Worth purchasing a USED Rev A MBA for $800? [Archive]

View Full Version : Worth purchasing a USED Rev A MBA for $800?

dsa420

Jun 13, 2009, 11:33 PM

I found a local individual on craigslist offering to sell his: MB003LL/A Rev A MBA for $800. With all of the heat problems and the like is it worth risking purchasing a "used" computer?

This machine would most likely only be used by my wife for internet surfing and other minor tasks. Currently she is using my Powerbook G4 and its a clunky beast with a battery that doesnt last for more than 30 mins.

Disavowed

Jun 13, 2009, 11:56 PM

IgnatiusTheKing

Jun 13, 2009, 11:58 PM

I have one (bought it refurbished from Apple) and I love it. I haven't experienced any real heat problems (it gets warm, but I don't get core shut downs or anything) or any of the video stuttering I've read about.

I would recommend it for sure, but you might want to try to get the serial number from the seller to check if it's still under warranty. That might ease your mind a bit.

Airforcekid

Jun 14, 2009, 12:02 AM

Since the new price drops I would pay $650 MAX for one buts thats my view.

sofaking30

Jun 14, 2009, 02:23 AM

yes, I would def. make sure there's still some warranty left, so you can opt for applecare

I'm sure you can get a hundred or three for the G4 powerbook to offset the $800:D

kinkster

Jun 14, 2009, 03:26 AM

Most of the heat problems have been smoothed out with software updates I believe.

Id check for lines and screen hinge wobble before you buy it. Otherwise it would be great for light tasks and should get a good boost from snow leopard.

Heh just wait about a year and used MBAs will be like premium netbooks.

Scottsdale

Jun 14, 2009, 04:16 AM

You can buy a new one for $1799 or even a rev B 1.86 with SSD for only $1449. That is like brand new and includes a one year warranty, iLife 09, and SNOW LEOPARD ($9.99 shipping via Mac up to date program).

I wouldn't pay $500 for an original one. The newer ones may cost more, but comparing value it's a no brainer. But to each their own opinion. There have been a few happy with the original MBA, but there have been many others who were not. The truth though is the rev B and new MBAs both have so many component changes that make it so much more valuable and worthy going into the future.

Consider that Snow Leopard and OpenCL will take advantage of the 9400m GPU, whereas the 3100 on the original is not compatible to take advantage of the advancements in Snow Leopard. Calculate into your decision the future. If you want to use the MBA for a few years, spending more will ensure you get all of the features of Snow Leopard and your MBA will not be obsolete in a few months. In addition, more drive space, and more peace of mind.

kinkster

Jun 14, 2009, 04:34 AM

I'm betting hes aiming or an $800 computer though, not a Macbook Air.

So within his constraints it could be a good option.

Scottsdale

Jun 14, 2009, 06:45 AM

I'm betting hes aiming or an $800 computer though, not a Macbook Air.

So within his constraints it could be a good option.

Could be, but I would truthfully recommend an $800 PC over an original MBA... that's just me!

IgnatiusTheKing

Jun 14, 2009, 09:18 AM

Unless I'm mistaken, Snow Leopard will also make better use of the multiple cores in the MBA's (any MBA) processor, so it's not like the update will be useless. Plus, it will only be a $29 upgrade for anyone who has Leopard already, so saving $29 with the Up to Date program may not be worth the extra $700 to get the newer machine.

tigres

Jun 14, 2009, 09:57 AM

I would not do what the OP is suggesting.

No way, no how.

dsa420

Jun 14, 2009, 12:39 PM

Thanks for all the feedback guys, I think I am going to pass for now. Too many unknowns for me in buying a used computer.

Our current G4 works fine (short of the battery life), but its just so "clunky" compared to my new MBP and the MBA's. I most likely will either purchase a Rev B or C.

You guys all made great points and help dissuade me from buying.