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Refurbished Late 2013 27-Inch iMac Models Now Available in Apple's Online Store

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Apr 12, 2001
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Apple today added three separate models of the current 27-inch iMac to its online store for refurbished products, marking their first appearance in the store since their September launch. The three models, all of which are listed as shipping in 1-5 business days, include:

- 3.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with 8 GB RAM, 1 TB hard drive, and NVIDIA GeForce GT 755M graphics: $1529 ($270 savings)

late_2013_27_imac_refurb.jpg

- 3.5GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 with 8 GB RAM, 1 TB hard drive, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 775M graphics: $1869 ($330 savings)

- 3.5GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 with 8 GB RAM, 3 TB Fusion drive, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M graphics: $2289 ($410 savings)

Other configurations of the latest 27-inch iMac and all configurations of the current 21.5-inch iMac have yet to appear in Apple's refurbished store.

Article Link: Refurbished Late 2013 27-Inch iMac Models Now Available in Apple's Online Store
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2013/12/02/refurbished-late-2013-27-inch-imac-models-now-available-in-apples-online-store/
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I'm sure they have plentiful stock of these models with all the returns they've taken from people unfairly complaining about yellowing and backlight bleed, color inconsistency in the imac forums here. :eek: But it's good these fantastic machines will find a happy home from a more appreciative owner.
 
dumastudetto said:
I'm sure they have plentiful stock of these models with all the returns they've taken from people unfairly complaining about yellowing and backlight bleed, color inconsistency in the imac forums here. :eek: But it's good these fantastic machines will find a happy home from a more appreciative owner.
Click to expand...

As much as what you're saying holds some truth, fact of the matter is some people have received lemons. I've seen quite a few with horrible image retention and screens that cast noticeable yellow tinting near the bottom side.

My iMac has a small issue with the fan. However, everything else is perfect so no reason for a replacement when I have apple care.
 
dumastudetto said:
I'm sure they have plentiful stock of these models with all the returns they've taken from people unfairly complaining about yellowing and backlight bleed, color inconsistency in the imac forums here. :eek: But it's good these fantastic machines will find a happy home from a more appreciative owner.
Click to expand...

Each Apple Certified Refurbished Product:
  • is refurbished with replacement parts for any defective modules identified in testing.

Let's hope they fix them before they sell them!
 
Michael Scrip said:
Each Apple Certified Refurbished Product:
  • is refurbished with replacement parts for any defective modules identified in testing.

Let's hope they fix them before they sell them!
Click to expand...


Well, I know people who only buy these refurbished machines not only because they're a bit cheaper, but also because they're rigorously tested. Unfortunately, outside a few big markets, these deals are not readily available...
 
brainkilla said:
Well, I know people who only buy these refurbished machines not only because they're a bit cheaper, but also because they're rigorously tested. Unfortunately, outside a few big markets, these deals are not readily available...
Click to expand...

Many companies use simplified inspection methods for reworked/repaired/refurbished products, often inspecting only that which was a known fault. I see this happen and I work in the medical device industry, so I find it hard to believe that it doesn't happen in the tech industry. Thus, the idea that Apple does "extra testing" for their refurbished products is very hard to believe. Rather, let's give them the generous assumption that they perform a complete inspection for refurbished goods, meaning there is no difference between inspection of new or refurbished products. And if that's the case, well... some people already get lemons.

Now, I have complete faith in Apple's inspection methods, but inspections are not fool-proof. Furthermore, inspections are typically designed to identify known faults. A faulty system that previously passed inspection may suffer additional systemic problems that simply won't be identified by additional inspection. And that's why I'll never buy a refurbished machine that I need to depend on.

I always hear how Apple refurbished machines are "rigorously tested," but does anyone have any proof that they are subject to any additional testing beyond standard production machines?
 
bpcookson said:
Many companies use simplified inspection methods for reworked/repaired/refurbished products, often inspecting only that which was a known fault. I see this happen and I work in the medical device industry, so I find it hard to believe that it doesn't happen in the tech industry. Thus, the idea that Apple does "extra testing" for their refurbished products is very hard to believe. Rather, let's give them the generous assumption that they perform a complete inspection for refurbished goods, meaning there is no difference between inspection of new or refurbished products. And if that's the case, well... some people already get lemons.

Now, I have complete faith in Apple's inspection methods, but inspections are not fool-proof. Furthermore, inspections are typically designed to identify known faults. A faulty system that previously passed inspection may suffer additional systemic problems that simply won't be identified by additional inspection. And that's why I'll never buy a refurbished machine that I need to depend on.

I always hear how Apple refurbished machines are "rigorously tested," but does anyone have any proof that they are subject to any additional testing beyond standard production machines?
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I've *never* seen a refurbished Mac come DOA. Seen plenty of new ones DOA though :p. Refurbs got through a ridiculous amount of testing - same as when you have, for example, your logic board replaced. It doesn't just test faults, it tests all functionality.

The only risk you're taking IMO with refurbs is minor cosmetic imperfections. If they're big/noticeable, the casing will probably have been replaced, but if they're small/in an awkward position they may have been overlooked. Even then, it's not really a risk since you can return it anyway.
 
Brian Y said:
Refurbs go through a ridiculous amount of testing - same as when you have, for example, your logic board replaced. It doesn't just test faults, it tests all functionality.
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I've already assumed in my original post that they perform full functional testing and then explained why that will still fail to catch 100% of faulty hardware. However, I'm specifically interested in whether Apple does any additional testing for refurbs as people so often imply.

