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

Apple recently started selling the 27-Inch iMac With Retina 5K Display in the refurbished section of its online store, as first noticed by MacGeneration and 9to5Mac. These refurbished models offer customers the chance to save up to 15 percent off the retail price of a brand new model.

retina-imac-refurbished
Several 27-inch Retina iMac models are available, including the entry-level model which is availablee for $2119 and includes a 3.5GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of memory and a 1TB Fusion Drive. Other available Retina iMacs include a $2,419 model with 16GB of memory and a 3TB Fusion Drive and a $2,549 unit with 16GB of memory and 512GB flash storage. All three models are in stock and available to ship today.

After months of speculation, Apple unveiled the 27-Inch iMac With Retina 5K Display during its October media event. The consumer desktop features a 5120 x 2880 pixel display with improved contrast, viewing angles, and color accuracy. Early impressions of the machine were favorable with reviewers praising the "stunning display" and noting that it is a "huge step up" from Apple's notebook Retina displays.

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Top Rated Comments

A MacBook lover Avatar
144 months ago
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
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mr.steevo Avatar
144 months ago
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.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gnasher729 Avatar
144 months ago
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.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Gaspode67 Avatar
144 months ago
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
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gizmo84 Avatar
144 months ago
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....
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacDarcy Avatar
144 months ago
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.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)