Refurb macs w/out sales tax: non-Applestore outlets?

[Bob-o-Link]

Hi,

After about a month of reading these forums, and doing lots of searches, I decided to join. The following is a question that I cannot find addressed anywhere.

After being a long time pc user - Linux & Windows (when I must) - I have decided to buy a 15" Macbook Pro. Like so many others, I'm waiting for the new ones to come out, but I want to have it in time for a 2 1/2 month road tour (I'm a musician) that begins in 2 weeks - so I may cave in and buy the current model. If I go this route, I would buy a refurb.

Here's my question:

Are there any non-Applestore online sellers that commonly have refurbs for sale?

My reason for asking is that I want to avoid paying sales tax, which basically cuts the refurb savings in half. This is based on New York City sales tax of 8.25% on a $1700 refurb 15" 2.2 MBP - $145.25 I believe. I'm comparing this to buying a new $2k machine from an online seller, such as Smalldog or many others, tax free.

So far I have found very few refurbished MBP's, and none of the 15" 2.2 (I don't want an older model), except at the Applestore. I spoke to someone at Smalldog (very friendly BTW) who said that they used to stock many refurbished machines before Apple started selling them at their own stores - now they (Smalldog) rarely have any. Is this true across the board?

 

[tonyshucraft]

Also consider the one year warranty and the ability to gain apple care for it. That may be a reason to pay more.

 

[kkat69]

Although I don't have my magazine with me (it's in the office) I swore there were ads that had new and refurbs in it.

Personally I would only buy the computer from Apple. I know the sales tax is a pig but that's my personal preference.

 

[Bob-o-Link]

Also consider the one year warranty and the ability to gain apple care for it. That may be a reason to pay more.

Not sure what you mean here. "Pay more" for a new machine, or for buying from the Applestore (and paying sales tax)? In any case, I'm pretty sure that you're wrong in both instances. I know that the same warrenty and option for Applecare applies to refurbs. As far as buying from non-Applestore outlets: I asked the guy at Smalldog (smalldog.com BTW) and he assured me that, again, all the same Apple warrenties and Applecare options applied if I bought a machine from them. My impression is that this is true for any authorized Apple dealer. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[thechidz]

Not sure what you mean here. "Pay more" for a new machine, or for buying from the Applestore (and paying sales tax). In any case, I'm pretty sure that you're wrong in both instances. I know that the same warrenty and option for Applecare applies to refurbs. As far as buying from non-Applestore outlets: I asked the guy at Smalldog (smalldog.com BTW) and he assured me that, again, all the same Apple warrenties and Applecare options applied if I bought a machine from them. My impression is that this is true for any authorized Apple dealer. Correct me if I'm wrong.

you're right

 

[Bob-o-Link]

Although I don't have my magazine with me (it's in the office) I swore there were ads that had new and refurbs in it.

If you find any ads for refurbs, could you let me know? I'd be very grateful.