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Retina Pro for 1850. Worth it?

The statement: "I won it in a raffle, etc." is invariably a lie.

It's an obvious lie, design to explain huge mark down. People use this line ALL THE TIME on Craigslist and Ebay . It doesn't mean it's a rip-off. It's just almost a knee-jerk lie that people just spit out. But it's a lie.
 
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clyde2801 said:
You don't have to write down the info on his license, you just have to make sure the name on the license matches the name on the bill of sale; otherwise he can simply sign the name John Smith, Richard Noggin, or Biggus Dickus.
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Thank you for the link! But from my quick perusing of the site, it seems more like a database that is user submitted.

And to everyone else! Of course I'll be opening the box to confirm that the laptop is actually there. I'll also be checking the serial number on the computer to the one on the box. Just to reiterate, the laptop should be brand new, never opened. I should be the first one opening it. I'll only be opening it if Im 100% sure. I wouldn't even think about opening it and then deciding not to just because its too expensive. If i open it and it checks out of course im going to buy it.

The thing that worries me is not whether he'll rob me but whether the macbook is stolen. Clyde gave me a great website but that website looks to be mainly directed to people who got their used macbook stolen. This is a brand new macbook so i doubt it would be listed on their site. The thing im worried about is whether or not this macbook is one of the macbook that could be stolen in those situations where a guy goes in the apple store and makes away with thousands and thousands of brand new apple products.

While the laptop could be brand new, if its stolen from the apple store, im sure apple would confiscate it.

I was curious on whether or not there was anyway to check that.

I know checking the serial number through the site tells you warranty info, i want to know if this is a "hot" good.
 
theturtle said:
yeah im contemplating.

the more pressing issue at hand is whether or not i should buy it just cause its a good price. I love my air so im wondering if this retina pro is a good investment.

But yeah, im sure its brand new but that apple store idea is pretty good. Unsure if he'll agree to going to the apple store and then wait 20-25 (they're pretty slow even if you have an appointment) though.
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This is just my opinion, but I think this should have ended the debate. You have a computer that suits your needs. Later on an updated version of this will be available at a lower cost. I just don't understand the lust for technology. My own upgrades are calculated. There's always some advantage. Either I take a very minimal loss on the upgrade, the new one offers a tangible improvement in smoothness, the new one allows me to change my workflow, or the old one needs expensive repairs. I don't jump between devices unless there's a reason and benefit. I'm a little amazed by the number of people who switched from 2011 machines.


theturtle said:
Meeting tomorrow at panara. Meet will be in the morning and will be taking a friend.

Question though, if i call apple will they tell me if the laptop is safe to buy and not stolen?

I tried asking on the customer service chat (on the apple site) but the guy seemed unsure. Does anyone have any idea on what to do?
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Only Apple can give you a definite answer to this. Personally I wouldn't touch this one. With a super new machine, they would typically have a receipt or some proof of purchase. I'd still call Apple anyway and ask them directly if there is any way to verify. If I couldn't find a means of verification, I would pass on the machine. In your case the reason to pass is even greater. You have one that satisfies you. I also do not suggest bringing it along. Last thing I'm going to mention is that it's really a bad thing if you're unable to fully verify working order. Overall I think this is a bad purchase, and I personally wouldn't bother taking it any further as I can think of too many ways for the other person to scam you.
 
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theturtle said:
Thank you for the link! But from my quick perusing of the site, it seems more like a database that is user submitted.

And to everyone else! Of course I'll be opening the box to confirm that the laptop is actually there. I'll also be checking the serial number on the computer to the one on the box. Just to reiterate, the laptop should be brand new, never opened. I should be the first one opening it. I'll only be opening it if Im 100% sure. I wouldn't even think about opening it and then deciding not to just because its too expensive. If i open it and it checks out of course im going to buy it.

The thing that worries me is not whether he'll rob me but whether the macbook is stolen. Clyde gave me a great website but that website looks to be mainly directed to people who got their used macbook stolen. This is a brand new macbook so i doubt it would be listed on their site. The thing im worried about is whether or not this macbook is one of the macbook that could be stolen in those situations where a guy goes in the apple store and makes away with thousands and thousands of brand new apple products.

While the laptop could be brand new, if its stolen from the apple store, im sure apple would confiscate it.

I was curious on whether or not there was anyway to check that.

I know checking the serial number through the site tells you warranty info, i want to know if this is a "hot" good.
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If it turns out to have formerly been owned by Steve Jobs, let us know, m'kay?;)
 
theturtle said:
well thats not a reply i was expecting.

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/take_action&id=6995567
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/Ne...ted-After-Stealing-31000-Of-Merchandise/34657

like i said, i just don't want to take it in for servicing and then end up with the apple store/the cops confiscating the machine.

with that being said, wish me luck.
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Good luck! You seem like a smart enough person to not mess this up. Those horror stories are just idiots who don't know how to use common sense
 
If you are inside, have the friend outside watching for the seller and writing down the vehicle info...and take pictures. These days you never know.
 
theturtle said:
well thats not a reply i was expecting.

