Which Air?

[Lambrook]

I know I've deliberated about this for quite some time. I've been waiting to see my quarterly tax bill for starters, and that's gone and took bunch of cash out of me. I also really started thinking how much of a mean machine do I need this to be? Sure I want it to last for years, and what not. But anyways I had a gander at the Refurbs just in case.

Turns out there's a 2013 11" Air with the...

• core-i7 4650U
• 512gig SSD
• 8GB RAM

This model is A$40 cheaper than a current 11-inch 2015 i5, 256GB, 8GB RAM. All I want to know is does it have the same screen, and same brightness? It's seems like a good deal.

 

[Boyd01]

That is the same model I have. Really happy with it. No idea what might be different about the screens on newer models, but I find mine quite bright. I only turn it up all the way when I watch movies outside on the porch.

 

[Cheffy Dave]

Wow, though that would be certainly lovely, I can't see it, CheffyDave, and I'm a huge fan of the Air. I think that next year, there may be a Skylake "upgrade," but in the meantime, the MB will either get a second port, or become more powerful than it is right now, and possible drop in price a bit, in order to get the secondary adopters. But as much as I love the Air, I ended up buying a refurb model this year because I think the time of massive upgrades to the product are at an end. However, for many people - myself included - it serves as a valuable product offering.

I'd be happy with a OLED Screen

 

[MacBoook160]

I'd be happy with a OLED Screen

You and many others!!

 

[Lambrook]

That is the same model I have. Really happy with it. No idea what might be different about the screens on newer models, but I find mine quite bright. I only turn it up all the way when I watch movies outside on the porch.

I look after my gear very well, my current laptop looks like it came out of the box yesterday. So is there a chance of a cosmetic defect from previous owners?

You and many others!!

I just want a bright screen that doesn't reflect.

 

[Boyd01]

So is there a chance of a cosmetic defect from previous owners?

Since this is a user to user forum, how could any of us answer that question with authority? Here is what Apple says about their refurbs:

________________________________________________________________________________

Apple Certified Refurbished Products
Frequently Asked Questions:

(1) What are Apple Certified Refurbished Products?
Apple Certified Refurbished Products are pre-owned Apple products that undergo Apple's stringent refurbishment process prior to being offered for sale. While only some units are returned due to technical issues, all units undergo Apple's stringent quality refurbishment process.

Each Apple Certified Refurbished Product:

• is fully tested (including full burn-in testing).
• is refurbished with replacement parts for any defective modules identified in testing.
• is put through a thorough cleaning process and inspection.
• is repackaged (including appropriate manuals, cables, new boxes, etc.).
• includes either the Mac OS originally shipped with the unit or, in some cases, a more recent version*.
• is given a new refurbished part number and serial number.
• is placed into a Final QA inspection prior to being added to sellable refurbished stock.

Refurbishment procedures follow the same basic technical guidelines as Apple's Finished Goods testing procedures.

(2) What should I expect when I purchase an Apple Certified Refurbished Product?

• Substantial savings
• A fully functional unit with complete documentation
• The assurance that the unit meets Apple's premiere quality standards, and that its defective components have been replaced by genuine Apple components

(3) Can I purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan for my Apple Certified Refurbished Product?
All Apple Certified Refurbished Products are covered by a one-year limited warranty. For extended coverage, you have the option of purchasing the AppleCare Protection Plan with your Apple Certified Refurbished Product. The AppleCare Protection Plan extends the complimentary coverage on your Apple Certified Refurbished Product to up to three years of world-class support for Mac, and up to two years of world-class support for iPad, iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV.

 

[Lambrook]

I would like to thank everyone here that contributed to this thread. The refurbished Mac Air arrived today, and it's in immaculate condition.