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RobOnTheCape · Jun 20, 2005, 10:07 PM

We just bought an ibook from the Apple refurb site. Upon trying to load 10.4 the screen went black, and nothing could revive it. The Apple tech said to send it back. They sent another, but this one won't eject a cd that was loaded. And my daughter mentioned something about black spots on the screen when it comes out of sleep mode.

It this the consequence of buying someone else's problems?

I think this one is going back for ibook number three. Frustrating.

ManOfSteal · Jun 20, 2005, 10:16 PM

Yikes, that's horrible luck to say the least. Have you fought for an upgrade (12" PowerBook G4) from Apple or anything?

Millennium · Jun 20, 2005, 10:18 PM

Aren't refurbs supposed to be inspected at the factory to make sure they're still in good working order? What you sound like is certainly a rotten piece of luck, but it's not typical of refurbished equipment.

Don Pickett · Jun 20, 2005, 11:07 PM

My new machine is a refurb'd G5. Good as new.

Albert Pujols · Jun 21, 2005, 12:15 AM

It seems like this sort of thing happens all the time.

Person Man · Jun 21, 2005, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by Albert Pujols

It seems like this sort of thing happens all the time.

Remember, you generally only hear about bad experiences online.

The vast majority of people buying refurbished machines have good experiences.

I'll put in a plug for Apple's refurbs. I bought a Dual 2.0 GHz Power Mac G5 (Revision A) refurbished. It was supposed to be stock (i.e. contain a Radeon 9600 Pro card), but when I got it I discovered that it really had a Radeon 9800 Pro in it.

The machine has been great, and I've had no problems with it in the year or so I've owned it. (Of course, I bought AppleCare for it).

chabig · Jun 21, 2005, 08:24 AM

I've purchased three refurbs...never had a problem. Since the warranty is the same as with factory machines, I don't think you can lose.

Chris

dav · Jun 21, 2005, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by Don Pickett

My new machine is a refurb'd G5. Good as new.

mine too (dual 2ghz), plus there was a 250gb hd and a 9600xt in it (should have been 160gb and fx5200).

wdlove · Jun 21, 2005, 09:47 AM

I have been considering a refurb. Would agree that it's for more likely for the people to post that have problems.

paul w · Jun 21, 2005, 10:09 AM

I'm typing this post on a year old iBook refurb. Never had the slightest problem, was basically a slightly cheaper brand new machine.

Thumbs up!

TheJoshu · Jun 21, 2005, 10:52 AM

Our iBook G4 refurb came with a dead AirPort bay (not card); later we had to send it back for a second problem but I'll be damned if I remember what it is.

Then again, my new PBG4s haven't been without their issues...

Eriamjh · Jun 22, 2005, 06:17 AM

Refurbs are one way to get a newer mac at lower prices. Considering the 1 year warranty, any major problems can be fixed early. If you are not confident in its reliability, get AppleCare.

My wife and I have purchased 4 refurbs from Apple in 8 years. 3 Macs and one iPod. The 7300 never missed a beat, my DP800 Quicksilver has never had a problem in 3.5 years, and her iMac G4 20" has a stuck pixel. The first iPod 3G 30GB was DOA. The second one had a battery that lasted 12 months with a 2 hour charge.

Overall, we have probably saved thousands of dollars over buying new. That alone pays for AppleCare, plus there are other cheaper options of extending the warranty.

If you can afford it, back up everything to a second HD (FW or USB2) so if the machine goes down, you lose nothing. If you have an old Mac, keep it as a backup in case of an extended stay at the AppleDoctor for repairs.

If you are not willing to take the chance, buy new and take the chance there.

ShotgunEd · Jun 22, 2005, 06:27 AM

I got a 20GB iPod Scroll Wheel as a refurb for really cheap. Its been like new, no scratches, no disk problems (that i couldn't fix) and the charge is still holding up (9 months on).

t6hawk · Jun 22, 2005, 07:04 PM

I have a refurb 3rd gen 10GB iPod. Got it because the original one had problems and died. Never had a problem with my refurb. It works great for me. Charge still holds too (managed to weasel 8hrs out of it)

osxpinot · Jun 22, 2005, 07:09 PM

I prefer used. Used computers are normally cheaper than refurbs, and you have the ability to know that the machine is good as new because somebody decided that they did want it.

sspire · Jun 23, 2005, 01:17 AM

I've never had any problems with refurbished equipment. Many are still under manufacturer warranty and as mentioned above, It's a great way to get more for your money. I assume these are from the same source? What was the source? Maybe the source is the problem...