Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I broke it in for you. :D I bought an ultimate from mac mall and returned it cuz of kernel panix and got another one...

timing would be about right
 
Yeah. It was in original packaging and everything, but from what I've heard and read they're customer service is way better than it used to be. Which is definitely a good thing.

I bought my Rev B from ClubMac (owned by MacMall's parent) in 2008, and my 13" Ultimate from MacMall this past November. Apart from the lack of a return policy, I was happy with the sales process. That said, I did wind up with a "dud," but that was the wake-from-sleep issue that plagued early Rev Ds, and the Apple Store gladly exchanged it 2 days later.
 
I don't think a few cycles necessarily indicate a return or refurb. I got a new MBP customized and shipped directly from China. When I first turned it on it had 5 cycles on it. A new 13" MBA bought from a local Apple store had 1 cycle on it when turned on. And I've had others with 0 cycles on it.
 
I feel like this is similar to the people who walk around the new car lot and look for the one with the lowest odometer reading.
 
My '08 MacBook had like 6 cycles and it was new. Pissed me off at first but lasted me 3 years with no issues and runs like new still. Wouldn't sweat it.
 
that's cool to each their own

Personally ,I'm glad I fought for the exchange.

To me, 9 cycles means a used computer. If I bought it refurb, I wouldn't bother posting.

So now I have a machine with 1 cycle on it (which I initiated) and I love it.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.