refurb vs new 17"

[raymondthimmes]

So I am planning to purchase a new laptop soon. Preferably a 17" mbp.

I was pricing out a new vs. refurbed and the difference seems to be a considerable savings on the core i5 model? close to $420?

What is the main difference between the new and refurbed models? Is it just that it's not "fresh off the lot"?

thoughts? thanks!

 

[simsaladimbamba]

No difference, except that the refurbs have been repaired.
https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/10904714/

 

[maflynn]

No difference, except that the refurbs have been repaired.

Or just returned by a consumer.

Some people believe you're better off with a refurb because they go through a more thorough examination, verification process to ensure they are not defective. Personally, I go with new, but I've not really heard of any complaints by people going the refurb route.

 

[jenzjen]

Only with Apple due to their warranty do I go rfb unless I really need to have it. Only one issue in about 10 orders, and Apple gave me a partial credit for my trouble so no complaints from me going rfb.

 

[tasslehawf]

Since Apple is the only one that sells refurb (for the most part), but you always pay sales tax when you buy from Apple, you may get a better deal buying a new one from an online reseller (such as Amazon or MacConnection) than buying a refurb + tax.

Apple new: $2299 + $189.67 tax = $2488.67
Apple refurb: $1869 + $154.19 tax = $2023.19
Amazon: $2,097.44 + free 2 day shipping if you have Amazon Prime (or $4 next day)

MacConnection has some good deals on BTO configurations which you can only otherwise get from Apple.

AppleInsider has a comparison chart of Mac deals: http://www.appleinsider.com/mac_price_guide/

(I used Texas sales tax)