My refurb iBook came with a huge booger on the screen.
OK, I made that up.
That is called a reflection ...
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The Refurbished Store: Is it worth it?
- Thread starter Sousa203
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That is called a reflection ...
if it's a refurb, and say it was an iPod touch, would the back case be new? i know mine is scratched to hell and back and i bought it brand new in june.
Perhaps, but I'm dubious. I think "refurb" is used, in general. An unopened return would not be refurbished; it would be put back in the new stock and sold as such. I would expect "refurbished" to be opened returns, defective items returned and made functional, items replaced under warranty and fixed up, and unsold previous models sold discounted.
But if you can show where Apple places new, unopened items on the refurb shop, I'd be interested in learning more.
I'm pretty sure refurb includes any cosmetic repair/replacement as necessary. My refurb iPhone had a new case & serial # as well.
Actually, an unopened return is never returned to stock and sold as new. This is standard practice at other manufacturers, as well, (Dell being a prime example) If you doubt that, call Apple. I have.
http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/apple_certified.html
"While only some units are returned due to technical issues, all units undergo Apple's stringent quality refurbishment process."
So if I buy an iPod, walk out of the store, walk back in, and return it, it goes to the online refurb store?
That's quite surprising to me, since it's obviously not what's done at regular retail stores like Target, Lowes, and Best Buy.
I was a bit hesitant to buy my iPod touch from the refurb store. I thought that, being a refurb, it would come with a small scratch, or a smudge; something that looked as if it wasn't exactly new. I was completely wrong. The only thing that made it different from being a new product was the box. It came with all the same documentation, the little cloth, and the iPod touch itself looked pristine. I would have no hesitation buying from the refurb store at all.
many refurb roducts are actually products that were just on display in an apple store anyways so it's not so bad cuz you know those are okay
I'm 3 for 3 on positive refurb experiences. I like to save money, so I buy refurbs.
I'd also like to note refurbs can also be the result of damaged product packaging, so you can definitely receive a new untouched (with exception of the refurb certifcation) product. Also, the slight chance of a "silent" upgrade, such as more RAM or bigger HDD, is awesome too!
I'd also like to note refurbs can also be the result of damaged product packaging, so you can definitely receive a new untouched (with exception of the refurb certifcation) product. Also, the slight chance of a "silent" upgrade, such as more RAM or bigger HDD, is awesome too!
i've purchased my iMac, Blackbook, and airport express all from the refurb apple store. no problems at all. definitely a great deal!
happy shopping!
happy shopping!
i always wondered, is it harder to sell a refurb, i.e. resale value goes down as people are picky and if they are buying something 2nd hand and knowing that someone got it from refurb..they will be less likely to buy it? They don't like the brown box or have the misconceptions that refurbs are problematic?
That is the only thing that has prevented me from getting a refurb so far because since I sell my macs to get new ones often, I didn't want to take the chance.
That is the only thing that has prevented me from getting a refurb so far because since I sell my macs to get new ones often, I didn't want to take the chance.
Actually.. no. I was in the apple store picking a computer up when another customer brought in a refurb ipod complaining about a scratch (I know, so what, still..), the staff member reluctantly took it back and brought out another refurb ipod.. this time the guy opened it up, found another scratch (different obviously), it was on the next one that the guy was satisifed.
moral of the story? refub units are in some cases, opened, used, might have scratch. they are not new. if you want it looking new, you should check it out at the store (if they have any), or accept the fact that anything new, willl not look new a week later (that makes sense right?), or um, buy new.
Me? I have bought refurb with no regrets. But I accept my scratches with pride.
That is only true with Apple's cheaper products like iPods. The laptops, I know for a fact, get a brand new casing when they are refurbished, along with a new battery (in my case, better than a new one!) and keyboard (provided that the person actually used the computer for more than a few minutes before sending it in).
Refurb MacBooks are all good!
(oh, and the 32GB iPod Touch refurbs recently dropped to $399!)This thread comes up every month or so, it seems.
My iMac and an iPod Nano both from the refurb store, both fantastic with never a problem--and about $350 in money that stayed in my pocket.
My iMac and an iPod Nano both from the refurb store, both fantastic with never a problem--and about $350 in money that stayed in my pocket.
That is only true with Apple's cheaper products like iPods. The laptops, I know for a fact, get a brand new casing when they are refurbished, along with a new battery (in my case, better than a new one!) and keyboard (provided that the person actually used the computer for more than a few minutes before sending it in).
Refurb MacBooks are all good!
Don't know where you get your facts from, but a friend of mine got a refurb macbook last year and it came with an obvious scratch on the lid. She (wisely) tested it, had all its pixels, and decided to keep it.
Me, personally, I think refurbs are a great value, but you read some of these posts and think the only difference in refurbs and new ones are the boxes. I think that's overstating the case (pun intended). On the flip slide I also think that operationally as they have gone through a double check procedure (once new, once when returned) they might be even better operationally.
Interesting question. I have only one experience with this. I bought a refurb airport extreme (saved $20) and used it for a few weeks before replacing it with an airport express. (slower, but airtunes kick A**). I sold the extreme on eBay, with full refurb disclosure. I got almost all my money back, and received a similar price to other non-refurb airports. I guess there could be some hesitation from potential buyers, but if it's still under warranty, all is good. and even if it's not under warranty, there is no difference in a x-Year Old refurb or non-refurb. I think you take the same chance either way buying used. i would buy a used refurb for same or near same price as a used non-refurb.
Just my experience...
I bought an iMac an it's been perfect. Has anyone bought a refurb from an actual store? I'm looking for a Mac Mini.
I've bought a Powerbook (Feb 2006, 1st Mac, still in use), an Ipod (4/2003, replaced with new model in 2005 when it filled up), and an Apple TV (4/2008, no problems). The Powerbook's graphics card failed about five months after I bought and was replaced free of charge by Apple.
It is certainly reassuring that most of the people that have posted in this thread have gone through the experience themselves and aren't simply urging people to make a purchase based on something they've heard.
I've purchased two refurbished AirPort Express devices and a refurbished iPod 5.5G from the Apple Store. These were separate orders roughly a year a part each time.
The first refurbished AirPort Express device came in a brown box. It was heavily scratched and had smeared ink (possibly from a Sharpie) all along the label and reset button.
The second AirPort Express device came in its original box. It was also heavily scratched, had a scrape mark along the Apple logo and had pen markings on the reset button.
Both devices were already set up and required a factory reset to get into a working condition. Neither unit included the software disc.
The iPod 5.5G came in a brown box with new accessories (earbuds, documentation, etc), but had a minor scratch on the screen.
So, my overall limited experience with refurbished Apple products has been neutral—neither overly negative or positive.
The first refurbished AirPort Express device came in a brown box. It was heavily scratched and had smeared ink (possibly from a Sharpie) all along the label and reset button.
The second AirPort Express device came in its original box. It was also heavily scratched, had a scrape mark along the Apple logo and had pen markings on the reset button.
Both devices were already set up and required a factory reset to get into a working condition. Neither unit included the software disc.
The iPod 5.5G came in a brown box with new accessories (earbuds, documentation, etc), but had a minor scratch on the screen.
So, my overall limited experience with refurbished Apple products has been neutral—neither overly negative or positive.
Got my Refurblished Macbookair a week ago, found a defect on the trackpad the next day and then they gave me a full refund with no question asked !!!
Other than the trackpad, everything looks perfect no tears and scratches
Other than the trackpad, everything looks perfect no tears and scratches