Retina 5K iMac Models Now Available From Apple's Online Refurbished Store

because the return rate is probably high. there is a a lot of variance between screens. Apple QC stinks these days....

Proof:

https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1831739 (https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1831739)

https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1814524 (https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1814524)

I would have bought one already. but Apple continues to use crap LG LCD modules that have defects. just like the LG LCD's that had ghosting issues on the rMBP's..... should have just used samasung or sharp....

You're less likely to get a defective model through Apple refurbished

because the return rate is probably high. there is a a lot of variance between screens. Apple QC stinks these days....

People have been commenting on Apple's QC "these days" since I got interested in the Macintosh SE.

because the return rate is probably high. there is a a lot of variance between screens. Apple QC stinks these days....

Proof:

You are taking a thread on MacRumors as _proof_? Seriously?

There is a good chance it was returned for a poor screen. But should be fine for most buyers.

Could be one of those people who automatically spot non-existing faults if the display is made by the "wrong" company. Those that could be kept happy if Apple put a "Samsung display" sticker on the monitor.

Great chance at a good price, but I can't help but reflect on how quick refurbs hit the store. Makes me wonder about the return rate - quality issues, etc.? Maybe just too many pixels for the average joe? haha

Apple has a fourteen days return policy. The Macs returned cannot be sold as new. So every single Retina iMac sold on the first day could have been returned 14 days later. Since Apple won't like to keep these iMacs in a warehouse for a long time, this means that the return rate must actually be quite low.

While some of my clients have had tremendous success with refurbs more have had serious issues. Remember, it was refurbished usually for a SERIOUS problem to begin with and it really is a crap shoot in the end. Good luck if saving a few bucks up front is worth the potential headaches you might get with a refurb.

Not entirely true. Some of these units may be units that failed cosmetic OQC, or be build to order units that were cancelled prior to shipment. Some may be units that were sent back from partners/shows/demonstrations/etc. The last two Macs I've bought (a 27" late 2013 iMac and a mid 2014 13" MacBook Pro) have both been as good as new out of the box, and come with the same level of consumer protection by law as a "new" unit. I've saved £300 across the two purchases. It amazes me that more people don't go this route. All the refurbished units will have been through a full quality check that they work as they should. It's a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned

because the return rate is probably high. there is a a lot of variance between screens. Apple QC stinks these days....

Proof:

https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1831739 (https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1831739)

https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1814524 (https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1814524)

I would have bought one already. but Apple continues to use crap LG LCD modules that have defects. just like the LG LCD's that had ghosting issues on the rMBP's..... should have just used samasung or sharp....

I hear the low end retina imacs struggle pushing all those pixels during demanding tasks. Personally, I'm waiting for the 2nd or 3rd gen before I take the retina imac plunge. I saw the screen at the Apple Store tho, and it is stunning. I'm just gonna wait. I was also bummed that unlike the previous gen 27" imac, you cannot use the retina iMac as an external monitor, which decreases its future value in my opinion. I'd like to be able to extend its usefulness in the future.