A tech writer is raving about a refurbished 2017 MacBook Air as the perfect budget laptop for college students—not just because it's dirt cheap at $200 with free shipping, but because it strikes a sweet spot between affordability and reliable performance for schoolwork.

Editor’s Note: College students (and their wallets) are always on the hunt for tech that won’t break the bank but still gets the job done. This endorsement of a refurbished MacBook Air suggests there’s a legit, low-cost alternative to shiny new laptops—which matters when student debt is sky-high and every dollar counts. Plus, it’s a nod to the growing credibility of refurbished tech.