Best place to buy a cheap Mac?

Ebay, or MacRumors Marketplace.

Of course you can give her the $100 difference for xmas on an Apple Gift Card and she can pick up a refurb. But that is somewhat pricey for an in-law xmas gift.

PupnTaco said:

My sister-in-law has a budget of $800 max and wants a MacBook... anyone here have experience buying a Mac on eBay? Or are there any other places you could recommend?

Apple's refurbs usually run $900 and of course a new one is only $1100 but that $800 budget is firm.

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i think ebay is going to be your best bet because i don't think you will find a refurbished on apple for less than $800. just make sure that you buy from somebody who has very high feedback and you should be ok with ebay i think.

I would try your area's Craigslist. 1) you may find someone in your immediate area so you dont have to pay for any shipping 2) you may find a great deal.

I live in Houston, TX...and I found a black macbook for $1,000. It was only 3 months old and in GREAT condition. They also had someone selling a mid-level white Macbook for $875 or so.

http://www.craigslist.org

NOTE: DO NOT even bother with any in which they ask you to mail payment or what not. Only look into the ones where they are local and you can pickup the computer in person.

A great place would be at a local college or university. She could place an ad in the school newspaper and describe what she wants and how much she is willing to pay.

I've seen this work for several friends in the past.