[SQLDba]

I am very close to buying a refurbished G4 iBook. Considering either Small Dog, PowerMax or Apple direct.

Just curious what people's experience has been with these - is there a recommended vendor or is Small Dog and PM just selling what Apple has already worked on?

How is the quality (generally) of Apple refurbs? Can you tell that they are used? I bought a refurb'd thinkpad a year or so ago and you couldn't tell it from new. The case and keyboard, screen etc. looked brand new. Is that what I should expect w/ a refurb iBook?

Also - on a G4 w/ Panther - are the iApps (iphoto, ical, address book etc) included or do I have to buy them seperated.

I know that iLife is sold seperately, but I wasn't sure if that was for the OS9 and early OSX users that had their systems before the software came out.

Would really appreciate any thoughts or comments on refurbs.

[Voch]

My refurb TiBook is still great. I bought it back in February 2003 direct from the Apple Store (and eventually got AppleCare for it).

Voch

[KeriVit]

I've had 2 now. No problems. They are generally demos. I just picked up a refurb i book (after replacing a 3+ yr. old one) and it came with everything, including iApps and all else (ilife, ical, etc.) - just like a new ibook. same warranty- saved 150 bucks.

another place to check is www.powermax.com great people and product. But I got this one from apple directly cuz they are hogging many for themselves these days and couldn't find exactly what I wanted elsewhere.