand as older ones. Everyone wants the latest technology and is willing to pay a hefty price to get it. MacBooks are no exception. As long as people wish to use these MacBooks and are eager to pay any amount to get them, the price will stay high.
Less Vulnerable to Viruses
Macbooks are less likely to suffer from a virus attack, and this is because the MacOS is an operating system based on the UNIX operating system. This operating system is highly secure, especially when you compare it to the one used by Windows.
Aside from the security a MacBook possesses, the chances of the laptop getting infected by a virus are lower because fewer viruses are made to attack MacBooks. With only about 10% of computers user owning a MacBook, it is rare to find a virus built to attack a MacBook.
Battery Life
Long battery life is one thing MacBooks have always been known for. It should come as no surprise seeing as both hardware and software are of high quality.
Aside from the quality of these components, because the hardware and software of the MacBooks are explicitly made by Apple, they can optimize the laptop for maximum battery life.
Why Are Old MacBooks Still Expensive?
Older models of laptops from Hp, Acer, Toshiba, and the likes are affordable. Even though they came out expensive, their price was reduced over time. Why are MacBooks different? Why are the older models still expensive? Let’s find out.
Performance
No matter how old a MacBook gets, it can still perform as brilliantly as it did on the day of purchase. The same cannot be said for many other brands of laptops.
A MacBook will always boot quickly and open files and applications with no delay. With proper care and protection, the elegant chassis of a MacBook can look as good as new. All these stay true even with extensive use of the laptop.
Due to its ability to stand the test of time, a MacBook is always regarded as a premium device worth its price.
High Price for New MacBook
When MacBooks are released, they come at a luxurious price. This high price barely goes down, even after years of the laptop being in circulation and used by customers. The reason for this price could be the exclusivity that Apple devices have, or maybe it has to do with the overall experience of these devices.
With high values and slow descent in price, it is easy for used MacBooks to have a price tag that is pretty steep as well.
Also, with the high price of newer MacBooks, users will be tempted to lean towards older ones, which adds to the high demand effect.
Supply And Demand
Supply
Even though Apple sells a lot of MacBooks around the world, there are more laptops by other brands across the globe. As you now know, MacBooks only make up about 10% of the total number of laptops in circulation.
With so few people using MacBooks, there will be a lesser amount of used MacBooks, especially when MacBooks last for so long. This means you’re more likely to find used laptops by other brands than MacBooks.
Demand
When a high-end Windows laptop is released, it comes out quite expensive. If you do not want to purchase an expensive laptop, you can opt for a used one.
However, Windows laptops come in various shapes and sizes that adhere to all budgets. This diversity in products allows users to purchase brand-new laptops for the price of a used premium one. Most customers would rather buy a new low-end laptop that comes in a box than buy a used high-end one.
This is not the case with MacBooks. Apple does not offer an affordable option for a brand new laptop. Even the most affordable ones will have your pockets feeling empty.
So, if you want to opt for an affordable MacBook, you would have to go for a refurbished or used one. A refurbished MacBook is just a few dollars cheaper than a used one, and chances are, you would want a laptop that hasn’t been tampered with.
This increased demand for used MacBooks in a world with so few of them tends to make the price of the laptops go up.
Will Old MacBooks Always Stay Expensive?
No one can say what is going to happen to the price of MacBooks. A newer suite of laptops might be released, displacing MacBooks’ current crown. The demand for MacBooks might reduce with time, leading to a reduction in price as well.
It all depends on how well the devices perform, how badly consumers want them, and how much they are willing to pay to get them.