"Scared" about refurbished

[diegobgr]

Hi.

I have decided to get 27" refurbished i5.

I am a bit "scared" due to used machine.

It is possible to the keyboard or Magic Mouse to have scratches or something like? What about the screen? Yellow tint, scratches...

Is it worth the refurb.?

[zedsdead]

They look like new. The only difference is that it doesn't come in the standard box. Everything should look perfect, don't worry. They also carry the same warranty as new products.

[montycat]

I have bought a few refurbished Apple products and I never had a problem. I really think they were just unsold stock. MC

[Hellhammer]

They look like new. The only difference is that it doesn't come in the standard box. Everything should look perfect, don't worry. They also carry the same warranty as new products.

Some of them come in the retail box, especially now as they are selling old stock. Generally, refurbs are great. They have been individually tested and you have the full return policy etc so IF it comes with something you don't want, simply exchange it.

[zedsdead]

Some of them come in the retail box, especially now as they are selling old stock. Generally, refurbs are great. They have been individually tested and you have the full return policy etc so IF it comes with something you don't want, simply exchange it.

That's true, especially since the update just happened. Also, you may end up getting a RAM or Hard Drive upgrade as a surprise.

[diegobgr]

And what about 4850 vs. 5750?

It's my biggest doubt now.

Thanks for your replies.

I think that I will play at Full HD res. (1920x1080)

[patmort02]

I just purchased a 27" i7 refurb and aside from the box it came in, it looks brand new. There are no scratches, dead pixels or really any blemishes of any kind. I have also heard that the refurbished products go through more rigorous testing than brand new models although I'm not sure how accurate that is.

Either way I would highly recommend the refurbished i5!

[Gregintosh]

I got 2 refurbs within the last 2 weeks (21 and 27) and they are both awesome. Go for it!!! :D

[TMRaven]

And what about 4850 vs. 5750?

It's my biggest doubt now.

Thanks for your replies.

I think that I will play at Full HD res. (1920x1080)

5750 (which is really mobility 5850) is around 10-20% faster than mobility 4850, plus runs a bit cooler. You don't wanna play games that aren't at an lcd's native resolution.

[DGaio]

Actually you should be more scared about a new product then a refurbished one. For whatever reason that machine was returned, because the person didn't like or it had a problem, they double check if the machine is working propely, so in a way, they analyse that machine more times than a new product, meaning the probability of something going wrong is reduced greatly.

[GeorgeN111]

Just a quick question i hope one of you can answer as someone touched the subject of the new cards and as you know i ordered a 27" i5 couple of days ago if i dont plan to game at all does the graphics card have a big input because i wasn't sure.

[Hellhammer]

Just a quick question i hope one of you can answer as someone touched the subject of the new cards and as you know i ordered a 27" i5 couple of days ago if i dont plan to game at all does the graphics card have a big input because i wasn't sure.

Not really. Some professional software may benefit from the faster GPU but generally, no.

[thomashw]

Just a quick question i hope one of you can answer as someone touched the subject of the new cards and as you know i ordered a 27" i5 couple of days ago if i dont plan to game at all does the graphics card have a big input because i wasn't sure.
Have a big input?

Don't worry about refurbished Apple products. I have a refurbished 27" iMac and it didn't look like it had ever even been touched when I got it.

[GeorgeN111]

Thomashw yes i do have an imput however i posted it in the OPs other thread which is also on the main page of the iMac forum telling him why i would go quad core with the details he posted and i also gave my thoughts on refurbs. Im sure the OP has already seen my post there so there is no need to post same info again.

[ntrigue]

Apple has the best refurbished items. Additionally, they really take good care of things under warranty.

You're good to go.

[TheBritishBloke]

Many people say that refurbs come in better quality than new units because of more extensive QA.

Their was only a 10% bump In performance on the new graphics.

[diegobgr]

Seeing BareFeats benchmarks, in test wothout AA, both cards are really close.

But, using AA, 5750 really goes significantly faster than 4850. This is due to drivers, really?

If it's 10% only, I will go 4850.

