Getting an iMac - New or Refurbished?

[wheels524]

I am going to get one of the current generation iMacs and am deciding between the upgraded 21.5" model or the base 27" model. What is everyone's thoughts purchasing a refurbed model through Apple versus a brand new model?

I realize that I won't get the original packaging, but I can still get Applecare for a refurb so am leaning towards doing that and saving $100-$200 bucks in the process. Thanks for your help in advance!

[Badger^2]

I prefer new, but only because I can get a new one for close to the cost of a refurb.

I have bought several refurbs because the cost couldnt be beat, they were OK, but didnt look new.

Others will claim otherwise, thats probably true as well.

[Rizvi1]

I'm a fan of refurb if you can get one the way you want. you'll save a little extra money, why not.

[300D]

A referb IS new. Given two identical machines in front of you, the ONLY way to tell the referb from new is the serial number.

[wessew]

There are reports of some refurbs having minor scratches on them. That is not new. They are used machines which have been returned for some reason. Some may have had problems which may or may not have been repaired by an Apple tech who may or may not have seen the yellow screen, noisy hard drive, etc. Need I go on?

[timsutcliffe]

I'd definitely go for the refurb, the one i'm using looked like it was new when it arrived.

Would you be able to return it if you weren't happy with the condition of it when it arrived? That would be fine in the UK, but i'm not sure of the rules in the US.

[300D]

Oh. My. God. Scratches!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! The world has ended!

Seriously, you're getting a big discount. Unless people will be inspecting your machine scratches are a non-issue. Go to any new car lot, I challenge you to find a single brand new car with absolutely no blemishes.

[fhall1]

All my Apple gear (except iPhone) have been refurbs....no scratches on anything, it all looked brand new.

[Vantage Point]

I received the base model 27" Imac about 10 days ago. It is perfect and everything looks brand new. Great deal and would do it again without hestitation

[mr.thedaniel]

refurb allll the way.

[mystikjoe]

refurb allll the way.

i love my new imac. with that being said i really don't believe that apple is doing anything to the refurbs just a quick diagnostic test and then reship them. if there is a screen problem when it's returned there is a screen problem when it's shipped to you. why would you want someone else's problem. my first two screens were horrible. my new one is great. for 100-200 dollars more i'll take a better screen and smile. just my 2 cents.

[elcid]

my first two screens were horrible. my new one is great. for 100-200 dollars more i'll take a better screen and smile. just my 2 cents.

Were your first two screens refurbs?


It has a year of AppleCare for an option of 2 more. If I can get the same screen problems with a new one, why wouldn't I try and save 2-300 bucks?

[ARF900]

Refurb, you save money and it actually will decrease the chances of problems.

You wont get the fancy box though. :cool:

[redshift1]

i love my new imac. with that being said i really don't believe that apple is doing anything to the refurbs just a quick diagnostic test and then reship them. if there is a screen problem when it's returned there is a screen problem when it's shipped to you. why would you want someone else's problem. my first two screens were horrible. my new one is great. for 100-200 dollars more i'll take a better screen and smile. just my 2 cents.

Doesn't make sense, many are returned because of valid reasons and need repair why purposely resell a broken computer when you still need to repair it.

If Apple was selling defective refurbs this forum would be aflame with screaming posts about defective refurbs. Apple might be pushing the limits on quality control but they are not dumb.

[mystikjoe]

Doesn't make sense, many are returned because of valid reasons and need repair why purposely resell a broken computer when you still need to repair it.

If Apple was selling defective refurbs this forum would be aflame with screaming posts about defective refurbs. Apple might be pushing the limits on quality control but they are not dumb.

I spend more time reading these forums than most and there a lot of posts about yellow refurbs! Hopefuuly those issues will be fixed as well!

[redshift1]

I spend more time reading these forums than most and there a lot of posts about yellow refurbs! Hopefuuly those issues will be fixed as well!


Yes, if it's returned because of the yellow cast issue it may not be repaired as the problem while real has a subjective component.

