I don't think you'll get as much back on the 1st gen rMBP than you will if you tried to re-sell a 2nd or 3rd rMBP.
Like somebody else mentioned, the image retention issue of the 1st gen is going to have a negative impact on the resale value, unless you happen to find somebody that either doesn't care about it, or doesn't know about it. (better chances of somebody not knowing about it, though, because if you know about it, you're probably going to care once you see it ... it looks pretty bad when you see it in person.)
Add to this the fact that in 3 years, AppleCare will be expired for it. I would expect to see it in the range of between $500-$800, depending on its condition at the time.
Sliding scale of value, but basically this:
- < $500 if it's for parts because it's not functional or has significant damage ... basically for parts.
- $500 if it powers on, and is usable, but has some scratches, no original box, still has original battery, and/or no AC adapter.
- $800 if it's in like new condition, has original box, AC adapter, and has a relatively new battery (less than a year old.)
I wouldn't pay anything more than that.
Also, I highly suspect that in 3 years time, all of the MacBook Pro's available will have Retina displays, and there may very well be some 2nd Gen ones on the re-sale market for decent prices as well, that could potentially still have a year of AppleCare left on them in some cases ... those I would expect to see re-selling for around $1000 (maybe a bit more if they still have AppleCare,) depending on their configuration.
Like somebody else mentioned, the image retention issue of the 1st gen is going to have a negative impact on the resale value, unless you happen to find somebody that either doesn't care about it, or doesn't know about it. (better chances of somebody not knowing about it, though, because if you know about it, you're probably going to care once you see it ... it looks pretty bad when you see it in person.)
Add to this the fact that in 3 years, AppleCare will be expired for it. I would expect to see it in the range of between $500-$800, depending on its condition at the time.
Sliding scale of value, but basically this:
- < $500 if it's for parts because it's not functional or has significant damage ... basically for parts.
- $500 if it powers on, and is usable, but has some scratches, no original box, still has original battery, and/or no AC adapter.
- $800 if it's in like new condition, has original box, AC adapter, and has a relatively new battery (less than a year old.)
I wouldn't pay anything more than that.
Also, I highly suspect that in 3 years time, all of the MacBook Pro's available will have Retina displays, and there may very well be some 2nd Gen ones on the re-sale market for decent prices as well, that could potentially still have a year of AppleCare left on them in some cases ... those I would expect to see re-selling for around $1000 (maybe a bit more if they still have AppleCare,) depending on their configuration.
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