refurbished
Latest
It's back! Amazon's $139 refurbished Kindle Fire deal returns for one more day
Did you miss late March's $139 Amazon Gold Box Deal on the refurbed Kindle Fire? Well, the retailer is giving you another chance, bringing back the deal for today (May 5th). It's the same discount as the last go-around -- namely, $30 off the standard price for the refurbished Fire -- and Amazon still certifies and reseals it. It's even throwing in a one-year warranty for good measure. Also like last time around, there's a limit of five discounted Fires per customer, so don't get too grabby.
GameStop to offer Android tablet and smartphone trade-ins, give you another excuse to upgrade
If you've been looking for a reason to replace your aging device with something a tad more contemporary, your local pawnshop GameStop is happy to oblige. According to Gadget Experts, the games retailer is looking to bolster its Android offerings with Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, Nexus S and Samsung Infuse 4G trade-ins at select GameStops this summer, expanding to all locations by the end of the year. Have a device that's not on this short list? Don't worry, Gadget Experts says the firm plans to fill out its touchable trade-in inventory with more devices in the future. So, what's a Galaxy Tab worth to gaming's favorite pawn star? We'll let you know when GameStop drops the official details.
Apple clearing out the old to make way for the new, selling iPad refurbs starting at $299
At this point, we're sure you've heard all about Cupertino's new slate. But, if for any reason the Retina display, iSight camera and A5X chip aren't enough to make you unload the $500+, Apple may have something for you. Quietly hiding in the online store's left corner is the special deals section, where a plethora of "Apple Certified Refurbished" devices await shoppers who don't mind a rejuvenated unit. For $299 you can virtually walk out with a WiFi, 16GB OG iPad, 50 bucks more gets you a second-gen with the same storage capacity and, if premium is your middle name, you could snag a 64GB WiFi / 3G iPad 2 for $679. It's also worth noting that all of them include a one-year warranty. Now, if that's still not budget-friendly enough, we hear there's a $129 tablet willing to take your cash. [Thanks, Eddie]
Apple cuts prices of refurbished iPad 2s
Just in time for Christmas, Apple has dropped the price of its refurbished iPad 2s by $80, which means you can now grab a sweet returned iPad 2 for as low as $419. These are of course items that have come back to Apple retail stores or otherwise not been sold due to defects, but they've been fixed up, tested and certified, given a brand new battery and shell, and are good to go with a one-year warranty. Sure, I bought my iPad 2 brand new, but I also spent another hundred bucks or so (I also went with the 32 GB -- the $419 price is for the 16 GB model). But if you're panicking about getting a sweet tablet under the tree this year, you won't find a better bang for your buck. [via AppleInsider]
Apple selling refurbished iPad 2s
For those of you who want to save a little money on an iPad 2, Apple has begun selling refurbished models on its online store. Apple currently has a stock of white and black Wi-Fi iPad 2 models for US$549.99 for the 32 GB model and $649.99 for the 64 GB model. Refurbished iPad 2 3G models will run you $679.99 for the 32 GB model and $779.99 for the 64 GB model. Those prices are a $50 savings over new models. Apple also has a selection of refurbished original iPads for sale, starting at $399.99 for a 32 GB iPad 3G model. All of Apple's refurbished products feature a one-year limited warranty and can be purchased with an extended AppleCare warranty. You can read Apple's Certified Refurbished Products guidelines here.
Refurbished iPads now just $299
Apple's got a new price on a refurbished iPad (that's an iPad 1, not the latest 2), and it's likely the lowest official price you'll ever pay for the tablet. $299 is the new magic number, for a 16 GB iPad Wi-Fi. Of course, that presumes that the unit will come back into stock, but it likely will before long. That price is the lowest available from Apple, so if you want to get an old iPad for cheap without going the used route, that's the best way to do it. The 32 GB Wi-Fi version is available for $399 refurbed, which is cheaper than new, but I'd say unless you really need the extra memory to the detriment of everything else, a brand new iPad 2 16 GB is only a hundred smackers more than that. Probably worth the extra cash in that case. Other sites will occasionally have the iPad for even cheaper than these prices, and of course there's always eBay or Craigslist if you want to pick up a used unit. If you're looking to buy and price shopping around, good luck!
Apple accused of selling refurbished iPhones as new in China
Apple may be facing yet another lawsuit, but this one does not involve patents or location-sharing. The Cupertino company is being sued by six Beijing residents who claim Apple sold them a refurbished iPhone as new. These six customers bought their phones at both Apple Stores and at authorized retailers in the Beijing area. Two customers checked their warranty terms and were shocked to discover the warranty was less than the standard year. They returned to the store and were not satisfied when the sales people offered only to replace their phones and not any extra compensation. The disgruntled pair contacted lawyer Wang Hai, a consumer advocate known for fighting against counterfeit goods. They were quickly joined by four other customers who had a similar experience with their iPhones. Wang Hai is inviting other customers with a receipt to join the lawsuit. The affected customers are asking for twice the price they originally paid for the phone, full payment of their legal fees and an apology from Apple. Though it's hard to believe, this practice may be occurring in Beijing and other parts of China. A report from the Guangzhou Daily suggests refurbished iPhones are being sold in stores throughout the region. Presumably against Apple policy, employees are reportedly cleaning up display models and returned phones and re-selling them as new.
