PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

elchivito · #3 09-08-2010, 02:04 PM

x2 on the above advice if you're just starting out, although I have to admit I'm typing this on a 2003 17" aluminum G4 Powerbook, which is my daily driver. We also have 2 newer intel MacBooks in the house as well as a couple of desktop Macs. If you want to buy used, watch Craigslist, especially around university towns. Look for one with the AppleCare extended warranty. It's worth it's weight in gold. If you happen to find one that's less than a year old that doesn't have AppleCare, you can still buy the coverage as a second owner as long as you buy it within one year of original purchase. It includes unlimited tech support and in the event you have an issue, the turn around is amazing. We called about an issue on one of the MacBooks that couldn't be resolved over the phone. The next day a prepaid shipping box arrived FedEx. We sent the machine in and had a new motherboard installed and it was returned within a week. Several years ago my son had a 12" iBook that got sent back three times for three separate issues. On the fourth issue, I called Apple and said look up the repair issues on this machine will you, I'm tired of sending it back and it's not up to your usual standards. The CSR put me on hold, came back in a minute and said "we're replacing your machine, your shipping box will arrive tomorrow." Sure enough, we got the CURRENT model as a replacement. I should mention also that all my dealings with AppleCare involved agents who did not need to be spoken to slowly due to their English deficiencies.
A good source for used Macs can be SmallDog electronics. www.smalldog.com. They sell new and refurb and sometimes open box machines and are great people to work with. Also, check the Apple store website and look in their refurb section. The selection changes every day. You can get 10-25% off on refurbs with the same warranty. I've purchased several of them without issue. They're identical to new in my experience.
The current entry model MacBook is 999.00 and well equipped with a good sized HD, 250gig I think and a 2.4ghz intel chip, DVD burner, webcam etc. Used, you'll pay around 650-750 if you're fortunate or might get lucky with some college kid who's desperate and find one cheaper. Don't look for deals on new. Apple keeps tight control of their prices, and the third party sellers can only throw in freebies to entice you, like extra ram or a printer or something. You'll pay Apple prices on the machine itself everywhere. You can save tax by buying from smalldog or another online retailer. Apple has retail presence in all 50 states and has to charge sales tax if you buy from their website. Avoid MacMall like the plague. Good luck, say so long to viruses, spyware and intrusive updates.