iamthedudeman, don't get me wrong. I'm in no way questioning you or thinking that you're lying. On the contrary, your posts have been very helpful as I'm now actually considering a refurb when I wasn't even thinking about one only a few days ago. I've just been trying to get as much info as possible in order to make an informed decision. Through your posts and others on this thread, I now have a better understanding of the refurb process.
I realize that refurb doesn't always equal used. I don't consider an imac that's been opened then returned for any of the various issues after a couple of weeks "used". So my mistake for using that term. But what about an imac that's been returned under AppleCare after one year of useage. Yes the problem component would swapped out, but every other component would remain if it passed their testing would it not? I'd classify the year old imac as "used" because of this. This isn't a bad thing since you do save $$$, and still get to buy AppleCare.
I found the following info on tuaw to be an interesting read on this issue:
http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/think-those-warranty-parts-are-new-think-again/
Cheers.
No problem.
And no offence taken. Yes you are correct. If every component passed their testing and they just replaced the one that did not and that happened to be the one that was handed in for. Yes the inside components would be a year old. The outside case is changed regardless, as is the mouse and keyboard.
But the factor you have to consider is that the computer that has some old parts are not actually old. Imacs are produced in batches. Thousands upon thousands at a time through out the year. So even in brand new machines after that model has been out a year, the parts are most likely as old as the one that was replaced in the refurbished mac. The only difference is that the one put in the refurb was actually checked.
You can buy a brand new imac in Dec that was produced in Jan.
Also you can have a brand new part that is actually newer than a part in a brand new mac since the brand new mac was produced in a batch over twelve months ago.
You can buy a brand new 24"inch imac today that was actually manufactured a year ago. Have a problem with it, and receive a refurb with parts newer than the "brand new' 24 inch imac that you just handed in.
It can go either way.
The main factor is that they(the parts) were actually tested, and working. Where a brand new one may have not. You are more likely to have problems with a brand new machine than with a refurb.
Also since the new model of macs just came out. The refurbs now will all have new parts. Probably newer than the new ones since there are not enough bad ones now to repair parts. The new ones were probably produced over six months ago.
The refurbs now of the new models are probably going to have all new parts, since they have not been on the market that long, and the existing parts are as old as the new ones on the shelf. So within the first six months of a new product release, such as the new imacs, you most likely will get the best of both worlds, a machine with all new parts, that was actually checked and rechecked. And cheaper to boot.
As with anything refurbished. As the model line gets older, the more used parts will go into that model. That is why it is best to get a refurb within the first six months of a products life cycle. Even though I see nothing wrong with a re-manufactured part. If you do have a problem with them, your best bet is to get a refurb within the first six months to guarantee all new parts in your machine.
If you get a refurb now of the new models, you will not have that problem.