Refurbed? (iPhone)

Hi, I was wondering what the general consensus of getting a refurbished iPhone from Apple is.

I bought my 32GB 3GS in June from a friend who used it for a year and kept it in MINT condition, on Thursday I dropped it from approx. 5ft from my locker at work...it landed on a concrete hard floor and knackered the power button and back case (I'm so freaking angry with myself for being so clumsy). We have since had it opened up to investigate further and since putting it back together have discovered that the screen doesn't light up properly so I'm guesstimating it would need a power button, back case and screen. Right now I have no phone and it's killing me!

I don't want to waste my time and money trying to get it repaired as Apple wouldn't touch it now so I would have to take it to a 3rd party repair shop and only get 1 months warranty on the repair.

What do you think about paying the £139 to an Apple Genius Bar and getting a refurbished iPhone, has anyone got a good experience with this? My only concern is how good refurbished phones are will they last as long as a phone that has never been broken?

Moved to correct forum and added (iPhone) to title.

Refurbished products purchased from Apple are as good as new items. They have the same warranty - and you can even add Apple care. Just don't drop them 5 Ft onto a concrete floor as they will suffer the same damage as a new one would.... ;D

I think it would be worth your while to look up what their definition of "refurbished" is, or even just ask at the store. From my experience refurbished phones are usually just phones that have been purchased, used and returned under the 30-day buyer's remorse policy. Good luck!

yeah, very huge lesson has been learned...Someone needs to invent a oPIXIEo-proof case, I'm a nightmare for breaking stuff

I'm desperate to get something sorted, I cant stand not being able to play with my toy...ahem...sorry, iPhone at any given moment

No issues with refurbed iPhone. They work just as good, or better than new. The refurb carries same warranty as new, as well as support. Replace your iP4 and be happy!

Wife and I just ordered 2 16GB iPhone 4s yesterday. Looking forward to our good-as-new iPhones!