Brian Y said:
Even then, it's not really a risk since you can return it anyway.
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I'll grant you that. Apple's return policy is top-of-the-line. I went in with my iPhone 5 because the LTE seemed slow and they just gave me a new phone.
 
Brian Y said:
I've *never* seen a refurbished Mac come DOA. Seen plenty of new ones DOA though :p. Refurbs got through a ridiculous amount of testing - same as when you have, for example, your logic board replaced. It doesn't just test faults, it tests all functionality.

The only risk you're taking IMO with refurbs is minor cosmetic imperfections. If they're big/noticeable, the casing will probably have been replaced, but if they're small/in an awkward position they may have been overlooked. Even then, it's not really a risk since you can return it anyway.
Click to expand...

I picked up a refurb 2008 Unibody MBP 15" and it had a flickering problem. I got it fixed over a year later... mostly because I had it hooked to an external monitor for 80% of the time and couldn't be bothered to bring it in until the flickering got worse and I was bringing it to set to use and was on it more... But because of the flickering I actually got a few things fixed including a faulty DVD drive and speaker rattle... I didn't have AppleCare but luckily they hooked me up with the repair for free.
 
Good to see these. I'm not in the market just yet, but maybe in the next couple months. A 27" iMac w/ i7 processor would be sweet. My last two Macs were refurbished as was the Mini I picked up for my parents. No problems cosmetically or functionally with any of them.
 
MrXiro said:
I picked up a refurb 2008 Unibody MBP 15" and it had a flickering problem. I got it fixed over a year later... mostly because I had it hooked to an external monitor for 80% of the time and couldn't be bothered to bring it in until the flickering got worse and I was bringing it to set to use and was on it more... But because of the flickering I actually got a few things fixed including a faulty DVD drive and speaker rattle... I didn't have AppleCare but luckily they hooked me up with the repair for free.
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That's awfully nice. All the issues you said are covered under the one year warranty, but they're usually pretty strict about covering them after that.

That said, all refurbished Apple products come with brand new external cases, so by all physical appearance, they are brand new. They still have plastic attached to their brand new screens, and with iPhone refurbs (only sold through the carriers) they come with all brand new accessories as well. The only thing you miss is the retail box and the chance you may get a BETTER machine then you ordered. I will never buy a non-refurb Apple product again... especially after getting a 2.6 15" i7 retina macbook pro when I had ordered a 2.3 one. Very nice bonus!
 
Refurb Macs

I have purchased numerous refurbished Apple products over the years and have had great luck with them.

The worst mishap I've ever had with a Mac was with a new eMac which I later found out had bad (recalled) capacitors.


Brian Y said:
I've *never* seen a refurbished Mac come DOA. Seen plenty of new ones DOA though :p. Refurbs got through a ridiculous amount of testing - same as when you have, for example, your logic board replaced. It doesn't just test faults, it tests all functionality.

The only risk you're taking IMO with refurbs is minor cosmetic imperfections. If they're big/noticeable, the casing will probably have been replaced, but if they're small/in an awkward position they may have been overlooked. Even then, it's not really a risk since you can return it anyway.
Click to expand...
 
I've had five refurbs, only had a problem with one of them. The first fix didn't work, so they exchanged it for a newer, new model. I got a new MBP C2D to replace my refurb core duo. And they let me keep the power supply, so I got two of those too. Result!
 
dannyyankou said:
If you're getting a new iMac, you'd be a fool not getting a refurbished one. There's virtually no difference between rebfurb and new.
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Agreed. Practically every mac product I've purchased was through the refurb site. Now I'm waiting for a iPad Mini Retina with a "washed out display" to pop up. lol.
 
A savings of $~400 on a near $2,000 machine is not enough for me to go the refurbished route. To me, the extra $400 is worth the piece of mind knowing you are getting a new, pristine device right out of the box.
 
TimeSquareDesi said:
A savings of $~400 on a near $2,000 machine is not enough for me to go the refurbished route. To me, the extra $400 is worth the piece of mind knowing you are getting a new, pristine device right out of the box.
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Noone will give you a 50%+ discount on the device that's virtually identical to the new one and comes with the same one-year warranty. So keep waiting for the charity event.
 
TimeSquareDesi said:
A savings of $~400 on a near $2,000 machine is not enough for me to go the refurbished route. To me, the extra $400 is worth the piece of mind knowing you are getting a new, pristine device right out of the box.
Click to expand...

Try it once and I bet you will have a different opinion on the matter. These macs come to you literally perfect and you get the same waranty as a brand new one with the option of Apple Care. It's a win win really
 
TimeSquareDesi said:
A savings of $~400 on a near $2,000 machine is not enough for me to go the refurbished route. To me, the extra $400 is worth the piece of mind knowing you are getting a new, pristine device right out of the box.
Click to expand...

That is what a re-form is. Apple rebuilds them with new case and any new parts. Same warranty and all. You can't tell them from new.

In fact for "peace of mind" the refurb is better because it was tested in a local US service centers for a bet longer then the new units are tested in China.

Many times the refurbs come over spec'd. The the Mac had a RAM upgrade and was returned the RAM is left in. I saw that with a refurb'd Mini once.

I'd call then better than new.
 
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