Getting refurbished Apple products for less
A reader’s 7-year-old iMac refused to power on. Apple couldn’t fix it.
“They first tried the power fix, which didn’t work, then tried replacing the logic board,” she said, “which also didn’t work.” To repair it would have cost $900. “I am extremely disgusted,” she said. “I paid more than a thousand dollars for it. I think it should last longer than that. But it is what it is. Now I need a new computer.”
Unfortunately, a computer that lasts seven years is par for the course. On average, they last three to eight years. But desktops last longer than laptops because they get better airflow, which reduces heat, the enemy of electronic components. It’s also easier to swap out bad parts.
Facing the possibility of a $900 repair bill that might not fix the problem, the reader seriously considered switching to Windows. But she hated the idea of having to learn how to use it. (I felt the same way when I tried to switch from a Windows PC to a Mac.) Fortunately, she found a refurbished iMac for $522. “Refurbished” products often include stuff that’s barely been used before being returned. Even if they were used heavily, however, they’re fully tested and repaired before going on sale.
The reader’s iMac came with a oneyear warranty from BackMarket.com. (Note that it’s “back,” not “black,” market.) I had never heard of the site, but it gets great reviews, even when compared with Amazon. Refurb.me, which is also highly regarded and offers its own deals on Apple products, gives Backmarket high marks. The site also offers free shipping on all products, even if they’re under $25. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
I saw a great-looking 3-year-old Macbook Air for $528, $771 less than a new one. I also saw 2016 Asus Chromebooks for $39, though experts say you shouldn’t buy a computer older than three years. The key issue is the battery. But you can replace one in a $39 Chromebook for only $30 at ChromebookParts.com. A new Macbook battery costs between $159 and $249, depending on the model and its age.
To make a computer last longer, whether it’s a laptop or a desktop with a hard drive or solid-state drive, turn it off at night. I’ve been reluctant to do that, however, because I like to let scientists use my computer when it’s idle, through the free “BOINC” app. Besides turning it off at night, you should put your computer into sleep mode when it’s been idle for more than 20 minutes.
I just typed “sleep mode” into the search box in Windows.
When it came up, I tweaked the settings. My computer now gets a rest instead of running continuously.
Thunderbird discovery
For some unknown reason, my Gmails were getting stuck in the outbox when I used the Google Chrome browser. So I turned to Mozilla Thunderbird, an email program that’s been around since 2003.
Thunderbird imported all my old Gmails, going back to 2009. Now I’m seeing priceless photos I haven’t seen in years. I’m also seeing worthwhile notes from loved ones and friends. Unfortunately, when I delete the junk in Thunderbird, it’s still there in my Gmail account. Oh well.
Streaming TV box warning
A Google Chromecast, a Roku or an Amazon Firestick all allow a non-smart TV to get Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Videos and other channels and apps. The sticks range in price from $20 for a Firestick to $36 for the Chromecast. But beware of cheap competitors.
Some streaming sticks, like the T95, come with malware right out of the box, according to Ars Technica, which quoted a report by Human Security. The report uncovered 200 malware-infected streaming sticks or boxes for Android devices.
The lesson?
Stick to name brands.
Good deal on audiobooks
Starting in December, Spotify, the music and podcast lovers’ app, will offer 15 hours of free audiobooks per month to anyone with a premium $11-a-month subscription.
Robotic hiring
Unfortunately, a computer that lasts seven years is par for the course. On average, they last three to eight years. But desktops last longer than laptops because they get better airflow, which reduces heat, the enemy of electronic components.
HireVue now lets bots help with the hiring process. Typically, a company only looks at a job candidate’s résumé, ignoring the whole person. But HireVue.com uses artificial intelligence to measure human potential. That way, employers can identify the skills that don’t show up on a résumé.
Job candidates complete a brief assessment of their interests, personality and background. When the results are compared to available jobs, the company gets a better candidate and the workplace becomes more diverse.
Reader woe
A reader with an Android phone deleted a photo accidentally and wants it back. Unfortunately, that’s impossible. She emptied the trash in her Google Photos app gallery.
To check your trash, open the Google Photos app and tap “Library,” then tap “Trash.” Tap the photo you want, then tap “restore.” Google says that items that aren’t backed up are deleted after 30 days. Otherwise, you get 60 days. But a friend reports that his trash seems to last longer. Hmm.
Internut
“Ohio State University research that uses AI to target cancer.” Search on that phrase to learn about some exciting new developments. Ohio State is using AI to predict how breast cancer patients will respond to chemotherapy treatment. They’re also using it to identify lung cancers much faster and improve colon cancer research. Search on “AI research for cancer” to find more examples from universities such as MIT, Stanford, Imperial College, London and more.