I have been looking to buy a used iMac (2011 model) on craigslist or eBay. This will be my first Apple product and am making the transition from PC to Mac...in other words, have no experience with a Mac OS! After observing several listings on both these websites, I guess I can get a 2-6 month old 21.5" 2.5 ghz iMac anywhere between $900-$1000, including shipping. However, am looking for something that includes a trackpad and maybe extra RAM on it. Would prefer something that has at least a 6-month warranty left on it because am jittery about buying off eBay or CL...never done it before! If not, I am planning to buy the $999 refurb on the Apple website.
Came across an ad on CL for a 9 month old iMac with the following specs: 21.5" 8GB Apple RAM, 500 GB HDD, 64GB SSD. Warranty expires in August. Says will provide iLife 2011, iWork 2009, and a legit copy of Office 2011 for Mac. Is $1100 a fair price for this or is it a lot, given the fact that an iMac refresh is around the corner? Here are a few more questions:
1. Is it safer to buy on craigslist than on eBay? (since you can physically check the product in the former)
2. How do I "test" the machine if I were to physically inspect it before I buy? Any tips?
3. I don't know if this SSD has been installed by the owner or by an authorised Apple tech...will either or both void the warranty? Also, if the SSD was installed by the owner himself through a third-party, is it more likely for the machine to have any performance problems?? (duh...am not very familiar with the process of how an SSD can be installed,e tc)
Any other suggestions/recommendations on buying a used iMac will be more than welcome.
P.S: I know there is a refresh coming up, but am on a strict budget and know I cannot afford the latest and greatest :-(
Thank you for your time!
Came across an ad on CL for a 9 month old iMac with the following specs: 21.5" 8GB Apple RAM, 500 GB HDD, 64GB SSD. Warranty expires in August. Says will provide iLife 2011, iWork 2009, and a legit copy of Office 2011 for Mac. Is $1100 a fair price for this or is it a lot, given the fact that an iMac refresh is around the corner? Here are a few more questions:
1. Is it safer to buy on craigslist than on eBay? (since you can physically check the product in the former)
2. How do I "test" the machine if I were to physically inspect it before I buy? Any tips?
3. I don't know if this SSD has been installed by the owner or by an authorised Apple tech...will either or both void the warranty? Also, if the SSD was installed by the owner himself through a third-party, is it more likely for the machine to have any performance problems?? (duh...am not very familiar with the process of how an SSD can be installed,e tc)
Any other suggestions/recommendations on buying a used iMac will be more than welcome.
P.S: I know there is a refresh coming up, but am on a strict budget and know I cannot afford the latest and greatest :-(
Thank you for your time!