Should I buy this computer?

[Jon352us]

I am thinking about closing a deal on craigslist.com for a macbook pro. He is asking $1,200. Here are the specs:

Intel Core 2 Duo 2.16 GHz,
15 inch display
Mac OS X 10.49
2 GB ram
HD capacity of 120 GB

I checked the warranty and it is covered under apple care until August of 2010. The computer is apparently in mint condition with no repair history. The catch is that the system only comes with a new power adapter and not any original accessories or box (which seems slightly shady). The guy claims it was his brothers computer and he took/lost the original equipment.

Also, if I go and check out this computer what kind of diagnostic checks should I run to make sure everything is A OK? (I am a former PC user trying to switch to MAC so everything is still a bit foreign)

Any advice would be helpful!

Thanks,
Jon

 

[Moof1904]

I'm sure there are some good deals but generally Craig's list laptops scare me. There are a lot of shady people and stolen computers out there. How is the person wanting to be paid? Is there an Apple store near you? Maybe you could make an appointment at the Genius Bar and see if the seller is willing to meet you at the Apple store while the Genius Bar gives it a once over. If the Genius Bar says it looks ok, then pay him.

If the person agrees to that, it's almost certain that it's a legit sale.

 

[BKF]

Just a thought but for $999 you could get an equally zippy refurb MacBook (not Pro) from Apple:

Refurbished MacBook 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - White
13.3-inch glossy widescreen display
1GB memory
120GB hard drive

Or for $1099

Refurbished MacBook 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - White
13.3-inch glossy widescreen display
2GB memory
160GB hard drive

Smaller screen but better specs and fewer question marks.

 

[iknowyourider]

or for $949, a 20" imac. I would not give 1200 for a used shady MBP. I think 2gigs ram is max for that 2.16, just in case it matters to you. Just get something nicer and newer from apple (if he will not take a smooth 1000).