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/take_action&id=6995567
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/Ne...ted-After-Stealing-31000-Of-Merchandise/34657

like i said, i just don't want to take it in for servicing and then end up with the apple store/the cops confiscating the machine.

with that being said, wish me luck.
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Wear a hidden video camera and a voice recorder to record everything he does and says. Have 2 friends outside one with a big camera and another with a microphone interviewing people . Make sure to tell him to wear a red rose in he's shirt pocket so your friend can identify him and interview him so if he robs you , you would have a good look at he's face or he's car
 
Dude just do it. I've bought/sold/traded 5 expensive Apple laptops and an iPad (64gb 3G) on CL in the past couple years. It's a great place and i've never gotten nor felt that I could be ripped off. I'm meeting someone for my 6th sale/purchase this sunday. I'm trading my 17" pro (that I've had for a whopping week) for a newer 15". I normally go to people's houses also, and let them come to mine.
 
theturtle said:
Hello,

Someone on CL is selling their brand new retina macbook pro base for 1850. Still sealed. He said he won it in a contest so he was willing to work down from his original price of 1950. Any thoughts? Bite or no?
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People win iPads all the time as presents; there are even some of those "tricky arm" vending / contest machines at malls that have iPads in them. MBP Retina? Not likely. I'd put good money on he's lying.
 
theturtle said:
yeah im contemplating.

the more pressing issue at hand is whether or not i should buy it just cause its a good price. I love my air so im wondering if this retina pro is a good investment.

But yeah, im sure its brand new but that apple store idea is pretty good. Unsure if he'll agree to going to the apple store and then wait 20-25 (they're pretty slow even if you have an appointment) though.
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No it's not a good "investment ", It's an EXPENSE.
 
hellishness said:
dude just do it. I've bought/sold/traded 5 expensive apple laptops and an ipad (64gb 3g) on cl in the past couple years. It's a great place and i've never gotten nor felt that i could be ripped off. I'm meeting someone for my 6th sale/purchase this sunday. I'm trading my 17" pro (that i've had for a whopping week) for a newer 15". I normally go to people's houses also, and let them come to mine.
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dope fiend

. Or

. Thief
 
I think it's best you meet him at an Apple store, if possible. Let your friend hold on to the cash till you are satisfied with the product and are ready to complete the deal!

Panara is okay but not completely secure, or as secure as some of the other places, including Apple [ cameras abound!! ]

Goodluck and keep us posted! :)

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Ricanlegend said:
Wear a hidden video camera and a voice recorder to record everything he does and says. Have 2 friends outside one with a big camera and another with a microphone interviewing people . Make sure to tell him to wear a red rose in he's shirt pocket so your friend can identify him and interview him so if he robs you , you would have a good look at he's face or he's car
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LOL.. I'd be all wired up if I were in the Bronx !!! :p

Well.. Manhattan ain't better either.. got mugged in Central Park back in 2003!
 
M5RahuL said:
I think it's best you meet him at an Apple store, if possible. Let your friend hold on to the cash till you are satisfied with the product and are ready to complete the deal!

Panara is okay but not completely secure, or as secure as some of the other places, including Apple [ cameras abound!! ]

Goodluck and keep us posted! :)

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LOL.. I'd be all wired up if I were in the Bronx !!! :p

Well.. Manhattan ain't better either.. got mugged in Central Park back in 2003!
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It helps not to get mug when you 6'3 200 plus pounds lol. Some of you guy are crazy i never carry cash what so ever I always carry my debit card and the op is about to carry almost 2 grand in cash is crazy, you better of meeting him INSIDE a bank so there's 0% of getting robbed
 
hfg said:
That is really a touchy issue ... think of it with YOU as the seller. The "sealed box" is a real selling point over a "brand new open box" unit. What if the buyer insists on opening the box before agreeing to buy it ... and then changes their mind and leaves. Your "unopened" computer isn't as valuable as it has been opened and the next buyer will wonder what you know about it that hasn't been revealed.

Obviously, you should at some point open the box and test it out throughly before completing the deal, but you have to have a pretty solid commitment to buy before removing the wrap.



-howard
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I do see what your saying, but under no circumstance would I, or recommend anyone else, buy a closed box from a stranger/ 3rd party. IMO the value of the computer is LESS if a seller refuses to let a buyer open the box, because many people will be skeptical.

Ask the seller to open the box, if he refuses, pass up on the sale. $200 isn't worth the risk of getting scammed.

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M5RahuL said:
I think it's best you meet him at an Apple store, if possible. Let your friend hold on to the cash till you are satisfied with the product and are ready to complete the deal!
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That's great advice. An Apple Store employee can make sure the serial is legit, change registration over to you, and provide security/witness for the purchase.
 
I've seen and hosted raffles for a car before. I don't find it that strange that someone could win a computer.

And $1800… $1950… what loss? Win a raffle AKA all profit.

I usually do Starbucks, but anywhere public works.
 
Man, common sense and being aware of your surroundings is very important, but I wouldn't drag this out and make a mountain out of a molehill. Meet with the guy at your bank, check it out, if all's legit, then withdraw the money and pay him.

99.9% of all transactions that actually take place on Craigslist are legit. I say 'actually take place' because if you have any common sense you can usually smell a scam a million miles way.

Do let us know how it turns out. It looks like you may get a great deal!

Bryan
 
Op_will_surely_deliver-s500x375-138152.jpg
 
Hahhaha! Thank you guys in making this thread great.

Before I met up with the guy, I called apple. They informed me that they won't have any way in checking if the laptop in stolen. I asked "so your saying there is no drawbacks in purchasing a stolen laptop". She replied "nope you should be good to go"

LOL. I met with him and the laptop was brand new. Never opened. It was pristine. Ended up paying 1835. Woohoo.
 
theturtle said:
Hahhaha! Thank you guys in making this thread great.

Before I met up with the guy, I called apple. They informed me that they won't have any way in checking if the laptop in stolen. I asked "so your saying there is no drawbacks in purchasing a stolen laptop". She replied "nope you should be good to go"

LOL. I met with him and the laptop was brand new. Never opened. It was pristine. Ended up paying 1835. Woohoo.
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Pictures or it didn't happen :p
 
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