Refurbished Computers!!

I want to buy a MacBook Pro but the price is too outrageous for me right now. Someone I know suggested I look at refurbished computers here on Apple.com.
Does anyone have a refurbished computer? Do you recommend I buy one? How do I know if it works well, and what are the warranties accompanying my purchase?

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
The refurbished market is one where you have to be careful of what you get.
See my FAQ*:
http://www.macmaps.com/usedrefurbished.html
How do I know if it works well, and what are the warranties accompanying my purchase?
Find out what applications are optimized for its use under the operating system
in question, and see if those applications perform as expected. As for the warranty, if you can be sure the Mac has a serial number, http://www.apple.com/support/ has a search field where you can enter the serial number, and it will give you the warranty coverage on that machine. Some machines you can apply for additional AppleCare coverage. Ask the seller what additional coverage you can buy if it isn't already there.
- * Links to my pages may give me compensation.

Similar Messages

  • Do refurbished computers purchased after oct. 1 get to download iWork free?

    Just ordered a refurbished macbook pro retina yesterday and was wondering I qualified for the free download of pages, numbers, and keynote. Just wondering because  I ordered the refurbished not brand new.

    You should. When it arrives & you get it set up, go to the Mac App Store & see if they are available to you.

  • Refurbished with retina vs. new w/o retina

    Hi there -- I'm looking for a laptop for my bf for Christmas.  I am a teacher, so I get the educator discount, and right now there is a Macbook pro (non retina) for 999.  OR there is a macbook pro WITH retina that's refurbished for the same price. 
    I know that refurbished computers are like new, but I'm still drawn to the idea of getting him something brand new.  On the other hand, I know the pro without retina might be discontinued soon, and I don't know if that will turn it into a bad investment somehow...
    I had considered Air, but I feel like those just might not be the best choice for his "main" computer.  He's not a gamer (occasionally plays, but not often), and he doesn't have large data needs (doesn't do video editing, etc.), but I still feel like the air wouldn't be quite right...
    He's been using a crappy small computer (I don't know what brand) that always has bugs and weird things going on, so anything will be an upgrade, and he borrows my mac all the time, so I thought this would be the way to go.  He wouldn't really care about the retina display, but I figure if it's the same price and essentially new...Anyways, I don't know:P
    So: Macbook pro refurbished with retina, or Macbook pro brand new??? 

    For many the non-Retina model is preferred for its upgradeability, something the Retina models don't offer. On the other hand the non-Retina model is from 2012, and although new it will not be updated by Apple. It seems Apple may not continue to offer a non-Retina model in the future. The Retina model offers better screen resolution than the non-Retina model. So there are trade-offs you will want to consider in making your decision.

  • Where can I find a refurbished or used MBP ?

    I think that Apple sells refurbished computers, any one know where?

    Even easier if you scroll down the store page, on the left side near the bottom you will see a link for the refurbished macs. I bought a refurb MBP 3 weeks ago for about $500 less than it is new. I love it and yes it makes a slight whine, but I have to put my head next to the keyboard to hear it. I haven't heard the fans turn on yet though. I just got windows installed on it yesterday for a couple of games, it runs it perfectly, but other than that who needs windows?

  • New vs. Refurbished part numbers

    Apple seems to assign unique part numbers to refurbished computers. Unfortunately, the only place anyone seems to use these part numbers for refurbs is in the store when you buy them. All the knowledgebase articles only reference part numbers for new machines.
    Is there a way to translate the part number? I have a refurb dual 2.0 g5 which has a part number: F9747LL/A. How can I find out which "new" part number this machine really is?
    Thanks!

    The model numbers are the same except they replace the M with an F.
    The model number you have is for the 2.0GHz model with only 4 memory slots and 33MHz PCI slots.
    If you want a 2.0GHz model with 8 memory slots and 100/133MHz PCI-X slots, you need to look for M9032LL/A or M9455LL/A (F9032LL/A or F9455LL/A)
    For a complete list of desirable G5 model numbers (AGP 8X with 8 memory slots and PCI-X slots), see the bottom of this page:
    http://www.barefeats.com/quad02.html

  • Do new computers come with OS X redemption code?

