factory-refurbished items?

[cmteng]

Hi all,

I notice the following from dealmac.com

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iPod 20GB, Link-It FM Transmitter, PowerPod power adapter for $409  2:59 pm
Small Dog Electronics offers Apple's factory-refurbished iPod 20GB for Windows bundled with the Link-It FM Transmitter and the Griffin PowerPod Auto Power Adapter for $409. That's $40 off our last mention and the best price we could find for this bundle. Offer ends March 20, 2003.  
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This is what I don't understand. Who will want to sell their iPod 20GB so soon and where does Small Dog get all the refurbished iPod? Sometime I even see 'factory-refurbished' TiBook that Apple just release no long ago.

I don't get it....

Last year I brought a Palm Prism at Fry (I think Fry San Jose), later after go back to Malaysia. I found out that the battery only last for 2 days. If I use it to play game. I will only last 10 minutes. Since then, the word 'factory-refurbished' kidda scare me...

[Paddy]

"Factory-refurbished" means anything that has been returned to Apple or any other manufacturer for any reason - if the item has been opened that is. So this can include things that were returned because they didn't work properly and needed fixing (and the owner got a replacement) or it could be something where someone changed his or her mind and returned the item. It is then thoroughly checked out and repaired if necessary. Then sold as "factory-refurbished".

I've read here and there, that factory-refurbished items may in fact be more reliable than those that are "new", in that they have usually received much more extensive testing before being shipped out the door. With most Apple products, you get the same warranty, so it wouldn't bother me. With some items, like the eMac with it's famous monitor problems, I'd be MORE inclined to by a refurb!!

[Highmac]

All you could need to know about refurb from a leading UK Apple dealer.
 
 [ 03-18-2003, 12:40 PM: Message edited by: Highmac ]

[cmteng]

Guys! Thank you for the reply. Thanks for taking time to reply. Now I understand what does refurbished mean. In Malaysia, a refurbished item would mean second hand....; )

[Gregg]

I'm aware of other products (not computers) that are returned to the retailer because a single part was missing - just not packed in the box. The retailer does not have spare parts, so they give out a new box, and ship the other one back. There must be some law here that is monitored and enforced, becase the factory will re-pack the product in a box marked "factory renewed" or some other term. They then ship it to a "factory outlet" type of store and sell it, with the full warranty, at a steep discount. So you get a brand new, unused product for a whole lot less money. What a deal!