[redshift1]

I spend more time reading these forums than most and there a lot of posts about yellow refurbs! Hopefuuly those issues will be fixed as well!


delete duplicate post

[easepease]

Refurb, I have only bought one of my macs new and the only difference was the box and the cost... But I am 4/4 with perfect refurbs!

[Badger^2]

A referb IS new. Given two identical machines in front of you, the ONLY way to tell the referb from new is the serial number.

The two G5 towers I bought as refurbs were no where near "new".

Dusty film on the inside of the cases, broken tab on the fan cage and some other stuff. No returns.

Again, for me, an Apple refurb price + tax = macconnection/amazon new price - rebate and no tax. YMMV.

[Mrccartel]

I save EVERY box and when i got a refurb imac like 2 years ago it came in a brown box and i shipped it back before i even opened it and purchased it new. i LOVE boxes!

[jaycee520]

There are reports of some refurbs having minor scratches on them. That is not new. They are used machines which have been returned for some reason. Some may have had problems which may or may not have been repaired by an Apple tech who may or may not have seen the yellow screen, noisy hard drive, etc. Need I go on?

..mine had the hardrive noise..called Tech Support and acknowledge the problem but theres no fix to it so it went back...

[DaBrain]

Funny you should post this as today I just received my iMac 27 in I5 refurb and so far I got to tell you it's gorgeous and no way can you tell that it's a refurb.

I see none of the flaws that others experienced especially the screen issues. So, so far IM a real happy camper.

This is the 2 nd refurb I picked up from Apple and Both have been just like brand spanking new. I can not tell whatsoever. Plus I saved $300 and put that towards my iPad.--))))

I would get a refurb again and not hesitate. Best of luck in whatever decision you make! ;)

[ansabakhan]

try refurb all the way , JUST IN CASE if some thing is wrong .. just return it ... you still have the same return policy and warranty with refurb as new , the ONLY thing different would be the box which you get your imac in ... new one's have a prettier box that's it ! thats the only thing you will miss out on

[IndustrialSpace]

Buying a refurb is like playing Russian Roulette. You never know if you're gonna get a good or bad one. Better off buying new.

[Hellhammer]

Buying a refurb is like playing Russian Roulette. You never know if you're gonna get a good or bad one. Better off buying new.

Not true. If you ask any veteran member here, they will all tell you that refurb is definitely worth it. You can get a bad one no matter is it new or refurb. Refurb should have been tested by a human as well. Same return and warranty policy too

[redshift1]

Buying a refurb is like playing Russian Roulette. You never know if you're gonna get a good or bad one. Better off buying new.

Actually Russian Roulette is not covered by a one year warranty.

[brn2ski00]

I prefer new computers, but refurbed iPods. I just figure that the $$$$ difference isn't that great and opening up a new machine feels so nice. I am not that attached to the iPods, just soon see them in a white box.

[berkleeboy210]

And you might get lucky and play some refurb roulette and get more than what you paid for. I bought a 13" MBP last year, expecting 2GB of Ram and it arrived with 4GB :-)

[iamthedudeman]

i love my new imac. with that being said i really don't believe that apple is doing anything to the refurbs just a quick diagnostic test and then reship them. if there is a screen problem when it's returned there is a screen problem when it's shipped to you. why would you want someone else's problem. my first two screens were horrible. my new one is great. for 100-200 dollars more i'll take a better screen and smile. just my 2 cents.


Lol. I don't think so. A refurb means just that, "Refurbished". The only thing that is used in a refurb are the internals of the machine. Thats it. New keyboard, Mouse, outer casing etc. The only way you can tell is from the serial number.

Where do you guys get this crap from? Scratches. It there were scratches it was from shipping. A new machine can have scratches also.

This subject has been beaten to death. Do a search and see how many people have such issues or problems who actually own a refurb imac. Not many.

[Jordan6]

Buying a refurb is like playing Russian Roulette. You never know if you're gonna get a good or bad one. Better off buying new.


