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Feedback on refurbished Retina Macbook Pros

M

mcpix

macrumors 6502
Original poster
May 13, 2005
303
85
I finally bought a refurbished rMBP yesterday and I'm wondering what others who purchased think of their new refurbished machines?

Did we get a great deal or did we simply buy all the rMBPs with LG screens and IR problems?

I'll report back as soon as I receive my refurbished rMBP.
 
Refurbished are most likely to be much better due to more quality control before sale. Remember, a refurb is basically a machine returned, (having been checked when made) checked once again for damage and repaired if found, reinstalled everything and once again a final check before it goes out.

So it is very likely you won't see any issues.
 
While I have no personal experience with refurbs, a very good friend always buys them. I'm impressed what a good job Apple does, they look like new.

Thus far in the last five years, he's had five refurbished MBP's all trouble free.
 
I have bought two from Apple,

2011 15" MBP
2012 13" MBP

Both look new, function perfectly and have no issues. I HIGHLY recommend Apple refurb.
 
Everything except a few iPad's I bought from Apple are refurbished. My first purchase was a Airport Extreme and after 4 years still running strong with a 300 MBps wireless connection.

Next bought an iMac 27" a couple more iPad's and a MBA and they had no issues.
 
I'm typing this on a Refurbished MacPro that I've owned for over a year now. No issues at all.

That said, I personally wouldn't buy a refurbished Retina Macbook Pro. I'm not a fan of refurbished MBPs in general, but with the rMBP, I would guess the chances of getting one returned for IR would be high and I'm a fan of the orignal packaging on laptops for when it comes time to resell. Just my take.
 
+ Less cost
+ Same warranty
+ Can extend warranty to 3 yr with AppleCare
+ Exterior is new
- No original box

Seems like a no brainer.
 
inaka said:
I'm typing this on a Refurbished MacPro that I've owned for over a year now. No issues at all.

That said, I personally wouldn't buy a refurbished Retina Macbook Pro. I'm not a fan of refurbished MBPs in general, but with the rMBP, I would guess the chances of getting one returned for IR would be high and I'm a fan of the orignal packaging on laptops for when it comes time to resell. Just my take.
Click to expand...

I doubt that box will fetch $330 or more. As for the IR, that is a potential issue, but on the other hand, the screen may also have been replaced if the customer returned it because of image retention. Plus there is still the option of taking it back.
 
inaka said:
I'm typing this on a Refurbished MacPro that I've owned for over a year now. No issues at all.

That said, I personally wouldn't buy a refurbished Retina Macbook Pro. I'm not a fan of refurbished MBPs in general, but with the rMBP, I would guess the chances of getting one returned for IR would be high and I'm a fan of the orignal packaging on laptops for when it comes time to resell. Just my take.
Click to expand...

Well I bought a new one with the Box and it has an LG screen and the infamous IR test did leave a few white boxes which went away the moment I refreshed the screen with Apple website.

So what has refurb go to do with it? Nothing. Its all luck, considering there are many suppliers for the same component.
 
KPOM said:
I doubt that box will fetch $330 or more. As for the IR, that is a potential issue, but on the other hand, the screen may also have been replaced if the customer returned it because of image retention. Plus there is still the option of taking it back.
Click to expand...
Not saying the box will fetch $300 more, just saying, it's another factor that would make me pass on the refurbished rMBP and get a new one.
 
I have two rMBP's scheduled for delivery tomorrow (a 2.6/8/512 and 2.6/16/512; I'm planning on returning the former barring some issue with the latter)... I'll post my findings after the unboxings!

I'm feeling good about the refurb decision so far. I enjoy the normal Apple boxes, too, but I enjoy saving enough to upgrade to the 512 SSD even more...
 
I have the base line 2.3/8GB/256 set for arrival tomorrow.

I've been a huge fan or the refurb store having purchased a mac mini and iMac from it, each in perfect condition. The iMac even came with an extra 4GB RAM than listed.

My only concern too, is possible IR. However, as someone else mentioned, its quite possible that the chance of getting a defective screen could be lower. If a model was returned with IR then most likely the screen was replaced and it does seem that refurb units go thrugh a more stringent testing process. Worse case scenario, the screen has IR - I pack it up and return until Apple sends me out one that doesn't have it.

In any event I will post my findings after I get a chance to kick her tires a bit.
 
It's probably the same 50/50 - if it was returned for serious IR it's probably been replaced (LG or Samsung), if its mild/in spec and they replaced it to stop someone moaning, it'll be sent back out as is I imagine.
 
Just received my refurb rMBP. I had exchanged a new one with 256 for a refurb 512 GB.

The previous one(new) was a LG. The one I got as a refurb is a Samsung.

So in this case, looks like refurbs are better than new ones? Only time will tell...
 
seems that refurb discount isnt much more than the education discount
the refurb rMbp is only 130 cheaper than the education discount
id rather buy new IMO
 
InfinitiG said:
seems that refurb discount isnt much more than the education discount
the refurb rMbp is only 130 cheaper than the education discount
id rather buy new IMO
Click to expand...

The difference is that everyone qualifies for the refurbished models. A lot of us with the money to buy the Retina models aren't students (otherwise we wouldn't have the money :D).
 
Base model 15" retina delivered today, Samsung display, no defects whatsoever. Oh wait, scratch that - there was a black smear on the generic cardboard box it came in. I should really call and complain. :D
 
KPOM said:
The difference is that everyone qualifies for the refurbished models. A lot of us with the money to buy the Retina models aren't students (otherwise we wouldn't have the money :D).
Click to expand...

understood, but Apple is not strict at all with their education discounts, iv used it numerous times and never been asked to show student ID or any proof

----------
wrinkster22 said:
Why?
Click to expand...

because it is brand new from the factory vs. something that was used and returned then dissected to be newish
 
I'm thinking of pulling the trigger

and getting a base rMBP refurb; very interested to find out how yours are

I've got about 5 days to take advantage of the financing deal that would make it an interest free 18 month loan. I just can't resist getting it!:D

The only downside is that I'm overseas and it wouldn't get to me for about a month and a half or so via a friend:(
 
Baseline model has Samsung screen

Replying on my refurb baseline model. Samsung screen - I have not yet tested for IR.

No imperfections that I can see.

When I first booted up, I was a bit disappointed with the screen but after a couple days it seemed to be looking better to me. No sure if there had to be a sort of warming in period (either the macbook or me). Also I turned up the brightness which I think makes things pop more. Also, while the matte appearance will most likely be better in sunlight I think I prefer the glossy appearance of my retina iPad better.

Surprised to see they still have these available in the refurb store. I figured they would have sold out quickly but they still have them in stock.
 
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