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Do you absolutely trust Apple's refurbishing?

D

DieBeachballDie

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jan 29, 2015
132
6
(hopefully) My last question before pulling the trigger.

Is there any good reason not to be a refurbed MBP? Its a pretty solid savings, enough to get Applecare and still save over new. As of today the 16" could potentially be up to a 4 month old machine. How much damage can someone do in four months? Is there any way to tell (before you buy) how much its been used?

I only ask, because my last iMac was a refurb, from Apple. It worked/lasted fine, until an accident took it out. I took it to an Apple mechanic and the motherboard was toast (it took a good hit). BUT... when he showed me the guts, he pointed out an interesting detail. The motherboard had a sizeable dent in it, but in the front. As in, whatever did this came through the screen... likely why it was sent back originally? The hit that took it out was in the back and could not have possibly caused the dent. It was a decent dent, though obviously didn't have any lasting effects... that i know of. Thing is... a laptop is a lot more delicate, and if they'd do that to an iMac, would they do it to a MBP? I dont like the idea of my laptop taking a good whack... even if it 'tests out' fine.

I want a NEW computer for this kind of money. Any chance, or way of getting a 'new' refurb (if they have one)... no scratches, keyboard gloss at all... etc. Or do you just have to take what they send you?

When i bought my iMac, i was told refurb from Apple meant new... but didn't work/used once/didn't like, and sent back. Someone here said they got a refurb with 6 months of use before it was sent back to Apple.
 
The Apple refurb 16" I purchased several weeks ago was in brand new condition in every way I could see.
In the case of the 16" model I believe that early refurb stock would have mostly been from the early buyers who returned quickly after little use.
My first Macbook Pro was an early 08 refurb from Apple and it arrived looking brand new and still works to this day.
I would recommend Apple refurbs without hesitation.
 
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I hope it’s good. Literally just pulled the trigger on mine.
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I hope it’s good. Literally just pulled the trigger on mine.
 
The refurbs I have bought have been indistinguishable from new. If you get one that looks damaged in any way, take it back within 14 days and try again. They tend to replace cases and screens so cosmetically should be perfect.
 
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Well... it did work for me once... the only refurb i ever bought. Hmmm... Its just sooooo much money...

I think i just need to start a meth lab or something so i can stop worrying about dumb *****...
 
I was told by an Apple rep that everything you see or touch is replaced on a refurb unit before it is posted for sale.

I purchased a refurb late 2013 13", refurb mid-2012 15", refurb Air, and a refurb iPad mini 4. All looked perfect.
 
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Yes if you buy directly from Apple. I've bought several refurbs over the years and only had problems with one. A 2011 iMac 21.5" that the screen went out on after a week or so. But I've had "new" machines do the same. One important note though is if you have a credit card that extends warranties many of them do not cover refurbs. Something to keep in mind if you aren't getting Apple Care anyway.
 
Trust? Yes, Apple guarantee everything is in 'as new' working order, so I see no reason why you should trust a refurb any less than a new product. Would I buy one? Personally, out of principle, I don't like the idea for something that costs so much technically being 'second hand'. But that's my problem and my loss I guess!
 
I am using my refurb MacBook Pro to reply to you. I could not be more happier with this purchase which I have made about two years ago. The machine functions just as it should and I saved money buying this.
 
DieBeachballDie said:
Is there any good reason not to be a refurbed MBP?
Click to expand...

Refurbs are not guaranteed to be optically perfect, so you can't claim minor imperfections under warranty... then again, they are subject to the same "no questions asked" return policy, so who cares really.

To your original question, I don't "absolutely trust" anything, but I don't think there is any principal difference between refurb and brand new Apple laptop.
 
I guess i just got turned off the term "refurbished" by spending two weeks engrossed in the entirely trust-inspiring world of Ebay's used Mac vendors. Was shopping for a 2015 MBP, and they were all 'refurbished'. But... thats Ebay, and this is Apple direct i guess.