You are playing russian roulette if you purchase a new one. Especially with the way some of these iMac's have been shipping. Even if the refurb has a problem, just return/exchange. Why NOT save $100-$300??

[Jordan6]

Lol. I don't think so. A refurb means just that, "Refurbished". The only thing that is used in a refurb are the internals of the machine. Thats it. New keyboard, Mouse, outer casing etc. The only way you can tell is from the serial number.

Where do you guys get this crap from? Scratches. It there were scratches it was from shipping. A new machine can have scratches also.

This subject has been beaten to death. Do a search and see how many people have such issues or problems who actually own a refurb imac. Not many.

Exactly!!

Scratches, half the people mentioning problems about refurbs probably have not even purchased one. You guys make it seem as if people return them, and all apples does is switch boxes and ships them out without even inspecting them.

[elcid]

Got my refurb i5 on wednesday. Arrived perfect. I have looked it all over for any scratches and there are none. Except for the wait for them to ship it, there really is no downside to a refurb.

[MattA]

We purchased a 24" iMac refurbed for my wife 5 months ago. When it arrived in its plain brown box, I expected that it was a returned machine that had been gone through like any of the others.

What we got was a brand new unit. This thing had NEVER been used. I think what had happened was when the 27" and 21" iMac's came out, they sold the remaining 24" units as refurbs. Everything about it looked brand new. No dust in the vents, no blemishes, plastic protective covers were all in place. If it hadn't been in the brown box, you'd swear it was new.

Her iMac G5 that we had had for several years was definitely used. That thing had DNA on the keyboard. Apple had to send us a new one because the one it came with was so bad. The computer was wrapped in foam wrap. One of the pixels is stuck.

My refurb powermac G5 was perfect, but not new perfect. When I popped it open, I could see some evidence of it being used, but it had been cleaned, and it looked great. I used it for 5 years before buying my Mini (which was new).

When purchasing refurbs, your mileage may vary.

[Mafuzzer]

We purchased a 24" iMac refurbed for my wife 5 months ago. When it arrived in its plain brown box, I expected that it was a returned machine that had been gone through like any of the others.

What we got was a brand new unit. This thing had NEVER been used. I think what had happened was when the 27" and 21" iMac's came out, they sold the remaining 24" units as refurbs. Everything about it looked brand new. No dust in the vents, no blemishes, plastic protective covers were all in place. If it hadn't been in the brown box, you'd swear it was new.

Her iMac G5 that we had had for several years was definitely used. That thing had DNA on the keyboard. Apple had to send us a new one because the one it came with was so bad. The computer was wrapped in foam wrap. One of the pixels is stuck.

My refurb powermac G5 was perfect, but not new perfect. When I popped it open, I could see some evidence of it being used, but it had been cleaned, and it looked great. I used it for 5 years before buying my Mini (which was new).

When purchasing refurbs, your mileage may vary.

Thanks for the help there :)

I was also wondering, a student discount or a referb?

[mtnDewFTW]

I went with a new one and now I'm in the process of getting it replaced. So that should tell you right there that even if you do get a brand new one, still a great chance of you getting a problematic one. Especially with these iMacs.
Refurbished products are always tested before they're put up for sale, so it's not like someone broke it and now you're gonna be getting it.
Most of the time the broken parts are all replaced and it runs like new.

If the money's tight, then go with the refurb, chances are, you won't even know the difference. And if something is wrong, you have AppleCare to back you up, and you can always request a replacement.

Buying a refurb is like playing Russian Roulette. You never know if you're gonna get a good or bad one. Better off buying new.

How is buying a new one not the same thing? With all the yellow tint problems and the loud HDDs.

