Refurbished iMac

[tigger777]

Anyone have experience with a refurbished iMac?
Are they reliable? Should I get Applecare with it?
Thanks

[silentsim]

Apple refurbs are top notch in quality. Having said that, if you are eligible for the student discount (parents of students are eligible as well) the savings is not significant (unless buying previous gen at a greater discount).
You have up to a year to buy Applecare on any machine, regardless of refurb.

[sclitheroe]

Refurbished Apple gear from Apple is as good as new, and carries a full 1 year warranty the same as new machines. They are widely regarded as a bulletproof way of getting a machine at discount, as long as you can tolerate them not coming in as fancy packaging as new.

Whether to get Applecare or not should be the same decision as with a brand new machine; they don't sell dodgy stuff via refurb.

The refurb stuff I've purchased before has looked, cosmetically, brand new, and has functioned flawlessly.

[fundmark19]

I always have refurb. And it comes in fancy apple packaging still. I have only ever had a problem with the cd drive on my macbook. Took it in for warranty had it back next day working like new

[Milt Schmidt]

I've bought Apple refurbs for myself and my parents and I've never had a problem.

[Da_Chief]

Yup, like everyone else in this thread, no issues at all with refurbs, perfect machines. I'm not a fan of extended warranties and it applies with applecare as well. Never needed it.

Also if you do ever have an issue, there is a shop n the basement of Science theatres ay U of C, take it there instead of sending it away.

[firebug]

I can concur as well. I've had my refurb 27" since February with no issues.

You do have to jump on them when they show up in the apple store as the model you want can disappear right away.

[jschick88]

I found a place in Calgary that sells refurbished iMac's, macbook pro's and other equipment.
www.geep-microsys.com

[silentsim]

Originally Posted by jschick88

I found a place in Calgary that sells refurbished iMac's, macbook pro's and other equipment.
www.geep-microsys.com

If those are store refurbs, treat them differently then Apple refurbs. Typically Apple Refurbs are ONLY sold from the Apple Store Online, and those are the ones with the aforementioned quality and refurbing process.

[Milt Schmidt]

Originally Posted by silentsim

if those are store refurbs, treat them differently then apple refurbs. Typically apple refurbs are only sold from the apple store online, and those are the ones with the aforementioned quality and refurbing process.

+1

[tigger777]

Thanks for everyone's comments!!!

[Regular_John]

Yup, throw another vote behind the "bought one, no problems" column.

The biggest thing you're "losing" with a refurb is the pretty box. But yeah, for $300 I'll take a plain box. Honestly when it comes to upgrading my machines I don't even look at the new apple machines really, the refurbs are where it's at.

[sclitheroe]

Originally Posted by jaydorn

The biggest thing you're "losing" with a refurb is the pretty box. But yeah, for $300 I'll take a plain box.

I'm almost positive there's a slight hit to your hipster scores as well - nobody lines up for refurbs.

Shouldn't affect too many people though unless they are creative (or a barista) (see here for further info: )