In need of a new macbook. Should I buy new or used?

kzapp · kzapp #1 (**permalink**)

10-31-2010, 07:30 PM

I recently damaged my Macbook and am in need of a new computer. I want another Mac, but I do not know if I should buy a new one or a refurbished one. I have heard good things and bad things about buying used computers. What should I look for if I do decide to buy a used one?

kzapp · kzapp #2 (**permalink**)

10-31-2010, 07:38 PM

I recently damaged my Macbook and am in need of a new computer. Should I get a new one or a refurbished one? If I do get a used computer, what should I look for when purchasing?

chscag · chscag #3 (**permalink**)

10-31-2010, 07:40 PM

If saving money is a priority, buy a refurbished machine from Apple as they're as good as new and fully warranted.

DescendeadRose · DescendeadRose #4 (**permalink**)

10-31-2010, 08:19 PM

As far as I know if you buy refurbished from Apple themselves, they are guaranteed, just like if you bought a brand new one? Could be wrong, new to the Apple world... But I'd say if you can find one that suits you through Apple, refurbished, I'd go for it.

Chef_eam · Chef_eam #5 (**permalink**)

10-31-2010, 08:45 PM

Refurbished machines bought from Apple have the full 1 year warranty, and are also eligible for the extended Apple Care.

chscag · chscag #6 (**permalink**)

10-31-2010, 11:01 PM

Do not crosspost! It causes confusion and clutters the forums.

chas_m · chas_m #7 (**permalink**)

10-31-2010, 11:13 PM

Refurbished are in some cases BETTER than new, since they've had a second inspection. But on the whole, the pecking order I'd use is a) new, b) refurbished from Apple, c) used but from a highly trustworthy person/dealer. I don't go beyond (c).

iMac Daddy · iMac Daddy #8 (**permalink**)

10-31-2010, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chas_m

Refurbished are in some cases BETTER than new, since they've had a second inspection. But on the whole, the pecking order I'd use is a) new, b) refurbished from Apple, c) used but from a highly trustworthy person/dealer. I don't go beyond (c).

+ 1 ( I second that...)

unholyalmond · unholyalmond #9 (**permalink**)

11-01-2010, 08:29 PM

Chas I just dont go past b. ;p

fireman32 · fireman32 #10 (**permalink**)

11-03-2010, 05:51 PM

I bought both my macs off of craigslist and could not be happier. I was on a tight budget and bought a 20" imac and a 15" macbook pro both 2006 models with the intel processors for 600 bucks and they have been working great for me. Maybe when the tax refund check comes I will buy a new one but I have had no issued with used. If you carefully inspect them you can get a good deal.

jetmech1 · jetmech1 #11 (**permalink**)

11-03-2010, 06:16 PM

If money is tight, then do a careful search of Craigslist or this forum for a good used one. The only issue is most people seem to ask close to the price of a refurbished on CL for a used Mac. But I bought my Macbook over 2 years ago at a fair price and a 20" iMac at a fair price. My 27" iMac I bought refurb from Apple and it has worked flawlessly since I got it. I would not hesitate to buy refurb again. Best of luck finding the right Mac for you.

chscag #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 23, 2008 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 31,974 Mac Specs: 21.5" iMac 2.5 GHz i5, iPad 3rd Gen., 3 iPods	10-31-2010, 11:01 PM Do not crosspost! It causes confusion and clutters the forums. Community Guidelines
	QUOTE Thanks

chas_m #7 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 22, 2010 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 13,696 Mac Specs: 2009 MacBook Pro, Black speakers, Black Benq second monitor, black iPhone 4, Black 2012 iPad, etc.	10-31-2010, 11:13 PM Refurbished are in some cases BETTER than new, since they've had a second inspection. But on the whole, the pecking order I'd use is a) new, b) refurbished from Apple, c) used but from a highly trustworthy person/dealer. I don't go beyond (c). Cheers, chas_m -- My essay for switchers and newbies
	QUOTE Thanks

jetmech1 #11 (permalink)
Member Since: May 19, 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 154 Mac Specs: iMac 27" 3.06 GHz, 1TB, 8 GB	11-03-2010, 06:16 PM If money is tight, then do a careful search of Craigslist or this forum for a good used one. The only issue is most people seem to ask close to the price of a refurbished on CL for a used Mac. But I bought my Macbook over 2 years ago at a fair price and a 20" iMac at a fair price. My 27" iMac I bought refurb from Apple and it has worked flawlessly since I got it. I would not hesitate to buy refurb again. Best of luck finding the right Mac for you. iMac - 27" - c2d - 3.06 GHz - 1 TB HD - 8 GB Mac Pro - 2.66 GHz Quad-Core - 2 Apple 23" LCD 15.4" Unibody MBP - 13" White MacBook 3 iPads, 2 iPhones, 3 iPods, 1 Apple TV
	QUOTE Thanks

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kzapp #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 21, 2010 Posts: 4	10-31-2010, 07:30 PM I recently damaged my Macbook and am in need of a new computer. I want another Mac, but I do not know if I should buy a new one or a refurbished one. I have heard good things and bad things about buying used computers. What should I look for if I do decide to buy a used one?
	QUOTE Thanks

kzapp #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 21, 2010 Posts: 4	10-31-2010, 07:38 PM I recently damaged my Macbook and am in need of a new computer. Should I get a new one or a refurbished one? If I do get a used computer, what should I look for when purchasing?
	QUOTE Thanks

DescendeadRose #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 26, 2010 Posts: 59	10-31-2010, 08:19 PM As far as I know if you buy refurbished from Apple themselves, they are guaranteed, just like if you bought a brand new one? Could be wrong, new to the Apple world... But I'd say if you can find one that suits you through Apple, refurbished, I'd go for it.
	QUOTE Thanks

Chef_eam #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 12, 2009 Location: Midland,Tx Posts: 357 Mac Specs: iMac 27" 2.66GHz i5, 1TB HDD, 12GB RAM, OS X 10.7.3, iPod Classic 160GB,iPad 1 64GB Wi-fi, iPhone 4S	10-31-2010, 08:45 PM Refurbished machines bought from Apple have the full 1 year warranty, and are also eligible for the extended Apple Care.
	QUOTE Thanks

unholyalmond #9 (permalink)
Member Since: Jul 02, 2010 Location: Arkansas, U.S Posts: 38 Mac Specs: 2010 13" macbook, 4th gen ipod touch	11-01-2010, 08:29 PM Chas I just dont go past b. ;p
	QUOTE Thanks

fireman32 #10 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 09, 2010 Posts: 16 Mac Specs: 2006 mac book pro 15" : 2006 imac 20"	11-03-2010, 05:51 PM I bought both my macs off of craigslist and could not be happier. I was on a tight budget and bought a 20" imac and a 15" macbook pro both 2006 models with the intel processors for 600 bucks and they have been working great for me. Maybe when the tax refund check comes I will buy a new one but I have had no issued with used. If you carefully inspect them you can get a good deal.
	QUOTE Thanks

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