[AwakenedLands]

Here's my experience over the last 3 years with refurbished units :

1 Macbook Aluminum 13" - perfect (came with 4 gb ram instead of the listed 2)
3 Macbook Pros 13" - perfect
1 Mac Mini - almost perfect, the bottom had some scuffs like it was on a table for a couple months and slid a couple times
1 White Macbook - scratches and looked like the case didn't fit perfectly

Here's my experience over the last 3 years with new units :
1 Macbook Pro 15" - perfect
1 Macbook Pro 13" - nick in the casing on the bottom
1 Mac Mini - DVD drive was useless
1 iMac 27" - Yellow Tint, returned and got another Yellow Tint. Got a third and it was fine.

So I'm 4 for 6 with refurbed, and technically 2 for 6 on new units. Not a big deal since AppleCare on the phone handled it well. I'm a firm believer of avoiding the morons at the AppleStores, since AppleCare on the phone doesn't give the condescending tone the AppleStore employees do. Not sure why I have better luck with the refurbished units, but I'll take it.

You're going to get defects with new units. They aren't perfect. It's probably one reason there are so many refurbished ones available. The ones with defects are returned, fixed, then sold as refurbished.

[kazmac]

Well I would definitely buy refurbished again as far as older iMacs go. A perfect 24" was sent to me (the only flaw was barely noticable chips on the left hand side of the monitor). If light/monitor size wasn't an issue with my vision, I would have gladly kept it.

Regarding the new generation of iMacs, I'd personally wait until the next refresh. And having had a 21.5 and the 24 for a few days each, the 24 seemed like the better make of machine.

But thats me.

[kazmac]

Thanks for the help there :)

I was also wondering, a student discount or a referb?

No, at least that's what I was told. You cannot combine discounts.

[cliffm]

I just received a refurbished iMac i7 last week. No problems at all, the screen looks great. It doesn't have any signs of use and looks like its brand new, not a scratch on it. The keyboard and mouse that came with it were also new.

[ibglowin]

I just ordered a refurbed 27" i5 from the Apple store. At $1699 it was hard to beat vs $1999 for a new one. I have nothing but great things to say about Apple refurbed products. They have all looked like they were NIB, no scratches, no nicks, perfect in every way.

If in the million to one odds anything is wrong with it I know i can take it down to the Apple store and get an exchange with no hassle and it would probably be swapped out for a NEW one right there!

[IndustrialSpace]

I just ordered a refurbed 27" i5 from the Apple store. At $1699 it was hard to beat vs $1999 for a new one. I have nothing but great things to say about Apple refurbed products. They have all looked like they were NIB, no scratches, no nicks, perfect in every way.

If in the million to one odds anything is wrong with it I know i can take it down to the Apple store and get an exchange with no hassle and it would probably be swapped out for a NEW one right there!

Don't you have to send it to Apple. I thought refurbs had to go by mail. you couldn't exchange it at the store.

[ibglowin]

Umm.

An Apple store is Apple.

[Hellhammer]

Umm.

An Apple store is Apple.

Yes, but Apple store ≠ Apple online store

If you bought it from online store and want to RETURN it, you have to deal with the online store. If you want to get it FIXED under warranty, then you can use the Apple store. They can't refund something that they didn't sell. Warranty is different thing as its policies differ from return/replacement policies

[ibglowin]

So why would I want to RETURN it?

It something is wrong with it out of the box, its going to the Apple store.

They will decide if its something they can fix right there or just swap it out for a new one for instance if there is a major screen issue.

[Hellhammer]

So why would I want to RETURN it?

It something is wrong with it out of the box, its going to the Apple store.

They will decide if its something they can fix right there or just swap it out for a new one for instance if there is a major screen issue.

Return is same as replacement

If you go to the Apple store, it'll be dealt as WARRANTY case, while with online store you would still be inside the 14-day no-questions-asked return/replacement time. Sure it's not my thing and you can do what you want but I wouldn't like that my brand new iMac would be taken apart straight away, especially if I could get a new one. It's unlikely that they would replace it with new one immediately as screen etc. can be replaced and that's what they usually do when under warranty (depends on person though)

[IndustrialSpace]

So why would I want to RETURN it?

