Comments on: Buyamac.

Question: Buyamac.

furnace.heart — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:47:35 -0800

Where to buy used mac?

After years of purposefuly not paying attention to avoid being tempted, i'm in the market for a used, last generation macbook pro...Does anyone have a great place to find a used one? I'm trying to avoid craigslist due to the in-freaking-credibly high rate of scammers on there (6 for 6 so far...) I've checked out local retailers, but so far no real luck.

Are there any really good online retailers out there? Maybe with limited warrantees? Mac certified refurbished books?

Details: I've got a budget of about 1200, but can go a little bit either direction from there. Ram and HD don't concern me, they can be bare bones, and i'll upgrade them as i need, but i'd like to get a decent video card in there.

By: clearly

clearly — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 02:09:04 -0800

Here is a refurbished last generation MacBook Pro from the online Apple Store for $1349. It comes with a one year limited warranty as well.

By: larkin123

larkin123 — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 02:20:31 -0800

Try the deals page on Low End Mac. For each type of Mac, it'll tell you the best deals available for both new and used computers.

By: sugarfish

sugarfish — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 05:33:30 -0800

I bought my macbook two years ago in July refurbished from Apple's website. I got a good deal and have been very happy with it.

By: jgirl

jgirl — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:03:50 -0800

I got my refurb MBP from PowerMax.com in Oregon. This was back in 2006. I added memory, they partitioned the drive for Boot Camp for me, and I got Windows XP from them also. Fabulous deal. Around $3,000.

By: jgirl

jgirl — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:04:26 -0800

I mean I increased the memory; they added it before they shipped.

By: jrichards

jrichards — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:49:01 -0800

In Philadelphia I recommend Springboard Media. They don't have used computers on their website, but they can help you if you call and tell them what you're looking for. They have top-notch service and should be able to ship anywhere.

By: omnidrew

omnidrew — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:10:33 -0800

Apple refurbs are great, but perhaps not covering old enough machines for your budget.

DealMac is a good source for info; you can sign up to be emailed when something pops up in your category.

The blackbook I bought from ExperCom has been fine. It was slightly older than the machines that were showing up on Apple at the time, but it came in a couple hundred bucks cheaper. Did not include all the bundled software, but they are up-front about that. (MacBook Black 13.3" 2.0GHz 2GB/120GB/SuperDrive Reseller Refurbished Price:$799.00)

Seconding PowerMax and adding SmallDog. Happy hunting!

By: odinsdream

odinsdream — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:16:13 -0800

I wonder if you're having trouble with scammers on CL due to the fact that you're buying a laptop? I've purchased a used Mac Pro via CL and had no issues. If you are careful with inspecting the product and meeting in person, you should be able to easily avoid scams.

By: mkultra

mkultra — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:23:58 -0800

Why, exactly, do you want a Macbook Pro instead of a regular Macbook? Apple has made some major advances to their portable line in the past year. Look at it this way- a new low-end Macbook will have essentially the same specs as a 2-year-old Pro. In addition, the gfx chip will be slightly better, it'll be able to take more RAM, and you'll get the sturdier unibody case.

And it'll be new. Unless you need the bigger screen, the Pro's not worth it.

By: alexherder

alexherder — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:37:09 -0800

I agree with mkultra. Get a refurbished macbook and you'll have a new great computer for around a thousand bucks and it will be guaranteed working from Apple with the option to buy an Apple Care plan. Plus, by saving money up front you can always upgrade again in a few years.

By: donpardo

donpardo — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:05:15 -0800

Smalldog

By: mkultra

mkultra — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:10:27 -0800

I'd actually advise strong against getting a refurb'd Macbook. I've got one, and I love everything about it but the plastic case, which is prone to discoloration and cracking in annoying places. The new aluminum cases are a huge improvement.

By: majortom1981

majortom1981 — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:20:38 -0800

I just got my dual core 1.25mghz 2 gig ram 4 72gig scsi hdds for $200 of ebay.

You wont get scammed on ebay as long as you read the descriptions and pay attention to the sellers ratings.