IIRC, refurbished items from the Apple Store (computers, anyway) don't even come in the fancy Apple packaging, just plain brown cardboard. At least that's how it used to be. They also are given a new part number that indicates the item has been refurbished and a new serial number.
one good thing about buying refurbished from the apple store (as opposed to used from anywhere/one else) is that they WILL sell you the applecare warranty on the refurbished items. so in case you are concerned about it breaking down, or if you were going to buy applecare anyway (e.g. i always buy applecare wih laptops, just because their very nature dictates that they will see more movement and abuse than your average desktop, and to replace the screen is almost as expensive as a whole new unit if you have to shell out for it yourself).
by contrast, most places regard refurbs with the "as is" label only, and your best extended warranty MIGHT come from the reseller, but then usually you can only get the repairs done through the reseller, which can complicate matters if you move far away and get computer trouble.
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by contrast, most places regard refurbs with the "as is" label only, and your best extended warranty MIGHT come from the reseller, but then usually you can only get the repairs done through the reseller, which can complicate matters if you move far away and get computer trouble.