This Is A Steal! Right?

[JoeBoggs]

Greetings,

I am new to the whole concept of a Macintosh computer and am eager to purchase my first. I cannot wait to become an active member of these fine forums!

My son is just got a new job and needs a laptop. He really wants a Macintosh and I would love to surprise him with one. My son went on to state that he would love to have a professional Macintosh laptop and this sounded reasonable enough.

My son will be living at home so I will also be able to take the laptop to work on Fridays since he will have Fridays off.

In any event, I saw that someone had listed a laptop on these forums. While I cannot find the posting again the auction appears to be a steal.

The bidding is up to a mere $1800 for a lightly used MacBook Pro.

The specs include:
- 15 inch LCD with 1440 x 900 pixels
- 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
- 4 GB DDR3 RAM
- 320 GB HD with 7200 RPM
- 512 MB Graphics Card AND 256 MB Graphics Card
- Glass TrackPad with Multi-touch
- CD/DVD Drive
- WiFi
- Up To 8 Hours Of Battery Life

The auction is here: http://cgi.ebay.com/Apple-MacBook-Pro-Unibody-15-2-8GHz-4GB_W0QQitemZ150363428753QQcmdZViewItemQQptZApple_Laptops?hash=item23025bd791&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

I think that this auction is a steal! What do you guys think? Should I pull the trigger?

Thank You For The Advice,
Joe

P.S. Please do not bid on this auction! Times are tough and I need this deal...

[miles01110]

More likely a scam than a steal, but 1800 is a good deal. Too bad it won't stay there.

[MacFanUK]

It's not a huge steal but it is a good buy. Just for comparisons sake, you can get a refurbished 2.66GHz Macbook Pro (http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB985LL/A?mco=MjE0NDk5Mw) from Apple for $1699 or a refurbished 2.8GHz Macbook Pro (http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0G04LL/A?mco=MjE0NDk5Mw) from Apple for $1949. Might be worth considering?

[JoeBoggs]

More likely a scam than a steal, but 1800 is a good deal. Too bad it won't stay there.

Why do you say that? The buyer has 100% feedback on almost 2,000 different transactions. Sounds like the perfect seller to me!

[MWPULSE]

this sounds like quite a promising deal, although its a shame that the price is probably gonna go up with bids!! It is a good machine however so it can be guaranteed of its quality! ;-)

PTP

[Furi Kuri]

I have to recommend taking a look at the apple refurb site. The warranty is just like if brand new and they're definitely some great deals there.

[ChrisN]

It's definitely going up especially in the last day and in the last hour if the machine has a lot of people interested.

ChrisN

[Shake 'n' Bake]

I'd check the refurb store. There are some great deals there. Plus it's official and the products are better than new.

[cjacks68]

If the pictures are correct then you are bidding on the first gen unibody, the one without the built in battery. So the part about up to 8 hours productivity blah blah isn't true for this particular model.

[scottkifnw]

It's not a huge steal but it is a good buy. Just for comparisons sake, you can get a refurbished 2.66GHz Macbook Pro (http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB985LL/A?mco=MjE0NDk5Mw) from Apple for $1699 or a refurbished 2.8GHz Macbook Pro (http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0G04LL/A?mco=MjE0NDk5Mw) from Apple for $1949. Might be worth considering?

What about a student discount?

[OnYourKnees]

You will find that most experienced Mac buyers and consumers are also more experienced eBayers. Expect last 60 minute price surge and more importantly last 60 second sniping. I sell a good deal on ebay so trust me on this one.

If you really want it figure out your cap and have the browser ready to go when the clock strikes 0:59.

[boston44]

What about a student discount?

No student discount on refurbs.

[scienide09]

No student discount on refurbs.

AND refurbs tend to come in slightly cheaper than the education discount for the same product.

Caveat: during the BTS promotion, education discount plus iPod is a better deal compared to just a refurb. The rest of the time the refurbs are the better deal.

[JoeBoggs]

You will find that most experienced Mac buyers and consumers are also more experienced eBayers. Expect last 60 minute price surge and more importantly last 60 second sniping. I sell a good deal on ebay so trust me on this one.

If you really want it figure out your cap and have the browser ready to go when the clock strikes 0:59.

