Graduating soon, thinking about buying a Refurbished Mac Book

[mhart2067]

any good sites that I should check out?

any tips?

because I have no idea where to start.

[tokenuser]

any good sites that I should check out?

any tips?

because I have no idea where to start.Only place you'll find a deal on a refurb'd Macbook is at the Apple store.

When you say "graduation" are you talking highschool (as in getting a machine for college), or college (as in I should have had a decent computer for the last 4 years).

If you are heading to college, dont just run out and buy a refurbed Macbook. find out what software you might need for the course you are looking at enrolling in. Find out if they have a "bundle" (laptop, software) for your degree/major. It might be easier/cheaper to go with a bundle that is configured for your course than going it alone.

A Mac may well work out for you, but for the cost of a refurb, if you can go into an Apple store and flash an acceptance letter or college id (or do the same thing electronically online), you can get an educational discount which is about the same as a refurb price - but for a new machine.

If you can then couple that with the "Sales Tax Free" day many states offer prior to school returning in the fall, you will have gotten the best deal on a Mac you will find.

Apple don't discount - so thats the best deal you'll be able to get.

[rabidbadger]

What he said.

But keep in mind, Apple refurbs can be MUCH better than new, in the sense that they were returned for minor reasons, (gifts that weren't what the recipient wanted, changed their mind and wanted different size screen, harddrive, etc..) And they are FULLY tested, unlike the ones that get a quick once-over off the production line.

New one with student discount, fine idea, refurbished from Apple, might be better.

Full disclosure, bought several apple refurbs and been insanely happy with them.

[phatlip]

Another thing worth noting. Refurbished Macs come with the same year long warranty you get with a new Mac and you can extend it to 3 yrs of coverage by purchasing Apple Care (which is also discounted for students).

You have to order refurbished Apple products online though.

[ArmpitOfDeath]

What he said.

But keep in mind, Apple refurbs can be MUCH better than new, in the sense that they were returned for minor reasons, (gifts that weren't what the recipient wanted, changed their mind and wanted different size screen, harddrive, etc..) And they are FULLY tested, unlike the ones that get a quick once-over off the production line.

Bollocks.

Funny isn't it - the fanboy will tell you how well an Apple is built, then go on to say the above.

The pathetic little that passes for Apple QC is better applied at the assembly line.

However since something is almost bound to be bad on any generation of any Apple especially in the early stages of it's introduction, you might get one that has had said bad part replaced or repaired.

Refurbs are fine if you're buying for yourself and you want to save money. It's usually no worse than the same crap when new. Whatever it is with an Apple though, definitely get one with an active warranty - the longest possible, since you will be definitely using it.

[lassolse]

what does refurbished mean?
im not american

[lassolse]

ah, never mind. Probably should read the thread before I comment