    I just purchased a factory refurbished iMac from the Apple Online Store.
    The specs from the online store said it was eligible for the up-to-date program.
    Look at the second line under any of these refurbished Apple computers: Eligible for OS X Mountain Lion Up-to-Date Program
    http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac
    Unfortunately, this unit did not come with a Mountain Lion redemption code.
    It did come with 10.8 installed and then I was able to update to 10.8.2 which is fine.
    The problem now, is that the Apple Store says I do not own a copy of Mountain Lion as it is not in my Apple ID in the store.
    To reinstall Mountain Lion, they said I could use the recovery mode and didn't need Mountain Lion to show in my Apple ID.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4718
    The above will not work.
    When I get to the point in the recovery mode, it asks me for my Apple ID and password.
    I have contacted the up-to-date program and they told me my iMac is not eligible.
    Well, the Apple website says it is.
    See the refurbished items under "Qualifying Purchases" here:
    http://www.apple.com/osx/uptodate/
    I then contacted Tech Support and they made a case number but told me to contact the Apple iTunes Store.
    The Apple iTunes store told me they can't do anything and told me to contact the up-to-date program.
    This seems to be a Circle Jerk as I keep getting the run around.
    I contacted the up-to-date program again and they said my iMac was not eligible.
    I contacted Tech Support and told them about the run around and told me to contact Customer Support.
    Even with the help of customer support, the up-to-date program keeps telling them that my computer is not eligible but will not give any reasons.
    In the old days, we used to get the discs with our new or refurbished computers. We own the OS X that came with the computer.
    Now apparently, I don't own it and can't download it again for some reason.
    Do I, or do I not, own a copy of Mountain Lion?
    If not, why not?
    I realize it is only $19.99 but I don't think I should have to purchase it as every OS came with all the prior Apple computers I have purchased in the past.
    Do the new computers come with a redemtion code for Mountain Lion and/or, does Mountain Lion show up in your purchases in the App Store on the new computer?

    Your Mountain Lion came pre-installed as such it is not a separate product rather part of your computer purchase. You cannot download Mountain Lion from the App Store.
    Did you register your computer after receiving it? That is generally the process by which the computer becomes associated with your Apple ID.
    You have never owned the OS. You have always had nothing more than a license to use it. That is generally true for most of the software you have purchased.
    If you want to purchase a copy of Mountain Lion from the App Store, then log into the store using a computer with Snow Leopard or Lion installed under your Apple ID. Purchase and download the Mountain Lion installer. When the download has completed, quit the installer. Put it in your Downloads folder or transfer to a USB flash drive for safekeeping.
    Getting Mountain Lion via a redemption coupon lets you download Mountain Lion from the App Store. The license for the App Store version versus the one for the pre-bundled version is not the same. For example, the App Store version may be installed on more than one computer that you own. The pre-bundled version can only be installed on the computer with which it came.

  • Will a Refurbished iBook come with iLife '06?

    I am looking into a refurb iBook. Has anyone recently purchased one and if so, does it come with iLife '06?
    Thom

    Hi John,
    After reviewing the policies and doing some research,
    the refurbished iBooks are not mentioned. Apple
    considers their refurbished products as good as new
    for the most part, but you will find your iBook does
    not fall in the the qualifying family part numbers. I
    suggest that you call Apple or go to your local Apple
    Store and see what they will do. I am sorry if I
    mislead anyone, there is nothing regarding
    refurbished computers in the policy.
    Here's an update:
    I called Apple customer service last week to ask if my refurb iBook qualified for iLife up-to-date. The person I talked to spoke to his supervisor who said that refurbs didn't qualify because they were "used." I mentioned that some posters in this forum who ordered refurbs were getting iLife '06 either installed or on a separate DVD. So he put in an order for me, attaching it to my original iBook web order (to verify that it was purchased after iLife '06 was released). I just received it today, no charge.
    So score 1 for the squeaky wheel!

  • Do refurbished laptops come with standard programs?

    I purchased a refurbished HP Pavillion laptop, and assumed it would come with the standard programs; Microsoft Office, etc. It seems to only have the demo versions on it. Do I have to purchase the actual program? Or is there somewhere online to get a product key?
    Thanks.

