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Nintendo is selling refurbished 3DS, DSi through its online store
It's hard to get more credible than "authentic refurbished Nintendo products" from Nintendo's official store. Nintendo of America is selling refurbished 3DS and DSi consoles, starting at $100 for Metallic Rose and Midnight Blue DSi XLs, and $130 for the 3DS in Aqua Blue and Midnight Purple.Nintendo's blurb says its line represents "the only refurbished products in the market that have been cleaned, tested, and inspected to meet Nintendo's high standards." Well then. The portables have a one year warranty and are guaranteed to work, even if there are any "minor cosmetic blemishes."Alas, Eurofriends, it seems this one's a NoA thing. "We currently have no plans and have made no announcements for this type of activity in Europe," Nintendo UK told Eurogamer.
Nintendo now selling refurbished DSi XL and 3DS units for $100 and up
It's easy for us to go shopping for a refurbished Nintendo handheld at stores and auction houses, but not if we're looking for a huge bargain: small discounts and dodgy quality often make it wiser to buy new instead. Nintendo has just offered us some better reasons to scrimp and save by quietly offering both the DSi XL and 3DS through its refurb shop. The used (and occasionally bruised) systems respectively start at $100 and $130, or $30 and $40 less than they'd normally cost -- enough to justify splurging on a game or two. While the selection is currently scarce, we'll set that qualm aside when everything gets the same year-long warranty as a new unit. About the only debate left is whether or not we're looking for a dedicated game machine in the first place.
Daily Update for April 9, 2013
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
27-inch iMacs hit Apple's refurb store
Apple introduced its new thin iMac models last year and now those beauties have landed in the company's certified refurbished outlet. As reported by Engadget and MacRumors, the refurbished 27-inch iMac is available for up to $270 off the regular retail price. The refurbished base Core i5 model sells for $1,529 and includes a 2.9 GHz Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, a 1 TB HDD and a gorgeous 2,560 x 1,440 display. A 3.2 GHz Core i5 model is available for $1,699, and the Core i7 models are available starting at $1,869. Each refurbished model comes with a one-year warranty from Apple. [Via Engadget and MacRumors]
Refurbished 27-inch iMacs hit the Apple store, start at $1,529
Lusting after Apple's giant, yet shockingly thin 27-inch iMac? The object of your desire just got a little cheaper -- well, as long as you don't mind refurbished goods. The extra large all-in-one is the latest Apple product to hit the company's certified refurbished store, offering as much as $270 the product's regular price. The iMac's 2.9GHz Core i5 base model can be had for $1,529, replete with 8GB of RAM, a 1TB HDD and that luxuriously large 2560 x 1440 display. Apple is also offering refurbished versions of the 3.2Ghz model for $1,699 and 3.4GHz Core i7 rigs for $1,869 and $2,199, depending on the configuration. As always, Cupertino promises that the machines have gone through a rigorous restoration process, but offers a included one-year warranty to put the concerns of cautious buyers to rest. Mosey on over to the source link to consider your savings. Still too rich for your blood? Well, there is a 21-inch model, too.
iPad minis, 4th gen models in Apple's refurb store
Apple has listed refurbished iPad minis and fourth-generation iPads on the Apple store online for the first time. The devices are being sold at 6 percent and 10 percent off of retail, depending on the model. They all come with a one-year, limited warranty. All refurbished iPads also come with a brand-new battery and a brand-new casing. Refurbished units tend to sell out quickly so if you want to get your hands on these you should act fast. Don't worry if you miss out, as more are sure to show up.
Refurbished 4th-gen iPads and iPad Minis hit the Apple Store
If you've been lusting after Apple's latest tablet offerings but couldn't muster the funds to snag one, you just might have your chance now. Seemingly a rite of passage for Apple products, the Cupertino company is now offering the iPad Mini and the 4th-gen iPad for slightly cheaper prices as refurbs. Depending on the model, they're on sale for anywhere from six to ten percent off. For example, the 16GB 4th-gen iPad sans LTE is now $449 after a $50 discount, while an LTE-free 32GB Mini is $389 after a $40 discount. Not every single iteration is in stock at the moment -- the base 16GB Mini isn't listed, for instance -- but we're sure the inventory will be filled out soon enough. Have a peek at the source to see if you can score yourself a sweet deal on a bonafide Apple tablet that's almost as good as new.
