You may consider an official Apple Refurbished Certified Mac from the online Apple Store.
They offer a lower price point than the latest model, yet come with a warranty and qualify
for the option to extend the warranty through purchase of an AppleCare plan.
•Refurbished Mac - Apple Certified - Apple.com:
http://www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/specialdeals/mac
A fair example of a good student computer: (link)
Refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Pro 2.5GHz Dual-core Intel i5
Various models may be un-represented in the refurbished store page, the contents do
change; items appear and then sell out sometimes quickly. Items like the Mini would
(when available) likely be of a newer model where the user cannot upgrade RAM so like
most bought-new, you'd choose a build model which already has sufficient RAM installed.
Some items do not directly compare to the new counterpart in the main retail online Store;
that is because specifications change over time, and the ones in 'refurb' could be from an
earlier build series of a similar named product.
Good quality used and repaired computers can be an option, however some of those do
not include the original accessories or may require new replacements of time-worn parts.
Items like batteries, in used notebook or portables, would be suspect & need replaced,
as would the hard disk drive in a portable that may have seen much use or abuse. So a
lower initial price on a used but guaranteed computer may become higher once accessory
items and other parts which may be not included, but needed, are added to the bill. Also,
used computers sometimes do not include any system discs; and may have no support.
However companies such as wegenermedia, powerbookmedic, macsales, and others in
various locations across the country (and world, for that matter) can offer an alternative to
new prices; some users do not want to be the first to scratch up a cost new model, but a
used one in otherwise perfect functional state, is less of a risk in case of lost or damage.
Older models offer other benefits, if you are into maintaining your own vintage gear.
An official Apple refurbished model, depending on specification, may be a good choice if
you know what kinds of applications and coursework, and uses the student is expected to
put the unit through in the span of a school year and in between, practical purposed use.
You fairly much have to consider buying the upgrade before you know what that need may
be based on; so it sometimes is easier to get a higher spec model and have it ready for
any newer OS X and application updates that may occur later. OS X is always changing.
Since you posed this question in an old topic thread, I noticed and thought to offer an idea.
Hopefully you can get a fair deal on something w/ good serviceability & best for the student.
Good luck & happy computing! 🙂
