Quality of Refurbished Products

[jaycrew]

Hi everybody,

I was wondering if anyone could give me some feedback on the quality of Apple's refurbished computers. I'm assuming Apple takes good care to make sure everything runs well, but I was mostly interested in how the machines look cosmetically. Are there any noticeable scratches or dings on refurbished products or are they fairly new looking? I'm seeing some prices that are tempting me to consider refurbished stuff.

 

[jadekitty24]

I've heard only good things about refurbs, and I just recently ordered one myself (Powerbook G4 1.5 Ghz). I know a few people who have bought refurbs that arrived not only in exceptional condition, but with hidden extra's as well (One girl I knew ordered an iBook CD-ROM and got one with a DVD ROM and a CD burner. One guy I knew ordered a Powerbook with a 60 GB hard-drive and he received an 80 GB). While I'm not expecting any extras, I will now own the computer I've always wanted for the right price. I should be getting mine either Monday or Tuesday...I'll let you know of my experience as soon as I receive it.

 

[JupiterTwo]

I bought a refurb iBook a few years back, and it's been great. No issues at all, apart from the logic board issue that affected all iBooks of that age.

As for the state - mine didn't come in the original packaging, just a brown box equivilant. Cosmetically it was fine, the only slight thing is a minute warping of the lid - it must only be a degree - you really have to look to see it. So, the warning they give about minor cosmetic issues is valid.

You could be lucky and get something that is brand new or has extras, but your expectation is that the product you're buying has been owned by someone else, returned, repaired if required and resold.

I didn't buy my iMac refurb as I wanted it when they did the speed bump, but otherwise I'd have no problems buying a refurb again.

 

[jocool5]

I've heard only good things about refurbs, and I just recently ordered one myself (Powerbook G4 1.5 Ghz). I know a few people who have bought refurbs that arrived not only in exceptional condition, but with hidden extra's as well (One girl I knew ordered an iBook CD-ROM and got one with a DVD ROM and a CD burner. One guy I knew ordered a Powerbook with a 60 GB hard-drive and he received an 80 GB). While I'm not expecting any extras, I will now own the computer I've always wanted for the right price. I should be getting mine either Monday or Tuesday...I'll let you know of my experience as soon as I receive it.

I hear the same things!! I also will be recieving a referb PowerBook on wed. so I will add my two cents then.

 

[UberMac]

I think I just had bad luck. I bought my first mac as a refurb - a Rev A PowerBook (12"). The first apple sent me had a cracked apple logo on the LCD and a broken modem. Returned that and a second was sent, this had a broken modem and a broken LCD latch anyway, the moral of the story is buy with an education discount for a lower price (thats what I did in the end and Apple were all too happy to facilitate this.

Uber

 

[emmawu]

I bought a refurb iMac G4 and a refurb Mac mini. The Mac mini was defective and I called Apple and they were very nice. Got a BRAND NEW 1.5 Ghz and an apology for my trouble. Apple has the BEST customer service. They rock.

 

[FocusAndEarnIt]

My brother got a Mac mini refurb for xmas, and there wasn't a scratch, dent, or ding in it.

Works flawlessly.

 

[aquajet]

I've purchased two iMacs from the Apple refurb store over the past four years: a 700mhz G3 right after the first G4s were introduced, and a 1ghz G4 right after the G5s were introduced. Both worked and looked flawless, albeit the G4 had some dirty fingerprints. Great deals.

 

[alexstein]

As you can tell from the other posts here Apple seems to stand behind its refurb's. Just make sure you get it one that is certified and from a authorized dealer. Stick with the Apple Store if possible.

 

[Daeman]

i bought a refurb 12" powerbook G4 1.5 super from the uk apple refurb store and although it arrived in just a brown box, everything has been perfect. no complaints whatsoever. im glad i got a bascially new product for about £200 less.

 

[bousozoku]

It's definitely better than buying new.

I've had my refurbished 15.2 inch 1.33 GHz PowerBook for nearly a year without a problem. At that time, a lot of the machines were having various problems and I avoided all of that by buying a refurb. I didn't notice any serious scratches and the machine is still looking great.

I just bought AppleCare to protect it further, since Apple does that in Floriduh now.

 

[discoforce]

It's definitely better than buying new.

I've had my refurbished 15.2 inch 1.33 GHz PowerBook for nearly a year without a problem. At that time, a lot of the machines were having various problems and I avoided all of that by buying a refurb. I didn't notice any serious scratches and the machine is still looking great.

I just bought AppleCare to protect it further, since Apple does that in Floriduh now.

As another refurb buyer, I'd agree that it beats paying full price. I've had many problems with my 15" Powerbook 1.25 GHz (screen, latch, excessive heat, lower ram slot), but each time I looked into it so were folks who bought 'em new. At least mine was cheaper, and Apple (and my local specialist) definitely stands behind them.

 

[jadekitty24]

I just received my refurbished Powerbook 12". I've had it maybe an hour and have seen no problems whatsoever. It took me 5 minutes to get the computer running and on the internet. I checked everything to see if there are any quality issues - none. This thing is beautiful! I'm so used to my sqeeky iBook G3 - this thing is so quiet and new feeling. No scratches or other visible wear. So far I am extremely pleased. Oh yeah, not to mention, the computer I ordered had a 60 GB hard-drive, this has an 80!! A very satisfied customer.

 

[iRhyknow]

I bought my son a eMac refurb for Xmas and I was so pleased with it I have bought a 12" iBook for my wife. Go ahead and buy the refurb.

 

[jmmac]

I'm typing this on a recently purchased 14 inch ibook g4 - latest revision and it arrived looking and working perfectly. If I didn't know better, I would easily believe it was brand new. Who knows, I may never buy a brand new machine again!

 

[Sarvis]

I've had 4 ship-it-back repairs on one refurb powerbook in the last 5 months, and two on another. One arrived clean, the other arrived with scratches on the top and bottom. I'd recommend against a refurb unless you live near an Apple store or have some other way of getting quick repairs. Or if you don't need to rely on your computer.