Buying a Used/Refurbished previous generation iMac

[jmFightSpam]

Hi,

Anyone know of a reputable place online where one could purchased a certified used/refurbished previous generation, Intel Core 2 Duo, iMac? I know the Apple store sells a few, but not a lot. And, of course, I am wanting one that would hit that value/benefit ratio where just buying a new one would not make more sense.

I think I want to avoid buying one off an individual from eBay -- I can just forsee a bunch of issues with that approach. Maybe locally from CraigsList, but even then....

Thanks.

 

[je1ani]

I would just buy one on ebay with a credit card... That way if you have any errors you can just dispute with your credit card company it's broken.. 99/100 they will just refund it instantly. I don't know if you can just get one from there or craigslist and just buy applecare? Make sure you get the receipt from the original owner too.

 

[gkarris]

http://www.powermax.com/category/Special_Value_Macs/PM_SV.html

http://www.dvwarehouse.com/Apple-iMac-G5--Intel-Core-c-253_4895_4899.html

I've bought peripherals from both places and they seem to be good places for Apple stuff...

 

[alljunks]

apple recertified section!!!

 

[kheller2]

http://www.smalldog.com/wag17623/at_dealmac

Dealmac EXCLUSIVE. Web Only.

* Condition: New, never used, 1 year factory warranty
* Part Number: 2/APPMA456/n
* FMid: 41261
* Platform: Mac
* Qty: 141 in stock

This wag also includes:
iPod shuffle 1GB Silver

Sale Price: $1499.99

 

[TheSelfishGene]

http://www.powermax.com/category/Special_Value_Macs/PM_SV.html

http://www.dvwarehouse.com/Apple-iMac-G5--Intel-Core-c-253_4895_4899.html

I've bought peripherals from both places and they seem to be good places for Apple stuff...

God in heaven why would you willingly pay 500$ more to some noname website when you can get the exact same thing at the Apple refurb? And Apple is screwing you already at their prices...

 

[JAT]

I'm not sure if this is what others meant, but the Apple Refurb store is definitely the place to do this. They offer the same warranty as on new machines. And, depending on your timing, the deals can be really great. It is hit/miss sometimes with what is available, but usually for a few months after a major update (like aluminum iMacs) is a good time to buy the previous model on refurb. Check every day if they don't have what you want.

$1000 right now for a 20". You would want to add RAM, though. Actually, on occasion computers from the refurb store will come with more stuff than is indicated. So even if you expect to need to upgrade something, wait to get the computer before buying extra stuff. My refurb Mini 1.66/1GB/80GB turned out to be a 1.66/2GB/120GB when it showed up.

 

[bluefiberoptics]

My Mom JUST received a 20 inch iMac Core 2 Duo White refurb today. I set it up and tweaked it. Fantastic machine!

 

[AsylumCam]

I would say the Apple store (refurbs) is your best bet. I just ordered a 24 in White iMac for $1449. Like mentioned above, same warrenty as a new one.