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Buying REFURBISHED?

lasermn

lasermn

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 3, 2009
17
0
Have you had a good or bad experience in purchasing a 'REFURBISHED' computer from an Apple Store.

Does anyone know what goes into 'refurbishing' a computer

Specifically, the 24" IMAC's are being sold at a 13% discount, $200 off the retail price.

Are you hot or cold on buying a refurbished computer? I'm asking for information & your opinions, as I'm undecided on whether to buy new or refurbished?
 
Read this: http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/apple_certified.html

And they don't mention it there, but they do in the New Zealand refurbished section due to our consumer laws - a refurbished Mac may have minor cosmetic faults ie scratches/discolouration, and you would have a hard time returning a refurbished unit as a result of this.


Pasted here for the lazy people:

Frequently Asked Questions:

(1) What are Apple Certified Refurbished Products?

Apple Certified Refurbished Products are pre-owned Apple products that undergo Apple's stringent refurbishment process prior to being offered for sale. While only some units are returned due to technical issues, all units undergo Apple's stringent quality refurbishment process.

Each Apple Certified Refurbished Product:
is fully tested (including full burn-in testing).
is refurbished with replacement parts for any defective modules identified in testing.
is put through a thorough cleaning process and inspection.
is repackaged (including appropriate manuals, cables, new boxes, etc.).
includes the operating software originally shipped with the unit and the custom software offered with that system. See each products "Learn More" for more details.
is given a new refurbished part number and serial number.
is placed into a Final QA inspection prior to being added to sellable refurbished stock.
Refurbishment procedures follow the same basic technical guidelines as Apple's Finished Goods testing procedures.


(2) What should I expect when I purchase an Apple Certified Refurbished Product?
Substantial savings
A fully functional unit with complete documentation
The assurance that the unit meets Apple's premiere quality standards, and that its defective components have been replaced by genuine Apple components

(3) Can I purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan for my Apple Certified Refurbished Product?

All Apple Certified Refurbished Products are covered by Apple's One-Year Limited Warranty. For extended coverage, you have the option of purchasing the AppleCare Protection Plan with your Apple Certified Refurbished Product. The AppleCare Protection Plan extends the complimentary coverage on your Apple Certified Refurbished Product to up to three years of world-class support for Mac, and up to two years of world-class support for iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV.
Click to expand...
 
I bought a refurbished G4 laptop (TiBook) direct from Apple in 2001. My ex has it now and it still runs fine. Most refurbished systems have had whatever bug sent them back in the first place fixed, and are usually good bets. But then that doesn't seem to be the case with the OP.
 
I just bought a refurb macbook. I visually inspected every detail of the laptop, not a single scratch or mark to show any wear.
 
My next Mac (probably 3 years) will for sure be refurbished. You can save so much money and get the same exact product, just used... but it will seem brand new.

Moriarty said:
Read this: http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/apple_certified.html

And they don't mention it there, but they do in the New Zealand refurbished section due to our consumer laws - a refurbished Mac may have minor cosmetic faults ie scratches/discolouration, and you would have a hard time returning a refurbished unit as a result of this.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info, I didn't know that! :)
 
Definitely HOT for refurbished. I bought my mac pro refurbished and it's been awesome, I also have a refurbished iPod nano which as far as I can tell is brand new.

I would absolutely recommend refurbished to you. No sense in buying a new mac and not save $$ unless you're using an ADC or educational discount.
 
Another +1 for refurb, bought my MBP as a refurb a couple of weeks ago and it's perfect, no marks or anything and runs great. Well worth the savings.
 
I have two refurbed products (MBP and AEBS), and am completely satisfied with both purchases. Better prices than the education discount (except for the BTS deal), and other than the difference in packaging, it's like buying a brand new machine.
 
I bought a refurbished MacBook Air (revision A) online in February. Since then I've had the logic board and battery replaced. The last straw was when my microphone stopped working (it actually may have never worked to begin with, who knows).

The Genius Bar hooked me up with a revision B Air so no complaints here. Most refurbs are thoroughly inspected and sold in pristine condition. I just got unlucky with a lemon. But in the end I scored a brand new, current generation MacBook Air for $1099 Canadian. Not bad if you ask me.
 
I just got my refurbished macbook air (rev a) and it was in perfect condition! I couldn't tell it from a new unit, and it made me regret paying full price when i bought my powerbook years ago. when I get my imac in september, to compliment the air, i will be buying it from the refurb store as well.
 
I've always had very good luck with Apple Refurbs. No bad experiences here.

There are so many threads on this already... A quick search would have given you your answer and would have been more considerate to the community. That said, refurbs are usually indistinguishable from new.
Click to expand...
Calm it down to about a 4, kay??
 
Bought a refurbished ATI MBP 6 months ago for a very good price - had to send it back twice early on - once because the battery would not be detected and other time for cosmetic issues. But third time was the charm - this one is working OK till now.

So I would say its a hit or miss - but as long as you carefully inspect it for issues when you receive it Apple treats it as a new computer for all practical purposes and so you could get a replacement until you are satisfied.
 
Rather than start a new thread, I'd like to hijack this one a little.

Does anyone know if it's possible to have a refurbished mac sent to an applestore for pick up? I'd like to get a refurbished macbook air, but I'm currently on tour with my band, and won't be near an address to have it shipped to for close to 2 months.

Any idea? I know most stores don't stock refurbished units. Which is a shame, but I'd rather not have to wait until the end of the tour to get a new laptop, and the iPhone isn't quite up to replacing a laptop.
 
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