As listed above I am following this listing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Apple-MacBook-Pro-Unibody-15-2-8GHz-4GB_W0QQitemZ150363428753QQcmdZViewItemQQptZApple_Laptops?hash=item23025bd791&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

I am quite concerned that you are indeed correct. It seems like such a steal to me that I am truly fearful that it will go up in price before the end of the auction!

I really hope that no one else bids. What a steal! Although, I must say, I think that it is way below market value.

Anyone else have any input on the matter?

If the pictures are correct then you are bidding on the first gen unibody, the one without the built in battery. So the part about up to 8 hours productivity blah blah isn't true for this particular model.

HAHA. It seems as if the seller actually rewrote the auction to reflect this change. Nevertheless, I still think that this deal is a steal. Let's hope it stays at this price for me.

P.S. Please do not bid on this auction guys. It is a steal! Times are tough and I need this deal! Please!

[DeuceDeuce]

If you don't want people bidding on it I would suggest you stop posting the link... Seems like you are drawing attention to the auction.

[Lucky736]

That is not an 8 hour battery model. My suggestion would be to get the current 1999 model. Use a student discount and get it for 1799, get your free printer and ipod, and then craigslist them for extra $$$$$ if need be.

[mr_matalino]

That is not an 8 hour battery model. My suggestion would be to get the current 1999 model. Use a student discount and get it for 1799, get your free printer and ipod, and then craigslist them for extra $$$$$ if need be.

I second this suggestion. You can get the 2.8 for $1899 (excluding tax of course) if you get the student discount with the free ipod (rebate). Sell the 8GB for about $200 on craigslist and you got yourself a deal without needing ebay!

[feelthefire]

HAHA. It seems as if the seller actually rewrote the auction to reflect this change. Nevertheless, I still think that this deal is a steal. Let's hope it stays at this price for me.

P.S. Please do not bid on this auction guys. It is a steal! Times are tough and I need this deal! Please!

If times are that tough, buy the $1699 macbook pro brand new from the apple store and save yourself $200+ dollars.

There are zillions of deals in the refurb store. It's pretty bad form to try to keep people off a public auction.

[UngratefulNinja]

If you don't want people bidding on it I would suggest you stop posting the link... Seems like you are drawing attention to the auction.

Yeah it seems pretty obvious this is his auction. This needs reported :rolleyes:

[pol0001]

Am I the only one who is wondering why the text says the notebook has a Combo-Drive, but the photos show a Unibody? :confused:

[JoeBoggs]

I second this suggestion. You can get the 2.8 for $1899 (excluding tax of course) if you get the student discount with the free ipod (rebate). Sell the 8GB for about $200 on craigslist and you got yourself a deal without needing ebay!

How do I get the student discount? Do they require proof that you are a student because I am not one. Also, I would prefer not to deal with CraigsList. Too many horror stories. :rolleyes:

[scienide09]

How do I get the student discount? Do they require proof that you are a student because I am not one. Also, I would prefer not to deal with CraigsList. Too many horror stories. :rolleyes:

You don't, not legitimately at least.

Apple doesn't always check for student/staff ID, but they do check randomly.

[aaquib]

Yeah it seems pretty obvious this is his auction. This needs reported :rolleyes:

I'd definitely say so, too.

- Despite begging and hoping that no one else bids, the OP still decides to keep the eBay link on the front page.

- Coincidentally, the OP hasn't commented on the fact that refurbs are a much better option.

- Coincidentally, the OP is not eligible for a student discount.

- Coincidentally, the OP is afraid about dealing with Craigslist.

- Coincidentally, the OP created an account just this month. Most likely to create this post.

[macjay]

Assuming this isn't the OP's listing, exactly what is a steal? It's an open auction!

[ski2moro]

I was wondering why the ebay seller hasn't sold anything for so long. Why is there no recent feedback. Why the old feedback talks about 'cute' things, not computers.

I don't think I would buy this on ebay.

Get the refurb or a new one with a student discount.

[Lucky736]

Was just thinking the same thing. I bet it's his auction.

[JoeBoggs]

I'd definitely say so, too.

- Despite begging and hoping that no one else bids, the OP still decides to keep the eBay link on the front page.

- Coincidentally, the OP hasn't commented on the fact that refurbs are a much better option.

