I guess I am the only one who wouldn't recommend refurbished.
No matter what Apple, or anyone else tells you, the refurb models are discounted for a reason. They are re-using parts that pass an inspection, which is not that difficult to pass, although the case and anything you come into contact with should be brand new.
I have gotten my fair share of refurb units, and have heard ALL of Apple's stories. Some genius' have told me they are brand new units. Some have told me they are refurbs. And some use the term "remanufactured." Long story short, you are getting a unit re-made with parts that were returned by people for a reason.
I myself have gotten refurb iphones that failed within 1-2 days, and one was taken back by the genius before he even handed me the phone. He literally opened up the box, was in the process of handing it to me, and he said "nope, it has a loose battery." I had another phone that wouldn't receive or place any calls, another with a camera that wouldn't focus, another with some problem where the screen would flicker, the loose battery, and another with a big nick out of the box.
I ask you: if these refurbs are put through such stringent testing, as Apple and some claim, would I have gotten 5 with major defects? Just bad luck? Perhaps.
Now, you may get lucky. You may end up with a good unit. I am not saying all refurbs are bad. But it is certain that all are made with recycled parts.
If that cost savings is worth it to you, then by all means go refurb and try your luck. You always have the option of returning and playing the warranty game.
But for me, personally, I would just buy new.
Also keep in mind that a lot of people have returned macbooks for image retention problems, and uneven screen uniformity problems. So test for those if you do get a refurb. I am not sure if Apple re-uses screens.