    Findaway wrote:
    The only thing that is STANDARD in programming on any computer is MicroSoft Windows Operating System.
    Everything else is TRIAL or Limited Time, meaning you have to pay for it.
    Mmm not everything. There is usually a a full version of a program such as PowerDVD to view DVDs or Roxio to handle the creation of DVD/CD media..
    Findaway wrote:
    Generally there is MicroSoft OFFICE basic to use on Trial / Demo mode and have to purchase to get a KEY/Serial to Activate it.
    I believe the current version is called Microsoft Office 2010 Starter, which includes an ad-supported version of Word and Excel.
    Findaway wrote:
    When you get a computer you're paying for the Hardware and sometimes the Brand Name. The Operating System such as Window Home Premium in todays PC's is installed because most machines and manufactured with 4GB or more of Memory whch you need 64 bit.  The Old 32 bit (x86) is nearly a past time thought when we used 2GB of memory or less.
     If MicroSoft had there way you'd only be getting the lowly Home Basic version and Win7 Home Premium isn't to far off as the maximum amount of Memory Win7 Home Premium allows is 8GB, Win7 Professional is 16GB and Win7 Ultimate allows over 16GB of memory in your computer.
     PC Manufacturers add in alot of BLOATWARE (trash programs and games) generally Advertisement and get you to buy their stuff.
    I think you're a bit on the side of a conspiracy theorist... Microsoft couldn't care less if they included a 32 or 64-bit version of Windows. They just want their operating system to saturate the marketplace. Most consumer-level programs today don't even utilize half the potential of 64-bit computing or even quad core processing. How many Windows users out there do you think have Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate? Now, how many of them do you think really use the full features that come with those versions? I have Windows 7 Ultimate and I have never changed the language nor utilized the bit encryption. Remember back in the days of Windows XP when everyone and their moms pirated the Pro version? I'm 99% sure they thought it was "better" because it said "Professional." 
    Oh, and those trialware that's included in the computers, those are the companies subsidizing the cost of the computer so it's cheaper. Software companies pay computer manufacturers to include their software in those computers for exposure and in return they pay a fee per unit, which hopefully the manufacturer passes on the savings to the consumers.
    Findaway wrote:
    Any refurbished laptop/desktop should be in same condition (even though been repair) as new ones out of the box, with exception that certain parts are 3rd party and the Chassis / case may have some scratches/ dings.  That is why a Refurbished cost about $20 to $100 less than a brand new one in it's original box.
    Personally, I don't buy Refurbished as I consider them USED.
    Well of course a refurbished computer is used. How else would the manufacturer know that it needed repair if someone didn't use it? In a way, refurbished computers are more reliable than new computers because they have had parts replaced and tested. New computers don't exactly go through a rigorous testing process. They are just mass produced and have a 1-year warranty on them. Third party parts? Well, pretty much most parts are 3rd party in the way that the manufactuerer doesn't make most of the parts. I've never heard of a Sony or HP hard drive before or a Dell or Asus keyboard. Computer manufacturers generally repair/replace their computers with "new or refurbished parts." 
    Refurbished computers are generally less expensive than new ones because by the time a defect has been identified and repaired, the model is out of cycle or the warranty is expired. I find it comical when people relate refurbished as bad. I guess Americans don't like refurbished computers but they are okay with used cars? I will say that the one factor I do consider when buying refurbished stuff is the warranty. Ninety days isn't going to cut it for me. It makes me feel like the seller didn't trust their own repair.
    I DO NOT work for Best Buy. Whatever I post are just educated guesses or common sense.

  • Warranty question (battery)

    I bought a Toshiba Satellite (L755 series) laptop a few weeks ago. It says it has a 1-year warranty. Does this also apply to the battery. I plan to use the laptop quite a bit and I'm not sure how long the battery will last.
    Incidentally, the battery life so far is about 5 hours. That's phenominal.
    So, if say the battery starts losing life (say under 45 minutes on a full charge) after 9 months, would Toshiba replace it? Would it be a big hassle (my friend had that situation with his Compaq and it was a major hassle -- they wanted him to send in his computer!)
    Mel

    All Toshiba notebook batteries have a 1-year-warranty. (Not a 100% sure, they may have an exception for refurbished computers.) Even if the computer has a 3-year warranty, the battery only has a 1-year warranty. Like tires and windshield wipers, batteries wear out. If the battery quits working or the performance drops to your "under 45 minutes on a full charge" within the first year, Toshiba should be willing to replace it. Toshiba has been making laptops since 1985, so you should be in good hands.

