Bought an open box iMac... should I return it?

[TR_enaud]

So my old iMac died and I found a pretty good deal on an open box 2013 iMac from Best Buy. It seems to be running pretty smoothly, but I do have a few concerns:

- There is no startup chime
- The mouse seems to be a little "sticky" (this could just be me getting used to the Magic Mouse vs. a standard USB mouse)
- Ineligible for AppleCare

None of these are huge problems (the lack of a chime is honestly the most interesting to me — is this cause for concern?), but I could get a "new in-box" 2013 iMac for just a little more, and it would be eligible for AppleCare.

On a related note, I specifically went for a 2013 model, hoping I would be able to install Yosemite or El Capitan, but I've tried to restore to factory settings, and the only option is to install Sierra. Is there a way around this? My dead iMac is a 2012 model, so I have several older versions of OS X available to my Apple ID.

Thank you!!!

 

[294307]

If you want to reinstall the operating system that came with the iMac originally (which might be OS X Mavericks based on the information you've provided), hold down Shift-Option-Command-R to boot into Internet Recovery (see this article). Holding down Command-R or Option-Command-R simply reinstalls the latest operating system that works on your Mac, which is macOS Sierra. If you have an Apple Magic Keyboard, you may need to connect the Lighting to USB cable in order for the keys to be registered by the computer when it's booting up. For other Bluetooth keyboards (and older Apple Wireless Keyboards), you may need to connect a USB keyboard instead.

macOS uses a different tracking algorithm to Windows, so this is what you are likely noticing. The tracking algorithm is designed so you can have precise control over cursor movement while still being able to move the mouse quickly to accelerate its speed. Move your entire hand when you use the mouse - not just your fingers. I personally don't use the Magic Mouse, but the principle is the same for any mouse you choose.

It's not eligible for AppleCare and never will be. That's the risk of saving money buying an older machine, but if it's truly an open box and hasn't been used, then really you're getting something 'like new'. It might be an older machine but it's still perfectly serviceable. Does Best Buy offer its own warranty with your iMac?

Your iMac should have a start up chime. Make sure the sound volume isn't low or muted, as this does also set the volume of the start up chime. You may be disappointed to learn newer Macs don't have the start up chime anymore - starting with the MacBook Pro (2016) and iMac (2017) models.

 

[TR_enaud]

If you want to reinstall the operating system that came with the iMac originally, hold down Shift-Option-Command-R (see this article) - only holding down Command-R or Option-Command-R simply reinstalls the latest operating system that works on your Mac. If you have an Apple Magic Keyboard, you may need to connect the Lighting to USB cable in order for the keys to be registered by the computer at boot.

macOS uses a different tracking algorithm to Windows, so this is what you are likely noticing. The tracking algorithm is designed so you can have precise control over cursor movement while still being able to move the mouse quickly to accelerate its speed. Move your entire hand when you use the mouse - not just your fingers. I personally don't use the Magic Mouse, but the principle is the same for any mouse you choose to use.

It's not eligible for AppleCare and never will be. That's the cost of saving money buying an older machine that is, from your description, essentially 'as new'. Did Best Buy offer a warranty with your iMac?

Your iMac should have a start up chime. Make sure the sound isn't low or muted, as this does also affect the volume of the start up chime.

Thanks for the response! Regarding the mouse, that makes total sense, I think I'll just have to get used to it. Also have to get used to the keyboard lol!

Best Buy didn't offer me a warranty, but they did mention that the "new in-box" Mac, being a new machine, would come with Apple Care free. I'll probably call or go back to BB and see if there's any way I can buy a warranty.

And thanks again for the correct key command for a factory reset. I'll give that a try momentarily.

 

[294307]

I am not quite sure whether it would be eligible for AppleCare, but if the computer wasn't activated with Apple until after you unboxed it (and presumably signed into your Apple ID), it might be. You can find out by going to  -> About This Mac -> Service -> Check my service and support coverage status. Regardless, it would be safest to call Apple to check what your options are.

 

[hfg]

A PRAM reset will probably restore the chime ... and may fix the mouse issue too.

Here's how to reset your PRAM:

1. Shut down your machine. Yes, all the way down, not sleep or logging out.
2. Press the power button and then press command-option-p-r. ...
3. Hold those keys down until your Mac reboots again and you here the startup chime.
4. Let go of the keys and let your Mac reboot normally.

I usually hold down the keys to let it cycle through 2 or 3 chime cycles.