It something is wrong with it out of the box, its going to the Apple store.

They will decide if its something they can fix right there or just swap it out for a new one for instance if there is a major screen issue.

In your prior post, you state that if you encounter problems you would take it down to your Apple store for exchange with no hassle. The "brick and mortar" store will not process an exchange with a refurb purchased online. If you want to exchange it, you will have to send it in.

[raysfan81]

I am going to get one of the current generation iMacs and am deciding between the upgraded 21.5" model or the base 27" model. What is everyone's thoughts purchasing a refurbed model through Apple versus a brand new model?

I realize that I won't get the original packaging, but I can still get Applecare for a refurb so am leaning towards doing that and saving $100-$200 bucks in the process. Thanks for your help in advance!

Why Not get a refurb? You will save money and they give you the same warranty as far as I know.

[jlblodgett]

I recently bought a refurb i7 27" iMac.

It looked absolutely flawless when I received it.


I would highly recommend refurb.

[fluffykittunzzz]

Ahh! They've been sold out of the refurbished i7 27" iMacs for like a week now...not sure how much longer I can wait, might have to pony up the extra cash for a new one.

Does anyone have any idea how long it has taken in the past for them to put the refurb'd i7s up for sale?

[kazmac]

For all the reasons folks have said, I'm another refurb convert. The refurbished 24" iMac I had to unfortunately return had barely detectable chips on the left hand side (I wouldn't have known if I didn't run my hand along this side of the monitor).

With the display issues I've had and have heard of/seen (both apple & me), I will probably just wait awhile until some more nice refurbs come in. *Sigh* notices refurb 20" that does not have a backlit screen. At least I know the refurb store gets this type of iMac in. Maybe, I'll have luck with that.

[kazmac]

In your prior post, you state that if you encounter problems you would take it down to your Apple store for exchange with no hassle. The "brick and mortar" store will not process an exchange with a refurb purchased online. If you want to exchange it, you will have to send it in.

I just returned my refurb iMac by calling Apple customer service. So IS and others are correct about having to send it in. If you call Apple you can arrange for pick up etc. I had no problems returning my refurb (that went flawless as opposed to the new iMac and MBPs) for refund and I'm sure an exchange is even easier.

Am just going to wait until they get another 20" refurb in. :) Know it will be the "one"...

[IndustrialSpace]

I just returned my refurb iMac by calling Apple customer service. So IS and others are correct about having to send it in. If you call Apple you can arrange for pick up etc. I had no problems returning my refurb (that went flawless as opposed to the new iMac and MBPs) for refund and I'm sure an exchange is even easier.

Am just going to wait until they get another 20" refurb in. :) Know it will be the "one"...

They still sell 20" refurbs? - or did you mean the 21.5"?

[Hellhammer]

They still sell 20" refurbs? - or did you mean the 21.5"?

Yeah, they do

http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB417LL/A?cid=AOS-US-AFF-FEED

[kazmac]

They still sell 20" refurbs? - or did you mean the 21.5"?

^
that's the one I bought this morning :)

Very happy.

Update: I got the refund for the 24" refurb back into my account in 36 hours. I was happily surprised to see the $ back in the account. Off to buy memory for the 20". The refurb machine experience has definitely been my best ever experience with Apple. I can't see buying iMacs new after the all but perfect quality of the 24", the pleasant and no hassle of return and the rapid refund. I see getting another perfect 20". The only Mac I'd probably buy new at this point is a Macbook or 13" MBP becasue the prices are too close to new.

[ibglowin]

My refurbed 27" i5 arrived last week in perfect condition. Screen is perfect. Looks like a brand new unit out of the box. Transferred all my files over from my 24" iMac in a few hours using the migration assistant. Back up and running in no time. Blazing fast compared to the old 2.66 CD2. I do a lot of Handbraking of MKV's for :apple:TV. One hour TV shows went from 45-50 min down to 20-25 mins.

