That is an interesting thought. How do you refurb a computer when the whole thing is on a single chip? Buff out a scratch on the case? Open up the case take everything out and put in a new SoC? It would appear most repairs would involve replacing the entire SoC and therefore expensive. When you buy, don't forget AppleCare — while it is less likely you will need it, if you do need it you will really need it. IIRC AppleCare for the M1 MacBook is $269 if paid in full up front.
According to MacWorld: "AppleCare+ is available for the Mac mini for $99, which extends the standard one-year warranty to three years." No moving parts, no monitor and maybe like joemikeb says, they only have to replace one chip if something goes wrong.
On a Mac since 1984. Currently: 24" M1 iMac, M2 Pro Mac mini with 27" BenQ monitor, M2 Macbook Air, MacOS 14.x; iPhones, iPods (yes, still) and iPads.
