Get a refurbished 2017 MacBook Air for $400

TL;DR: As of Aug. 28, get this refurbished 2017 Apple MacBook Air for only $399.99 (reg. $575.00) in the Mashable Shop — that's 30% off.

Sometimes, a good laptop for school is not necessarily the newest, most powerful computer you can find. If your computer is practically tailor-made for gaming and other distractions, it might be a little easier to deviate from all your work in the new semester.

A good alternative is a functional computer with decent specs, a long-lasting battery, and a low price. This refurbished MacBook Air could be an excellent fit for students from high school through college, and it’s on sale for 30% off because it might have some light superficial signs of wear and tear already. 

This lightweight laptop has a 13.3-inch display and is running macOS Sierra, but you may be able to upgrade to a more recent OS. Multitask efficiently with 8GB RAM and a 5th-generation Intel Core i5 processor. You may not be able to jump from a AAA game to rendering a six-hour documentary, but you should should have no problem with everyday apps like Microsoft Office 2021 or Google Sheets.

The full-size keyboard is backlit for late-night study sessions, and the trackpad supports multi-touch commands. An HD webcam will also allow for video chats or access to online classes.

The only signs that this computer isn’t brand new are superficial and faint. The grade "B" rating means it might have some light scratches, scuffs, or dents on the case and body, but they will not affect the operation of the computer. You could also just cover them with a case.

Whether you’re heading off to college or buckling down at the office, having a computer primed for productivity is never a bad idea.

Get a refurbished 2017 Apple MacBook Air on sale for $399.99 (reg. $575).

Prices subject to change.