My brand new Classic 160 GB Ipod (less than 3 weeks old) was defective (hold switch intermittently did not work). I brought it to the Apple store near me, and they ordered a replacement. When I asked them if it would be a new one since mine was basically brand new, they said it would most likely be new but possibly refurb.
When I received it, it looked brand new (no scratches), and no songs etc on it.
Is there any way to tell if it is a refurb? It has a serial # engraved on the back near the bottom. Are there any telltale signs of a refurb vs new? Thanks.
Dave
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Not necessarily unless they use different packaging. I got a refurb 5.5G last July and it looked new to me (but I've never seen the packaging for a new one). It most likely depends on how they look when Apple gets them returned and what the problem is. I imagine your defective one will also go on to be refurbished, so will the next user be able to tell?

I do hope they include new buds with the refurbs...not even gonna think about that....
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They only send you the actual ipod. You keep the buds, etc. The ipod looked sparkly-new but came in a white unmarked box except for my name on it. My only thing (which I guess is psychological) is that I wanted a new one since mine was less than a month old.
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I don't know how you tell for sure but there is a way that the Apple store employees can tell if it is new or refurb. I needed to have my 1G nano replaced and he looked at the serial number and said, "Looks like you're getting a brand new one." I didn't even think to ask how he could tell. I'm sure it's just a letter or number in a specific place in the serial number.

Other than the serial number as far as I know there will be no other way to tell a refurb. They won't look used because they use new backs and faces. They will have latest firmware installed and there won't be any songs from a previous user or anything like that. Also, replacements whether new or refurbs always come in plain boxes rather than in the original retail boxes.
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So what are u going to do if u find out if was refurb?

It's clean, it works, same warranty, sometimes not knowing is better.
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