Which Mac has best resale right now?

[stuuke]

I have a Macbook that randomly shuts down and I have a couple of options to replace it while it is being repaired. I could buy a refurbished machine from Apple or get a used model elsewhere. My question is what model would I be able to recover most from? If I get a decent deal I shouldn't lose too much money since I would only keep the computer for 1-2 weeks.

[liketom]

apple laptops for me seem to hold the value very well -

[iGary]

Why not get an iMac and keep it as a desktop and use the MacBook as your portable?

Computers are not an investment, they are an expense.

[stuuke]

The whole point is to not spend a lot more money.

[iGary]

The whole point is to not spend a lot more money.

Then wait until your MacBook is fixed? :confused:

[stuuke]

I need a computer to work on for the week to two weeks it is gone. You can argue the economics of my business or you could just answer the original question.

[iGary]

I need a computer to work on for the week to two weeks it is gone. You can argue the economics of my business or you could just answer the original question.

Sorry, you posted a question, I gave you my honest opinion.

Seems more economical to have a desktop and a portable in your situation in case one of them breaks down again instead of taking either a 10% hit (restock) or heavier if you sell it. You are not going to much lose less buy buying on over another...

If you don't want people responding to you, you probably shouldn't post your questions on the Internet. ;)

[miles01110]

Your question is kind of confusing. Are you asking:

-If there is a value difference between buying from Apple refurb or from a reseller? For example, will a 20' iMac G5 refurb from Apple be worth more than a 20' iMac G5 refurb from SmallDog?

Probably not. Unless, for the same price, Apple/Smalldog gives you AppleCare or some other deal. Resale value is overwhelmingly determined by the computer in question, not by the reseller.

If I have it wrong, please be a little more specific and I'm sure more people will answer.

[KevKaos]

I have a Macbook that randomly shuts down and I have a couple of options to replace it while it is being repaired. I could buy a refurbished machine from Apple or get a used model elsewhere. My question is what model would I be able to recover most from? If I get a decent deal I shouldn't lose too much money since I would only keep the computer for 1-2 weeks.
Buy a 20" iMac with 3GB or RAM, use it for a few weeks and then sell it to me for $500 plus shipping. :D :D :D

[Vlade]

Maybe the cheapest mac mini, I think you can return macs within 14 days with a 10% restocking fee, but I'm not sure what happens if you open and use them for those 14 days. If you don't have a monitor then I would say a macbook or the cheapest iMac, because the macbook pros and mac pros are going to lose more value because of their higher price.

I understand your problem, I wish I had a mac to use so I could get my Macbook Pro fixed... I can't go without a computer for a week so I'm going to have to live with a broken fan that sounds like a helicopter grinding against wall when it heats up too much.

[stuuke]

I'm looking to buy a machine that I use for a week to two weeks while my current laptop is being repaired. I guess you could say I'm looking for the best value on a used intel machine right now with the goal being to resell it after I receive my repaired macbook. I understand that there will probably be a loss unless I find an amazing deal I'm just trying to minimize it.

Yes I asked a question on the internet but when someone asks which machine could provide a short term solution at the lowest costs then it's pretty obvious that there are economical considerations. Someone could post a response suggesting I buy a MacPro with 16gb of Ram and a 30" monitor but it doesn't really help me. Unless of course you're willing to buy it for me :)

[aristobrat]

My question is what model would I be able to recover most from? If I get a decent deal I shouldn't lose too much money since I would only keep the computer for 1-2 weeks.
I doubt any machine you buy is going to noticably depreciate over the 1-2 weeks that you're planning on keeping it.

If your business as as dependant on your computer as your post implies, you might want to consider iGary's suggestion. Having all of your eggs in a basket with an overall 19% repair rate doesn't sound too wise.

[Keebler]

maybe check your local mac store (reseller perhaps?) to rent one. i know i can do that here (canada), if i need to.

that would be the perfect solution for you.

[stuuke]

If your business as as dependant on your computer as your post implies, you might want to consider iGary's suggestion. Having all of your eggs in a basket with an overall 19% repair rate doesn't sound too wise.

Really? Maybe I should buy a backup for the backup and another backup for that. I realize another computer would be a long term solution, my question refers to a short term solution. If I didn't have two logic boards, a monitor and hard drive fail this summer I might be able to purchase another computer but as I stated over and over again I am not in a position right now to pay the entire price of another computer.

Thanks to those that have offered suggestions.

[iGary]

Really? Maybe I should buy a backup for the backup and another backup for that. I realize another computer would be a long term solution, my question refers to a short term solution. If I didn't have two logic boards, a monitor and hard drive fail this summer I might be able to purchase another computer but as I stated over and over again I am not in a position right now to pay the entire price of another computer.

Thanks to those that have offered suggestions.

Wow.

Not so open to advice, I guess.

It cracks me up when people ask for advice and then get all huffed up and take their toys out of the sandbox when it isn't what they want to hear. :D

[stuuke]

I love when I research a problem and ask for opinions specifically on A and B and someone decides to drop in C.

