Least expensive new-in-box Apple laptop?

[Unspeaked]

Ok, here's the deal: someone has asked me for help finding a laptop to give their brother as a gift. The only requirement is that it's a Mac and it's new and in the box (I'm assuming an Apple refurb would meet this requirement).

As of right now, the best deal I can find is the $949 refurbished 2.1GHz MacBooks on Apple's site.

Does anyone know of any better deals? It can be an iBook, even - so long as it's sealed.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Galley]

I've seen refurbished MacBooks for $899. The stock changes often, so check daily.

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

MacMall will have closeout deals too. These are previous model Macbooks discounted.

The only thing about a refurb, is that the box might not look very present-like. They often come in plain boxes, which might not count to your friend as "new in box"................

I, by no means, would hesitate to by a refurb for myself.

 

[soberbrain]

For what I've heard refurbs don't come in the spiffy apple-designed boxes, if that's what you are looking for. Here's a vid of a refurb Macbook Pro unboxing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi-EO0nYseI

If you want a deal for new-in-box, you may want to check 3rd party resellers (like smalldog.com) for previous models that are new

 

[thechidz]

Ive seen early model macbooks for even as low as 799 on the refurb store. Incredible deal

 

[Mjmar]

I've noticed that the cheapest refurbished models are posted up on the Apple Store at about eight o'clock (eastern time)... The best price I've seen is $849.

 

[steeler]

You'll get a heck of a deal at the Apple refurb store. It's just like buying new, except that the machine has been tested, examined and fixed as necessary. I'm not much for refurbs usually, but I did and would again buy an Apple refurb (from store.apple.com).