Is buying a refurbished Macbook Pro from the Apple Store a good idea?

Yep :)

you betcha – especially if it’s a lot cheaper ..

I’d have no reservations about it.

The pros are that you save money on a machine that’s certified as in good condition.

The cons are that (depending on timing) you may only be able to buy a machine that’s a generation out of date, and you don’t get the sexy Apple packaging.

But the guarantee is there, and the prices are low, so there’s no reason not to do it.

don’t compare… if the machine you’re looking at fits your needs, then buy it. the refurbs from the apple store are absolutely as good as new.

In my experience a refurbished G5 was NOT “absolutely as good as new.” Had to send it for repair immediately. Apple replaced the motherboard. That took a couple weeks and a few headaches. The computer was fine after that, though it was definitely used; it came with a nasty scratch on the side. Still, would I do it again? Yes.

I’m glad someone asked this. I had wondered if refurbished computers were any good from Apple. I’ve had bad luck in the past buying refurbished anything. Always it could have been a smooth experience if the refurbishing party had actually cared about selling a working product.