[Meever]

Actually you should be more scared about a new product then a refurbished one. For whatever reason that machine was returned, because the person didn't like or it had a problem, they double check if the machine is working propely, so in a way, they analyse that machine more times than a new product, meaning the probability of something going wrong is reduced greatly.

This.

They basically go through quality control several times over opposed to new computers that only go through it once. Odds are you will end up getting a higher quality machine. :D

And occasionally you will get free upgrades. I remember when people would get free upgrade to 4gigs (before it was standard), higher capacity hard drives, or even outright wrong units with faster CPUs.

Of course those are very rare and you shouldn't expect them but just saying it's possible.

[Schtumple]

Apple has the best refurbished items. Additionally, they really take good care of things under warranty.

You're good to go.

I've had to take my refurb MBP in 5 times now. I've had a logic board failure, several superdrive failures, battery failure and my Airport often had signal/connection issues, but they refused to replace it because it worked perfectly in store, I tried to explain it's only ever on wifi with passwords, but they wouldn't listen.

To the OP, if you get a working refurb, it's awesome, you save a lot of money, but if you get a lemon, you're going to be going to the store ALOT, I'd say just get a new one, yes it costs more, but you won't have to fight as hard to get issues fixed.

[flyfish29]

Actually you should be more scared about a new product then a refurbished one. For whatever reason that machine was returned, because the person didn't like or it had a problem, they double check if the machine is working propely, so in a way, they analyse that machine more times than a new product, meaning the probability of something going wrong is reduced greatly.

In theory this is true- but I had an iMac that never got the refurb lookover- it was all scratched up, was dirty, and DOA on arrival. Apple took care of me and I saved $500 on the refurb so it was worth it of course.

Overall the forum supports buying refurb here- only a few cases of weird things like I had and you can save loads most time doing refurb.

[emptyCup]

Refurbs are great and under full warranty. Just make sure that you are ordering the model you want as a variety of models may be present.

[EarlofCroydon]

Just something to reassure you, i bought my iMac from eBay not even refurbished by Apple! Needless to say that it's had no problems at all. I think Apple are a little different when it comes to Refurbished stuff or indeed used stuff. Go for it!

[br0nc080]

I've order a refurb mac mini a few years ago and it was good as new. I just ordered an refurb i7 imac, no hesitations!

[JohnRN]

That's true, especially since the update just happened. Also, you may end up getting a RAM or Hard Drive upgrade as a surprise.

I got a HD upgrade to 2TB. It was a nice surprise on my refurb i7. The computer was flawless.

[jmpage2]

Seeing BareFeats benchmarks, in test wothout AA, both cards are really close.

But, using AA, 5750 really goes significantly faster than 4850. This is due to drivers, really?

If it's 10% only, I will go 4850.

It's about a 10-20% difference depending on the game. Those large improvements you see in Portal, etc, are almost definitely due to the OS X update that the 2010 iMacs have for the new graphics card that should eventually make their way to the 2009 iMacs.

It's drivers, there is nothing in the silicon itself that should make the graphics any faster than 10-20%.

The price difference between a 2010 i7 iMac and the refurb is $500. If $500 is not much money for you then get the latest and greatest. If you have other uses for that $500 or that is the difference between getting the machine and not getting it then the choice should be obvious.

[macgeek18]

I've heard only good things about reburbs.I'm buying a refurb 13" MBP next month.

[627874654]

I had no problems with my refurbished iMac C2D2.0 17 inch model.
It comes in with retail box, wireless mouse and keyboard.

[jabbawok]

My Mac Pro is refurb and came overespecced. My previous MacBook and iMac were refurbs likewise my step-dads iMac, my dads MacBook Pro and my housemates MacBook. Aside from my old iMac (which developed some vertical lines on the LCD after 3 years, common for that model I understand) they are all still fine. My mate bought a refurb MacBook that developed a screen problem and the applestore sorted it same day, popped in a new display and LVDS cable. I wouldn't hesitate to buy refurb. You ge the same warranty and you can always get AppleCare.
I've never seen an apple refurb that wasn't cosmetically perfect.

[LAPTOPODO]

refurbish ...really awful word for products that doesn't seem to be low quality.

