[malcolm347]

I am thinking about selling my current macbook. I bought it about two years ago, but I have upgraded it considerably. It has a Intel Core 2 Duo 2 gHz processor, 3gb memory (originally 1gb) and a 160 gb (used to be 80gb) hard drive.

Like I said, I want to sell it, and then I have been seriously considering a refurbished macbook air, from Apple. I can get a refurbished macbook air for $1000. Much better than its normal retail price. I recently purchased a 21" Imac, so that is my primary machine that I use for school, work, and all of my important documents.

My macbook is rarely used, and I sometimes don't take it to class simply because of its bulk. (I try to keep things as light as possible)

Anyway, my question is, has anyone had experience with refurbished Apple products ? Are they reliable ? Do they continue to have problems ? Where does apple even get their "refurbished" products from ?

Thanks,

any input will be great.

[Simon]

Most likely the only difference you'll notice is that you get a generic box with the refurb. Refurbs are usually as good as new. They're also covered by the same 12 month warranty and you can get AppleCare for them too.

I have bought several Macs and iPods as refurbs and every single one of them has been impeccable. The cases were definitely new. Not a scratch to be found. I definitely check the refurb section before I buy.

[Chinasaur]

Nine purchases since 2004 from the Refurb store. No problems. None. Zero.

Can't recommend highly enough the refurb route.

I always get Applecare and have never needed. Better safe and all that ya know.

YMMV.

[olePigeon]

Sometimes refurbs are new, if you're lucky. I've always had good experience with refurbished Apple products. When I was working at Sierra College, we'd buy refurbs by the truckload every summer; never had a problem with them.

[Eriamjh]

I've had a refurbed PowerMac (like new), iPhone (like new), MacBook Pro (two tiny cosmetic issues), and a refurbed iPod 3G.

Only the iPod 3G was DOA and it was replaced with another that is now 5.5 years old. All the others have worked flawlessly.

It's a nice way to get recent hardware with a full warranty for a lower price. Go or it.

[frdmfghtr]

I'll echo the sentiment on the refurbs. My last three Macs were refurbs: 21" iMac (well it may not have been a refurb; it was either refurb or open-box from my local Apple store), MacBook Air (worked perfectly except for a battery replacement under warranty) and my current 13" MBP.

[Bearsfan34]

Two members of my family have purchased refurbbed MacBooks; both without ANY issues. Based on that experience, I've purchased 3 MacBooks (and one MBPro) from the refurb store, and have yet to have any issues at all.

Even bought a refurbished iPod nano (4G), and it's been flawless.

Big ups to the "refurb store" over at Apple.com.

[songoku912]

Multiple purchases from the refurb store, no issues. Love it. Next big purchase (new laptop or desktop) will probably be a refurb.

[Cottonsworth]

Purchased a refurb nano once. Looked brand new when I got it. I think Apple refurbs are definitely reliable and they give you the same warranty as if you were buying a new one, which is vastly different from other brands. Most other brands only give 90-days, the worst, Sharp, only gives 30 days.

[Big Mac]

First refurb store purchase was our second Penyryn MBP. Looked brand new out of the box. Another positive vote for refurbs.

[amazing]

Small suggestion: wait until new models are introduced (hopefully shortly) and watch for deals on the previous models. You can usually come within $100 or so of the refurbished price, and wouldn't you rather have a new one?