14 DAY TRIAL // An updated Special Deals section at Apple’s online store shows the availability of new Mac and iPod refurbs, selling for as low as $849 on the computer front, and $59 at the music-player end. There are currently three Macintosh configurations priced under $1,000 on Apple’s Deals area, all of which are new-model computers. More powerful iPods are also featured, in the $99 - $259 range.
Yesterday, Softpedia was quick to tip off Apple fans on the availability of a Refurbished MacBook 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo priced at just $849. The system was still available for order at the time of this writing. The two remaining Macs priced at under $1,000 are a Refurbished MacBook Pro 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and a Refurbished iMac 21.5-inch 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo. Although both systems are priced the same, we’re talking two entirely different computers.
For fans of portable computers, Apple’s Refurbished MacBook Pro 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo boasts a 13.3-inch, LED-backlit glossy widescreen display, 2GB of standard memory, 160GB of storage, an 8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW), an SD card slot, the Apple built-in seven-hour battery, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics, and an illuminated keyboard. Here, Apple forgets to list the built-in iSight camera typical to all current MacBook configurations.
The refurbished iMac 21.5-inch 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, also priced at $999, delivers almost twice the amount of computing power, although not in a portable form. The all-in-one desktop Mac features the new, 21.5-inch, LED-backlit glossy widescreen display, 4GB of memory, a 500GB hard drive, the 8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW), NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics with 256MB of memory, and the ever-present Built-in iSight camera.
As mentioned above, cheap iPods are also featured on Apple’s Deals area, starting with a second-generation iPod shuffle with 2GB of storage. For $59, this pre-owned iPod will ship to your address for free. It can hold up to 500 songs and boasts up to 12 hours of music playback. Weighing just .55 ounces, and measuring 1.62 x 1.07 x 0.41 inches, the shuffle ships with its own pair of Apple earphones and dock.
Fourth-gen refurbished iPod nanos with 8GB of storage are also available for $99. The nanochromatic line of iPods ships in various attractive colors, although these are the previous-generation model iPod nanos, which lack the built-in camera.
About Apple refurbished products
Apple Certified Refurbished Products are pre-owned products that undergo Apple's stringent refurbishment process, prior to being offered for sale. They are returned under Apple's Return and Refund Policies. While only some units are brought back because of technical issues, all of them undergo the company's rigorous quality-refurbishment process. Service and support include 90 days of telephone support and a one-year warranty. You have the option of purchasing an AppleCare Protection Plan for your refurb, while shipping is free in the US.