Middle School Saves $52,000 Buying Used Macs
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 03/03/14
A Los Angeles middle school has worked with a company that refurbishes Apple computers and tablets to purchase 35 MacBooks and 40 iMacs for less than half the cost of new machines. Thomas Starr King Middle School acquired the devices from Mac to School, a California-based company that delivers used Apple equipment to schools nationwide.
This wasn't the first time the school had worked with Mac to School. According to Principal Mark Naulls, he has been impressed by the company's customer support and warranties.
"We are always looking for creative ways to get the most instructional value for every dollar we spend," he said. "Buying refurbished computers from Mac to School allowed us to make the most of our technology budget without sacrificing the quality of the devices."
In the latest deal, purchasing the computers directly from Apple would have cost $85,000 — about $1,133 on average per machine. The refurbished technology cost $33,000, about $440 per machine.
Mac to School also purchases used Apple equipment from districts that are refreshing their computers. The company sells refurbished Macs, iPads and Apple accessories in quantities from five to 500. Products include a one-year warranty, free shipping, operating system installation and custom imaging.
Among Mac to School's customers are Trinity Independent School District in Texas, Chawanakee Unified School District in California and Pemayetv Emahakv Our Way Charter School in Florida.
About the Author
Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.