Macbook, where to buy?

I would not say to go in the direction of CraigsList or eBay, anything that you are buying that is valued over $100 has too much of a chance of being a scam/ripoff, I would say to look at Amazon, or another way that is trustworthy. And I do not think that AppleCare is really all that much needed, and you might need to buy the software (Leopard, iWork).

I'd go with a refurb from Apple just based on the fact that they warranty it for a year.

I agree. Definitely Apple Refurb store. 1 yr warranty and the machines like new.

You have 1 yr to decide on Apple Care and usually they're cheaper at other places online than directly from Apple.

pastrychef said:

I'd go with a refurb from Apple just based on the fact that they warranty it for a year.

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+1

I've bought several refurbs from Apple Online, including 2 MacBooks, with no problems. The batteries have been new as well as the shells and screens. You can get AppleCare for them as if they were bought new.

I do sell Macs that I replace on eBay but I make it a point to describe their conditions in detail (scratches, battery condition, warranty info, etc) accompanied by pictures. That way, there are no surprises. I would look for the same disclosures if I were shopping for one...

Bottom line: you can save money on eBay; just shop carefully. Otherwise, Apple Online refurbs give you peace of mind.

I would go the route of Amazon, they have excellent prices and amazing customer service.

schatzie said:

I agree. Definitely Apple Refurb store. 1 yr warranty and the machines like new.

You have 1 yr to decide on Apple Care and usually they're cheaper at other places online than directly from Apple.

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Plus it would come with Leopard!

Refurb. I bought 2 a year apart. Everything but the pretty packaging.

If my MB broke down and I decided to replace it with another (instead of with a Windows laptop, which would be a possibility), I'd get a refurbished one from Apple.

For $1049 you can get a black macbook on Apple.com.

A 2.2 with 2GB and 160GB

I'd say that is an excellent deal.

I bought one myself.

Yeah, refurb store all the way! They're like new machines, and with the full warranty!

Anyone in the UK reading this thread wanting a macbook, head over to Dixons.
Theyre doing the top spec white macbook (2.4ghz) for £779 but then taking off a further 5% discount making £740.05!
Comparing to the same macbook on apple.com at £829 I would say thats a nice saving.
Almost tempting me to buy one and then sell my 2.2ghz macbook.

http://www.dixons.co.uk:80/martprd/...m=null&tm=null&sku=757902&category_oid=-28737

VideoShooter said:

For $1049 you can get a black macbook on Apple.com.

A 2.2 with 2GB and 160GB

I'd say that is an excellent deal.

I bought one myself.

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yep, those refurb blackbooks sell quick.

Thats a good deal for us brits!! Nice find. Know how you feel about selling current model and upgrading! I doubt i'll do it though, my 2.2GHz is doing me great

bigbadnewill said:

Thats a good deal for us brits!! Nice find. Know how you feel about selling current model and upgrading! I doubt i'll do it though, my 2.2GHz is doing me great

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That link for the macbook at dixons, I think i am definately going to get one then ebay my 2.2ghz ( its only 3 months old )

The reason is, i found a discount code that you can enter at checkout, it is "aw20" and it knocks the macbook down to £720.05 so now thats £110 cheaper than apple