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I've never thought about it from that angle. Great point.

Are there any issues with scratches or aesthetic problems? Since refurbs are just restored to factory specs, can't you risk the outside being a little nicked up...?

Signed,
A mac n00b

Let's put it this way—definition of an Apple refurbished product:
1) Brand new enclosure (chassis), consumables (battery).
2) Reused motherboard, hard drives, RAM, etc.
3) Extensive testing to make sure the reused parts are up to spec.

Result: Machine that is probably better working and inspected than a new one.
 
Let's put it this way—definition of an Apple refurbished product:
1) Brand new enclosure (chassis), consumables (battery).
2) Reused motherboard, hard drives, RAM, etc.
3) Extensive testing to make sure the reused parts are up to spec.

Result: Machine that is probably better working and inspected than a new one.

Yeah, but it still feels like buying underwear that your gassy 300 lb. neighbor has tried on.
 
You're welcome!!!!!1!!!shift1!!!

Well, I'm anxiously expecting my very own pair of hand-me-down, dingy, moth-eaten, stretched out BVDs today (refurb MBP) - and I actually DO have a 300lb neighbor! Several, in fact. All squeezed into one tiny trailer. I love living outside city zoning limits.
I'll definitely let you all know if the love is still there - sloppy seconds always get a bad rap!:p
 
I want to see a refurb unboxing video that'd be great.

and **** ebay **** paypal **** the both of them.
 
Two out of my last 3 Macs have been refurb purchases - Apple is the only company I've dealt with that does refurbs right. Full warranty (same as if you purchased a new mac), impeccable case, all accessories. The only thing I noticed on the 24" iMac refurb was that the Apple remote looked like it had been handled before (small scratches near the battery cover). Yes, I looked hard.

Ebay has some great deals as well, you can get a Mac fully loaded with all sorts of apps, extra RAM, still under warranty, etc. I'm planning on selling my 2007 MBP on Ebay this weekend (convinced my boss to purchase me a fully specced 2008 15" MBP a few weeks ago).

Things to keep in mind when purchasing on eBay:

1. Use a Credit Card. They have much more protection than debit cards.

2. Use Paypal, or cash & carry (if buying locally, and you have verified the product).

3. DO NOT use: Cheque, Money Order, Western Union, etc. There are no protections.

4. Don't assume it will come with anything beyond what is written. If it doesn't say 'includes Apple Remote' in the description, don't count on getting one. Even if it's in the picture, always double check the description.

5. If still under Applecare, make sure that the owner transfers it to you.

6. In general, buy the Applecare extended warranty. Again, Apple is the only company I've dealt with that does extended warranties right.

7. Make sure the seller has a good, recent feedback history.
 
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