Track refurbished Apple hardware with RefurbMe
RefurbMe is a website that keeps track of refurbished stock at Apple's online store. And that's quite useful if you're not in a position to pay full price for a Mac. Some years ago we covered a refurb store widget, but RefurbMe takes it to the next level. I have a slight confession to make. I've never paid full price for a Mac. Of the Macs I've owned, I've either bought second hand, at educational pricing or refurbished at a discount from the Apple Store. Buying refurbished from Apple is actually a pretty good deal. Products are sold as new, and with the same one-year warranty that non-refurbished Apple products come with, but usually at a reasonable discount -- particularly models that are a generation or two old. But even current generation models come up on the refurb store at a discount. However, it can be difficult to track what's happening on the refurb store. For instance, when a particular model becomes available or how much stock there is left of a particular model. Even keeping track of the discount pricing can be a chore. That's why RefurbMe is such a great tool, and a great-looking website too. Simply select your country (21 available) and RefurbMe displays all that's available as refurb from Apple, with current stock, original price and discounted price, and addition detail like stock and price trends. Furthermore, if you sign up, RefurbMe sends you text or email alerts when items you've chosen become available, so you can snap up a bargain before it's too late. If you're in the market for a new Mac, iPhone, iPod or iPad, and you don't mind buying refurb, do check out RefurbMe. [via CNET]
Apple's latest 21.5-inch iMac hits the refurb store for $1,099
It's a rite of passage of sorts -- Apple's "skinny" iMac has now spent enough time on Earth to be deemed an appropriate addition to the company's refurb ranks. The base late-2012 configuration, which sports a 21.5-inch 1080p IPS screen, a 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor, 8 gigs of RAM, a 1TB hard drive and that new super-svelte housing can now be had at a $200 discount, priced at $1,099. As with many Apple refurbished products, you likely won't be the device's very first owner, but it will arrive in tip-top condition, with a one-year warranty to boot. As always, "supplies are limited," so if you don't mind having a second-hand system on your desk, in exchange for a slightly thicker wallet, you best make your way over to the source link to snag your very own discounted machine today.
Apple online store now selling refurbished 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro
Earlier this month, Apple began offering refurbished 15-inch MacBook Pro notebooks with Retina display via its online store starting at US$1,869. Today, it added the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro to its lineup of refurbished offerings. The machines start at $1,439 for the 2.5 GHz i5 model with 128 GB SSD and 8GB of RAM, a $260 savings over the $1,699 sticker price of a new unit. Apple's also offering the 2.5 GHz i5 model with 256 GB SSD and 8 GB of RAM for $1,699 ($300 off, normally $1,999) and the 2.9 GHz i7 model with 512 GB SSD and 8 GB of RAM for $2,289 ($410 off, normally $2,699). Shipping times for all three refurbished models run one to three days and, as usual, stock is limited. [Via Engadget]
Apple adds refurbished 13-inch MacBook Pro to online store, Retina model starting at $1,439
It's been nearly two weeks since Apple made its 15-inch next-generation MacBook Pro available as a refurb and now the 13-inch model's ready to follow suit. Listed on the company's online storefront today, iFans averse to full retail pricing can now snag the base model with a 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 4GB RAM and a 500GB HDD for $1,019 (about $180 less). That's if you hate your eyes, but have slightly more respect for your wallet. Or... or you can go for the gloss and get the Retina model with the same processor setup, 8GB RAM and a 128GB SSD (configurations of up to 512GB also available) for $1,439 -- so long as you're willing to pay more of a premium. However it shakes down for you, there's no denying you're in store for savings and the pleasures of a product that's almost brand new.
Apple offering refurbished 15-inch Retina MacBook Pros for $1869
If you've wanted a 15-inch MacBook Pro but have felt put off the steep price, now is the time to scoop one up for a little less cheddar. Apple is currently offering Apple Certified Refurbished MacBook Pros with Retina Display for US$1869 online. It's the entry-level model with 8GB of RAM and a 256 GB flash storage. If you're willing to go refurb, you'll save $330 (or 15 percent) off the "new" purchase price. The online store is also currently offering the high-end 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display (8 GB RAM, 512 GB flash storage) for $2379, or $420 (15 percent) off the the "new" purchase price. Refurbs aren't always available, so get them while they're hot!
Apple now selling refurbished 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display beginning at $1,869
We can't say we're exactly surprised to see Apple's next-generation MacBook Pro show up on the company's "Certified Refurbished" online store -- still, it's good news for folks looking to save a little cash while getting a taste of Retina MBP straight from the source. Currently, Apple is only offering the 15-inch model (with a 2.3GHz, quad-core i7 CPU, 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD) for $1,869, making it about $330 less than its non-refurbished counterpart -- of course, that premium price tag also includes the accustomed one-year manufacturer's warranty, which is a good security blanket to have when shelling out this much capital. As is usually the case with Cupertino's rejuvenated goods, though, supplies may be somewhat limited, so now could be a great time to jump on the MacBook Pro with Retina display bandwagon.
