2006 MBP for $700

[werehensler]

I have an opportunity to buy a used 15" Macbook Pro for $700. I believe it is a 2006 (non-unibody) model with 2gb of Ram and a 100 GB HD. Is this a fair price? Will the older hardware present any issue with current software or Snow Leopard.

This will be my first Mac purchase, although I do own a iPhone and iPad. This computer will be used mostly for School.

 

[xStep]

I have an early MBP and it runs Snow Leopard just fine. The issue I see is that some software vendor will come out with a 64-bit only title that I won't be able to run. I expect most software vendors won't make that jump quickly.

I use lowendmac to review specs of past machines. Here is the early MBP release.

I don't know the current pricing. I use sources such as craigslist and eBay to review recent asking prices for used items.

 

[2contagious]

I'd say it's too much.. way too much. I had a 2006 MacBook Pro until last January (logic board failure). You'd be better off even with 'just' a current MacBook.

 

[flopticalcube]

Hmm. Core Duo. X1600 graphics. 2GB RAM limit. Wireless g. I would say pass. As noted, a new MacBook which can be had for $700 on refurb is better value and comes with a 1 year warranty. If its a Core 2 Duo than perhaps but even then.

 

[greg400]

As someone who has owned this exact machine for 4 years, I can say that the most you should pay for it is $400, and that's if EVERYTHING is perfect.
ie:
Perfect condition(no dents, scratches, aluminum pitting, etc)
AC Adapter included
Original software included
Flawless display
Working optical drive
Every port and key working

 

[2contagious]

As someone who has owned this exact machine for 4 years, I can say that the most you should pay for it is $400, and that's if EVERYTHING is perfect.
ie:
Perfect condition
AC Adapter included
Original software included
Flawless display
Working optical drive
Every port and key working

I agree. Also, just on a side note, some batches of the 2006 MacBook Pros had some major issues (mine did).

 

[greg400]

I agree. Also, just on a side note, some batches of the 2006 MacBook Pros had some major issues (mine did).

Mine actually just starting having issues with the wireless not too long ago. Would constantly disconnect from my wireless signal no matter how far I was away from it. It was either a problem with the antenna or logic board so I was forced to either buy a USB wireless adapter or throw 300 bucks to Apple to see what the problem is and fix it. I went with the former.

 

[Arrandale]

I have an opportunity to buy a used 15" Macbook Pro for $700. I believe it is a 2006 (non-unibody) model with 2gb of Ram and a 100 GB HD. Is this a fair price? Will the older hardware present any issue with current software or Snow Leopard.

This will be my first Mac purchase, although I do own a iPhone and iPad. This computer will be used mostly for School.

This is an ok, but not a great price.

For a few hundred dollars more, you can buy officially refurbished macs from Apple.