I have always been a PC user, never owned a mac, but have decided the time has come to switch over. I have been looking at 21"iMac I know very little about them to be honest, Is there anything I should avoid? Any common faults I should be aware of etc?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Buying a second hand iMac?
- Thread starter dj9928
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Personally, I've never had any problems, quality-wise, with any Macs I've bought, new or refurb. Also Apple's warranty is amongst the best in the industry. I wish there was something I could warn you about, but at the moment I'm coming up blank, other than: If you buy from a stranger, tread lightly and do your due diligence.
For the best possible deals on 'good as new' equipment (with full warranty), check out the refurb store.
Buying any used computer is always iffy at best and I wouldn't advise it for a users first Mac. Obviously you are attempting to save money, in that case Apple has a refurbished program that they sell via they're on-line store. You can save hundreds on current or very recent models, they come with a full warranty and are eligible for AppleCare and identical to new.
Suggestion:
I realize this is the "iMac side" of the forums, but as a "switcher", have you considered the Mac Mini, as well?
You can keep your present display, keyboard, mouse if you wish.
You didn't specify a price range, but the 2.3ghz i7 Mini is a very nice little "box". Perhaps its only weakness is on the graphics side -- it probably wouldn't satisfy you if you're a gamer. But the HD4000 graphics on mine have never choked when running non-gaming stuff...
I realize this is the "iMac side" of the forums, but as a "switcher", have you considered the Mac Mini, as well?
You can keep your present display, keyboard, mouse if you wish.
You didn't specify a price range, but the 2.3ghz i7 Mini is a very nice little "box". Perhaps its only weakness is on the graphics side -- it probably wouldn't satisfy you if you're a gamer. But the HD4000 graphics on mine have never choked when running non-gaming stuff...
iMac resale is really strong. It's possible to get a good one if you know how to shop. That said, a refurb is normally so close to used in price, it makes sense to save a little and get what is basically a new machine with warranty.
Apple sells current and 1-2 year older refurbs and they go fast.
The prices for second-hand Apple computers is so high that you aren't really saving any money, you're just paying slightly less and getting slightly less (warranty, newer tech).
Just my $0.02 worth. Also, opening up a BNIB Apple computer is nice too.
Just my $0.02 worth. Also, opening up a BNIB Apple computer is nice too.