I was about to jump on this but remembered I had a $200 Best Buy gift card I needed to use.
So I found the base 2012 model as an open box special at Best Buy (online) for $404.99.
I am going to replace a 2010 mini that has been working fine as a media server. Wanted to throw an SSD in it but would rather do that on a 2012 model.
Michael
Canada Computers has them on sale right now for $699. Picked one up in Ottawa a couple of weeks ago... very happy with it.
Not sure if I'm allowed to post links.
Do not bother with open box, instead stop by post office, ask for movers package and use 10% off BB coupon on new one. Hell, it would be even cheaper than open box![]()
Yes, although it has 8 Gb RAM which you don't necessarily need for everyday use (email, web-browsing, word-processing etc). You could get by with only 4 Gb but none of those refurbs are available. Remember on the 2012 you can always add RAM in the future if your software needs more (unlike the 2014 soldered RAM)So would this base model be good for everyday computer use? I want to hook it up to a Thunderbolt Display.
Yeah they are the same price at Dell's online store right now. How happy are you with yours? Any of the backlight bleed issues people reported in the past?
I can afford to wait and I've seen them on sale for cheaper when Dell has sales (google RedflagDeals and U2713HM) so I am going to hold out for a bit. At least until Black Friday *fingers crossed*
Yes, although it has 8 Gb RAM which you don't necessarily need for everyday use (email, web-browsing, word-processing etc). You could get by with only 4 Gb but none of those refurbs are available. Remember on the 2012 you can always add RAM in the future if your software needs more (unlike the 2014 soldered RAM)
Movers package is free envelope stuffed with about 10 coupons inside and designed to help movers. Yeah, we are moving to mac-mini. BB is participating with 10% off coupon with unique code and validity dates (currently active) on any single item. Just ask for it and they will hand it over or it is on the shelf.What is movers package and how does it get 10% off?
Mike
Ok thanks.
Movers package is free envelope stuffed with about 10 coupons inside and designed to help movers. Yeah, we are moving to mac-mini. BB is participating with 10% off coupon with unique code and validity dates (currently active) on any single item. Just ask for it and they will hand it over or it is on the shelf.[COLOR="#808080
Who has these movers envelopes? Best Buy or the local post office?
The post office. For the truly lazy, you can even create a change of address request on the USPS website, and you can then print the coupons. However, you will be charged $1 for the convenience, and you have to remember to cancel your change of address request after you get the coupon.
Don't know why that person said forget open box. You can use the coupon on open box items. I got my mini for $360 after tax. Open Box!
Yes I used mine online, if it has an online code it should work. And yes. Mine is eligible for apple care to be extended. It's covered under the one year standard warranty, although mine already says it has a month of warrant used. I could change that by sending my receipt but I'll probably just get extended apple care later.
Does the Mover's coupon work online? Are the open box units from best buy eligible for Apple Care?
You take some risk with open box, even more with refurbished. I learned my lesson with MBP refurbished, it was not very pleasant. Still, many folks get good hardware, but some hardware has some serious sneaky issues., not all customers return because of they do not like it. Thanks for confirming the coupon works on refurbished items as well.Don't know why that person said forget open box. You can use the coupon on open box items. I got my mini for $360 after tax. Open Box!
Yep, but the chances are it is not used for very long as minis are sold pretty quickly. Another issue the previous customer may register and claim (with Apple) it is stolen or lock your mac remotely and give new owner a headache. I just checked open-box I found in local BB, they did not even have it in BB system, figures. The good news it was never registered, ah, Apple wanted to validate purchase date though, but not so fast, there is no rush to start counter...Be careful before assuming open box comes with a full one year Apple warranty. If you google this situation, you'll find many possibilities. For example, if the previous owner registered the item already, the warranty starts from that date because the serial number is known in the Apple system. It could also start on the date first sold.
BTW, BB coupon is good for anything, not just mini, everything, but in the store only. So I hope tomorrow there still some movers packages left in my post office, I need one more
According to small print on my coupon: in store, 1 item , 1 transaction per coupon.Does the Mover's coupon work online? Are the open box units from best buy eligible for Apple Care?
Just open memory access cover and inspect visually for fingerprints on the inside parts, scratches on screws and the cover surface for scratches. If it is clean - it is good, not used item. The rest you can validate when setting it up. Mine was wrapped, so I have to get home to inspect it. BTW, I got new (came with 10.9.3) and open-box (came with 10.9.4).Any concerns around the quality of a Best Buy open box product?