Vodafone's Nearly New program entices penny-pinchers with pre-owned smartphones
If you cherish saving coin and don't mind owning secondhand devices, Vodafone's Nearly New program is angling to hook you up with previously-loved smartphones. The UK firm's new effort takes handsets returned by users in "very good condition," repackages them with the appropriate accessories and doles them out at cheaper prices with pay-as-you-go or contract plans. According to Vodafone, the offering is particularly aimed at bringing pay-as-you-go users into the smartphone fold without breaking the bank. Available devices will vary each month based on return inventory, but the outfit already has iOS and Android choices on tap. Customers happy with off-contract service can choose between an iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4, with an 8GB flavor of the latter ringing up at £250. Folks who have their eye on a contract plan can pick between a Samsung Galaxy S III, which is free with a £33 subscription, or an HTC One X. On-contract Nearly New devices are already available online and in select stores, while commitment-free phones are up for grabs in-store and will find their way online next week.
Daily Update for January 2, 2013
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
Apple drops refurbished Mac mini prices by $50
Customers looking for an inexpensive Mac should head to Apple's online store that sells refurbished hardware. The company recently slashed $50 off the price of its refurbished Mac Mini models, offering a base model with a 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, 2 GB of RAM and a 500 GB hard drive for US$469. This model was originally released in July 2011 and is eligible for a Lion upgrade. Apple is also selling a newer October 2012 model with a 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, 4 GB memory and 500 GB hard drive for $509. Customers who want a server model can grab a $759 machine with a 2.0GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, 4 GB of RAM, and dual 500GB hard drives . All refurbished products are tested by Apple and include a one-year warranty. [Via MacNN]
eBay opens refurbished Apple products section
There's a new alternative online if you're in the market for refurbished Apple computers and mobile devices. Auction mega-site eBay has launched a section devoted entirely to like-new MacBooks, iPads and iPods, the not-so-catchily named Apple Certified Refurbished Products Store. On the store, you'll be able to find 25 products up for grabs, including a white 32 GB third-generation iPad for $469 -- a $130 discount over the retail price, or... exactly what Apple charges for the same refurbished device on its online store. In fact, eBay offers the same one-year warranty on these products, even noting that they go through final quality inspection by Apple. Shipping is free, by the way, and all items are the store are listed as "Buy It Now" only -- sorry, auction hounds. [Via iPodNN]
GameStop reinventing itself as Apple refurb shop
Remember GameStop? Unless you're a hardcore gamer or a parent with kids who are constantly hounding you for a new console game, you've probably shut the retailer with 6,600 locations out of your mind completely. The retailer is struggling to survive now, probably due to the fact that Apple's iOS devices now account for possibly the top gaming platform ever. GameStop is hoping to reverse a financial slide by embracing the iOS platform. SFGate reports that the company began a program last fall of buying up used iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches from consumers, then sending them to a "Refurbishment Operations Center" in Texas where the devices are cleaned up and repaired. Once they're in nice working order, the devices are returned to GameStop stores where they're sold at a decent markup. As you can see in the image above, they're also sold on GameStop's website. Analyst Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities thinks that the Apple refurb business could be a gold mine for GameStop. Even if GameStop resells just 5 percent of the 230 million Apple devices estimated to be in the hands of U.S. consumers, it could bring in about US$1 billion in new revenue in the next few years. Pachter also thinks GameStop could make a killing by selling prepaid phone plans with those used iPhones, "since a lot of their customers are teenagers with money to spend but no credit to get a regular phone plan."
Apple starts selling refurbished 'new' iPads for $50 less than MSRP
Back when Apple's third-gen slate was originally unveiled to the world, the company very quietly slashed down the prices of its first and second generation refurbed iPads. Now, some five months after its triumphant launch in the US of A and other countries, Cupertino's started selling the pixel-packed new iPad for 50 bucks less than the original price -- that's if, of course, you don't mind a refurbished unit. Still, as we've said before, Apple includes a one-year warranty with each iPad sold via its "Certified Refurbished" online store, which is considerably better than any Craigslist deal you might find out there. Currently, stock appears to be quite loaded, but you never know how long that's going to last. In other words, you may want to get 'em while they're hot.
Where have all the refurbs gone? Apple's online cupboard is bare (Updated)
Update 7/15: Refurbs are back in stock! Was there a run on last year's MacBook Pro models? A surge of orders for the factory certified, previously owned iPod nano? The reasons may be mysterious, but the symptom is oddly clear: everything -- yes, everything -- is out of stock in Apple's refurbished product section of the online Apple Store. Readers Charles and Joel tipped us off today that something was up, and sure enough when we looked there was nothing at all to buy in the discounted departments. Macs, iPads and iPods are all showing as "out of stock" in the US store special deals section. It's likely that the refurbished models will show up again soon, although there's always the chance that Apple is reworking the way it handles sales of those items. Refurb products are generally sold after having been repaired to Apple's standards, and carry a one-year warranty; they're often a good bargain for slightly older gear.
