Tech · Amazon Renewed
Refurbished Apple Products (Amazon Renewed)
Personal recommendation by Marshall Delpé. Not made by Marshalldelpe.com.
Refurbished Apple Products (Amazon Renewed)
Tech · Amazon Renewed·
Same Apple magic, smaller price tag, and nobody can tell it's renewed.
What it does: Amazon Renewed sells pre-owned and refurbished iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches and AirPods that have been inspected, tested and cleaned by qualified suppliers, usually for far less than new. Each item is covered by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee, which lets you return or replace it if it does not work as expected (90 days for standard Renewed, longer for Renewed Premium items).
Who it's for: Anyone who wants Apple quality without paying the new-release premium, students and families outfitting several people, and anyone who would rather keep good devices in use than send them to a landfill.
Why I use it: New tech loses value the moment you open the box, so I let someone else pay for that first drop. A one- or two-generation-old iPhone or iPad does everything I need for reading, writing, research and travel, and the money I save stays invested. Buying renewed is also a simple way to waste less.
Tradeoffs: Condition varies by seller: devices may show light cosmetic wear, batteries may not be at full health, and accessories are often generic rather than Apple-branded. Check the seller rating, the battery details and the return window before buying, and keep in mind that older models stop getting software updates sooner. Renewed Premium costs a bit more but comes with stricter standards and longer coverage.
Alternatives: Apple's own Certified Refurbished store (new battery and outer shell, full one-year warranty), Back Market, and the refurbished section at Best Buy.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I actually use.
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4Monster Quick-Dry Microfiber Towel
Travel Gear · 4Monster·
Dries you off, then dries itself off before you finish packing.
What it does: A lightweight microfiber towel that 4Monster says dries five times faster than cotton. It folds into its own compact zippered EVA case with a carabiner for clipping to a bag, and comes in several sizes and colours, from small gym towels up to large beach and bath sizes (the linked one is 40 × 20 inches). Made with plant-based dyes and reinforced stitching, with a 12-month warranty.
Who it's for: One bag travelers, backpackers, campers, swimmers and gym-goers — anyone who needs a towel that takes up little space and dries before the next use.
Why I use it: A regular cotton towel is one of the bulkiest, slowest-drying things you can pack. This folds into a case smaller than a book, dries quickly in a hotel room or hanging off my backpack, and clips on so it never gets lost. It is a small upgrade that makes one bag travel, beach days and the gym simpler.
Tradeoffs: Microfiber has a thin, slightly grippy feel that is not as plush or cosy as a thick cotton towel, and it tends to pull water off your skin by dabbing rather than rubbing. It can pick up lint and hair, and fabric softener reduces how well it absorbs. Pick the size carefully: smaller ones are great for the gym but too small to use as a bath towel.
Alternatives: The Sea to Summit DryLite Towel and PackTowl Personal for premium options, and a Turkish cotton (peshtemal) towel for a more natural feel that still packs flat.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I actually use.
AquaSonic Black Series PRO Electric Toothbrush
Oral Care · AquaSonic·
Two minutes a day now beats a root canal later.
What it does: An ADA Accepted sonic toothbrush with a 50,000-vibrations-per-minute motor, five brushing modes (Clean, Soft, Whiten, Massage and Deep Clean) and smart timers that pace your two minutes. It charges wirelessly, runs up to 30 days on a charge, is waterproof to IPX7 and comes with six ProFlex brush heads (about 18 months of brushing) and a hard travel case.
Who it's for: Anyone still using a manual toothbrush, or anyone who wants the cleaning power of a premium electric brush without the premium price. It is especially handy for travelers, since one charge outlasts most trips and the case keeps the head clean in a bag.
Why I use it: Your mouth is part of your health. Gum disease is linked to problems far beyond the teeth, and dental work is one of the most expensive repairs a body can need. As a nurse, I think of brushing as cheap, daily maintenance on an asset you only get one of. This brush does the work for me: the timer keeps me honest about the full two minutes, the battery lasts weeks, and six heads in the box means I am not buying replacements for a year and a half. It fits my one-bag travel too.
Tradeoffs: It vibrates more strongly than some people expect, so start on the Soft mode for the first week. The heads are proprietary, so you will eventually buy AquaSonic replacements. It has no app or pressure sensor, and the satin handle shows water spots.
Alternatives: Philips Sonicare (the long-time standard, with pressure sensors on higher models, at a higher price), Oral-B iO for a rotating round head, or the cheaper AquaSonic Black Series (non-PRO) if you just want the basics.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I actually use.