Feeling lucky? Pick up a refurbished Xbox 360 for $100
You can buy an Xbox 360 for the low price of $99.99 at GameStop right now ... but be warned, it's a bit of a gamble. For one thing, you're not buying one of the new Xbox 360 S models, but the old, notoriously unreliable, RROD-prone original models (with a 20GB hard drive). And it's refurbished. And ... it comes with a 90 day warranty. Basically, what we're saying is don't get too attached to this $100 Xbox, because it could be out of your life at any time. Think of it as a rental for an unknown period.
Woot's deal of the day is a refurbished TiVo Premiere XL for $199
Desire a TiVo Premiere XL with its 1TB HDD but the price is holding you back? Woot.com is offering refurbed units for $199 today only, $100 less than the usual price from TiVo directly. You'll still need to sign up for the $12.95/month service plan with 1 year commitment and it might not make up for missing the standard Premiere DVRs when they were on the site for $65 last month, but when you're enjoying the THX certified audio and video and holding the premium backlit remote none of that will matter.
AT&T cuts prices on refurb iPhone 4s
If you're a form-follows-function kind of individual and you don't mind a "cosmetic blemish" or two on your phone -- as long as it works -- you might take a gander at AT&T's freshly reduced pricing on refurbished iPhone 4s. Units that have been hit with the ugly stick are as low as $79 for 16GB ($179 for 32GB), while standard refurbs -- which should be indistinguishable from new units for all practical purposes -- are $99 to $199. All four represent $50 discounts from their old prices, so it's possible that AT&T has started to get a healthy inventory of refurbs now that the phone's been out for a half year... so if you were trying to figure out what to do with all those $5 checks from your extended family, here's an option.
Think those warranty parts are new? Think again
We received a question from one of our readers earlier this week that made me cringe, cower in fear, and heavily debate posting the answer. He had just been to the Genius Bar and they had replaced his under-warranty iPhone for a hardware issue. He then asked us what the quality of said iPhone would be; is it new or refurbished, and will it be a problem in the future? Having spent time working behind the Genius Bar, as a technician at an Apple Authorized Service Provider, and now as the owner of my own repair shop in Denver... I know the history of the replacement parts and where they come from. If you have been involved with Apple repairs, you will probably know what I'm reluctant to tell you. If you are merely a consumer, prepare to be disappointed. The vast majority of parts that Apple ships to repair centers are what they consider "re-manufactured." As a Genius, I was coached to explain that process when we were asked where the parts came from. Customers would always respond with, "Wait, so you're giving me a refurbished iPhone?" I was told to say no, and to follow it by saying, "re-manufactured parts or products are different than refurbished. Someone may have used your device before you if it's a refurbished product... but in the re-manufacturing process, Apple uses known-good parts and builds new units out of them." So, they added a fake, nonsensical name to pretend that their parts or products weren't refurbished. What does this mean? The iPhone that you just received looks new on the outside because it has new glass, a new case, new battery... but the rest of the device is fair game for refurbished parts. The logic board, audio assembly, LCD, pretty much anything else on the inside that isn't visible from the exterior could be from another person's iPhone. I'm not saying that every part is used, every time... they'll use new parts if that's what they have in stock. But if they have working used parts, they won't hesitate to put them in your replacement iPhone. There is usually one scenario that will allot for a new replacement: if you purchased your device less than 14 days ago. In that case, they have the ability to do a POS (Point of Sale) swap instead of a repair. Any swap outside of 14 days needs a very good explanation and a manager's approval. This doesn't just apply to iPhones and iPods; it actually applies to any part they put into your Apple product. The logic board they put into your MacBook Pro: refurbished. The optical drive they put into your iMac: refurbished. The DC-In Board they put into your PowerBook G4: refurbished. There are many, many parts out there that Apple will happily replace for you, but beware -- it's probably not new. Re-manufactured is no different than refurbished. If you look at it from the environmental aspect, I have to give Apple some respect for repairing broken parts instead of just tossing them in the dump. Still, that doesn't mean that I -- as a consumer -- want someone's "fixed" two-year-old logic board going into my computer. At this point, though, I don't have much of a choice.
