It does not look right - nobody would be so stupid to open a factory sealed one just to take pictures. I would stay clear.
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11'' vs 13" MacBook Air?
- Thread starter TheTekJake
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It does not look right - nobody would be so stupid to open a factory sealed one just to take pictures. I would stay clear.
He might have done that to prove that there is actually a computer in the box. There are stories of people buying things like iPads where they wound up buying boxes that had been opened, the iPad removed, and something put in its place to give the box weight.. then it's re-shrinkwrapped. It looks like the factory seal is still on the computer itself, but there's no picture of the sticker to actually know that.
Still a little questionable.
I had an 11" and liked it, but I just couldn't get over the size of it. I took it back for a 13" and haven't ever looked back. 13" all the way.
I chose 11" because literally this thing slides in anywhere. I have a desktop or a TV if I want a bigger screen.
And the battery life is simply amazing, being my first Mac (and thinking that previous windows laptops that would get 3 hours of battery life was really great).
And the battery life is simply amazing, being my first Mac (and thinking that previous windows laptops that would get 3 hours of battery life was really great).
That's a phenomenal deal. Chances are, if you haven't already contacted the seller, that baby is sold. There is nothing "alarming" about that ad. Just because the seller opened the box to prove there was a computer inside does not mean it is stolen or obtained illegally.
Chances are, he probably bought it or maybe had it given to him as a gift, and would rather have fast cash to pay bills. If you want to cover your a$$, ask him for the serial number. Call Apple and have them run it, or call SDPD and have them make sure it isn't showing up stolen.
It really does look suspicious. Sounds like a lie.
Exactly. I think I may show this to my dad to see his opinion, but we have never been fans of Craigslist anyways. It's not like Ebay doesn't rip people off, but they have many protections against it. I could give him my money and get shot for all I know. This stuff isn't impossible.
I don't think it is sold yet, but I may contact him. Would it be rude to question him?
I just don't know why somebody would open the box to prove something is in there. And if the main Apple seal is broken, I do not think anything can really be done. It just seems too good to be real.Understand the point about selling an empty box but it would still be logical to keep it closed, find a buyer and once agreed on the price give the buyer a chance to open it on the spot. This way the buyer sees it is really brand new and the risk is gone.
@op: I think it would be quite normal to ask the seller why he is selling a brand new item on craigslist. Also, it would be normal to ask for a receipt of some kind that shows where it is from and not stolen. Lastly, check the serial number and run it on this site:
https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do
Then you know when the warranty has started.
My biggest worry when buying second hand (and which is why I went the refurbished route in the end) is that even though the Macbook might look fine, there could have already been some liquid spell that did not cause it immediately to die but is invisible on the outside, and if a couple of weeks or months down the lane it bites the dust, you are SOL when you go to the Apple store and count on your warranty to get it repaired.
@op: I think it would be quite normal to ask the seller why he is selling a brand new item on craigslist. Also, it would be normal to ask for a receipt of some kind that shows where it is from and not stolen. Lastly, check the serial number and run it on this site:
https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do
Then you know when the warranty has started.
My biggest worry when buying second hand (and which is why I went the refurbished route in the end) is that even though the Macbook might look fine, there could have already been some liquid spell that did not cause it immediately to die but is invisible on the outside, and if a couple of weeks or months down the lane it bites the dust, you are SOL when you go to the Apple store and count on your warranty to get it repaired.
I think I may ask him about it, but again, I am really not a fan of Craigslist. Ironically I have friends who would never buy from Ebay and feel much safer with Craigslist, but that is their choice. If this deal is real, it would be a steal. And no, I had no intentions to make that rhyme. But honestly for $850 I'd take a Retina over an Air any day. It just seems too unreal...
Also forgot to mention, I would rather go refurb too. Apple's refub prices arent very good in my opinion, at least not right now. You are very right when you mention all the things that could be wrong with the laptop upon opening it.
