Mac mini server (late 2009): new yet not new?

[vip007]

Hi,

About a week ago I bought a new late 2009 Mac Mini Server from BH Photo Video. They had (still have) a very good price ($699). I was expecting a retail box but got a unit in a brown box.

I've bought refurbished macs in the past but this one is not marked as refurbished (those typically have a different part number). I called BHPV's CS and they claim this is how they get new units from Apple---which I found a bit odd. Moreover, when I checked the unit's serial number on Apple's warranty check, it stated the unit was registered on 6/15/2010.

Typically, I would just return the unit (and I still can, until next Tuesday). However... the warranty check states that this unit is covered until 2013, implying is has a full 3 year Apple Care.

So my question is: could I really enjoy the benefits of AppleCare on this unit even though it is: a) supposedly new, and b) I did not purchase AppleCare myself? I know AppleCare is transferable, but this is a rather odd scenario.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

(I posted this in the Mac Mini thread, but this is probably a better place for this post.)

 

[old-wiz]

brown boxes are refurbs. I suggest you call Apple to see if the claims from BH are valid or not. I suspect it's really a refurb.

 

[kyzen]

I was just looking at that same deal myself, now I'm hesitant to pull the trigger.

Let us know what you find out if you call Apple!

 

[vip007]

brown boxes are refurbs. I suggest you call Apple to see if the claims from BH are valid or not. I suspect it's really a refurb.

I guess I don't really care if it is a refurb (most of my macs are---direct from Apple though). But I would not want to lose warranty, especially if it is the 3-year AppleCare .

I'll call Apple to hear what they have to say.

 

[jacksonkeller]

In may 09 I bought an open box/return Imac from Best Buy. It had applecare, one of the reasons I bought it. About 3 months later the applecare coverage was gone. The original buyer must have gotten a refund. I later bought my own applecare. I see that their website, applecare, says my coverage runs till april 2012. I'm guessing that BB originally sold it in april 09.