My question is ... if you find any problem in a reburbished product and you send it back to Apple... do they send you another refurbished product or try to repair the one you have bought?. You get the money back if you're not pleased as the possibility that exists with the brand new products (not reburbished) ?

[Matthi70]

Just go a refurbished iMac 3.02 GHZ yesterday. Nice machine, but a very visible mark behind the glass. Phoned Apple, no problem, they sent me a return label and will reimburse the money. I can order a different one. Now I am thinking about the refurbished quad...
I have ordered three refurbished units so far with no problem. I guess it is a hit and miss. But since the return/exchange is so easy, I can live with that.

[mlblacy]

I have bought a bunch of refurbed equipment. They say refurbed, but for all intents and purposes it is good as new. Same warranty, buy AppleCare if you are nervous (but actually I always recommend AppleCare either way).
Only downside is the generic box, as if that is a big deal.
cheers,
michael

[Schtumple]

refurbish ...really awful word for products that doesn't seem to be low quality.

My question is ... if you find any problem in a reburbished product and you send it back to Apple... do they send you another refurbished product or try to repair the one you have bought?. You get the money back if you're not pleased as the possibility that exists with the brand new products (not reburbished) ?

They try and repair it. Regardless of what you ask. See my post.

I've had to take my refurb MBP in 5 times now. I've had a logic board failure, several superdrive failures, battery failure and my Airport often has signal/connection issues, but they refuse to replace it because it worked perfectly in store, I tried to explain it's only ever on wifi with passwords, but they wouldn't listen.

To the OP, if you get a working refurb, it's awesome, you save a lot of money, but if you get a lemon, you're going to be going to the store A LOT, I'd say just get a new one, yes it costs more, but you won't have to fight as hard to get issues fixed.

[CaoCao]

Refurbs are awesome

[aurichie]

They try and repair it. Regardless of what you ask. See my post.

Yes but a new machine can have exactly the same problems. There are no guarantees. The downside with refurbs is they are MUCH MORE difficult and expensive to insure.

[blinkin182]

Yes but a new machine can have exactly the same problems. There are no guarantees. The downside with refurbs is they are MUCH MORE difficult and expensive to insure.

Sorry, didn't quite understand what you meant that they are more expensive to insure? you mean home insurance or something?

[blinkin182]

Just go a refurbished iMac 3.02 GHZ yesterday. Nice machine, but a very visible mark behind the glass. Phoned Apple, no problem, they sent me a return label and will reimburse the money. I can order a different one. Now I am thinking about the refurbished quad...
I have ordered three refurbished units so far with no problem. I guess it is a hit and miss. But since the return/exchange is so easy, I can live with that.

I have never bought a refurbished unit and I live in Switzerland (so don't know how it compares to service in US). I'm about to pull the trigger on the 27 inch core i7 refurb but wondering how easy it is to return product if there are defects? you have to send it back (and I assume Apple pays for that?) or can you bring it to a Apple Store or an Apple Authorised Reseller? How does that work?

Thanks for your inputs on your experiences!

[eawmp1]

I have never bought a refurbished unit and I live in Switzerland (so don't know how it compares to service in US). I'm about to pull the trigger on the 27 inch core i7 refurb but wondering how easy it is to return product if there are defects? you have to send it back (and I assume Apple pays for that?) or can you bring it to a Apple Store or an Apple Authorised Reseller? How does that work?

Thanks for your inputs on your experiences!

The same policy apples to new or refurb units sold by Apple. If it's new to you, it will have the same warranty, repair, and return policy.

[GeorgeN111]

I just received my new i5 Quad Core Refurb and there was not one thing wrong with it. There was no scratches and no dents i was amazed at how good condition and packaging it came in. The only difference is the box it just came in a plain white box and you get a great discount i got £365 off this model because it was refurbished and all i have lost is the snazzy box which is not worth that amount of money. They are really worth it in my eyes. The best thing is that it also does not have yellow tinge which was what i was worried about.:D

[kazmac]

I've had to take my refurb MBP in 5 times now. I've had a logic board failure, several superdrive failures, battery failure and my Airport often had signal/connection issues, but they refused to replace it because it worked perfectly in store, I tried to explain it's only ever on wifi with passwords, but they wouldn't listen.

