MacBook lease: A new opportunity for refurbished Apple
Leasing a MacBook sounds logical. Fixed monthly payments, no major upfront investment. Companies have been doing it for years. But leasing refurbished Apple products ? That's new territory. leapp, known for used iPhones and AirPods , is now jumping into this gap with a bold move: MacBook leasing for both consumers and businesses, in partnership with Elbuco.
There's an interesting twist to this, though. While the tech world obsessively pursues the latest and greatest, Leapp consciously chooses the combination of secondhand and accessible . No gleaming showroom with brand-new models, but refurbished MacBooks with a warranty for a monthly fee. Just as you can add accessories to your order, you can now complete your workspace without the financial headaches. The question is: will Dutch consumers dare to take this step?
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What exactly does MacBook leasing entail?
Leasing a laptop instead of buying it has been common practice for businesses for years. Now, leapp is bringing this option to consumers, but with a twist: refurbished devices. You pay a fixed monthly fee and receive a fully tested, used MacBook with a warranty. At the end of the contract, you return the device or buy it for the remaining balance.
The partnership with Elbuco takes care of the financial processing. They have experience with leasing structures and handle the administrative side of things. For you as a customer, little will change: you order through Leapp, but you'll now pay monthly instead of all at once.
Who is this interesting for?
Students and starters
For students who temporarily need a powerful laptop, leasing can be a solution. A new MacBook can easily cost over a thousand euros. Most students don't have that kind of money lying around. Leasing allows you to spread the cost over your studies. The downside: you'll ultimately pay more than if you buy outright.
Small businesses and self-employed persons
Leasing offers tax advantages for entrepreneurs. You can immediately deduct the monthly costs as business expenses. Moreover, you don't have to make a large investment that will weigh on your balance sheet. You can trade in the model you lease for a newer one after two or three years.
Home workers with varying needs
Do you work part-time from home and part-time at the office? Then a leased laptop can be practical. You don't have to worry about maintenance yourself, and if there are any problems, you can arrange a replacement through Leapp. That saves you the hassle of warranties and repairs.
Refurbished versus new leasing
Most leasing providers use brand-new products. Leapp consciously chooses refurbished. This has advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits of refurbished leasing:
- Lower monthly amounts than with new models
- Less depreciation (the biggest loss has already occurred)
- More sustainable because you reuse existing products
- Often available faster than new models
Disadvantages of refurbished leasing:
- You are not receiving a brand new product
- May have minor signs of use (although Leapp has strict quality requirements)
- Not always the latest model available
- Battery capacity may be lower than new units
What about warranty and service?
A key aspect of leasing is the security you receive. With leapp, you get a standard warranty on your leased MacBook. If something breaks, they'll take care of repairs or replacements. This service is included in the monthly fee.
What many people don't know is that you can also purchase AppleCare+ for refurbished products, provided the device isn't too old. This provides extra peace of mind, especially with heavy use. However, be sure to check whether the extra costs outweigh the benefits.
The financial side
Leasing seems attractive because you don't pay a large lump sum. But first calculate your total outlay. A MacBook that costs €1,200 outright can cost as much as €1,500 over three years with a lease. That extra €300 is for the convenience of paying in installments.
For businesses, the situation is different. They can deduct leasing costs from their taxes and don't have to track depreciation. For individuals, it's purely a matter of cash flow: if you don't have the funds immediately available, leasing can be a solution.
Practical tips for those interested
- Compare different models. A MacBook Air is more than enough for most users. The Pro models are particularly useful for video editing and graphics-intensive tasks.
- Pay attention to the term. Shorter contracts are more flexible but have higher monthly payments. Longer contracts are cheaper per month but commit you for a longer period.
- Check the fine print. What happens if there's damage? Can you cancel mid-term? How much does it cost to take over the device after the contract expires?
- Consider alternatives. Sometimes buying a refurbished MacBook outright is more cost-effective, especially if you plan to use it for a long time. Or consider an iPad with a keyboard for lighter tasks.
Sustainability: more than a marketing term
Reusing electronics reduces the demand for new products. This saves raw materials and energy. A refurbished laptop that lasts two extra years prevents the production of a new one. This effect is measurable: according to research, a refurbished laptop saves an average of 190 kilos of CO2 emissions.
But be realistic. Leasing also stimulates consumption by making it easier to regularly switch models. If you truly want to be sustainable, use a laptop for as long as possible. Buying a refurbished one and using it for years is more environmentally friendly than leasing a "new" refurbished model every two years.
Conclusion
MacBook leasing through Leapp is an attractive option for specific groups. Students, small businesses, and those seeking flexibility can benefit. Combining it with refurbished hardware makes it more affordable than traditional leasing.
At the same time, it's not a panacea. You'll ultimately pay more than with an outright purchase. For those who can afford it, buying remains more cost-effective. But for those who can't or don't want to make the investment, leasing offers a viable alternative.
The most important advice: calculate the cost beforehand and compare it to alternatives. Don't just look at the monthly payment, but at the total cost over the term. And consider how long you expect to use the device. Only then will you make a well-informed decision.
Is MacBook leasing worth it?
Leapp's MacBook lease fills a gap in the market. For those who can't afford or don't want to spend a large sum, it offers an accessible way to acquire a decent laptop. The combination of refurbished and lease makes it more affordable than traditional leasing options.
Still, it's important to be mindful: calculate your total cost beforehand and compare that to buying a refurbished MacBook outright. For companies with tax benefits or students on a tight budget, it might be worthwhile. For everyone else, saving and buying outright is often more cost-effective .
