14 day "no questions asked" return policy

The 14-day period starts right when your friend buys the MacBook for you.
Here are the limitations:
" Please note that Apple does not permit the return of or offer refunds for the following products:
Product that is custom configured to your specifications
Opened memory
Opened software*
Electronic software downloads
Personalized iPods
Software Up to Date Program Products (SW upgrades)
Apple Gift Cards
Apple Gift Packaging (origami style gift box with ribbon and greeting card)
Apple Developer Connection Products (Membership and Technical Support)"
Although I'd imagine they probably wouldn't let you return it if you drop-kicked it down the hall :o)

For more info, see this page: http://www.apple.com/legal/sales_policies/

http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/salespolicies.html

States, in part:

RETURN & REFUND POLICY

If you are not satisfied with your Apple purchase of a product, please call 1-800-676-2775 for a Return Material Authorization (RMA) request within 14 calendar days of the receipt of the product. Configure-to-order, personalized or other customized product may not be returned for refund or exchange under any circumstances unless DOA. If the item is returned unopened in the original box, we will exchange it or offer you a refund based on your original method of payment. The product must be returned to the Apple warehouse within 14 calendar days of the issuance of the RMA. All products must be packed in the original, unmarked packaging including any accessories, manuals, documentation and registration that shipped with the product. A 10% open box fee will be assessed on any opened hardware or accessory. If you purchased your order using an Apple Business Lease, you may be asked to provide a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) for Apple to assess the 10% open box restocking fee.

Also, if you have opened the box or they haven't
pronounced the item "dead on arrival" they will
charge you a 10% restocking fee, which can be a lot
to pay when the item costs $1300.

Where does it say that, about opening the box or about DOA MacBooks? All I see about DOA products is this:

" Dead On Arrival (DOA) Product: System Failure Out of the Box
An Apple-branded hardware product is considered DOA if it shows symptoms of a hardware failure, preventing basic operability, upon its first use out of the box. If you believe that your product is DOA, please call Apple Care Technical Support at 1-800-APL-CARE (1-800-275-2273) within 30 calendar days of the invoice date. Apple Care Technical Support will determine whether the product is DOA and offer you the following options:
Replacement: The same product that you ordered will be shipped to you at Apple's expense. Apple Care Technical Support will put you in touch with an Apple Store Sales Support Representative to set up a replacement order and provide the procedure for returning the DOA product.
Service: You may have the product repaired; however, once serviced, the product is no longer eligible for replacement.
Product must be deemed DOA by Apple Care Technical Support within 30 calendar days of the invoice date in order to receive a replacement unit.
DOA Terms and Conditions
This DOA policy applies only to Apple-branded hardware products currently offered at the Apple Consumer Store. As new products are offered, Apple reserves the right to determine whether or not this policy applies.
This DOA policy does not apply to third-party products that do not bear the Apple brand name. You may call the manufacturer directly with any third-party product issues.
If the product is deemed DOA by Apple Care Technical Support more than 30 calendar days after the invoice date, Apple's standard product warranty will apply.
If the product is deemed by Apple Care Technical Support NOT to be DOA, Apple's standard product warranty will apply.
Shipping will be arranged at Apple's expense for all products determined by Apple Care Technical Support to be DOA.
Apple reserves the right to test returned DOA product. If the condition of the product is misrepresented by the customer, Apple may impose a $400 handling fee."

As for opening the box, I don't see any mention of that anywhere, except for opened software.

They really don't ask any questions on hardware. Also, the restocking fee isn't universal. They don't charge it in the EU at all I believe due to legal requirements to give EU buyers a cooling off period after purchase.

Nick

Note, bringing back the machine overseas will probably be subject to value added tax or other tarrifs. You know there is a declaration form when going from one country to another you have to fill out upon arrival. Check your country's import policies before going through with this. There are places to purchase Macs in the Phillipines with return policies too.

Well, you can order the base line spec MB and upgrade the RAM yourself, it could work out cheaper. And you will be sure that you are getting the "right" MB that you have ordered (unless apple give you a "free" ram upgrade by mistake).

I obviously do not have a definitive answer, and I doubt anyone who doesn't work for Apple can give one. However, I do not think that you can buy a computer from Apple in the USA and return it to another country. Returning it because you didn't get what you ordered is likely something that needs to be addressed with the division you bought it from. Yes it can be repaired worldwide, but sales are different.

You should contact Apple USA and ask or be sure that you check the computer out thoroughly before taking it out of the country.

Nick

Also, if you have opened the box or they haven't pronounced the item "dead on arrival" they will charge you a 10% restocking fee, which can be a lot to pay when the item costs $1300.

oh....hehe, I didn't see that. Sorry.