Used/cheap 2015 12" MacBook for trip to Japan?

[realpras]

It's a solid deal. Offer $600, settle on $650-$675. I recently picked up a 2015 base for $600. It was listed for $700, but talked them down. Meet at a public coffee shop like a Starbucks. Do the following while checking it out before purchase.

1) Power on the machine, power down plug it in and watch it charge, also restart.
2) Check to make sure it is not signed into iCloud.
3) Open a blank word document or page of some sort and test every single key on the keyboard.
4) Make sure the trackpad is working properly.
5) Make sure the model is what is being advertised (Specs match)
6) Check the charge cycle count (if it's high, offer less money)
7) Look the machine over to make sure there are no major dents or anything that looks like it would affect performance.
8) Closely check the display when powering on(black background) to make sure there is no light bleed or impact marks.

Those are the things I check when purchasing a second hand MacBook. If I am forgetting anything, someone feel free to chime in.

Check the FaceTime camera, speaker and microphone if they work properly or not

 

[capathy21]

Check the FaceTime camera, speaker and microphone if they work properly or not

Yes! I always forget about the damn camera and ports too!

 

[Dick Whitman]

I'm assuming this one is a scam. Thoughts?

https://baltimore.craigslist.org/sys/6022991885.html

 

[capathy21]

I'm assuming this one is a scam. Thoughts?

https://baltimore.craigslist.org/sys/6022991885.html

Yes, anytime they put an email address in the body like that, it's a scam. Also the insanely unrealistic price gives it away. Best rule of thumb for Craigslist is don't even bother contacting them if there isn't a phone number to text.

 

[Halfakorean]

Bought my 2015 for 700 in November (+ Applecare for 175). Works super well for my portable needs, don't need to worry about keyboard/battery issues for the next 2 years. I use it more than my new gaming rig, just because of how light it is to bring it with me everywhere.

 

[SSD-GUY]

2015 Base 12" rMB owner here.

I love it. Portable, powerful, good battery life.

However that being said, I wouldn't buy one of these without at least a year or 2 of Applecare. My KB key has failed, the battery is sometimes a bit iffy and will need to go in to be serviced etc

Therefore, get one that has AppleCare.

 

[Dick Whitman]

Bought my 2015 for 700 in November (+ Applecare for 175). Works super well for my portable needs, don't need to worry about keyboard/battery issues for the next 2 years. I use it more than my new gaming rig, just because of how light it is to bring it with me everywhere.

Where did you get yours? eBay? Craigslist? I'm hesitant to even consider the latter anymore. Seems like there are too many jokers on there.

 

[Halfakorean]

Where did you get yours? eBay? Craigslist? I'm hesitant to even consider the latter anymore. Seems like there are too many jokers on there.

Craigslist, after 2 tries. The first try, the seller and I determined a time/place, where I spent an hour+ driving in traffic and paid bridge toll, only to have the seller not pick up when I got there... and a 'sorry. no.' text as the only reply.

My suggestion is to wait for one near you (that is still within the first year warranty), to avoid situations like the above. Luckily, my second try got me a perfect macbook which I'm happy with.

 

[lixuelai]

You can find some pretty good deals on various forums. I bought a 2016 in mint condition for $800 with Applecare. The MB12 doesnt seem to hold its value very well. Id avoid CL unless it is an amazing deal.

 

[bigjnyc]

OP since your trip is not till may, why don't you just wait a bit until the new model is released hopefully in early April. There will be a flood of used ones in the market by people looking to upgrade, and the 2015 should drop.