Apple now has refurbished models of the current generation 21.5″ iMac available in its Online Store. The refurbished models can offer a tempting alternative to waiting several weeks for delivery of a new iMac.
New iMac models on the Apple Online Store list a lead time of several weeks to get delivered, while the refurbished models claim to ship in 1-3 days, with $200 and $230 discounts on the low- and high-end 21″ models respectively.
Apple’s Retail Stores are saying mid-March is the earliest a customer can pick up a new 21-inch iMac if ordered online. Amazon.com however, does have both 21″ models showing as in stock for $1,299 and $1,494. Both are eligible for Amazon Prime shipping.
Shipping times rose on the smaller screen size iMac back in January, rising to 2-3 weeks, and haven’t improved since.