- Coincidentally, the OP is not eligible for a student discount.

- Coincidentally, the OP is afraid about dealing with Craigslist.

- Coincidentally, the OP created an account just this month. Most likely to create this post.

I am not the owner of this computer (yet ;)) but I have no problem responding to this post because I hope to play an integral part in future discussions on the site.

- I am keeping the link up for further input from you guys (and because it would not make much sense to have this forum if the link is taken down).

- I am hesitant about refurbished models because those were returned to Apple WITH problems. Why take a chance on something with a history of problems?

- What does my lack of eligibility for student discounts prove? I assume most people on this thread are not.

- Who would not be afraid of dealing with Craig's List?

- I did make an account this month to make this post. I have no problem admitting that this is the case. I needed guidance and came to this forum specifically to seek it. Now that I am a member of the MacRumors.com Forums community I plan to play an integral part in all discussions.

Please do not make assumptions and accusations when you are unsure of just how right you are. It is offensive and is slanderous towards my name (and reputation) on the forums.

I wish you nothing but peace,
Joe

P.S. Again, I am seeking guidance. How high do you all recommend I bid up to? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank You...

[Furi Kuri]

...
- I am hesitant about refurbished models because those were returned to Apple WITH problems. Why take a chance on something with a history of problems?
...

Many, MANY, macrumors members will tell you apple refurbished computers are an excellent deal. I ordered a refurbished mac mini and it came without a single scratch and it has been running with no problems since I bought it 6 months ago. From what I've heard here apple goes through very thorough checks on their refurbished computers. Plus it comes with the same warranty of a new mac.

[macrumorsMaster]

- I am keeping the link up for further input from you guys (and because it would not make much sense to have this forum if the link is taken down).

You could've simply cut and pasted the stats and asked w/o putting the link :eek:

[JoeBoggs]

Many, MANY, macrumors members will tell you apple refurbished computers are an excellent deal. I ordered a refurbished mac mini and it came without a single scratch and it has been running with no problems since I bought it 6 months ago. From what I've heard here apple goes through very thorough checks on their refurbished computers. Plus it comes with the same warranty of a new mac.

Is there anywhere I can go to read more about the "very thorough checks" Apple conducts on refurbished products?

[scienide09]

The Apple refurb site would be an excellent place to start :rolleyes:

http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/apple_certified.html

[JoeBoggs]

The Apple refurb site would be an excellent place to start :rolleyes:

http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/apple_certified.html

Thank you for the link. Unfortunately, they do not detail exactly what type of testing they perform on refurbished inventory. I still think this auction is the way to go. The price still has not gone up so maybe there is still some hope to be had.

What do you suggest I set my maximum bid up to?

[feelthefire]

Thank you for the link. Unfortunately, they do not detail exactly what type of testing they perform on refurbished inventory. I still think this auction is the way to go. The price still has not gone up so maybe there is still some hope to be had.

What do you suggest I set my maximum bid up to?

You would rather buy a computer in completely unknown condition from a complete stranger than buy a refurb DIRECT FROM APPLE who is REQUIRED to warrant that purchase if there is a problem?

There is some defective reasoning going on here.

Given you can get that same model for $2099 with the new battery in the education store online, the auction is already overpriced and you are wasting your time. I'll beat the dead horse and tell you that YOU WOULD BE BETTER OFF GOING REFURB, rather than buying from a complete stranger for too much money off a few low-res pictures on an online auction site.

You're not getting a runaway deal, OP. Seriously.

[JoeBoggs]

I'll beat the dead horse and tell you that YOU WOULD BE BETTER OFF GOING REFURB, rather than buying from a complete stranger for too much money off a few low-res pictures on an online auction site.


Just saying, the seller has 100% feedback on almost 2,000 transactions! Talk about impressive!!!!!

Clearly, this is someone who is trust worthy on ebay.

Like most of the people on these forums, I am not qualified to make a purchase from the education store.

I am not willing to purchase a refurbished computer that has a history of technical issues. It is out of the question!

This is the auction I am going for!

Now, I have asked many times but have not received an answer. If you wanted to bid on this item how much would you set your maximum to?

I think I am setting my maximum to $2,000.

[notjustjay]

I am not willing to purchase a refurbished computer that has a history of technical issues. It is out of the question!


