[tungtied07]

Hi,
I just purchased an Apple iMac 17in at Microcenter.
It was an open box one for $1599.

I took it out at the store and there were some flaws:
1: The casing around the screen is scratched. (the screen isn't)
2: The area where you open the iMac drive cover, there is a small ends of screws showing. (Apple or Microcenter overtightened the screws which made it go through the casing) eMail or post reply if you want pictures.

I asked why this computer got returned, they didn't know. They had to do one repair on it though, replace the iMac's hinge thingy. (the whole part where it holds the screen up, its silver)

They offerered me free AppleCare 3 year warranty.

Now I have the iMac. So, I got an Apple iMac for $1599 with a 3 year extention warranty.

Also, I can return it within 30 days with no restocking fee.

Everything else is new, sealed, keyboard, mouse, software, speakers, etc...

<b> First of all, did I get a good deal?
2nd of all, for that price(and the free applecare), are those flaws acceptable?

Will in the upcoming 30 days, Apple have a price drop on the 17in iMac?
Then I can return this iMac and get a new one. </b>

Could someone please answer these questions? I need to know quick, so I know I'm getting a good deal

Thank you very much everyone, have a good night. -Paul T.

[slider]

How much ram is in it?

I mean it sounds OK, especially with the extened warranty. I don't quiet get the screw thing, do you mean the points of the screws have come through? That is why I asked about the ram, I wonder if it was an internal ram upgrade that went bad. I think they know why it was return. I bet they did the upgrade and over tightened the screws and the previous owner probably made them give him/her a new one. Wow, I should be a detective.

[gumby5647]

The free apple care is probably enough to warrant it being a good deal.....that covers you for 3 full years....so...yeah, a good deal.

[tungtied07]

I saw on eBay an Apple iMac 17in 1ghz new for $1570 shipped. Its brand new w/ warranty. Is that a better deal? Thank you, Paul T.

[slider]

I doubt it's for 3 years though. I'd say you got a good deal and wouldn't worry about being taken. And how much ram do you have?

[tungtied07]

Originally posted by slider:
I doubt it's for 3 years though. I'd say you got a good deal and wouldn't worry about being taken. And how much ram do you have?

So, you all think I got a good deal? I should keep it? Even with the little flaws, scratches, and the screw part? Would apple have a price drop within 30days?
This has: 512mb RAM, AE Card. (the additonal 256 cost me $19, purchased it couple months before)

[tungtied07]

Here are some pics of the flaws.

1) Scratches on Screen Bezel

2) Screws showing

3) Monitor washed out. Ok, if you position the iMac screen when your sitting down. Everything looks sharp and clear. Then stand up, and look down at the screen, it looks washed out... Is this normal? Does anyone elses iMac do that?
http://homepage.mac.com/tungtied07

[Tom Rudderham]

All LCD's look washed out when looked at from above. Try looking at it from below and it'll look darker. And from the left and right you'll usually see a yellowish tint (or purple depending on how old your LCD is)

[vmarks]

yes, when you stand up, readjust the LCD- you're just asking too much of the viewing angle.

as for the screws, I think I might ask them to use the applecare warranty to replace the plastic casing and the screws with ones that don't poke through.

[willab]

I think so.

[Eriamjh]

Yes, you got a good deal. The scratches don't make it run slower, right?
You got $300 in Applecare for free and saved $200 on the machine. You saved $500.

1GHZ or 800MHz? If it's a 1GHz, you got a good deal.

But how much ram? If 512MB, then you got a good deal.

So you got a good deal...


..this week. In 30 days maybe not....

So use it now! If you sell it back, maybe microcenter will sell it again for even less!