mac4mac.co.uk

I'm after a new MacBook Pro and looking at refurbs as a potential. I notice that all the models listed on the refurb store are October 2016 models. As there was a slight refresh in April 2017 does this mean that one from the refurb store will have been purchased prior to the April refresh and therefore have had a few months use before being returned and refurbished?

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MacBook Pro. 2023. OS 14.0. M2 Pro. 16". Model number: A2780.
MacBook Pro. Mid 2017. OS 10.13.6. 2.9GHz Intel Core i7. 15". Model number: A1707.
iPhone 8. 256GB. iOS 16.7.1

It could be anything really. Dead on delivery, slightly damaged or maybe returned. They fix in the factory and certify it as good as a new built unit, so it has the full year warranty. You won't know why it was refurbished, just that it was cheaper than new and should be fine.

I suppose my thinking is that if it was returned unused while still a current model it would have been through the refurb store many months ago. A model that's been obsolete since April has probably had someone's mitts all over it and the drive used to store stuff if it's only just arrived in the refurb store now.

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MacBook Pro. 2023. OS 14.0. M2 Pro. 16". Model number: A2780.
MacBook Pro. Mid 2017. OS 10.13.6. 2.9GHz Intel Core i7. 15". Model number: A1707.
iPhone 8. 256GB. iOS 16.7.1

That is possible but probably faulty hardware put right. For some manufacturers it can include up to date hardware that has failed final QA and been factory fixed at that stage, or maybe sustained a small scratch.

If it's the version previous to the current one it likely was a store demo or just left over stock. If it is the current version it was likely returned for some reason that may have absolutely nothing to do with malfunctioning.

I rarely buy a new Mac. I always look at the Apple refurbished section first. If what I want isn't there, I'll wait. Currently, I'm looking for a refurbished series 2 Apple Watch, 42 mm stainless steel. I'd go with the less expensive aluminum (yes, I know that's not how it is spelled/spelt in the UK but I'm in the US) but I have significant metal sensitivities & need to stick with stainless steel.

@ MitchT,

Two years ago, I purchased my first iPad. I had it for exactly one day, before realizing that – in fact – I had no real use for such an expensive device.
It was returned to Apple. That device would have been sold by Apple as a refurbished device. Would you not consider buying it?

The reasons why Apple is in possession of devices that they sell as refurbished are many.

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I'm never wrong, I'm just less right on occasions.

I've got two "refurbished by Apple" machines - a 27in Mid-2011 iMac bought from Apple, which is still running Mountain Lion and a 15in Mid 2014 MBP bought from John Lewis in January. They had a whole bunch of them which they must have bought in bulk from Apple as they were described as refurbished by Apple. It came with Yosemite.

A couple of months later the battery died. Just switched off. Using power lead I was able to check battery condition which just said Replace Battery. Took it to Apple Store in Solihull where the battery was replaced without quibble. The condition sheet I was given on its return detailed what it would have cost without the warranty. Over £400 , considerably more than Applecare, which I now have...

I knew it wasn't the latest, but it does what I need and does it very quickly with its SSD.

Wouldn't hesitate to buy another Apple refurbished device.

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MacMini (2018) OS10.14.6 (Mojave). Monitor: LG 27in 4K Ultra HD LED.
15in MacBook Pro (Mid 2014) OS10.13.4 (High Sierra);
15in MacBook Pro (2010), (ex-Snow Leopard); now OS10.13.6 (High Sierra); 500GB Solid-State SATA drive; 4GB memory.

I intend to get the "new" iPad 2017 which is on sale via Apple for £369. At half the price of the same size iPad Pro that seems a bargain and better than I could do on the Refurb Store.

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"If it ain't broke, we can fix it" (© Tim Cook, Jonny Ive)

Core i7 2011 21.5" iMac 12,1 2.8 GHz 16GB RAM OS X 10.9.5 1TB SSD & 128GB SSD

I bought one some months ago. I was waiting for an iPad at a reasonable price.
Apple has finally offered one.

I bought a rerun 2006 20" iMac in 2006 and only just replaced it with the 27" iMac just before Christmas, so it was good for over 10 years with only the power supply going on it with apple charged me about £50 to fix so a bargain all round.

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Gary.

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-- RANGERS FC --


"Macintosh - We might not get everything right, but at least we knew the century was going to end." Douglas Adams.

Mine was brand new and you get the full warranty on them.

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Gary.

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█████████
-- RANGERS FC --


"Macintosh - We might not get everything right, but at least we knew the century was going to end." Douglas Adams.

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"If it ain't broke, we can fix it" (© Tim Cook, Jonny Ive)

Core i7 2011 21.5" iMac 12,1 2.8 GHz 16GB RAM OS X 10.9.5 1TB SSD & 128GB SSD

"How old will refurb Mac be?"

Six months to 1 year perhaps? Probably last season's models.