Complete Newbie

[voguefashion334]

Hi everyone,

I'm totally new to macs but I'm considering buying a macbook or macbook pro for college. I'll be using it for schoolwork/research, surfing the web, Skype/ ichat, and light gaming (i.e. Sims 3). I'm leaning towards purchasing off ebay or a refurbished model from the apple store to save a bit of $$$

Any suggestions on where to start looking for the best deals?

 

[Cheffy Dave]

refurbs are guaranteed, and will save you money, they are all I buy

 

[Alaerian]

Refurb store. Done.

 

[alust2013]

Refurb 13" pro. Or if you have a MicroCenter nearby, buy a new 13" pro there for $999

 

[intwo]

You also have the education discount at the apple store, so you might be able to get a new laptop for the same price as a refurbished one. Plus, if you buy before September 20, 2011 you can get a gift card for the Mac App Store/iTunes Store through Apple's back to school promotion.

 

[aery]

When I found out about the refurb store I was ecstatic. I was thinking "wow, a Mac that I can afford" and though I was a bit hesitant at first about buying a refurb, after a post here at MacRumors many assured me that the Apple refurbs were great and some even preferred to buy them refurbished than new. I am also a part of that camp now. I bought a MacBook from there a few years ago and just recently an iMac. They have both been amazing. So if you are looking to save some money but still attain a quality machine (with the same warranty as new) I would definitely suggest purchasing from the Apple refurb section.