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Two questions regarding macbook air refurbished models
- Thread starter tennis11
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You can check the price difference with the current models, but I believe it's typically 15%. It usually takes about a month and a half for the first refurbs to be online.
About $150, and only about two weeks,after the new ones are released,these are new,removedvfrom the box,put in a generic box and shipped as refurb,
With last year's MBA updates it was about six weeks before they entered the refurbished section. Most Macs make it there in a few weeks though.
If by some miracle I want this year's model, I will probably wait and buy it via the refurbished section. They are for basically BRAND NEW. Let's say someone returned one because there was a dent in it. Apple puts a brand new complete exterior on it before selling refurbished. I have always had a great experience even though they're called "refurbished." My problem has always been waiting for them to show up in the refurbished section as I usually want my new Macs right when they're released.
I have to agree with Cheffy Dave though, that there is some serious speculation that they are using brand new ones and just repackaging them. It's like another market for those of us willing to wait, and accept the fact that it might be called refurbished but it looks and seems brand new. In addition, when checking build dates sometimes they seem newer than buying a brand new one as they're often two weeks old with even fewer batter cycles than reported new.
I would definitely recommend saving some money and waiting. In addition, the prior models are going to be available at gigantic discounts if Apple really includes 128GB Flash storage and 4GB RAM standard. Basically, the refurbished old models will need to be at the proper value vs. the new ones to sell. So if the new ones are $999 with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD, I expect the old 11" MBAs with 2GB RAM and 64GB SSDs to sell around $729. When Apple sells prior generation MacBooks they're often listed at $729 to $769, and the current generation at $849 (and those were both $999 when new). So, Apple needs to mark these down accordingly, not just a percentage off what the price WAS, but a price that compares to the new ones minus the percentage discounts to account for them being old model, having less features, and etc.
I expect the current 13" MBAs with 2GB RAM and 128GB SSDs to be lowered to $999 or less in the refurbished section. The big problem for those wanting Nvidia GPU-based MBAs will be the lack of 4GB RAM in them in the refurbished section as I expect them to go quick whenever there are any available.
If by some miracle I want this year's model, I will probably wait and buy it via the refurbished section. They are for basically BRAND NEW. Let's say someone returned one because there was a dent in it. Apple puts a brand new complete exterior on it before selling refurbished. I have always had a great experience even though they're called "refurbished." My problem has always been waiting for them to show up in the refurbished section as I usually want my new Macs right when they're released.
I have to agree with Cheffy Dave though, that there is some serious speculation that they are using brand new ones and just repackaging them. It's like another market for those of us willing to wait, and accept the fact that it might be called refurbished but it looks and seems brand new. In addition, when checking build dates sometimes they seem newer than buying a brand new one as they're often two weeks old with even fewer batter cycles than reported new.
I would definitely recommend saving some money and waiting. In addition, the prior models are going to be available at gigantic discounts if Apple really includes 128GB Flash storage and 4GB RAM standard. Basically, the refurbished old models will need to be at the proper value vs. the new ones to sell. So if the new ones are $999 with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD, I expect the old 11" MBAs with 2GB RAM and 64GB SSDs to sell around $729. When Apple sells prior generation MacBooks they're often listed at $729 to $769, and the current generation at $849 (and those were both $999 when new). So, Apple needs to mark these down accordingly, not just a percentage off what the price WAS, but a price that compares to the new ones minus the percentage discounts to account for them being old model, having less features, and etc.
I expect the current 13" MBAs with 2GB RAM and 128GB SSDs to be lowered to $999 or less in the refurbished section. The big problem for those wanting Nvidia GPU-based MBAs will be the lack of 4GB RAM in them in the refurbished section as I expect them to go quick whenever there are any available.
I love refurb machines from Apple - they do (as both of you say) always seem to be brand new - at least any ones that I've ever recieved.
But let's clarify - when you say that they ship "new" models as refurb, you're both talking about clearing out old models. They aren't gonna take random new 2011 MBAs and put them out as refurbs. But they'll often sell out old 2010 models as "refurb" even though they're just left-over stock when the new models are released.
Ebay might be a good choice for those wishing to dump their current (for one more day) models in lieu of the imminent refresh.
Guy on there's selling an ultimate 13" MBA in my city for $1100.
I mean, wow.
Guy on there's selling an ultimate 13" MBA in my city for $1100.
I mean, wow.
Keep in mind, though, that you can be getting a "used" Mac-- and that the batteries in them are *used* not new!
The web site on refurbs is curiously silent on that matter, but call Apple and you'll find out that it's a crapshoot as to the battery condition, charge, and life! That really shocked me as I expected them to be putting new batteries in!
There are many refurbs now available on the Apple store--and there are even discounts if you go through an educational store (if you are eligible). Last year's 11" MacBook Air is only $749 through an ed store!
But, it's also only 2 gb RAM (non upgraadable), 64gb SSD, and UNKNOWN battery. I was so tempted until I found out about the battery issue. I may just have to buy new!
The web site on refurbs is curiously silent on that matter, but call Apple and you'll find out that it's a crapshoot as to the battery condition, charge, and life! That really shocked me as I expected them to be putting new batteries in!
There are many refurbs now available on the Apple store--and there are even discounts if you go through an educational store (if you are eligible). Last year's 11" MacBook Air is only $749 through an ed store!
But, it's also only 2 gb RAM (non upgraadable), 64gb SSD, and UNKNOWN battery. I was so tempted until I found out about the battery issue. I may just have to buy new!