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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

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:eek:
 
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.

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*
 
Base

So would this base model be good for everyday computer use? I want to hook it up to a Thunderbolt Display.
 
So would this base model be good for everyday computer use? I want to hook it up to a Thunderbolt Display.
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)
 
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*

I was worried about issues too, but the first one I got has none of the issues that I've read about. It seems to be very well rated on Newegg and the like... I'm thinking that the issues have been sorted out since it's been out for a while.

Only thing is that it is not ideal for FPS gaming. Otherwise, fantastic monitor.
 
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)

Ok thanks.
 
What is movers package and how does it get 10% off?


Mike
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.

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Ok thanks.

Even light browsing would trigger swap on 4GB RAM mini on Yosemite. It is less hungry on Mavericks, but it is in the past. 16GB RAM is very reasonable on Amazon ~ $137 + tax.
 
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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?
 
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.
 
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.

I am going to attempt your Post Office coupon trick tomorrow. Details to come. If I can get 10% off the $449 2012 Mini, I am going to buy two.
 
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!
 
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!

Does the Mover's coupon work online? Are the open box units from best buy eligible for Apple Care?
 
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.
 
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.

Any concerns around the quality of a Best Buy open box product?
 
Does the Mover's coupon work online? Are the open box units from best buy eligible for Apple Care?

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.
 
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!
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.

BTW, BB coupon is good for anything, not just mini, everything (well almost), but in the store only. So I hope tomorrow there still some movers packages left in my post office, I need one more :)

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.
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...
 
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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 :)


If you do the online USPS mover's request, you get emailed/mailed a BB coupon that will indeed work online.
 
Does the Mover's coupon work online? Are the open box units from best buy eligible for Apple Care?
According to small print on my coupon: in store, 1 item , 1 transaction per coupon.

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Any concerns around the quality of a Best Buy open box product?
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).
 
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I think I'm ok with my $399 I5 from Best Buy, and will use savings from planned I7 instead to see what the future brings.
 
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I folded yesterday not buying one of the 2012 i7 minis from the Apple Store yesterday. I'm in dire need of replacing my 2008 iMac but am going the cheaper route this time around. I really use my iPad and iPhone for most of my web browsing and emails. I really only need my desktop for some photos and iTunes. Any other suggestions? Would the 2014 model be good?
 
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