I didn't get a new box with my 2013 iMac (bought in 2015). I got an unmarked cardboard box. I dont suppose i'll get a nice new Macbook box if i buy a refurbed 2019 16"? Silly little thing i know... but just in the off chance i want to re-sell, its a nice bonus... even 5 years down the line.
 
DieBeachballDie said:
I guess i just got turned off the term "refurbished" by spending two weeks engrossed in the entirely trust-inspiring world of Ebay's used Mac vendors. Was shopping for a 2015 MBP, and they were all 'refurbished'. But... thats Ebay, and this is Apple direct i guess.

I didn't get a new box with my 2013 iMac (bought in 2015). I got an unmarked cardboard box. I dont suppose i'll get a nice new Macbook box if i buy a refurbed 2019 16"? Silly little thing i know... but just in the off chance i want to re-sell, its a nice bonus... even 5 years down the line.
Click to expand...
Apple refurbished computers do not come in the regular retail box. This is spelled out here: https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/about
 
I'm of two minds when it comes to refurbs.
First, you are getting a machine that was returned, either because someone changed their mind or because it failed. Apple does go through the machine to a higher degree then they do with new machines. Yet you are at a higher risk, imo of getting a machine with problems.

It all boils down to risk vs. reward. Many people swear by them, but if you'll not have peace of mind or are willing to take chance then its not really worth it.

If it were me, I'd probably look to buy new
 
I have always found them like new. Plus Apple gives you the warranty and option for Applecare. Also, you can always return it within 14 days and get your money back, same as a new unit. That should be enough time to verify the condition.
 
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Yes, I do trust Apple.

I've purchased a number of refurbs (both Macs and iDevices) and I've had a couple of bad ones. Apple's warranty coverage is identical, their 14-day no-questions-asked return policy also is valid.

The only difference is the box it is packed in. They used to be brown cardboard but now they have switched to white boxes with slightly different graphics to clearly indicate that it is not a brand new retail unit. Otherwise everything else is the same.

For a refurbished iDevice, I believe they change the screen and new battery and maybe the case if there's any blemish.

For a refurbished MacBook, they won't install a new battery if the returned Mac had only a few charge cycles. Again the case and screen looked brand new.

Frankly, I wouldn't trust any third-party merchant's refurbs. You might get a better price elsewhere, but you won't get the level of customer care.

If you buy one (either new or refurbished) put it through its paces immediately. Don't baby the device. Use like you would six months from now. Make your decision before the 14-day period is up.
 
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I did until my latest iPad Pro 10.5” fiascos..

I’ve now had it replaced by them (always with refurb units I presume) now 4 times and I still have this weird scrolling screen “pop” noise problem.

It drives me insane every day while using it, but I’m not sure what to do about it anymore.

3 out of the 4 times they replaced it quickly and easily — and one of the times, probably just with bad luck on who I was interacting with, I had to fight to the wall to get it replaced.

I guess I should just ”do it again”, but now it unfortunately involves sending it out to them and being without it..
 
I purchased a 16" MacBook Pro refurb the first day they became available. I couldn't see any kind of flaws and it seems to work just fine so far. It is my second return purchase, and that seems the way to go to me.
 
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I have purchased a couple of refurbished MBPs over the years. Each looked and performed as new. If not for the blank white box I would not have known there were not brand new. My wife is currently using a 2016 MPB and it's still working great (apart from two keyboard replacements :rolleyes:).
 
I've bought 4 macs over the years from the refurbished store, the last one being a 27" iMac in 2018. Except for the plain brown box you would never know they weren't new.

My last 2 macs were from B&H though, with their discounts and 'we will pay the sales tax' on their pay boo card it usually works out cheaper to buy new.
 
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Well... you guys convinced me. I bought one. Next Monday i'll get to see if the hype is real. Haven't worked in weeks. Haven't done real work in months. Cannot wait...

Thanks.
 
The great thing about Apple refurbs is that if there were anything wrong, you know it has been fixed. In that respect they are better than new, as they have been inspected.

I absolutely trust Apple refurbs.
 
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