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Palo Alto

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 31, 2011
15
0
I'm new to Apple. Having been a hater for years, I have turned the corner and finally developed a brain, haha. I now have an iPhone, iPad and iPod.

Now I want a macbook. Unfortunately, I don't want to pay $1,200-1,500.

I've found some used and refurbished notebooks. Are any of these good?

https://www.google.com/search?gcx=w...0&bih=675&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&cad=b

I'm especially interested in this one, but the price sent off red flags.

http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=DjevTtCEDqb0sQKAobHnAQ&ved=0CIwCEPMCMAc

Thanks to everyone in advance.
 
What are you computational needs? What do you want to use the MacBook for?

Btw, the first link is just a search result for "macbook".



You could also look at refurbished Macs on the Apple Online Store:

MacRumors Guides: Apple Refurbished Store

Apple Certified Refurbished Products
1) What are Apple Certified Refurbished Products?
Apple Certified Refurbished Products are pre-owned Apple products that undergo Apple's stringent refurbishment process prior to being offered for sale. While only some units are returned due to technical issues, all units undergo Apple's stringent quality refurbishment process.

Each Apple Certified Refurbished Product:
is fully tested (including full burn-in testing).
is refurbished with replacement parts for any defective modules identified in testing.
is put through a thorough cleaning process and inspection.
is repackaged (including appropriate manuals, cables, new boxes, etc.).
includes the operating software originally shipped with the unit and the custom software offered with that system.
is given a new refurbished part number and serial number.
is placed into a Final QA inspection prior to being added to sellable refurbished stock.
Refurbishment procedures follow the same basic technical guidelines as Apple's Finished Goods testing procedures.​


If you want more information, here are just a few of many threads on this topic, found by searching the forum with MRoogle:
Refurbished MBP or New?
Getting an iMac - New or Refurbished?
Refurbished vs new
HELP: Refurbished 17" or New High End 15"?!
Are Refurbished Macs as high quality their new counterparts?
Do refurbished fail more often than new MBP's?
New MPB or refurbished model?

search results by GGJstudios
 
I'm a journalist. It'll mostly be a personal computer used for writing, surfing the Internet, etc.
 
If you are traveling then I would recommend the aluminum ones as they take bumps and dents better. You wont have to worry about cracking.

You might also want to look at the Apple refurb store and see if anything there is in your limit.
 
Would buying an older macbook and installing the new operating system and software into it be smart? Seems like that could alleviate costs.
 
Would buying an older macbook and installing the new operating system and software into it be smart? Seems like that could alleviate costs.

That isn't what drives prices. It really isn't anything to do with the OS. Older machines cost less because of hardware- physical condition, older design, slower processor, less RAM, lower capacity HD or no SSD, etc, etc.

The first site with the MacBook Air is a scam. I'm not sure why you fell for that because it's quite obvious. The second link simply refers you to third party resellers, of which some are not reputable and you are better off buying through reputable places like Apple's own website (refurbished), MacMall, or even Amazon or Ebay (who offer great buyer protection- I've used it myself). Good luck, and use more common sense.
 
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