I'm considering an Accord and Camry what do people think? Answer, neither Mercedes is a much better car. :)

[Vlade]

I love it when people argue on the internet :-P

Stuuke what are you planning on buying/renting now?

[Bibulous]

I would buy a Mini to minimize your loss, seems a 10-15% loss on a $500 machine will be less then 10-15% loss on a $1500 machine. Plus you may like the mini and just keep it :)

[whooleytoo]

I don't know how much the model matters (or, for that matter, whether you use it for 2 weeks or 2 months), once the box is opened, it becomes less attractive to future buyers.

Over a longer period of time, I'd expect a high-end model to depreciate the least (as a percentage) as they're the most expandable and future-proof. However, over 2 weeks, I'd go for a mini (or low end iMac, if you don't have the monitor & keyboard), as the depreciation (in dollars/euros/pounds) on the lower cost machines will be less.

[Horst]

I love when I research a problem and ask for opinions specifically on A and B and someone decides to drop in C.

I'm considering an Accord and Camry what do people think? Answer, neither Mercedes is a much better car. :)


As you don't appreciate the advice given here, why don't you just do your own research ?
Ebay is full of MacIntosh comps, it's not too hard to figure what models offer what you are looking for. I hope that's not too much trouble.

[stuuke]

As you don't appreciate the advice given here, why don't you just do your own research ?
Ebay is full of MacIntosh comps, it's not too hard to figure what models offer what you are looking for. I hope that's not too much trouble.


You're right, I guess you missed this Thanks to those that have offered suggestions.

[RedTomato]

Let this be a lesson to you.

If your business depends in any way on having your computer work, then never have just a single computer.

I make my money with my PB 15''.

Several months ago, I brought second hand a G3 iBook to use in the express event that something went wrong with my PB. I've not had to use it yet, but I'm damn glad I have it.

Suggest you buy on eBay the cheapest laptop that will do what you want, and then just keep it as reserve in case of future problems with your main computer.

And I hope you've been backing up your data. What would you have done if your main machine was stolen or the drive crashed?

I dont mean to be all preachy, just that you don't seem to have planned for bad things happening. I hope you find the solution that suits you and prevents you getting stuck again in the future.

[stuuke]

I think I learned my lesson when the logic board on my pb went out followed by my backup hard drive and monitor. All of which happened in a two week period. I purchased a new machine to replace that one and now it needs a new logic board and heat sink. I would love to buy more equipment but I have already replaced the items mentioned and do not wish to add more debt right now. I'm not sure what part of "it is not a financially an option right now" is so hard for everyone to understand. If it wasn't going to take an extended time to fix it I would be fine. I would say many of us couldn't do our job if our computer was out of commission for a month but it's just not realistic to expect everyone to own two computers. Apple released a product with widespread engineering problem.

[generik]

There is no such thing as a mac with good resale value, in fact if you refer to eBay, just selling a brand new Macbook/Macbook Pro right now will already incur a hit on the seller. Everyone is expecting C2Ds soon and have adjusted their bid prices accordingly.

That said you can probably try your luck with a 2nd hand Mac. Buy it 2nd hand... when selling advertising it as 2nd hand too... No one will be none the wiser.

[generik]

I think I learned my lesson when the logic board on my pb went out followed by my backup hard drive and monitor. All of which happened in a two week period. I purchased a new machine to replace that one and now it needs a new logic board and heat sink. I would love to buy more equipment but I have already replaced the items mentioned and do not wish to add more debt right now. I'm not sure what part of "it is not a financially an option right now" is so hard for everyone to understand. If it wasn't going to take an extended time to fix it I would be fine. I would say many of us couldn't do our job if our computer was out of commission for a month but it's just not realistic to expect everyone to own two computers. Apple released a product with widespread engineering problem.

Then demand a replacement machine. Back in the day IBM does this with Thinkpads, I don't see why Apples don't do it too.

[RedTomato]

If you really have to sell it again, then buy the cheapest machine you can find second hand that meets your needs, and sell it again immediately afterwards.

If money is tight then whatever you do, don't buy a second new computer with the aim of selling it on.

The biggest plunge in value of any new item happens the moment you walk out of the shop door.

A 30+% drop in value is not unknown.

A $300 second hand item can be sold imediately for the same price, with an 0% drop in value.

Even if you're unlucky, and can't resell it at the same value, loosing 30% of $300 is better than loosing 30% of $1000.

Also, the value of old items declines more slowly than the value of new items, so it makes sense to buy the older gear if you are aiming to resell it.

[miles01110]

Also, the value of old items declines more slowly than the value of new items, so it makes sense to buy the older gear if you are aiming to resell it.

The decline is negative exponential.

[®îçhå®?]

I would say that the Macbook has the highest rsale value because it is in such demand at the moment.

[bokdol]

doesn't apple have a 14 day return. if you need it less then a couple weeks. then just return it. it is a bit skeezy though. and you may have to pay a 15 % restocking fee

[generik]

I would say that the Macbook has the highest rsale value because it is in such demand at the moment.

Nope, if anything they are slow movers. At least here in Australia you can prepare to lose an instant 15% even if it is new in box. People are all holding out.