No. Amazon refurbs/like new are used machines.
Apple's are new refurbished machines, with a new outer casing if there was any marks, and a new battery.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Would you buy a refurb
- Thread starter Samtb
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
No. Amazon refurbs/like new are used machines.
Apple's are new refurbished machines, with a new outer casing if there was any marks, and a new battery.
YES! My MBP is my second Mac and it's a refurbish. I had issue with panic attack but Apple swap another refurb. I don't see why anyone wants a new one unless 1) They are OCD of using second hand stuff 2) They want the Apple box 3) They want the latest/newest gadget 4) They are too rich.
I also bought a refurb Airport extreme.
I also bought a refurb Airport extreme.
Good question. To an educated buyer like the posters in this thread, it would probably not matter. But put two identical machines on eBay. One is a refurb (you can tell by the model number) and does not have the retail box. The second is not a refurb and has the retail box. I suspect computer one is going to bring a lower price.
Which further cuts into your profit. The retail boxes have a serial number on the sticker, and a box you buy is not going to match the serial number of the machine you are selling. Some buyers may not like that either.
I'm all for refurbs and have bought them myself, I just think it might result in slightly lower resale depending on the buyer.
I tried a few eBay completed sale searches to see if this holds true by searching for some FC... model numbers, but did not have any luck.
Yeah, it makes sense that a refurb wouldn't sell as much as a new model. It's always been that way, the word "refurb" is stigmatic in and of itself.
In an auction setting it's not going to help. But get an educated buyer and you just might get someone who knows about Apple refurbs. Also, you can emphasize the fact that it's covered under standard warranty unlike other refurbs bought at Best Buy, Amazon, etc.
In an auction setting it's not going to help. But get an educated buyer and you just might get someone who knows about Apple refurbs. Also, you can emphasize the fact that it's covered under standard warranty unlike other refurbs bought at Best Buy, Amazon, etc.
You'll still be ahead. Remember, the refurb price effectively sets the ceiling for resales. The upfront 15% savings will more than offset any difference on the back end. By definition, people buying used PCs or Macs are looking to save money. They aren't going to be as concerned about not having a pretty box.
Could you claim that refurbs are in fact better than new in some cases if they've been tested more and any faulty parts replaced?
----------
I thought they all get new outer casings.
----------
I thought they all get new outer casings.
I have to admit, I'm amused by the fact you created a whole new thread rather than searching the forums for opinions on refurbs...there have been plenty.
Having said that, to answer this specific question, I would say that a refurb can be better than new depending on the config. My refurb had 8GB of RAM as opposed to the standard 4GB. It came as a surprise when I actually looked at the config some time after its arrival.
I have no problem buying refurbs or used as long as they still have warranty on it and i could extend it with Apple Care
Only if they need it.
iPhones and iPads all do, but computers don't unless there is physical damage/markings.
The bottom must get replaced though since they'd change the serial number there right?
It usually takes a few months for refurbs hit the Apple Store, but this morning, I bought a current-generation refurbished i7 Mac mini. There are also current-gen MBPs currently available. I've bought several refurbs over the years and have never had a problem. They look new, they're warrantied, and I like to save money.