To the OP, if you get a working refurb, it's awesome, you save a lot of money, but if you get a lemon, you're going to be going to the store ALOT, I'd say just get a new one, yes it costs more, but you won't have to fight as hard to get issues fixed.

Amen to that - you do have to fight but now I have to say that "new" wins out over refurb as far as returns and that.

My refurb 20" iMac had either an OS or Hard Drive failure yesterday. I do not have the extended warranty and now that I returned the Mac Mini (which was way too little machine for me) - sigh, I don't have a computer. The Mac Pros are way too expensive.

I'm debating either a new or refurb 27" i7 iMac. I do not like the new 21.5" iMacs (they look so small compared to the late 2009 model Lol) and I don't want a Core2Duo or an i3 chip. So my thing is, do I risk getting a refurb i7 or wait until I have the $ in 10-15 days to get a new one.

[blinkin182]

Amen to that - you do have to fight but now I have to say that "new" wins out over refurb as far as returns and that.

My refurb 20" iMac had either an OS or Hard Drive failure yesterday. I do not have the extended warranty and now that I returned the Mac Mini (which was way too little machine for me) - sigh, I don't have a computer. The Mac Pros are way too expensive.

I'm debating either a new or refurb 27" i7 iMac. I do not like the new 21.5" iMacs (they look so small compared to the late 2009 model Lol) and I don't want a Core2Duo or an i3 chip. So my thing is, do I risk getting a refurb i7 or wait until I have the $ in 10-15 days to get a new one.

I still currently have a computer so am gonna get the refurb. I've read many people's satisfaction with refurbs and only few ones that had problems. Some say that due to the fact that they have new models out, you might just get a "new" late 2009 iMac... I don't really care, as much as it's in good shape (no scratches) and more importantly that I've no yellow screen/dead pixels or noise issues... ;)

[dagomike]

Just RE: about buying refurb.

Just watch these forums. People return stuff for the weirdest reasons. They want a perfect snowflake of a product and seek exchanges for things that aren't even really wrong.

At worst, refurbs have some scratches and a replaced component. The gear is tested, perhaps to a greater extent than stuff off the line. They carry a full warranty and are usually a good value, if what you want is available.

[EricTheRed71]

I bought a refurb imac i7 & it came with 2x 4GB instead of 2x 2GB.

Result :cool:

[blinkin182]

I bought a refurb imac i7 & it came with 2x 4GB instead of 2x 2GB.

Result :cool:

When was that? recently or a while ago?

That's pretty cool.

I noticed they mention on the "refurbished" product description that refurbished computers may have additional software preinstalled and that in this case, the original disks will come with the computer. Anyone had that experience?

[EricTheRed71]

When was that? recently or a while ago?



May 2010

[EricTheRed71]

When was that? recently or a while ago?

That's pretty cool.

I noticed they mention on the "refurbished" product description that refurbished computers may have additional software preinstalled and that in this case, the original disks will come with the computer. Anyone had that experience?

Btw, I noticed in your sig that you are a Mac user since the SE30. Do you still have it? Mine still looks great, boots fast & Illustrator ('88) runs silky smooth!

[blinkin182]

Btw, I noticed in your sig that you are a Mac user since the SE30. Do you still have it? Mine still looks great, boots fast & Illustrator ('88) runs silky smooth!

Unfortunately not, my father was the owner. We later got a Mac II Ci, which still works fine and which I'm currently trying to sell for him with a Stylewriter II (including ink cartridges). We also have a syquest disk and CD-ROM reader on SCSI with it! He says it still runs Think system dynamics modeling sw he has :P

However, I haven't got many replies to my ad. Glad to know yours still works! It was a great machine, the first computer I ever used, and I still am a Mac addict after all these years :)

[LAPTOPODO]

I've had to take my refurb MBP in 5 times now. I've had a logic board failure, several superdrive failures, battery failure and my Airport often had signal/connection issues, but they refused to replace it because it worked perfectly in store, I tried to explain it's only ever on wifi with passwords, but they wouldn't listen.

To the OP, if you get a working refurb, it's awesome, you save a lot of money, but if you get a lemon, you're going to be going to the store ALOT, I'd say just get a new one, yes it costs more, but you won't have to fight as hard to get issues fixed.

