Best second hand Mac to Buy

Bob132 · Dec 14, 2012, 10:10 AM

Hi everyone
I'm looking in to buying a second hand Mac that is relatively cheap (>£500). Just want it mainly for web browsing and word processing as i have an Imac for more intensive applications. I'm currently looking at the old white macbooks and macbook pros.
Any Advice would be appreciated

designs216 · Dec 14, 2012, 10:21 AM

In that price range, I would look for a MBP (user upgradeable) on your local Craigslist. Set up an appointment at the local Genius Bar and meet the seller there to have it thoroughly checked out before you buy.

53x12 · Dec 14, 2012, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by designs216

In that price range, I would look for a MBP (user upgradeable) on your local Craigslist. Set up an appointment at the local Genius Bar and meet the seller there to have it thoroughly checked out before you buy.

Have you really done this before where you involved the Genius Bar in a private sale? Why would they even do that? They are busy enough as it is.

Bob132 · Dec 14, 2012, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 53x12

Have you really done this before where you involved the Genius Bar in a private sale? Why would they even do that? They are busy enough as it is.

That does sound like a good idea but like 53x12 has said do they actually do this?

designs216 · Dec 17, 2012, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 53x12

Have you really done this before where you involved the Genius Bar in a private sale? Why would they even do that? They are busy enough as it is.

They were willing to do it when I bought my 4S off of Craigslist. They accepted the appointment to inspect the phone knowing it was a CL transaction and I was prepared to pay them but they didn't ask for money.

blanka · Dec 17, 2012, 02:17 PM

Get a new Entry Mini or a 2011 Mid one second hand. Both should be in budget. They will deliver you the most power for that money.

glenthompson · Dec 18, 2012, 09:31 PM

If you want portability, then a MacBook Pro that can run Mt Lion. Otherwise a Mac Mini gives you a lot of bang for the buck if you have the requisite peripherals. I bought 2 of my Macs on eBay and one off Craigslist. Sold my old MBP on Craigslist.

gdourado · Dec 19, 2012, 12:00 PM

Hello,
Sorry to post in your thread, but I am in a similar situation. I am searching for a cheap mac computer. I don't use heavy programs. I am just searching for a computer to use iWork, browse the web, use iPhoto to organise my pictures I take mostly with my iPhone, and have my media library organised in iTunes and my iPhone and iPad backed up.

For my budget, I can get a 2009 iMac 24 with 2.66 c2d, 640gn HDD, 4gb ram and 9400 GPU.

The other option is a 17 inch 2008 MacBook Pro with the matte high res screen, 4gb ram and 200gb 7200 HDD.
I would upgrade the HDD to a 750 7200 rpm unit and it would still be in the price of the iMac.

So, based on this, which should I choose? Having already an iPad 4, should I go for an iMac or a portable MacBook Pro?

Cheers

Dec 14, 2012, 10:10 AM	#1
Bob132 macrumors newbie Join Date: Dec 2012	Best second hand Mac to Buy Hi everyone I'm looking in to buying a second hand Mac that is relatively cheap (>£500). Just want it mainly for web browsing and word processing as i have an Imac for more intensive applications. I'm currently looking at the old white macbooks and macbook pros. Any Advice would be appreciated
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Dec 18, 2012, 09:31 PM	#7
glenthompson macrumors 6502 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Roanoke VA	If you want portability, then a MacBook Pro that can run Mt Lion. Otherwise a Mac Mini gives you a lot of bang for the buck if you have the requisite peripherals. I bought 2 of my Macs on eBay and one off Craigslist. Sold my old MBP on Craigslist. __________________ 15" MacBook Pro (late 2011), iPhone 5 iPad 3rd gen, iPod Touch 3rd gen,ATV3 Snow Leopard Server 5TB
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Dec 14, 2012, 10:21 AM	#2
designs216 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: On the way to M-83	In that price range, I would look for a MBP (user upgradeable) on your local Craigslist. Set up an appointment at the local Genius Bar and meet the seller there to have it thoroughly checked out before you buy.
	1

Dec 17, 2012, 02:17 PM	#6
blanka macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2012	Get a new Entry Mini or a 2011 Mid one second hand. Both should be in budget. They will deliver you the most power for that money.
	0

Dec 19, 2012, 12:00 PM	#8
gdourado macrumors regular Join Date: Apr 2010	Hello, Sorry to post in your thread, but I am in a similar situation. I am searching for a cheap mac computer. I don't use heavy programs. I am just searching for a computer to use iWork, browse the web, use iPhoto to organise my pictures I take mostly with my iPhone, and have my media library organised in iTunes and my iPhone and iPad backed up. For my budget, I can get a 2009 iMac 24 with 2.66 c2d, 640gn HDD, 4gb ram and 9400 GPU. The other option is a 17 inch 2008 MacBook Pro with the matte high res screen, 4gb ram and 200gb 7200 HDD. I would upgrade the HDD to a 750 7200 rpm unit and it would still be in the price of the iMac. So, based on this, which should I choose? Having already an iPad 4, should I go for an iMac or a portable MacBook Pro? Cheers
	0