How long has it been...?

Early 2006. I say get it if it's a Core 2 Duo.
Can't you ask your friend when he bought it?

 

It sounds like one of the original Core Duo models that was replaced with the Core 2 Duo version in late 2006. There's some details here that might be worth a read.

 

Here's a Quick back search on apple.. Apple way back machine

 

sounds like the low end first gen model (coreduo) to me just with updated ram

 

I think the easiest way to check is to go to the buyer's guide and click on the links from there.

 

Apple introduced 2GB ram as standard in the Core 2 Duos, with speeds of 2.0Ghz and 2.16GHz if I remember correctly. (edit: wait - it could have been 2.16 and 2.33...)

That makes the model you reference a Core Duo (around February - May 2006) with a RAM upgrade and around 18 months old. So yeah, closing in on 2 years. Pretty sure they didn't have the FireWire 800 port either, which is worth noting.

The MBP has seen two refreshes since then (Core 2 Duo with fw800, "Santa Rosa" with nVidia GeForce and LED backlit screen) and it's looking like there'll be a third soon.

How much are they selling it for? If there's a generous enough discount for the age, it could still be worth it. But it won't have a warranty and it's comparatively dated when you look at what's on offer now. See how everything weighs up, but it sounds like you won't want it.

 

EveryMac.com is your friend.

 

It isn't a C2D; the lowest C2D mbp was 2.16.

OP, I would ask your friend how much he wants for it. Considering the fact that these mbps were known for being hot and having a few other minor problems, it might be more worth your while to get a C2D refurb from Apple.

Edit:

I would say that that is pretty decent. Check it out first and ask him if you can see how it runs (heat wise). Also, how much RAM is he giving you?

 

Holy hell, if you don't buy it, I will!

 

It sounds like a good enough deal. Is he giving you anything else? How many cycles has the battery been through? If it's more than 300 (or close to it) you might need a new battery in order to have it last through the next two or three years.