If you have been weighing the idea of purchasing a secondary computer—perhaps as a reliable companion for professional work, academic assignments, or frequent travel—it may be worth turning your attention toward a refurbished 13‑inch MacBook Air currently offered through Back Market. At this moment, and conveniently just ahead of Labor Day, this elegantly thin and remarkably lightweight machine powered by Intel’s Core i5 processor is available at a strikingly low price of only $116. Considering that the MacBook Air, at its original release, commanded a retail price point close to $1,000, the discount represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire premium hardware at a fraction of its initial cost.
For those who prefer to invest in models that feel virtually indistinguishable from brand-new devices, Back Market also lists higher‑tier refurbished MacBooks certified as being in “Excellent” condition. These typically start around $164, and the certification ensures that the laptops have little to no visible cosmetic wear and support batteries that function almost like new, retaining above 90% of their original health capacity. This certification provides reassurance that both the performance and the physical durability of the device will meet modern expectations despite its refurbished status.
Every laptop sold via Back Market undergoes a meticulous renewal process. First, technicians perform a complete system reset and reinstall the operating system, essentially presenting the buyer with a clean, blank‑slate experience. Beyond software, thorough hardware diagnostics and quality checks are carried out, ensuring that core components—from the keyboard and trackpad to the display and internal circuitry—function exactly as intended. Such assurance is especially appealing for prospective buyers of the 2017 MacBook Air, as it remains an ideal choice for anyone seeking a secondary laptop or compact travel machine capable of handling essential computing tasks. With this device, users can surf the web efficiently, keep up with professional or personal email correspondence, and enjoy seamless synchronization with their iPhone for FaceTime calls or iMessage conversations.
The 2017 iteration of the MacBook Air integrates a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor alongside 8GB of RAM, which was a robust and highly competitive configuration at the time of release. Combined with Apple’s expert engineering, the result is a notebook that not only embodies extreme portability but also helped establish benchmarks for the entire category of ultraportables for years afterward. Weighing merely 2.9 pounds, this laptop is light enough to slip into a backpack or tote bag and carry effortlessly without adding substantial bulk or strain.
From a connectivity standpoint, the 13‑inch MacBook Air is streamlined yet practical. It features dual USB‑A ports for standard accessories, provides Wi‑Fi 802.11ac for dependable wireless networking, and includes Bluetooth 4 support for accessories and peripheral devices. Importantly, this particular iteration predates Apple’s controversial experimentation with the Touch Bar, meaning it instead retains the familiar and dependable QWERTY keyboard layout—a feature many users see as more intuitive and user‑friendly.
In terms of software compatibility, this MacBook Air is capable of running macOS Monterey, which remains highly optimized for both the hardware components and the performance profile of this generation of laptops. While it is not the most recent operating system, Monterey continues to provide a comprehensive suite of applications that define the Mac ecosystem. From productivity tools such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Office to creative platforms like PixelMaster Pro and multimedia utilities like AirPlay, the software suite equips users with everything necessary for everyday tasks at school, work, or on the go.
Naturally, one of the chief questions that arises with refurbished technology is reliability, particularly with respect to warranty coverage and long‑term usability. Back Market addresses this concern directly with its certified refurbished program. Every laptop it sells is guaranteed with a free, no‑questions‑asked 30‑day warranty, which gives buyers the confidence to test the machine without risk. Devices undergo rigorous professional inspections, and any component that fails to meet technical standards is replaced before the machine is listed for sale. This process ensures customers are receiving a product that is not merely reused, but actively restored to a high standard.
Battery longevity is also a critical area of focus for refurbished devices, and Back Market enforces strict thresholds for all of its offerings. Each laptop maintains at least 85% of its original battery health, with higher‑graded “Good” or “Excellent” units reaching 90% or even 95%. In practice, this translates to a battery that has experienced only minimal wear and still delivers performance close to that of a new device, mitigating concerns about premature power loss during work or travel.
Moving to display quality, the 13.3‑inch widescreen panel offered by the 2017 MacBook Air was considered cutting‑edge at its debut and continues to hold up reasonably well today. With a resolution of 1440 by 900 pixels and brightness levels up to 300 nits, the screen provides a crisp and clear viewing experience suited for both productivity applications and light entertainment. While modern laptops may now boast higher resolutions, the Air’s display still delivers sufficient clarity and vibrancy for reading, browsing, and video streaming.
It is important to note that availability of such exceptional bargains can shift rapidly. Deals may expire before their advertised end date or sell out entirely, given the high demand for recognizable and trusted Apple hardware at deeply discounted prices. Nevertheless, ZDNET remains committed to continually tracking, evaluating, and updating the most worthwhile offers available, ensuring that readers gain access to genuine savings opportunities. Even if a featured deal passes by, prospective buyers should not feel discouraged, as new chances to save are consistently surfacing—and ZDNET plays an active role in highlighting them.
In summary, the refurbished 13‑inch MacBook Air from 2017 represents a compelling balance between affordability, portability, and reliability. For students heading back to class, professionals in need of a secondary device, or frequent travelers desiring lightweight connectivity on the move, this deal offers the ability to enjoy Apple’s renowned build quality and software ecosystem without the financial strain of a brand-new machine.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/need-an-inexpensive-back-to-school-laptop-get-a-refurbished-macbook-air-for-116/
