Thanks for the quick reply!
I know the 2nd one has a broken dvd combo drive, but I assume that won't be too much of a problem. I never use the combo drive on computers- I tend to stick with the pre-installed OS and never buy new software. Plus there's always the handy IFixIt if I do decide to repair it at some point.
I also looked on Mac2Sell and was quoted $120 for the 2nd Powerbook. So should I try to find more deals around that range?
Hey...it sounds like you know your stuff mentioning iFixit & Mac2Sell...that's always helpful!
If you don't use the CD/DVD drive...then the faster cpu (1.33ghz) and lower price ($179.00) of the 2nd would seem to be fine for you.
Of course you have shipping to deal with which brings the price closer to $200.
The 1st one has a starting bid of $129.00...so if you're lucky...you could get this one for much lower than the $199 "Buy It Now" price. But who know's...either auction could end 5 minutes from now...if someone decides to "Buy It Now".
As far as the Mac2Sell value of around $120. I definitely use Mac2Sell values in conjunction with e-Bay prices to continuously keep on top of used Macintosh prices. Honestly...I don't see too many "full-fledged" Powerbook G4's of this quality/spec's (reasonably fast cpu's, decent ram, built-in Airport & bluetooth) for $120. I also really like the 12" size for portability & compactness.
A while ago I purchased an 867mhz 12" Powerbook G4 for $80 off my local Craig's List. That was a pretty good deal...but it has a slower processor than the one's you're looking at...and the one I bought was pretty beat up. But these deals are VERY rare...so if you look for one around $120...you may be looking for a longggg time!
If I saw a 1.0 or 1.33ghz 12" Powerbook G4 for sale on my local CL for $120...I would snap it up in a heartbeat!!!
When you start talking used prices for computers that are:
- 5-8 years old
- laptops that are very popular especially with built-in WiFi
- costing under $200 bucks
- LOWEST price for used older MacBooks starting around $350-$400
...prices can get very "fluid". Under $200 ($179-$199) to one person (who has minimal requirements for a mobile computer) could be a "drop in the bucket"...and they might snap it up right away.
If you wait for a deal around $120 for one of these...you may be waiting a while. And if you do find one...you need to be lucky enough to be the first person to e-mail the seller...AND be able to jump right in your car to pick it up IMMEDIATELY...otherwise someone else who can...will get it first!
- Nick