[tungtied07]

Hi,
I'm going to purchase the Apple iMac 1ghz, 17in, Superdrive.

I went to my Local Microcenter and they have an Openbox iMac 1ghz for $1599! I checked it out, and all the software is sealed. It appears that the user returned it because he did not know about macs...
Tax will probably be like $90

Is this a good deal? Or should I buy a totally new one? I asked them if I don't like it, I can return it. Also, should I get Applecare?

Thank you very much, Paul T.

[Paul Stephen C.]

Hi tungtied07,

If the box is open, I'd say you have a right to ask to see it running. That way you can check carefully for dead pixels, which is a far more believable reason for returning a brand new Mac than the one given!

A main selling point of the iMac is its simplicity and quick set up straight from the box. You don't need to "know about Macs".

If it checks out, I'd still make sure the dealer will refund your money if you're not happy within a reasonable period. Oh, and I think Applecare is a good idea too. Good value, and it protects you from expensive repairs (eg several dead pixels) for three years.

Having said all that, I'm convinced the 17" 1GHz iMac is the star of the current Apple line. Max the RAM and enjoy!

[bradoesch]

Originally posted by Paul Stephen C.:

If it checks out, I'd still make sure the dealer will refund your money if you're not happy within a reasonable period. Oh, and I think Applecare is a good idea too. Good value, and it protects you from expensive repairs (eg several dead pixels) for three years.

Having said all that, I'm convinced the 17" 1GHz iMac is the star of the current Apple line. Max the RAM and enjoy!

I agree. Replacing a LCD screen would be big $$$ and maxing the RAM will really help performance.

[bstieritz]

Originally posted by tungtied07:
Hi,

Is this a good deal? Or should I buy a totally new one? I asked them if I don't like it, I can return it. Also, should I get Applecare?

Thank you very much, Paul T.

hey tungtied07,


Congrats on sniffing out the deal from Microcenter . . . even if it doesn't work out for you I hope you find something else.

You might already know this but remember there's a "restocking fee" on most medium-large items you return to microcenter (might not apply on openbox so be sure and ask first). I've found this out the hard way so I'd hate to see you have to pay a hefty restock fee if you happened not to like it or took it home and found a very obvious flaw (like the dead pixel issue mentioned). I certainly don't see it unreasonable to have them start it up for you and make sure all is working properly, even the small stuff like mouse/keyboard, disc-drive, etc. Once it leaves their store it's your word against them whether it was defective or not.

Applecare's a total must for any apple, especially an openbox item. I'd call apple prior to make sure you're cool but they're usually good if it's a newer machine. The chode at microcenter might try to sell you their plain, claiming apple won't offer you a plan on openbox items . . . just knob and say "thank you."

Anway, good luck with the machine. Sounds like a great deal!!

cheers,
brian

[tungtied07]

thank you! Someone from Microcenter said that there is no restocking fee on this iMac... I'll check again. Thank you!

[bstieritz]

Originally posted by tungtied07:
thank you! Someone from Microcenter said that there is no restocking fee on this iMac... I'll check again. Thank you!

..... DUDE, you're gettin' an imac ......
((insert spiked hair and cheesy thumbs-up here))



cheers,
brian

[bstieritz]

I know . . . I know

bad cliche'
I'll go sit in the corner now.




cheers,
brian