TUAW reports that refurbished Apple TV units have shown up online for $249 (list price is $299). While the Apple Store routinely offers refurb items, this seems pretty quick… though perhaps it’s just my perception. $299 to stream iTunes and podcasts to a television isn’t very economical — perhaps folks are realizing that and getting their money back. While convergence may or may not be desirable in the mobile arena, it’s a necessity in the living room. I can’t be the only one who wants fewer boxes that do more.
View Comments
I very highly doubt your hypothesis since an opened unit would likely be charge a 15% restocking fee. That's enough to make most people either live with it (and experiment with the various hacks that make it much more useful) or sell it off on their own.
Where do refurbs come from? Folks who either don't like a product and/or can't figure out how to use it will bring it back. Those units are repackaged and resold.
I believe the Apple Store restocking fee is 10% and from first hand experience I can tell you they have the ability to waive it. Target, Best Buy, and Circuit City rarely impose a restocking fee.
Those I know with Apple TVs are not using them. I've spent enough time on a couple of units that I know I have no need to buy one. Not with the current software functionality.
That's funny - those I know with the units swear by them (and none of them download much video content from iTunes). Myself, I'm waiting for Gen. 2.
Refurbs also come from you know - units that had to be refurbished.