Buying MBP--Apple or Marketplace?

[Val-kyrie]

I am looking into getting a new MBP. I am tempted by Apple's prev gen refurb (2.7GHz, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM NV650) for about $2150. I want a discrete gfx card and current gen is too expensive for my taste, so I have also considered buying a MBP from the Marketplace, but I now wonder how safe it is. How do I tell if I am dealing with the MR member or a hacktivist?

Also, what issues should I be aware of before buying the previous gen refurb from Apple? Are there still screen lag issues, image retention, etc., even in the revised hardware (Feb, 2013)? Other issues?

 

[GGJstudios]

I have also considered buying a MBP from the Marketplace, but I now wonder how safe it is. How do I tell if I am dealing with the MR member or a hacktivist?

The requirements for entry into the marketplace (at least 250 posts and at least six months of membership) reduce the likelihood that you're dealing with someone unscrupulous. This rule gives people a chance to get to know a member before transacting business with them.

 

[firedept]

Marketplace is pretty safe. I have bought on the Marketplace at least a half dozen times with no issues. Two of those purchases were MBP's. Have one in my hands and other is on it's way. You can in most cases pay with Paypal, might be slightly more in cost if not PP Gift, but gives you some protection.

Not that you need it. People selling on there are decent and have a reputation to keep. A lot of them have been around MacRumors for a long time.

The only thing is you may have to wait a bit to find exactly what you are looking for. You can put up a "Want To Buy" ad with the specs you are looking for and what you are willing to spend as well in the Marketplace.

 

[Yell0w]

Hey guys I have a question. It's not visible to members who don't fulfill the requirements right? I just need to increase my post count. Currently at 160

 

[GGJstudios]

Hey guys I have a question. It's not visible to members who don't fulfill the requirements right? I just need to increase my post count. Currently at 160

Correct. It's not visible until the requirements are met.

 

[Yell0w]

Correct. It's not visible until the requirements are met.

That's what I thought. Thanks.

 

[Val-kyrie]

I have had no problems buying from the marketplace in the past, but I guess I wondered how safe the marketplace is now that MR has had a security breach.

 

[GGJstudios]

I have had no problems buying from the marketplace in the past, but I guess I wondered how safe the marketplace is now that MR has had a security breach.

The security breach has no effect on the trustworthiness of the members who participate in the Marketplace.

 

[Val-kyrie]

The security breach has no effect on the trustworthiness of the members who participate in the Marketplace.

It's not their trustworthiness, but whether a member's account has been taken over without someone knowing. This is my only concern.

 

[GGJstudios]

It's not their trustworthiness, but whether a member's account has been taken over without someone knowing. This is my only concern.

As the transaction would occur outside the forum, you would hopefully communicate directly with the buyer/seller, which will give you an idea how to proceed.