  • (Resolved) Windows 8 - Recovery Discs Do Not Work With New Hard Drive

    Update:
    I decided to buy drive cloaning software.  I cloned my drive, that resolved the problem of installing the OS on the new drive.  Too bad neither HP's Restore disc's or this support fourm could help with this issue.
    Origional Post:
    Product Name:  HP Pavilion G4-2235DX
    Product Number:  C3Q50UAR#ABA
    BIOS:  Insyde F.26, 2/21/2013
    Processor: AMD A6-4400M APU w/ Radeon HD Graphics, 2700 Mhz, 2 Core(s)
    BIOS Mode:  UEFI
    SMBIOS Version:  2.7
    RAM:  12GB
    Operating System:  Windows 8 - 64bit (6.2.9200 Build 9200)
    Situation:  I purchased this computer new as a refurbished model from a retail store.  I created system restore discs after initial setup using the HP Recovery Media Creation Utility.  This system has a 500 GB hard drive.  I purchased a Western Digital 1 TB hard drive to upgrade the drive in this notebook.  After swaping out the drives and trying to load the recovery onto the new 1TB hard drive in the same computer, an HP dialogue so states "This PC is not supported by the System Recovery Discs. You will not be able to continue to recover this system with these discs."  It gives a code (doesn't call it an error code) 0110-C3150UQ43#ABA underneath and only option is okay, the system reboots and follows the same pattern again and again.
    I have upgraded drives in the past on Vista and 7 the same way using self created HP recovery discs with no issue, I do know what i'm doing.    I've seen discussion mentioning BIOS issues and other such problems.  I did try updating the BIOS to the one on the HP Support page (2013-03-01 , Version:F.26, 7.76M) and the recovery discs still will not work.  I found the CyberLink Recovery Discs Utility thread, however this solution/software has no support for Windows 8.  I have tried to run the utility and it fails, tried with compatiabity and it failed.  Why is this happening and what can be done to resolve this problem?
    I tried using chat support but it won't let me get through to anyone, claiming my warranty is expired.  I just bought this computer 3 days ago and was assured a 90 day warranty.
    Please help, Thanks.

    Hey Joe907, 
    Thanks so much for posting your experience and using the Forum. I came across this thread in my research for another thread. The information you provided helped me confirm my suspicions. 
    I wanted to mention to you, if you want, you can have this post marked as solved by hitting Reply to your original message and just post your update:
    Update:
    I decided to buy drive cloaning software.  I cloned my drive, that resolved the problem of installing the OS on the new drive.  Too bad neither HP's Restore disc's or this support fourm could help with this issue.
    in the Reply and click Post. Then you'll have an "Accept as Solution" button on your second post. Click that "Accept as Solution" button on your second post and the thread will be marked as solved. By being marked as Solved, the thread will be much higher in Google search results and it will more likely to help others. Not sure if you're concerned about it, but you'll also get the credit for authoring a solution.
    Also, I wanted to apologize for the customer service issues you had. I hope that everything is working well with the computer now. Of course, if it's not, let me know. I'll be glad to help in any way I can.  
    Information on the warranty:
    Refurbished computers are often erroneously marked as out of warranty, but it is simple to fix, and a phone representative could have corrected that for you. All computers' warranty start dates begin on the day they leave the factory. HP knows that there will be a period where the computer will sit on a shelf (for days or months) at the retailer. With refurbished computers, their 90-day warranties begin on the day they are refurbished. HP has no way of knowing what date the customer will buy the computer so the warranty start date stays the same until the customer registers the computer providing the date of purchase for the warranty system to be updated. If the registration process fails for some reason (rare, but it happens), phone technical support has a process they can initiate to have the warranty corrected. They only need a copy of the receipt showing the date of purchase. 
    I hope this information helps! Please let me know if you have any questions and thanks again for you post!

  • First iMac and I dont have a clue which one to buy :(

    I have seen the light and now looking to buy a second hand Apple iMac 4,1. The specs are
    Intel Core Duo 1.83GHz  2MB L2 Cache
    2GB 667MHz RAM
    160GB Hard Drive
    17" screen.
    Tiger10.4.11
    My friend wants £200 for it which seems a good deal...but i dont know much about iMac's, as I have had windows based pcs for many years.
    I do a lot of video editing and my widnows PC just cant cope at all, constant crashing and performace issues.
    so my questions are
    Is this sutible for HD/SD video editing and what software would you recommend ? Anyone have any slow down or performance problems ?
    I will have to upgrade the HDD as 160gb is far to small, whats the largest HDD i could install and is it any more difficult to fit then a PC ?
    Thanks
    Donna

    It isn't a bad deal but it probably isn't a good deal for you. I have its big brother (so to speak) in my guest bedroom for visitors to use while they are with us. I have upgraded it to Snow Leopard and have Photoshop Elements 8, as well as Office 2008, a few games, and other programs. Back when it was my main computer, about 3-4 years ago I even did some video editing in iMovie.
    But as captfred said, Snow Leopard is as far as you can take it which means in about 18 months you are likely to see software coming out that it cannot use. Already it is too slow for the newer versions of video editing software (unless you intend to use iMovie). The drive is too small which isn't a deal killer - for the last year or so I was booting mine from a 500GB FireWire drive.
    But I strongly urge you to look elsewhere. The good deal your friend is offering would make a very good second computer for the household. I don't think it begins to fit your needs. BTW - Apple's refurbished computers are generally top notch. They tend to be returns as opposed to used. They come with a full year warranty and are elligible for AppleCare extended warranty just like a brand new computer.

