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in a very strange way I am happy this is a common issue. I had feared I was probably being a bit tight with my money.
I've decided I'm better to buy a newer model (anything with an i3/5/7 processor in).
Everyone here is right, the second hand prices especially on eBay are a joke. I am looking to spend £600. Surely that should get me a 2011 Mac right? Will keep an eye our for refurbished Macs. May bite the bullet and get one but it's a bit more than I wanted to spend.

Some of these people are idiots though. They see numbers and think it means they're getting a great deal. People put 1000GB hard drive and 8GB RAM, the non-techies will see big numbers and think they're getting a lot for their money.
I'm a web developer and musician. It's been a long time coming but I really want to get a Mac sorted now.

have a look on gumtree mate... seen some 2010/2011 at decent prices....
 
Macs retain their value a lot more than PCs because a lot of people are either collectors or recyclists. Also its a somewhat niche product unlike PCs which are everywhere/anywhere.
 
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