I strongly recommend you reconsider this opinion. Search the forums for "refurb" and you will see, again and again and again and again, people who post with the same concerns you do -- "gee guys, I don't trust a refurb", to which MANY people respond "go for it, you have nothing to worry about", and ultimately the buyer is satisfied. I have NEVER seen, in my SIX YEARS on this forum, anyone truly regret buying a refurb from Apple.

Not all refurbs were "returned due to technical problems". Apple offers a refund policy for any reason including "I got a better deal elsewhere" and "I don't like the color". Those units cannot be resold as new, so they become refurbs. Even if a unit was defective, the defective part is replaced with a new one. Many people on this forum regard refurbs as "better than new" because they have gone through Apple's QA process TWICE as a result.

You might picture a refurbished computer as being slightly used, scratched, dented, dirty, someone else's fingerprints all over it. Not the case. They are indistinguishable from new other than the fact that the cardboard box is brown instead of glossy white cardboard, and you save hundreds of dollars. I might not be so inclined to trust a refurbished Dell, but my own track record, and that of thousands of people on this forum over the course of many years, tells me that Apple refurbs are well worth it.

But, as LeVar Burton (http://pbskids.org/readingrainbow/) says, you don't have to take my word for it. Search around, you'll see.

I'm typing this on a refurb MacBook Pro that I bought for $500 cheaper than the newest model available at the time, and I am very pleased with it. My next Apple purchases will likely be refurbs, too.

[JoeBoggs]

I have NEVER seen, in my SIX YEARS on this forum, anyone truly regret buying a refurb from Apple.


I appreciate the input. However, just because no one that you are aware of never truly regretted the purchase of a refurbished computer does not mean that they do not wish they purchased a new model instead.

This computer is under warranty until "November, 2009" and that is good enough for me. The auction ends at 11:30 and then I will make immediate payment. The computer will be in hand shortly and I will let you know what I think of it.

Thank You Guys.

[eddiehaskell]

Wow. Good luck with selling your mac! I'm surprised the mods left this thread open.

[UngratefulNinja]

Wow. Good luck with selling your mac! I'm surprised the mods left this thread open.


Seriously. He just posted the link for the 4th time, this time in red bold. We get the hint buddy :rolleyes:

[JoeBoggs]

Seriously. He just posted the link for the 4th time, this time in red bold. We get the hint buddy :rolleyes:

The red bold is not a link to the auction. I am just trying to emphasize that I am going to bid on this. Who wouldn't? Like I said... This is a steal!

Enough bashing guys. I am just trying to do what makes sense for me.

How much do you suggest I bid? I was thinking around $2,000. How does that sound?

[Mr$Whale]

Guarantee that price is going to shoot up during the last hour.

I've also heard of more horror stories from buying off e-bay than buying off apple. At least Apple is a company. From eBay, you're buying from any random guy. I wouldn't trust $2000 on a used product before I saw it in my own hands. Would you buy a used car without actually testing it out? It's the same thing.

And I've sold a laptop via Craigslist and had a very positive experience, and so did the person receiving the laptop. We met at a coffee shop, showed off the laptop from start up and also showed any wear and defects and problems openly. Obviously, you don't do anything via mail and do everything in person as it says on the craigslist site.

[feelthefire]

I appreciate the input. However, just because no one that you are aware of never truly regretted the purchase of a refurbished computer does not mean that they do not wish they purchased a new model instead.


The eBay model is a previous gen that is used, it's not "new" in any sense of the term.

$2000 is more than this computer is worth. You can get that same computer with better features now (without losing 9 months warranty) for $2299, and you won't be giving a gift that is USED.

[jvette]

How many scams have we all seen that look just like this guy who is posting about this Macbook. I have been here awhile now and even remember one guy who posted a link to computers on ebay and a bunch of people jumped on it and never got anything in return for their money.

This is not a deal at all and the OP could very well be the person who has it for sale. Who knows? That's life on Ebay. I sure wouldn't give this person $1800 of my smackers for this used Mac nor would I purchase from someone on there who has not used the account in the past 6 months and all the sudden has a high ticket item for sale. The account could have been hijacked. Again who knows?

You save $200 and take a chance of getting a piece of junk when you can buy from apple and have a year warranty. Does that sound like a good decision?