Buying refurbs. direct from Apple is a smart move; they come with a 1-year Apple warranty just like new models do.
They come packaged in Apple-logo'd cardboard boxes w/ all the foam packing and original manuals, cables, etc. just like new. They WON'T be lemos as they're tested and fixed (if needed) at the factory before being resold. They may have *minor* scratched or usage marks, but they'll be in overall great shape.