. But honestly for $850 I'd take a Retina over an Air any day. It just seems too unreal...Also forgot to mention, I would rather go refurb too. Apple's refub prices arent very good in my opinion, at least not right now. You are very right when you mention all the things that could be wrong with the laptop upon opening it.
I'm of the opposite opinion, I feel much safer with eBay and would never buy anything from someone on CraigsList. But then again, I use common sense and don't get emotionally attached to the items that I consider buying. (2 main reasons people get ripped off on eBay)I think I may ask him about it, but again, I am really not a fan of Craigslist. Ironically I have friends who would never buy from Ebay and feel much safer with Craigslist, but that is their choice. If this deal is real, it would be a steal. And no, I had no intentions to make that rhyme
Also forgot to mention, I would rather go refurb too. Apple's refub prices arent very good in my opinion, at least not right now. You are very right when you mention all the things that could be wrong with the laptop upon opening it.
$850 is a lot of money. I would rather spend a bit extra and have the confidence that I'm getting something legit and supported. Peace of mind is worth something... to me at least.
It's a risk/reward thing. Craigslist gives you zero guarantee of the "possibility" that the machine was damaged or misused even though the outer shell looks perfect.
The risk is the slight chance of getting screwed, the reward is getting a rMBP for 450 less than Apple sells it for. Is he shady? Maybe, or maybe not.
It isn't hard to read people. Meet in a public place like Mc Donalds or Starbucks. If he acts nervous, rude or in a hurry, then you walk away. If he is patient and willing to answer questions, you will get an amazing deal.
I've bought and sold on CL for a long time now. The majority of users are honest people looking to either make some quick cash between paydays, or possibly just don't want to deal with eBay's fees. There are some scammers, but they can usually be spotted with ease in person.
The risk is the slight chance of getting screwed, the reward is getting a rMBP for 450 less than Apple sells it for. Is he shady? Maybe, or maybe not.
It isn't hard to read people. Meet in a public place like Mc Donalds or Starbucks. If he acts nervous, rude or in a hurry, then you walk away. If he is patient and willing to answer questions, you will get an amazing deal.
I've bought and sold on CL for a long time now. The majority of users are honest people looking to either make some quick cash between paydays, or possibly just don't want to deal with eBay's fees. There are some scammers, but they can usually be spotted with ease in person.
I feel terrible for not updating this in so long.
In the end, I cracked and bought the 13'' Air, straight from Apple. Bought it at 10PM one night, picked it up the very next morning, I am so happy with my choice. The 13'' is a phenomenal size, and it ending up perfect for me. Even the larger footprint is perfect. On top of that, it is so unbelievably thin and light compared to my previous laptop. I am almost shocked when I pick up the other one. Really an awesome buy. I also just noticed how the Retina Pro's were updated about 2 days ago. I'm still a little disappointed I couldn't get the Retina Pro, but the price just was just too large for me. In the end, I am so happy with the Air. I made a few YouTube videos about it on my channel, if you guys would check it out, that would be amazing.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChlWWt5_QtoGf1opcY9xxww
I thank you guys for all of your help. It was really amazing to see so many of you take your time trying to make sure I get the best out of my dollar. This really is such a great community of people!
In the end, I cracked and bought the 13'' Air, straight from Apple. Bought it at 10PM one night, picked it up the very next morning, I am so happy with my choice. The 13'' is a phenomenal size, and it ending up perfect for me. Even the larger footprint is perfect. On top of that, it is so unbelievably thin and light compared to my previous laptop. I am almost shocked when I pick up the other one. Really an awesome buy. I also just noticed how the Retina Pro's were updated about 2 days ago. I'm still a little disappointed I couldn't get the Retina Pro, but the price just was just too large for me. In the end, I am so happy with the Air. I made a few YouTube videos about it on my channel, if you guys would check it out, that would be amazing.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChlWWt5_QtoGf1opcY9xxww
I thank you guys for all of your help. It was really amazing to see so many of you take your time trying to make sure I get the best out of my dollar. This really is such a great community of people!