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New or Refurbished iPad 2? Which to buy?

mtthwcmn1

mtthwcmn1

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 9, 2011
48
0
I am planning on getting an iPad 2, I use and borrow my roommates occasionally, but was wondering if I should buy one new or refurbished. My main concern is getting one without issues and in excellent cosmetic condition. Price isn't an issue, but people say that refurbs are banged up, and others say they are better than new because they go through a rigorous process for errors. Help would be great.
 
mtthwcmn1 said:
I am planning on getting an iPad 2, I use and borrow my roommates occasionally, but was wondering if I should buy one new or refurbished...
Click to expand...

I got a refurb iPad 2 from Apple. I have no issues with it and am happy I saved $80. I don't have any issues with light bleed and in my opinion it's as good as any new one I could have bought. No scuffs, scrapes or anything like that.
 
Go for the refurb. They're probably less likely than new ones to have issues like light bleed because many of them were returned for those issues and so that was what was refurbished.
 
...

Go for the refurb because when you want to sell it and get an iPad 3 you won't lose as much money
 
I have experience in both a brand new iPad 2 and a refurb. Why? Because a hi-fi speaker fell on my iPad right on the screen and above the sleep button. I bought that iPad 2 brand new from the Apple Online Store. After going to my local retail store, I was offered a refurbished iPad 2 which I then bought.

In my honest opinion, there is no difference what so ever between a brand new iPad and a refurbished model from what I have seen so far! Other than the fact that my refurbished one has lasted twice as long as my brand new one already!!

All that being said, if money isn't an option, I still think I would go for a refurbished model for the simple fact you still get a years warranty on it etc and as people have already said, it's gone through a rigorous process to even pass and be sold by Apple.
 
Yes go for the refurb now if you don't want to wait for the next iPad or money is an issue.
$419 for an iPad2 in the refurb section of the Apple Store is a great price and you get a years warranty. It's better than buying a used one for $400 on eBay plus paying shipping and only getting a remaining warranty. Apple refurbs are top quality.
 
Just got a 64gb iPad 2 and haven't had any problems, looks brand new to me. I would get applecare of some sort of warranty though just to be safe and protect your investment.
 
you also get a new battery with a refurb too. no reason not to get a refurb IMO. if i was buying one now, i wouldn't hesitate.
 
I bought a refurb and it is cosmetically as nice as new. According to Apple's website, "We test and certify all Apple refurbished products and include a 1-year warranty. All refurbished iPad models also include a brand new battery and outer shell." Since all of the outer components, including the shell and glass are new, you can't tell it's a refurb by looking at it. Comes packed and shipped nicely as well. I'm totally happy with mine and really enjoyed saving the $$$!
 
I got a refurb, and had really bad light bleed, but because the warranty is identical to the new ones, I simply took it in and got a replacement. Pretty awesome.
 
Wait 2-3 months and get a 3.

I'm quite sure that your roommate will subsidize you for the coming months ;)
 
porcupine8 said:
Go for the refurb. They're probably less likely than new ones to have issues like light bleed because many of them were returned for those issues and so that was what was refurbished.
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I thought backlight bleeding was one of those issues they don't bother fixing because the majority of customers aren't even aware of such an issue?
 
Abazigal said:
I thought backlight bleeding was one of those issues they don't bother fixing because the majority of customers aren't even aware of such an issue?
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I guess I'm assuming the OP is only worried about real, noticeable problems that would actually get fixed. Not "in a dark room at full brightness there's an eensy-weensy spot of light on this edge, OMG must return it!"
 
mtthwcmn1 said:
I am planning on getting an iPad 2, I use and borrow my roommates occasionally, but was wondering if I should buy one new or refurbished. My main concern is getting one without issues and in excellent cosmetic condition. Price isn't an issue, but people say that refurbs are banged up, and others say they are better than new because they go through a rigorous process for errors. Help would be great.
Click to expand...

Refurb. Only difference is the box it comes in. I guess if you sell your devices after a year or so, the words refurb on the box may affect the price, but i have always bought refurbs from Apple and never found a defect yet.
 
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