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Post by wimapp on Aug 8, 2010 22:16:14 GMT
Hi
Does anyone have any tips on buying second hand Macs? I want a nearly new iMac but I haven't got the grand needed for a new one. eBay looks confusing and a little scary. Is there a reputable second hand specialist?
I'm also scanning the refurb section of the Apple store.
Let me know if you have any experiences, good or bad, to share.
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Post by Alex on Aug 8, 2010 22:20:39 GMT
Apple Refurbs, I think, may be the most reliable option. Those ones are checked properly and basically factory new, except they are a bit older than a new new one. But they are also pretty expensive, and I'd consider getting a real new one for maybe £50 more. eBay can be good for bargains, but you have to know what you are doing, because like you say, it can be scary. Have you checked local ad papers? How about your nearest Apple store? I'm not sure if they do refurbs...
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Post by HeatherKay on Aug 9, 2010 10:59:05 GMT
My current MacBook Pro was a refurb.
It came in a brown box, rather than the posh one, with French documentation (but UK spec in all other respects), and I got a glossy screen when I ordered a matt one. Then again, I got a much larger hard drive than I'd bargained for, as well as the full year warranty.
Buying a refurb is a good option, and one I recommend. A benefit could be seen as the unit has been factory refurbished by Apple, and tested by Apple - something that straight-off-the-production-line kit doesn't necessarily get.
As the young people have it, buying refurb is full of win.
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Post by Alex on Aug 9, 2010 11:57:59 GMT
^But are they not only cheaper than a new one by a very small amount? I think I might get a refurb as my next one. I'm likely to sell my current iMac for a new one, but it depends how much it's worth when I come to selling it. I won't get a MacBook. I think I will always prefer a desktop iMac. Looks better, more powerful and less pretentious.
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Post by wimapp on Aug 9, 2010 12:54:02 GMT
Thanks guys.
Apple Refurb is an option, but as is pointed out often there is not that much difference - usually between 5 and 15 per cent off.
Plus the real bargains tend to go quick so you have to keep an eye out.
I love Macs, but in a perfect world they would sell for the price of a Dell!
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Post by HeatherKay on Aug 9, 2010 13:42:43 GMT
Looks better, more powerful and less pretentious. Hee-hee. Pretentiousness had nothing to do with the choice. It was pragmatic - guaranteed working mobility, built-in UPS, and enough power to operate in desktop mode for most of the time.
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Post by beerbum on Aug 9, 2010 13:45:01 GMT
Thanks guys. Apple Refurb is an option, but as is pointed out often there is not that much difference - usually between 5 and 15 per cent off. Plus the real bargains tend to go quick so you have to keep an eye out. I love Macs, but in a perfect world they would sell for the price of a Dell! I think that in a perfect world we would all be given an up to date Mac for free in recognition of our loyalty……
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Post by Alex on Aug 9, 2010 17:58:56 GMT
Looks better, more powerful and less pretentious. Hee-hee. Pretentiousness had nothing to do with the choice. It was pragmatic - guaranteed working mobility, built-in UPS, and enough power to operate in desktop mode for most of the time. But don't you just hate 'that guy' in Starbucks sat there in a suit with a MacBook? I feel like he's just showing off - Especially with the big glowing apple on the back. Speaking of coffee, another reason why I like iMacs is because I'm clumsy. I've often spilled drinks over my desk, and everything gets wet, including a would-be MacBook. However my iMac stands proud, towering high above the tidal wave of hot beverage like the Eye of Sauron while only getting it's single foot wet. A MacBook would suck up all that coffee like some kind of New-Yorker.
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Post by wierdostomps on Aug 11, 2010 16:28:38 GMT
Hey! I am the guy in Starbucks. In the dim and distant past I even had a pony tail (until I looked just a little bit too Status Quo for even my comfort!). And as soon as I can afford it, I'll be showing off with the glowing apple on an iPad instead. Pretentious, moi?
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DaveB
Full Member
dwb
Posts: 93
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Post by DaveB on Aug 11, 2010 23:40:43 GMT
As we've just had new macs come out, take a look down your nearest computer store chain ie PC World, Currys. Anywhere that sells macs - chances are they may well have ex-displays up for grabs. Plus as its not the first place you think to look for a mac, there might be some nice bargains to be had Having just bought a macbook pro off ebay, I understand the concern, but I think there's definitely things you can do to cover/protect yourself. - Obv, we all know to look at feedback, how long the person has been on ebay etc - When paying via paypal, you can change how you pay on the payment screen - instead of the default method of money straight out your bank account, you can use a credit card giving you that extra protection if things do go pear shaped. -Research the specs of the machine you want and observe how much similar auctions go for. When looking, I used Mactracker to look up the models to find out what components where in the machines and how much it was to upgrade certain parts ie ram, hard drive, battery etc. Think I bided on around 4 machines before i won one. Wasn't too precious about any particular auction as there's a continuos supply going through ebay all the time. The laptop came through last week, and am really pleased with it. Battery's at the end of its life, but was to be expected being 3 years old. Anyways, hope this helps, good luck in your search!
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Post by Forum Cat on Aug 13, 2010 12:39:58 GMT
However my iMac stands proud, towering high above the tidal wave of hot beverage like the Eye of Sauron while only getting it's single foot wet. A MacBook would suck up all that coffee like some kind of New-Yorker. Poetry. Poetry worthy of the Bard.
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Post by Alex on Aug 13, 2010 13:59:02 GMT
^Why, thank you. I should get it published.
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idan
Full Member
Posts: 77
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Post by idan on Aug 14, 2010 8:15:02 GMT
If you're a student look at what discounts your college or university does? If you have a relative who is a teacher you can get up to 30% off the Apple range.
Failing that try macbooty to check out what prices you should expect to pay.
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