How you can get your Apple gear for less

SHOPPING AROUND WON’T

find you much of a discount on new Apple products. It’s worth a shot, though, especially after a range update, when store managers want to shift old stock. “Back to college” promotions are another chance, with even Apple doing bundle offers, while Black Friday (27 November this year) might see some third– party reductions.

Refurbished products give you more for your money. Stock changes regularly in Apple’s Refurbished and Clearance store, which is linked at the bottom of apple.com. Items are guaranteed for a year and can be returned within 14 days. Discounts aren’t generous, though. Search “refurbished Mac” (or iPad, or iPhone) online for third–party offers: these vary from overstock and customer returns, like Apple’s, to used tech that’s had a test and clean–up.

Check that the vendor is a US company — so you can enforce your consumer rights — and what their grades mean in terms of cosmetic state and warranty. Batteries are rarely guaranteed, though good Mac resellers will give a cycle count to check against bit.ly/ml169btcyc. Paying over $500 with a credit card means you can claim back from the issuer if you’re ripped off, while eBay offers cover if you buy with PayPal.

You can trade in current tech with Apple (see bit.ly/ml169trdin) for a modest discount; search “sell my Mac” (or whatever product) for alternative quotes. Check discounts or subsidies available from your employer or any reward schemes you’re in, and remember students and teachers get education pricing at (bit.ly/ ml169apledu).