Mac users in the unfortunate position of needing a temporary replacement laptop or desktop system have two basic options to chose from: rent a Mac or buy an Apple-certified refurbished unit and resell it once it is no longer needed.
Rent a Mac: Benefits of Renting an Apple Computer
More often than not, users seeking to rent a Mac will require the replacement as soon as possible and for a short amount of time.
Thus renting a Mac is a great solution for many Mac OS X users in need of a timely replacement. For example, students dependent upon a Mac computer may turn to Macintosh rental companies if their Apple laptop is stolen or needs to be sent away for repair.
Various types of corporate professionals may decide to rent instead of buy if a large number of Mac computers are needed only for a temporary period of time such as a conference or convention. A further example would be film and music productions that often find it more convenient to rent Apple computers when shooting or recording on location.
Another huge benefit of Mac rental is having the option to chose the software that will be installed on the rental computer.
Potential Downsides to Macintosh Computer Rental
Despite the situations mentioned above, renting a Mac may not be the most cost effective way to gain access to an Apple computer system. Furthermore, many Mac computer rental outlets require a large deposit before completing a Mac rental.
Depending on the model and the length of the rental agreement, it is often cheaper to buy a refurbished Mac and resell it later at a depreciated price. Mac rental rates often add up to over $200 per week whereas Apple certified-refurbished Macs cost hundreds of dollars less than new units and are backed by the same one-year warranty that accompanies all new Apple computers.
Rent a Mac or Buy a Refurbished Mac and Resell?
If a replacement Mac is needed immediately and for a very short period of time, then an Apple computer rental may be the best option. Regardless, anyone looking to rent a Mac should take the time to a least consider the option of buying an Apple-certified refurbished Mac in lieu of renting.
Even if the refurbished Mac model is a year or more behind the latest Mac product line, there is a very good chance that this older replacement will get the job done and cost less in the long run than committing to an expensive Mac rental agreement.
Clayton Worbeck - Clayton is a professional music producer, engineer and musician specializing in electronic and rock music. He has worked as an audio ...
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