Display Model iMac or Brand New iMac?

[Squarerootofsixtynine]

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We went canvassing for an iMac today with plans on buying the 21.5" base model. However, we came across a store (a famous one here in the area) that was selling a display model iMac for approx. 650 USD compared the brand new one which is 1200 USD, I think. The problem is, this model is a PREVIOUS gen iMac (the one with Core 2 Duos and doesn't have the 500 GB hard drive and discrete graphics but has the same hardware). I was thinking, is saving nearly 50% worth it for a previous gen display model? I'm not really a power user, I'm a student, and we were thinking of using it as a family computer. Mainly for browsing, syncing our iOS devices, chatting, some photo management, etc. Is this a viable buy or should we just jump in to the base brand new model with i3 processors and a bigger harddrive? Thanks!

 

[iMaccore2]

I would just go for the display model. That is a killer deal.

 

[coolspot18]

I say option 3 - refurbished from apple.ca.

 

[upinflames900]

If there is nothing wrong with the display model and you still can get applecare, then yea go with the display model.

 

[Tomorrow]

However, we came across a store (a famous one here in the area) that was selling a display model iMac for approx. 650 USD compared the brand new one which is 1200 USD, I think.

Display model?

Do you have any idea how many people have played around with that display model, especially if it's been there since the previous generation?

Yeah, I don't either.

 

[Mikey7c8]

Display model?

Do you have any idea how many people have played around with that display model, especially if it's been there since the previous generation?

Yeah, I don't either.

With a new keyboard and a wiped hard drive this is hardly an issue.

Based on what you've said your requirements are the display model would be fine.

 

[AndyMoore]

You could probably eBay it for more

 

[300D]

Display models are USED computers.
Refurbished are NEW computers.

Big difference. I wouldn't buy a display model unless it was 1/2 off.

 

[ZilogZ80]

Display models are USED computers.
Refurbished are NEW computers.

Big difference. I wouldn't buy a display model unless it was 1/2 off.

I wouldn't ever buy a display model computer at all but obviously that is personal preference. If they could give you a 1 year warranty it sounds like a reasonable deal though.

Refurb would be a superior option for me however. You would also be getting a current model.

 

[MoreAwesomeDanU]

ehh after working in retail for some years, im not a big fan of display models. Besides the obvious fact that customers does not take good care of them, the staff doesn't either. We force shut down and pull the plug on display models every night before closing. trust me its not good for the computer.

 

[Squarerootofsixtynine]

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They are giving a one-year warranty. And the mouse and keyboard will be brand new since they aren't on display. But what the poster above said really turned me off from buying it. Although, it seem like a steal for half the price.

 

[ZilogZ80]

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They are giving a one-year warranty. And the mouse and keyboard will be brand new since they aren't on display. But what the poster above said really turned me off from buying it. Although, it seem like a steal for half the price.

Yes, it seems like a reasonable deal if they include the warranty.

 

[Squarerootofsixtynine]

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Even if it's a previous gen with Core 2 Duo Processors and less discrete graphics card?

 

[robertpetry]

That sounds like a very good deal to me.

My wife bought a display model Mcbook Pro 15 inch over three years ago. Full warranty, bought AppleCare and it has been a very good computer. The hard drive did die once but Apple covered it. A dread hard drive after 2 1/2 years is not too unusual so I don't really blame the "display model" for that.

Outside of some wear and tear I wouldn't worry about things like forced shut downs or other software issues. That is why they wipe the hard drive and reinstall everything before you get it.

At half price that is a very good deal IMHO.

 

[Squarerootofsixtynine]

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Thanks for all your help! I think I'm gonna buy the display model but I'm wondering since that model's screen has been on for a long time and used a lot, does it affect the quality of the screen? Is the native 1080p resolution exacerbated or what? Thanks.