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Brian33

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Apr 30, 2008
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USA
Whenever Lion is released, I assume all non-refurb Macs will be preloaded with Lion. Will the refurbished Macs be wiped and re-loaded with Lion, or will some be available with whatever OS version they originally had? Any idea how long such Snow Leopard equipped MBPs would be available after Lion ships? (A few hours, days, or weeks?)

(I want a refurb MacBook Pro 15" but I'm not quite ready to place my order, and I'd really like to get it with Snow Leopard, and not Lion. I prefer to wait awhile to upgrade the OS, and meanwhile I'd like the new MBP's OS to match the OS on my iMac.)

Regards,
Brian33
 
This topic has come up before on Macrumors. What I remember the last time someone asked this was that refurbs come with whatever OS that was originally installed. If you look on the Apple site at refurb policies, it states this.
 
They toss an upload disc into the box

That has been my experience on several occasions...the machine comes preloaded with whatever was hip during the day of the device, and an "upgrade" disc of the latest and greatest was in the box.
 
I bought a refurb mini a few weeks after Leopard came out. It came with tiger preinstalled and an upgrade disk.
 
Thanks everyone for your info and experiences. This could somewhat relieve the pressure for me to buy right away before Lion hits!

Regards,
Brian33
 
I bought a refurb mini a few weeks after Leopard came out. It came with tiger preinstalled and an upgrade disk.


I had the same experience, except in 2009 with Snow Leopard (and a MBP). I was deliberately trying to get a machine with the old OS on it just in case the new one took a while to iron out the problems.

I'm thinking of doing the same thing again, just like the OP...
 
It may be that after Lion comes out that Macs that come into the shop to be checked over will be updated. If so I would not expect those to be shipped for about a month. Best to call apple directly and ask as I would think they want everyone to be using the latest and greatest version that makes it easier to buy new things from them - but I am just guessing
 
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