iMac 24" Refurb or New via UK HE store.

[danyoo]

Hi,

I have been, like alot of people, waiting for the anticipated iMac penryn update but now I can't really wait any longer and need a new computer after my previous iMac purchase went back to apple for a refund.

My question is; is it worth buying the Limited Time special 24" 2.4 iMac from the Refurb store over the same machine in the Education Store; the difference in price is ~£50 more for the new machine.

What benefits do i get other than it being 'new' ; i think theres a 3years limited warranty with it via the HE store, but not sure if this also applies to the refurb purchase via the HE store too...

Any advice would be great!!

 

[Ged']

I would buy through the apple HE store. You get an extended parts and labour warranty that lasts for 3 years and for about £50 you can make that full applecare (during purchase). The difference between apple care and extended parts and labour warranty is that if something were to happen to your iMac then apple would send a courier to collect your iMac. With the warranty you would have to take it to an apple store yourself. Also you do not get free phone support.

It's always nice to have a new machine and it will come in a new box. So if you eventually intend to resell the iMac it will help the re-sell value a little.

I would urge you to be patient though. I believe the update is inevitable as intel are fazing out the current processors and the last thing you want is a machine that has lost a lot of value for being a week old.

If you cannot wait, buy through the HE store. It should only cost £50 for the 3 year piece of mind.

How come you sent your previous iMac back by the way?

 

[danyoo]

thanks for your advice, i think you're suggestions are probably my best bet, i think ill get the new 24" with AC.

Should really wait but i really dont think i can wait yet another week been without a main computer for virtually 2 months now and using an older laptop.

I had to send back my 20" iMac as the hard drive was failingafter 3 weeks, apple wanted me to take it to an apple authorised repair shops to be checked and repaired, but it took the shop 5weeks just to LOOK at the machine and decide it was failing, and then said it was another 2 weeks to get the parts and a week to fit, so wud be 2months without it.

Eventually Apple took the Mac back and refunded me, but still left me minus a main computer and even closer to the penyrn refresh, and ive waited a month for that. Was relying on the update today!

What you were saying about the limited parts/labour warranty; as theres no Apple store within hundreds of miles of me will i have to return to the same repair shop?

If so it is most definitely worth the extra 100£ to never set foot in the place again.

 

[Ged']

When you say HE store, then I am assuming that you mean the apple store only available online at your university campus. I believe that this is the only store that will give you the extended warranty.

Heres a link to the terms and conditions of the HE store.

This is the bit your interested in:

10.1.1 All Apple-branded desktop and portable computer products shall be subject to a 36 calendar month warranty period commencing from the date of purchase (the date of your invoice).



If your buying from a reseller like KRCS then I am unsure as to whether the same warranty applies. Whatever you do i am sure you'll be happy with your new machine (the display is lush)so all the best.