The only difference between new and refurbed that I can see is you don't get a nice pretty box with a picture on the side of it, only a brown box. :p

[kazmac]

20" refurb iMac received. Never would know this was a refurb. Even better than the 24" I had and thanks to some tweaks and wisdom, I can use this with NO eye strain! Can't wait to upgrade the memory :)

Hurray.

Mine came in a sturdy, plain white box. As I said before can't see ever buying an iMac new again. Refurbs are awesome! Especially since I saved $1000 btw this and the dud 21.5'.

2 for 2 :apple: :)

[Alicia1]

After I went through 6 new 27" i5 iMacs and had to send them all back due to the yellow I decided I will try a refurb instead. Unfortunately it is going back as well :( The yellow isn't as bad but I know it is there (towards the bottom) and it is bugging me. I was going to live with it but why should I when I pay top dollar. 7 iMacs, all bought over the span of 6 months since release, I don't think Apple are ever going to fix the yellow tinge issue. I am getting another refund and will see what happens with the next release.

[panzer06]

I really like refurbs. Almost all my Macs have been refurbs (except the first one). This new (to me) IMac 24" w/ATI4850 was a demo from an Apple reseller. I waited over a year to see if one would come up but it's rare for BTO systems to show up as refurbs. It's even rare for the 24" w/ATI4850 to show up on ebay! Just want 1920*1200 display with ATI4850.

I really enjoy it and am looking fwd to adding an internal 2.5" drive to replace the optical drive. Need Windows 7 for my Windows games.

Cheers,

[Fiesta Red]

Just purchased my first iMac and set it up this afternoon. Took about a 1/2 hour for everything. Wow!

And it's a refurb. Bought the faster i& chip and 27" screen. No noticed yellowing.

This is awesome!

[kazmac]

I will still jump for refurbs in the future. I've had the nicest experiences with Apple regarding these:

but d'oh:

Myself and none of my tech saavy family could not unscrew the sole screw on the memory plate for the 20" iMac... so back it goes. Had I looked at the memory plate when I first got it and saw the obvious scratches of someone trying to open the plate I would have returned it sooner.

Yes, there were the brightness issues too (no headaches at least) but I think that's allergies as much as my not being used to the newer machines brightness etc.

Since I need a replacement for the old iMac that is going rapidly now, I bought a new MBP 13" this morning. Hopefully this is it...for the next couple of years.

I will still recommend refurbs to anyone in the market for an Apple desktop. I've had the nicest experiences with return/help/etc. and you really can't beat the quality/price. Okay, so I found the "flaw" on the second one but now I know something else to pay attention to for future reference. :)

[mrwonkers]

I'm touching my refurbished i5 iMac that arrived this morning. Everything is perfect.... Oh so perfect...... Almost sexual....OOOOh yeah.

Go on buy 1 you know you want 2;)

[kazmac]

And after my schzoid back and forth over the last 7 weeks: Happy ending :)

I kept the 20" refurb and the MBP too. My mom has been itching to learn how to use a computer for a couple of years now and really likes the iMac. Plus she said something really important that helped change my mind: you might need both.

So part of my mother's day present (besides a mighty mouse - I think the magic mouse would be too much for her right now) is lessons on how to use this iMac.

Okay so I don't have at least 4GB of memory in the iMac that's fine esp. since I know I've got more ram to run all the screenplay/writing software on the laptop. That was the only flaw (I'm learning how to use the brightness on the iMac so I hope between that and taking care of my allergies I should be fine. I'm perfect with the MBP so...

Sure, my bank account is pretty tight now but you know what? This was meant to be. And I've learned a lot esp. from the folks here on this board. So thank you again :)

[jkandell]

Refurb, you save money and it actually will decrease the chances of problems. You wont get the fancy box though. :cool:

My ipad 2 refurbished came in a "fancy" regular box.

[dakhein]

I have bought two refurbs over time and both were brand new in fit in finish. No scratches, blemishes, or bad pixels. I don't know if I was just lucky or they are all like that. I would buy refurb again.