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kjgreen · May 18, 2007, 10:07 AM

I noticed that the refurbished macbooks are pretty cheap. For instance I saw a black macbook core 2 duo for 949$ the other day. I was wanting to know if anyone has a bought a refurbed macbook and if so how do they like it? Also, is there anything to worry about with purchasing a refurbished macbook? Thanks to all the reply.

mrplow · May 18, 2007, 10:28 AM

I've jumped through hoops with refurbished ipods before that I've had to send back and have replaced, but eventually it all worked out. Personally, I'd just buy the newer-model white Macbook from Amazon for $1099-$75 rebate which is then tax free/free ship comes out to be cheaper than the black refurb... but of course, it's not black.

JonoMarshall · May 18, 2007, 10:58 AM

I considered getting an Apple refurb for a fair ol' while, from the research I put into it, it seemed as if most units were in great condition, although a few arrived with tiny scratches... am I right in thinking that you can return a refurb as normal if you're not happy with the product, or does it have to have a major defect? ( I guess you know that it'd arrive in a nasty brown box, but meh).

mrplow · May 18, 2007, 11:01 AM

It would be subjected to the same warranty... you couldn't return it just because it had a few scrathes, though I'm sure if there were any serious damage done (even cosmetic) you could get it replaced.

I had a refurbished eMac show up hanging out of the box a few years ago; thanks UPS. It worked so I didn't bother raising a fuss... but something tells me I could have.

mduell · May 18, 2007, 11:44 AM

Last night they had a new 1.83Ghz Core 2 Duo MacBook for $750 on ArsTechnica Smack Shopping.

Scremox · May 19, 2007, 05:09 AM

I actually just received my black refurbished macbook two days ago! It was spotless! No scratches, dents, hardware issues, NOTHING! Hope that gives you peace of mind!

galarneau · May 20, 2007, 12:41 PM

I'm getting a refurb white C2D/SuperDrive on Tuesday.

I'll post back and let you know how it turns out.

imitchellg5 · May 20, 2007, 08:36 PM

They are all gone now. Sad

. I have a friend who has never bought a new Mac, always refurbished. He's only had a problem with one, an iBook G4 which went through a logic board and HD before the warranty expired. He hasn't had problems since. Most of his machines are used for live audio recording and studio work, so it's not like they have an easy life either. I've personally never bought a refurb, but I think if I was a bit short on cash I would. I just would rather have something brand new that has a better chance of being perfect. If it was a computer that I wouldn't have to depend on to work at important meetings and recording sessions than I probably would get a refurb right off the bat.

Scremox · May 21, 2007, 01:34 AM

If you want a refurb check the Apple site from the hours of 12AM-2AM PST. Thats when they update refurb page. Hope that hint works.

galarneau · May 22, 2007, 08:03 AM

There are a ton of refurbs up on the Apple Store right now...

galarneau · May 22, 2007, 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by galarneau

I'm getting a refurb white C2D/SuperDrive on Tuesday.

I'll post back and let you know how it turns out.

Got the refurb Macbook today. Looks like new. Not a scratch on it. It seems to run 5-10 degrees celcius cooler than my original Macbook 1.83GHz.

Definitely check out the refurbs if you want a great deal.

Now I'm thinking about getting a refurb iMac when the next model comes out.

vkt57 · May 22, 2007, 10:24 PM

hello to everyone,
I've been a mac user for many years and never was disappointed. In some how I see it as a marriage , "in the goods and the bads"...
my last 4 computers were 2 refurbished and 2 refreshed.
In all cases I have never had a problem.
It's funny, there are so00 many things that disappoint in life, but apple never had.
I currently own a black macbook, coming from a 12"powerbook 1.0 ghZ, and can honestly say this _thing surprise me.
Yes refurbished/refreshed are valid products.

Cheers.

cxjr25 · May 23, 2007, 05:20 PM

Bought a refurbished MacBook and it came in pretty much mint condition. It had one smudge on the case, but hey I got it for $150 less than retail.

I would hesitate getting a refurb. ipod since those seem to take more of a beating (and are probably produced with alot less care)

Lava Lamp Freak · May 23, 2007, 08:17 PM

I bought a refreshed MacBook Pro from the Apple Store and love it. I called today to see if they had any refreshed Mac Pros in stock and was told that, as of today, they no longer sell refreshed systems in the store. Thats the only way I can justify buying a computer in the store rather than buying from Amazon. Bummer

cxjr25 · May 24, 2007, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by Lava Lamp Freak

I bought a refreshed MacBook Pro from the Apple Store and love it. I called today to see if they had any refreshed Mac Pros in stock and was told that, as of today, they no longer sell refreshed systems in the store. Thats the only way I can justify buying a computer in the store rather than buying from Amazon. Bummer

Lava: why not buy refurbished direct from the online apple store? Is there an advantage in buying from a brick and mortar shop?

Lava Lamp Freak · May 24, 2007, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by cxjr25

Lava: why not buy refurbished direct from the online apple store? Is there an advantage in buying from a brick and mortar shop?

The advantage of buying in the store is I don't have the stress of having to be home for delivery.

The online refurbs are a very good deal. I'll probably end up doing that. I just like to avoid dealing with shipping when possible.

galarneau · May 25, 2007, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by Lava Lamp Freak

The advantage of buying in the store is I don't have the stress of having to be home for delivery.

Apple has a form that you download after your item ships that you sign and place on your door allowing the delivery person to leave the package even if you're not home.

It's really quite nice. I haven't seen any other companies who do mail order offer this.

Lava Lamp Freak · May 25, 2007, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by galarneau

Apple has a form that you download after your item ships that you sign and place on your door allowing the delivery person to leave the package even if you're not home.

It's really quite nice. I haven't seen any other companies who do mail order offer this.

Yeah, that is nice. Office Max also has a form like this on their website. That works good as long as you don't live in an apartment, like I do. My parents told me I can ship things to them, and they live close, so problem fixed for now.