If you really wanted an iPhone 3G but never wanted to adhere to the carefully cultivated Jobnesian smartphone setup (or you didn’t want to pay a massive extra for freedom), here’s your chance!

Through buy.com, you can get a “never-locked” iPhone 3G for only $200. The special label applies because this is a rare, fully-functional, and affordable unit that has never been jailbroken. It enjoys full support courtesy of Apple’s warranty, and will not break when new software updates are installed. Most importantly, being “never-locked”, the phone works with any network provider.

What are the catches? First and foremost, the $200 gets you a refurbed unit. It’s not brand-new. Also, from all indications, you still have to commit to a two-year plan from AT&T. Unfortunately, the offer is currently “temporarily sold out”, so it’s impossible to fully verify this offering.

Thanks Peter The Mordo Juan! Image courtesy of Apple Inc.

Post from: The Gadget Blog

Computers and laptops that are refurbished usually means that it did not initially pass quality standards of the manufacturer. They then fix or recertify the unit and sell it at a discount price (Up to 30% off). Most of them carry a 30 day store warranty and 90 days with manufacturer.

“Refurbs” are labeled such because they “may have scratches, dents or other forms of cosmetic damage”. More importantly however, these “do not affect the performance of the unit.” Aside from that, it’s also illegal to sell refurbs as brand-new, even if it’s been resealed by the manufacturer.

One online retailer that sells refurbished items—at prices much lower than their brand-new counterparts—is Second Act, a website based in Minnesota. Currently, they promise even lower prices through the deals below (don’t forget the coupon codes!):

$25 Off Any Merchandise Order of $500 or More!
Code:2nd1118

$50 Off Any Merchandise Order of $1000 or More!
Code: 2nd1119

$100 Off Merchandise Orders of $2000 or More!
Code: 2nd1120

Post from: The Gadget Blog