If there is the same warranty for news or refurbished Apple computers, you should be able to get your money back (with no explanation at all) as you're not satisfice with the product you bought, even if it work "perfect" for them at the store.


I just received my new i5 Quad Core Refurb and there was not one thing wrong with it. There was no scratches and no dents i was amazed at how good condition and packaging it came in. The only difference is the box it just came in a plain white box and you get a great discount i got £365 off this model because it was refurbished and all i have lost is the snazzy box which is not worth that amount of money. They are really worth it in my eyes. The best thing is that it also does not have yellow tinge which was what i was worried about.:D

Congrats!! I think the same.

P.D: I'm sure you can buy the box on ebay or get it somehow.

[Matthi70]

I have never bought a refurbished unit and I live in Switzerland (so don't know how it compares to service in US). I'm about to pull the trigger on the 27 inch core i7 refurb but wondering how easy it is to return product if there are defects? you have to send it back (and I assume Apple pays for that?) or can you bring it to a Apple Store or an Apple Authorised Reseller? How does that work?

Thanks for your inputs on your experiences!

Hi Blinkin182,
it was very easy. Apple sent me a prepaid label and I scheduled online a pickup date with fedex. Don*t know how it works in Switzerland.
Gruss in die Schweiz :), Matt

[J&JPolangin]

...My refurb 20" iMac had either an OS or Hard Drive failure yesterday. I do not have the extended warranty and now that I returned the Mac Mini (which was way too little machine for me) - sigh, I don't have a computer...

...coming from the specs of a 20" iMac, what didn't you like about the mini?

[blinkin182]

Hi Blinkin182,
it was very easy. Apple sent me a prepaid label and I scheduled online a pickup date with fedex. Don*t know how it works in Switzerland.
Gruss in die Schweiz :), Matt

Merci Vielmals Matt,

I'm actually in French speaking part though ;) but good practice of your German!

I think they use TNT here in Switzerland, so will see. I hope I get a brand new one without any problems... touch wood! I'll try ordering it today I think! :D

[apple24seven]

so if i buy a 27inch refurb imac i might be able to get it in the retail box? should i get the 27 inch i dont like how the webpage on the imac look so small

[eawmp1]

so if i buy a 27inch refurb imac i might be able to get it in the retail box? should i get the 27 inch i dont like how the webpage on the imac look so small

You can fill the entire screen with a web page if you wish

[GeorgeN111]

There may be a chance that it comes in a retail box but mine that came yesterday which was also a refurb came in a plain white box. I wouldn't worry about the webpage not fitting the desktop this is great but if you do want it to fill a majority of the desktop you can just drag the window in the bottom right hand corner. I am saying this is great because you can have multiply applications or windows open at the same time. I either have two web pages side by side or i have one in the middle and tweetie and some other apps to the left and right of the page. this is great.

[apple24seven]

but it is pointless to drag the sreen to full size because there are only white blank thing... i dont know how to describe it
like in this pic when you full size it the text are still the same size
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://c2.api.ning.com/files/-aP62d3gxgDbOl5VYZPaEO4T7jG3eJekkLFdnA9jTzCRmoQ3n*EQg2CSlfkrGD0H/iMac27.JPG&imgrefurl=http://geeks.pirillo.com/photo/imac-27-1&usg=__DeMG40xGPEF_5wsspP1_viHPDII=&h=1200&w=1600&sz=391&hl=en&start=146&tbnid=e7MuH5sMNlr5-M:&tbnh=142&tbnw=179&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dimac%2Bfull%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1366%26bih%3D651%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:10,4404&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=367&ei=u7pYTJbVO8ewcYqAhbkI&page=9&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:14,s:146&tx=23&ty=61&biw=1366&bih=651
is there any way i cant make it bigger?
thanks and i will be getting the 27 inch imac core 2 duo. it is only 1,269 dollars refurb at the apple store, i was gonna get the 21.5 core i3 but i think the core 2 duo 27 is good for me cuz it has a bigger screen and is only 70 dollars more.

and GeorgeN111
does yours have yellow screen?
thanks.