About to purchase used Macbook

[slipper]

I am about to purchase a used Macbook. I will be meeting with the person locally. Is there any tests i should perform to verify the health of the computer?

 

[je1ani]

1. Double check "System Profiler"
2. Check Apple warranty information.
3. Bring up an all white background to check for dead pixels
4. Obviously check the casing make sure there isn't anything too bad.

 

[slipper]

^ thanks

Anything i can do to verify the hard drive is fine?

 

[scienide09]

Get the serial number in advance and check it against Apple's database to make sure that it hasn't been reported as stolen.
Get all discs, connectors, and documentation that you can -- the more the seller can provide, the better chance that it's a legit used sale rather than a stolen item.

 

[slipper]

Im buying the thing from a middle aged lady who bought it new but thanks for the tip.

Anything i can do to check the hard drive and the battery cycle count?

Its a year and a half old Core Duo MacBook (not Core 2 Duo) and i remember them having some issues with the hard drive.

 

[macdim]

For battery cycle count, go into "About this Mac" under the Apple logo and click "More Info". In the "Power" option in the left hand column, there should be information about cycle count, max charge capacity, etc... You probably can't put too much faith in the max charge capacity since the person may or may not have calibrated the battery recently to provide an accurate measurement.