Apple today added three separate models of the current 27-inch iMac to its online store for refurbished products, marking their first appearance in the store since their September launch. The three models, all of which are listed as shipping in 1-5 business days, include:
- 3.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with 8 GB RAM, 1 TB hard drive, and NVIDIA GeForce GT 755M graphics: $1529 ($270 savings)
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- 3.5GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 with 8 GB RAM, 1 TB hard drive, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 775M graphics: $1869 ($330 savings)
- 3.5GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 with 8 GB RAM, 3 TB Fusion drive, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M graphics: $2289 ($410 savings)
Other configurations of the latest 27-inch iMac and all configurations of the current 21.5-inch iMac have yet to appear in Apple's refurbished store.
Top Rated Comments
Many companies use simplified inspection methods for reworked/repaired/refurbished products, often inspecting only that which was a known fault. I see this happen and I work in the medical device industry, so I find it hard to believe that it doesn't happen in the tech industry. Thus, the idea that Apple does "extra testing" for their refurbished products is very hard to believe. Rather, let's give them the generous assumption that they perform a complete inspection for refurbished goods, meaning there is no difference between inspection of new or refurbished products. And if that's the case, well... some people already get lemons.
I've *never* seen a refurbished Mac come DOA. Seen plenty of new ones DOA though :P. Refurbs got through a ridiculous amount of testing - same as when you have, for example, your logic board replaced. It doesn't just test faults, it tests all functionality.Now, I have complete faith in Apple's inspection methods, but inspections are not fool-proof. Furthermore, inspections are typically designed to identify known faults. A faulty system that previously passed inspection may suffer additional systemic problems that simply won't be identified by additional inspection. And that's why I'll never buy a refurbished machine that I need to depend on.
I always hear how Apple refurbished machines are "rigorously tested," but does anyone have any proof that they are subject to any additional testing beyond standard production machines?
The only risk you're taking IMO with refurbs is minor cosmetic imperfections. If they're big/noticeable, the casing will probably have been replaced, but if they're small/in an awkward position they may have been overlooked. Even then, it's not really a risk since you can return it anyway.