refurbished iphone - to buy or not to buy?

[KhuntienNang]

my iphone was stolen 2 days ago on the subway, and i only had it for about 6 weeks. i called my credit card company, and they said they could cover it since it was purchased less than 90 days ago. so there's hope, and im sure it's going to take a while. besides, they still need to investigate. as long as i haven't got my money back, i consider this as not a happy ending yet.

right now, i dont feel like paying the same amount for the whole same thing again. but i really want an iphone. now im considering to buy a refurbished one. do you think it's a good idea? how does it work? i looked at the apple store, but there isnt any available right now. can i just walk in to at&t and buy one? or should i go online? but i dont want to get any at&t contract though (im using tmobile). is it possible to purchase iphone just by itself from at&t?

need suggestion please.

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

Walk in and ask for a refurb. That's all there is to it!

 

[KhuntienNang]

they wont ask you to sign a plan with them?

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

Nope. The contracts are never signed in the store unless you choose to do it on their computer. Your contractual obligation begins when you plug it into your computer at home and agree to start up a two year contract, which you obviously don't have to do.

When I bought my refurb, I told the rep I already had the iPhone and that it was a gift (which was the truth). No questions asked.

 

[mkrishnan]

Yeah, it works the same as buying a new one. The only thing with AT&T iPhones is they don't come in Apple boxes. You shouldn't incur any new charges or contracts with AT&T. You get all the accessories, and they're almost invariably in excellent condition. I'm really happy with mine.

On the other hand, the AT&T $199 (4G) - 249 (8G) refurbs are not in plentiful supply. If you see one and you think you want it, get it when you have the chance.

 

[Surely]

Yeah, it works the same as buying a new one. The only thing with AT&T iPhones is they don't come in Apple boxes. You shouldn't incur any new charges or contracts with AT&T. You get all the accessories, and they're almost invariably in excellent condition. I'm really happy with mine.

On the other hand, the AT&T $199 (4G) - 249 (8G) refurbs are not in plentiful supply. If you see one and you think you want it, get it when you have the chance.

Exactly. The whole problem is actually finding a refurb iPhone- you just have to be lucky.