Product Refreshes

Whenever Apple introduces a new Mac or iPod, your local stores need to sell their old models. The best part is that Apple gives them strict orders to sell their merchandise at a discount. Lucky for us!

I got my dream machine, a Power Mac Dual G5, this way a few years ago. I knew the Intel-based Macs were about to come out so I checked the electronics stores near me that sold Macs. Sure enough, a few dozen were marked down. A couple of weeks later Apple introduced the first Macs using Intel processors.

Display Models

The computer I actually bought was also a display model. Because of that I was able to talk the salespeople down to an even lower price. It still carried the original Apple warranty but I probably would only do this for a desktop computer. Laptops take more abuse in the store but, other than the keyboard and mouse, a desktop just sort of sits there untouched. I’m very happy with my purchase and it still runs great.

Apple’s Online Store

Are you looking to buy another Mac or iPod soon? Does haggling with a sales clerk and running from store to store just sound like too much work? Then buying directly from Apple might be the best way to find a clearance Mac or iPod. The Special Deals section of Apple’s online store also includes clearance items and gets updated regularly. What could be easier than that!

Apple Refurbished iPods and Macs

What is a refurbished Mac or iPod? It’s one that was sent back to Apple for whatever reason. Whether someone just ordered the wrong color or it needed a little fixing, Apple spruces them up and sells them at a big, big discount. You can trust the quality and safety because Apple certifies each item just like their new products. These also carry a full 1-year warranty so it’s like they say on their site “Apple Certified. Good as New.”

How Cheap Are They?

You don’t have to look long to find a 33% discount or even 50% discount. That can really add up. Who wouldn’t want $50 off an iPod nano? Or a few hundred dollars off a Mac? Me, me, me! Actually, we started buying refurbished from Apple a few years ago and don’t plan to ever stop.

What’s The Catch?

So what’s the downside to getting such an awesome deal? There are three very minor problems with buying a refurbished product from Apple.

1. All of the items listed reflect the current inventory. So if no one returns the exact Mac you want then you can’t get a refurbished model. That isn’t usually a problem unless you want something super customized though. You’ll want to watch the site more closely since it updates each day.
2. It takes a little while for some of the newer products to show up. They have to get through the whole certification process so it usually takes several months before the refurbished models are available.
3. These don’t ship in the normal, pretty boxes that you see your the local Apple store. They come in a plainer, boring box instead. Don’t laugh. Some people love to save their pretty boxes!

Sign Me Up!

You just need to find the Special Deals section of Apple’s online store. There you’ll see links like Refurbished Mac, Refurbished iPod, and Refurbished iPhone (yes, even the iPhone). Then it’s just like ordering anything else from Apple. Except that you’re saving a ton of money!

(picture by Zengame)