[TechniSol]

I've been very happy with refurbished items I've purchased in past. I'd also make the "at least a refurbished item has been tested by a human being and been physically evaluated" argument. However, the quality of refurbished items can vary -in fact, a lot of refurbs are specifically graded to indicate item condition.

My understanding of most typical warranties is that the manufacturer agrees to repair or replace, at their discretion, with a unit of similar or better value -a subjective sliding scale if ever there was one! I think you should point out the less than professionally refurbished condition of the replacement you were sent! A lot of companies farm such tasks out to third parties, as I suspect Kobo does based on where I had to ship my return, so you need to let them know if quality of the refurbishment process and quality control falls off!