Am looking at iMAc Model MC309LL/A 21.5" all in one with 500GB hard drive and intel i5 processor. Price for refurb. unit is less than $500.00. Here's my questions; anyone using this model and if so what are your thoughts and is it Bluetooth capable. Also can you use Logitech lighted keyboard with it? Any thoughts, pros or cons appreciated.

I can't speak for that model but I can speak for their refurb program.

Bought the Mrs. an iPhone 6s earlier this year under their refurb program. Phone was going great until a month ago. It took a crap and wouldn't start up. The refurb stuff comes with a 1 year warranty just like their new products. We call Apple and the tech tries to update her phone online, it didn't work. He said go to Best Buy as their wait is shorter than the Apple Store. Tried the Geek Squad at BB but they couldn't get it to update, either.

Geek Squad said go to Apple Store so we did. Got there first thing in the morning, the Genius Bar people tried to update the phone, it didn't work. They swapped out the phone with little hassle after verifying it was still within the 1 year warranty period.

They'll stand behind their product if you have an issue.

I was pessimistic about buying a refurb product, kind of like how car dealers sell "certified pre-owned" and not knowing exactly what they do. Now I wouldn't hesitate to buy another refurb from Apple.

All I buy are refurbs.

My first choice is refurb, if available.

BUT, refurb's from directly from Apple, not from a third party.

And yes it has Bluetooth.

That's a decent price/model, though it's six years old. But that's why it's cheaper. Here's a comparison model from Micro Center to give you an idea. Linky

Quick comparison reveals the linked model...

-$579.99 - more expensive
-8gb ram (double from the other one (only 4gb) and the ram is a faster speed 1600 Mhz vs 1333 Mhz)
-twice the HD size 1TB vs 500gb
-2.7Ghz i5 processor is faster
-Bluetooth 4.0 instead on 2.1 (newer version on more expensive computer)
-appears to have a better graphics card but I'd need to check that.
-manufactured late 2012 (a year plus more modern).

Couple of things to consider. Might find some deals with Black Friday around the corner too!

quote:

Originally posted by bigeinkcmo:
That's a decent price/model, though it's six years old. But that's why it's cheaper. Here's a comparison model from Micro Center to give you an idea. Linky
Quick comparison reveals the linked model...

-$579.99 - more expensive
-8gb ram (double from the other one (only 4gb) and the ram is a faster speed 1600 Mhz vs 1333 Mhz)
-twice the HD size 1TB vs 500gb
-2.7Ghz i5 processor is faster
-Bluetooth 4.0 instead on 2.1 (newer version on more expensive computer)
-appears to have a better graphics card but I'd need to check that.
-manufactured late 2012 (a year plus more modern).

Couple of things to consider. Might find some deals with Black Friday around the corner too!

Sounds great but I'm no where near any of their stores for pick up.

Refurbs direct from Apple are the way to go. My daughter has one for a year now and loves it.

IMO, forget the hard drive. Runs HOT. I doubt if you'll ever fill that 500G HD.

Get one with a SSD flash drive which runs faster and cooler. 250G should be enough.