Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Is this a good price for a macbook?

N

nonwontonface

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 9, 2008
11
0
I'm not really that into computers, and am thinking about buying a used macbook from someone for $540. Is this a good price?

black macbook
2GHz Intel Core Duo 2 Processor
1GB Ram (Going to upgrade to 2GB)
120GB Hard Drive
leopard
DVD+/-RW
replaced battery with a extented life one
a few scratches on the top
only comes with macbook and charger(should it come with more?)

used since september 07, and is the september 06ish model i think

thanks
 
Great price i would say for a black macbook. just like the person above said, might need CD to install.
 
Sounds like a good deal... Whats wrong with it?

I hate to be pessimistic, but 99 % of the time something seems too good to be true, it generally is. Are you buying this from someone you know in real life, and trust? If so, then I'd say its a fair deal. I don't think I'd buy this off craigslist (Unless I had a chance to look it over... And even then, maybe not) and maybe not even off ebay, but if its someone you are friends with (or maybe even just work with) then its probably a safe enough/fair enough deal.

As 'iknowyourider' noted, having the reinstall/restore discs might be nice, because if you do have a problem, you will have to go buy the discs new from an Apple store or something, and that'll run you about $130 probably. So I guess, either see if you can get those discs (or it may only be one, I guess), or just hope you don't have any problems.

EDIT: Maybe this is a good deal, even for the age. I don't know... I just think it'd go for more, thats all :). But hey, go with your gut, and those that know more then me. I'm no expert on Apple/Macintosh computers by any means!
 
Another thing is about Leopard; It was released in October 2007. That means it didn't come installed on that machine. If you have the original install discs you will be putting Tiger on it and that's fine if you're OK with it. Leopard will require another install disc for that revision MB. When you buy an older MB with Leopard you usually need the additional install disc too.

Now if that MB is a refurb it could very easily come with Leopard pre-installed and on the restore disc. If it is a refurb, the serial number will start with "RM".
 
Is there anyway to check that it is stolen?
I am buying it off a user off a local forum. He was asking for 800$ but was willing to sell it to me cheaper cause I bargained ahha.
 
nonwontonface said:
Is there anyway to check that it is stolen?
I am buying it off a user off a local forum. He was asking for 800$ but was willing to sell it to me cheaper cause I bargained ahha.
Click to expand...

Does he claim to be the original owner? If so, you can ask him to call apple and transfer your name and email as the new owner. That's what I did for a friend that bought one of my macbooks. In other words ask if he would do that pending the purchase of course.
 
He says it is not registered on the apple site
Is there anyway to tell by the serial number?

you guys are really helpful!
 
nonwontonface said:
He says it is not registered on the apple site
Is there anyway to tell by the serial number?

you guys are really helpful!
Click to expand...

I don't really know. I guess it's possible to not be registered but it's unlikely. I do know that a lot of apple support specialist's are friendly and helpful. Some will go above and beyond to help. I would call apple with the serial number and just be honest.
 
So..I decided against buying this laptop, it just seems too sketchy to me. I will proberly pick one up new with my educational discount. Thanks for your help guys/gals, you are really informative !:)
 
Sounds a good deal to me ......even without the discs I mean they sell on ebay here in the UK for 10 20 £ so

yeah , go for it but take a friend who does know a bit about machines to check it over :)

best luck


edit >> you know you guys in the states get a really good price on Mac stuff ... in the Uk an entry level Macbook is the equivalent of just over 1300 US dollars
 
nonwontonface said:
So..I decided against buying this laptop, it just seems too sketchy to me. I will proberly pick one up new with my educational discount. Thanks for your help guys/gals, you are really informative !:)
Click to expand...

Good idea. One more word for ya. If you need an ipod that's a great deal. Get the ipod you want, I don't think it's limited to just the Touch, but they don't really make it clear. You can also consider not-opening the ipod and reselling it. Another option is a refurb. Remember to check the refurb page a few times a day. The good deals come and go quickly. It took me several weeks to get my 2.2 blackbook for $1049. That was about 7 weeks ago. Have fun with it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back