Should I buy this computer?

Discussion in 'Buying Tips and Advice' started by Jon352us, Jun 18, 2008.

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  1. Jon352us, Jun 18, 2008

    Jon352us macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2008
    #1
    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
     
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  2. Moof1904, Jun 18, 2008

    Moof1904 macrumors 65816

    Joined:
    May 20, 2004
    #2
    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.
     
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  3. BKF, Jun 18, 2008

    BKF macrumors regular

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2006
    Location:
    Brooklyn, NY
    #3
    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.
     
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  4. iknowyourider, Jun 18, 2008

    iknowyourider macrumors 6502a

    iknowyourider

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2008
    Location:
    onanorthboundtrain
    #4
    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).
     
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