Oh, by the way: July 10, 2009
Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of mobile for Friday, July 10th, 2009: Russia's RoverPC is now shipping its G7, X7, and V7 models running Windows Mobile 6.1. All three feature heavily-customized interfaces by SPB. [Via TamsPPC] If you're willing to go with a refurb, the iPhone 3G 8GB is now down to $79 even on AT&T. [Via TUAW] The BlackBerry Tour 9630 is available through Canada's Bell -- beating Sprint's and Verizon's Sunday launches -- for CAD $249.95 on a three-year deal. [Via Electronista]
AT&T now offering refurbished 16GB iPhone for $149
It's always nice to see an already decent deal sweetened -- which is just what's happening over at AT&T these days. The company is now offering refurbished models of the 16GB iPhone 3G for $149 with a new two-year contract. That's $50 less than the previous price, so head over and save yourself a few bucks if you're so inclined. The 8GB refurb is still on offer at $99 with a two-year contract. It looks like the deals only apply to the black model, so you'll have to cough up full price ($299) for a new one if only white will do.Update: Looks like the white model's available for the $149 refurbished price, too. Good news!
Dallas News goes inside the belly of the GameStop repair beast
If you've ever wondered how GameStop is capable of breathing new life into your battered and bruised console trade-ins, you might want to check out a recent pictorial submitted by Dallas News staff photographer Louis DeLuca. If your mental image of the GameStop console repair ward involved kind, bespectacled seniors (and possibly jolly, miniscule elven craftsmen), you may find the snapshots a tad jarring. There seems to be very little Keebler-esque magic going on within that warehouse -- though it certainly looks like they've figured out the science behind the mass resurrection of corpsified consoles.
Refurbished BlackBerry Bold free-on-contract at AT&T (today, anyway)
Not digging that $299.99 on contract pricing for RIM's BlackBerry Bold? If you're kosher with placing previously loved gadgets in your presence, you can score one today for the low, low price of absolutely free. Apparently the deal is only valid on AT&T's website and only for today, so you might want to pull the trigger now and think about it later.[Via Boy Genius Report]
Sony's mylo 2 only available in refurbished form -- is the end near?
Sony's mylo 2 -- wait, you do remember what this thing is, right? -- could be headed for the grave... as if it wasn't already there in the minds of most. After Sony hacked a hundred bucks from the asking price during the run-up to Holiday Season 2008, we heard absolutely nothing further until now. Today, the very same order page shows that no new models are available to purchase, leaving prospective buyers with two clear-cut options: 1) walk away or 2) snag a refurb model in black or white for $149.99. So, is this the end for Sony's own Internet Device? Or is this just the calm before the sure-to-be-ferocious mylo 3 storm?[Thanks, Ali]
AT&T letting go of 8GB refurb iPhone 3Gs for $99 on contract
Ha, you or someone you love just paid full retail for an iPhone 3G a few days ago, didn't you? We've always heard that the best deals come after Christmas, but people just never learn. All smack talk aside, those who didn't get a new cellie under the tree, but did acquire a Benjamin or so courtesy of cash-stuffed holiday cards, can certainly score a big deal today. AT&T is now offering the 8GB iPhone 3G in refurbished form for just $99 with a two-year agreement, while the 16GB refurb is $199 on contract in either black or white. Call us crazy, but we don't foresee these hanging around in stock for too awfully long.[Thanks, Brenson]
Crazy AT&T gets $150 refurb'd iPhone 3G in stock, will club a baby seal if you don't buy one
If Walmart's $197 iPhone 3G had you salivating, wait until you get ahold of this deal: AT&T has refurbished iPhone 3Gs in stock for a mere $150, effectively doubling your rice and ramen budget for the month should you take the plunge. AT&T claims the refurbs were returned within the 30 day trial period, are quality tested, and might be just a little scuffed up. If you're really feeling wild, there's also a 16GB refurb available for $250. Apple and AT&T are being a little shady on the warranty, stating "90 days or more," as opposed to the standard one year, but that's a risk you and your growling stomach are just going to have to take.[Via Cnet]
Refurb Kindles now available for $329; please, try to contain yourselves
With Black Friday a thing of the past and the holiday season rapidly approaching, you want to hook up everyone you know with something nice. Amazon's trying to make that a bit easier on the wallet by offering up refurbished Kindles for $329 straight up -- a first for the funky little ebook reader. While it's not as much of a price reduction as we would have liked, it is a start, but with new devices and pricing rumored for early 2009, to us it just seems like too little, too late. [Via KindleBoards]
Pre-owned iPhones fetching crazy prices post-iPhone 3G launch
This little phenomenon has been going on ever since lines were wrapped around buildings as consumers waited impatiently for the iPhone 3G, but even now, original iPhones are fetching wild prices on the secondhand market. In a weird twist of economics, Apple's iPhone actually maintained the majority of its value even after its successor hit the market. Why, you ask? Put simply, first-gen iPhones purchased from eBay or other pre-owned resellers arrives sans an AT&T contract, and of course, it can be (relatively) easily unlocked to work with some other carrier. PSA: if you're still sitting on your old iPhone for no apparent reason, now would probably be an excellent time to test the market.[Image courtesy of IFOAppleStore]