  • Change You Old PC to a Chrome Device

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  • Standard vs Retina Display?

    Which is better and why?

    I had the same problem. I needed a new computer and had no retina screen nearby nor had an Apple store near.  LowLuster's advice is best if you are close to an Apple Store, and I really suggest checking out the retina display. It does add to the cost.
    If you need a super powerful laptop, then the 15" retina with its separate graphics processor is worth the money.
    But if you need a computer for applications that are simpler than working with Final Cut Pro X, maybe just for email and internet and iMovie...I have a friend who absolutely loves her non-retina macbook air.
    My bottom line was my eye worked better with the retina, and I knew, after seeing the retina display do its magic with text, I would always feel disappointed in a new non retina screen, so  I saved my bucks and got the retina and never looked back.
    We are not allowed to speculate here, but I think it is ok to point out that Apple will inevitably update more of its computers to the Haswell intel chip soon, and perhaps will add retina to more of its computers.
    But as Lowluster pointed out, only your eye will be able to tell which is better for you.
    Me, I will never own a non-retina computer again, as now all text looks fuzzy on a non-retina screen. It is like going back to non-hd tv. So for me, retina is perfect. And if you decide to go retina, don't forget that Apple sells refurbished computers that are warranteed like new.
    Hugh

  • Shipping question, not sure which dicussion folder to use

    Hi,
    i am currently in Korea, and am looking to get a new mac notebook.. however, the prices here are more expensive than at home in north america... i have found some great deals on mac refurbished computers from their website and am really interested in buying one... however, i have virtually NO way to get it to me in korea because they don't ship internationally.
    i know apple is a huge company, and isn't likely to make exceptions for one person... but i have recently been convinced to buy a mac (have always used pc's), and am really excited to get started! i don't want to have to wait for another year until i am back in north america!
    is there anyone out there who knows ANY way to get a mac that's located in the states to me in korea? any way they can ship it to a mac store in seoul and i pick it up? anything!??
    thanks for any advice!

    Apple can't possibly do this. It is against trade laws. The only way you could get a new American mac in Korea is if someone sent it to you as a gift, and then, you really should be first checking what the law is in korea regarding receiving such gifts by mail. That may very well be illegal too. I depends on what country you are sending the gift to.
    Think about it...if everyone in Korea could buy a computer in the US without paying import tax, that would really upset the Korean government.
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  • Which MacBook Pro w/ Retina to buy for Video Editing?

    Hi, I am looking into buying a MacBook Pro for Video Editing. This is not my main machine because I already have an i7, 16GB  RAM, GTX 760 2TB HDD machine at home. My home machine beasts through  my daily editing but I am stumped on which MacBook is worth the money!
    I am comparing the...
    13" Retina with
    i7
    256 GB SSD
    16GB RAM
    Integrated Graphics
    for $1849 (with EDU discount)
    VS
    15" Retina with
    i7
    512 GB SSD
    16GB RAM
    GT 750m with 2GB DDR5 Memory
    for $2,479 (with EDU Discount)
    I don't really care about the screen size, I'll be using thunderbolt storage anyways, I am mainly wondering if the GT 750m will make much of a difference in editing footage. Mainly AVCHD 1080p but also I'd like it to be able to handle 4k in small amounts. I would mainly use proxy's at that point but just in case. I also don't do a ton in After Effects, but may need to send some shots here and there of for VFX work. This is mainly for if I'm on the go and need to make an edit or I need to do photography work (Lightroom and Photoshop)
    Thanks,
    Cameron Gallagher

    Both will work fine with 1080p AVCHD but you will notice an increase in performance simply because Premiere LOVES a good GPU and the 750M is a good one as far as laptops go. Yes, its more but if you're serious about performance go with the better GPU.
    That being said...save a bit and go with this below (same as your 2nd option but cheaper):
    Refurbished 15.4-inch MacBook Pro 2.5GHz Quad-core Intel i7 with Retina Display - Apple Store (U.S.)
    It'll save you $400. Bam! Thank me later. Apple's refurbished program is top of the line. Comes fully warrantied and you can get apple care, etc. if you want as well. It's like buying it new. These refurbished computers are often just ones bought and then returned within a few days by customers trying things out and there's absolutely nothing wrong with them. They can basically be looked at like new.

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