Buying used MacBook Pro (discrete model)

[funman895]

Hello! I was looking for a 2007-2008 discrete (non-unibody) 15" MacBook Pro (2.4 GHz+ with 256 MB GDDR3 VRAM) to compliment my early 2008 iMac. I recently tried buying one on eBay used for $750, but the seller was not too detailed in his description, leaving out the fact that it freezes to the point where it must be hard-shut down upon boot-up, and that it had pressure points on the screen (as if one stabbed it with a pen multiple times) and that it had obviously been dropped, possibly causing damage to the optical disc drive.

So, I was looking for a laptop for up to $800, a MacBook Pro, to compliment my iMac for portable usage. Keep in mind this computer will be replaced in 3 years when I go to college, as I will buy a nice, new MacBook Pro.

I was wondering:

1. Is this a good choice? Are there better alternatives to this laptop (though I DO want to have Mac OS X natively, I really don't want to hackintosh, nor use an iPad).
2. Where can I buy one that is around that price range that is in good condition (scratches are fine, display and huge case dings I am worried about)?
3. Is it even worth it? My 24" iMac works fine at the moment and I'm thinking I might be being illogical in my choice to get a new computer anyway.

All help is appreciated!

-Mike

 

[Apple 26.2]

Option 3.

You're welcome

 

[awer25]

Option 3. Don't pay $800 for a 4-5 year old computer that you're planning to use for 3 more years. If your budget is $800, either get a 1 yr old used 13" MBP or a new Windows 15" laptop with 15" MBP specs.

 

[ABadSanta]

The previous user is right. That money could be used for a windows PC with great, current specs.

Or even better, you could save the $ for when you want to get a new iMac or MBP down the road after your iMac gets dated.

 

[mofunk]

x2 don't pay $800 for a 5yr old Mac

Get a Refurb 13in. for $900

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac?mco=OTY2ODY3Nw

 

[funman895]

Well the seller who gave me the broken computer is going to upgrade the replacement to a 2.53 GHz 15" unibody to reconcile, so I'll see if this new model is good, and if not I'll just hold out until I <i>need</i> a new computer.