Might look like a stupid question but in my case it is not.

Over the years I noticed that you guys have no problem buying refurb and that appears to be the way to go.

Still hoping/needing to visit your country at the first available opportunity and the wife demands a light notebook. Down here, even with no support, Apple machines are a significant status symbol. Prices are simply absurd.

So, if we were to land anywhere near Miami or NYC, how should I proceed?

My CC is likely not worth the plastic it's printed on but I'll have cash if I need to make a money transfer.

Advise greatly appreciated.

0-0

This may be a shot in the dark but...

A couple of months ago I went through the tale of woe with my daughter and her Apple Air that her cat knocked a bottle of Pepsi on and my dissatisfaction with the Apple Store. You can search that thread out if you like, I felt that the store was not very helpful and bordering on untruthful, that is my opinion only though.

Anyway, I found a independent store, Apples and Oranges in Ann Arbor. I dealt with the owner, Raul, he repaired in 24 hours at a cost of one third of what Apple quoted me, $285 vs. $8-900.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/apple...-oranges-ann-arbor-3

Maybe contact him to see if he has any refurbished units? He also is on Facebook, contact him through there.

An Apple Store or www.woot.com

Can you buy online? The Apple refurbished prices may not be the lowest, but that's where I would buy.

https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished

quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:

An Apple Store

I'm pretty sure that Apple stores do not stock refurbished products for in-store sale.

However, you can order re-furbs from the Apple website and have the item shipped to a store for pick-up. I think this requires payment with a credit card at the time of order, so that might not work.

Maybe one of our members in Miami or NYC can help Nicky?

An Apple store or, in Dallas, TX, MicroCenter. MicroCenter is an Apple authorized location selling both new and refurb’d machines. There may also be other authorized dealers in other parts of the country. As for prices, Apple is going to control that regardless. Since the refurbs are likely not “new” models, you may find small store discounts, but expect them to be very close to Apple’s pricing.

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:

However, you can order re-furbs from the Apple website and have the item shipped to a store for pick-up. I think this requires payment with a credit card at the time of order, so that might not work.

I think this is the best route. If you look on the refurb section of the Apple website (https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished) you should see laptops in different configurations available for sale. As V-Tail said, I'm pretty sure you can have the item shipped to an Apple Store for pick-up.

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:

quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:

An Apple Store

I'm pretty sure that Apple stores do not stock refurbished products for in-store sale.

Yes, but he can also possibly try out a new unit of the refurb he can order then pick up at the Apple store.

Also check out Otherworld Computing macsales.com

I'm using a refurbished Macbook Air, purchased from Apple, which was a very good deal. I had it shipped direct to me.

quote:

Originally posted by sns3guppy:

I'm using a refurbished Macbook Air, purchased from Apple, which was a very good deal. I had it shipped direct to me.

The member who posted the question lives in Argentina. He will be visiting the U.S.A. and wants to get the computer while he is here. Apple stores do not stock re-furb units for sale, so he is trying to figure out how to buy one.

I was given the option of having the computer shipped to an apple store. Six of one, half dozen the other. Call them, talk to them, pick out what's wanted, have it shipped. Home, an apple store, whatever.

Two ways come to mind, with #1 being less complicated. (Actually, there is a third if used is OK: Buy a used product from a 3rd party vendor; there are plenty of almost-new laptops for sale all over the country, NYC especially. The 13" Macbook Air I bought from a SIGforum forum member in 2012 still had a month of warranty, and is only now losing its battery; I'm about to swap in a new $80 battery and make it my primary).

1] Using cash to fund a prepaid Visa, buy the product your wife prefers from Apple's Refurbished page and have it shipped to the hotel at which you'll be staying. Can you load up a card with pesos but buy in dollars?

2] Liaison with a trusted member who lives near a hotel in which you'll be staying. Transfer money to him/her. Choose the product you want, ask them to order the product. Either have it direct-shipped to the hotel or the liasonee, who would bring the item to your hotel.

---

This is from an Argentina website. Could you translate the pricing model for me? Thanks!

I wouldn’t by any refurb Apple product from anyone but Apple.

Apples refurbs are for all intents and purposes “new”. Same one year warranty, anything with a battery has a new/unused battery, and eligible for extended AppleCare+ warranty.

In this case, order from Apple in most cases they have 1-3 day delivery. While ship to store is an option, doesn’t need to go to Apple store, can go to hotel you are staying at or friends/relatives, wherever.

quote:

Originally posted by Woodman:
This is from an Argentina website. Could you translate the pricing model for me? Thanks!

Woodman, in LatAm and Europe they write numbers with punctuation that is exactly opposite of ours.

$25.399,00 Argentine Pesos would be written $25,399.00 in the US. At the current rate of conversion, that iPad is $560 USD.

quote:

Originally posted by 911Boss:
I wouldn’t by any refurb Apple product from anyone but Apple.

^^^^^

THIS, x1000

Other places's "refurbishment" is a quick cleanup and MAYBE a new battery. Maybe.

Apple takes these apart and replaces everything that needs replacing plus a new battery plus a new warranty. It's actually a really great deal for those people who don't want or need the very bleeding edge latest models.

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:
The member who posted the question lives in Argentina. He will be visiting the U.S.A. and wants to get the computer while he is here. Apple stores do not stock re-furb units for sale, so he is trying to figure out how to buy one.

And buying from Apple online, you can always pay a bit extra for express shipping (usually 1-2 days). If the OP is only here for a limited time, this might be a good option.

Maybe the Forum can step up and help 0-0 get his laptop?

OP, maybe someone closest to where you'll be in the US on your visit can get it shipped to them and you pick it up from them?

0-0, if you come to Miami I can buy one and have it waiting for you.

Just send me an email.

quote:

Originally posted by GaryBF:
Can you buy online? The Apple refurbished prices may not be the lowest, but that's where I would buy.

https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished

I have purchased both Apple notebooks as well as other refurbished items from Apple with no issues. The best part is the full standard warranty applies.