Very fair points but I'll play devils advocate, only because i run my own company and have a fair idea how to stretch money & for lack of better word "make **** work".
Apple products have a insane HIGH resale resell value. I JUST seen on eBay a 11" comparable computer go for $650 on eBay with only a 128GB SSD. So i have no idea what you mean by "no wonder the guy came down so fast in price". It was actually a small computer shop, and the guy was thinking about keeping it for himself. So if have the same spec machine & mine is a 13" model, mine would go for about $700 easily with the bigger HD and screen? Heres the link.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301584513467?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Hypothetically this has to last me until next year.
A: They finally make a macbook Air Retina with USB ports etc.
B: 2nd gen Macbook is same base price but greatly improved by either spec or a 13" model.
C: I give it to my 11 year old, next year when i upgrade for his school work. He currently has a iPad he uses for his ***** and giggles stuff like games and streaming stuff.
How is my $500 down the drain? Your last scenario of this whole movers coupon PLUS locating a open box which is used correct? Used is used? So why wouldn't my machine with 105 battery cycles be considered open box?
The ONE AND ONLY thing i like about the newer Macbook Airs is the extra 3-4 hours battery. But i already said, i don't leave my house with it. It goes from my bed, to my kitchen, to my home theatre to my desk with external display. So why would i go out and spend a extra $400 for the extra battery life when i am by a outlet 99.9% of the time.
I'm only giving you my scenario. Find me my condition Macbook Air with my specs on eBay, craigslist hell anywhere and send me the link. I seriously am chuckling that you think that $500 isn't a fair deal for the spec machine i got in the condition. Literally brand new looking with 105 load cycles. Its not the deal of the century. But its $100-$150 under what the market has them at.
If you can find me a Macbook Air in GOOD condition with my specs 13" for $400 ill Pay Pal you $10 bucks and go buy that one and sell mine
I am not trying to be snooty. But does $499 even get you a crappy Windows laptop now of days?