Macbook pro - Is it worth the money?

Joined
Jun 5, 2011
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Hello everyone! Im new here, and my english isnt very good, so bear with me!

Im looking at a 2nd hand macbook pro late 2009 unibody model with intel core 2 duo 2,26ghz, 2gb ram and 160gb.
The laptop has 2-3 very light scratches on the lid, and has some minor scratches and 2 dents on the bottom. When you open the macbook pro itself, it is very clean, no scratches or dents. The laptop comes from a smoking-free home, and the battery lasts around 4-5 hours. Im about to pay around 900 dollars for it, and im planning to use it for three years from now. Is it worth the money? It has no Warranty , and as written i intend to use it for three years. Thanks in advance.
 

cwa107


Retired Staff
Joined
Dec 20, 2006
Messages
27,042
Reaction score
812
Points
113
Location
Lake Mary, Florida
Your Mac's Specs
14" MacBook Pro M1 Pro, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
The dents along the bottom would seem to indicate that it's been dropped, or at the very least, not well handled. I'd be concerned at that price point. What's your budget?
 

robduckyworth


Retired Staff
Joined
Jan 4, 2011
Messages
2,971
Reaction score
109
Points
63
Location
Reading, UK
Your Mac's Specs
15" MBP, 2.5GHz i7, 750GB, 6770M 1GB, iPad 3, iPhone 4, custom PC
i would save and buy a 2011 machine when you can afford it. that machine is quite underpowered these days.
 
OP
H
Joined
Jun 5, 2011
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Right at the moment, i have no job so the 900 usd is my max.

In live in denmark, so we cant compare the danish price of a mbp to prices in USA. It is more like 1900 in denmark. I guess, if it had been dropped it would have gotten some scratches on the corners, which i cant find anywhere.

So please, ignore the price. My question is: Can i trust this laptop which is 1½ year old for 3 years use? Its A 13" late 2009 macbook pro. Is there a big risk for it to crash? i mean, does this model have many problems?
 
Joined
Jul 26, 2009
Messages
196
Reaction score
1
Points
18
Location
Florida
Your Mac's Specs
Mid 12 MBP 8gb ram, Crucial M4 SSD 512gb, Sandy Bridge i7
Right at the moment, i have no job so the 900 usd is my max.

In live in denmark, so we cant compare the danish price of a mbp to prices in USA. It is more like 1900 in denmark. I guess, if it had been dropped it would have gotten some scratches on the corners, which i cant find anywhere.

So please, ignore the price. My question is: Can i trust this laptop which is 1½ year old for 3 years use? Its A 13" late 2009 macbook pro. Is there a big risk for it to crash? i mean, does this model have many problems?

I have one and it is fine. I think your only concern, assuming everything looks good on inspection, would be that the hard drive is in good working order. In a worst case scenario, you would have to replace it which is a very easy operation. Otherwise, if you like it, it's a worthy model. I'm typing on mine now. Best wishes. :) Thing is, for $1150 you could get the latest one out. If it were me, I'd wait to get the latest version because of the processor and ram.
 
Joined
Oct 10, 2004
Messages
10,345
Reaction score
597
Points
113
Location
Margaritaville
Your Mac's Specs
3.4 Ghz i7 MacBook Pro (2015), iPad Pro (2014), iPhone Xs Max. Apple TV 4K
In short I would say no. The dents are what concerns me the most, scratches are no big deal. Can you pst any pics? That might help.
 
OP
H
Joined
Jun 5, 2011
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Points
1
I have one and it is fine. I think your only concern, assuming everything looks good on inspection, would be that the hard drive is in good working order. In a worst case scenario, you would have to replace it which is a very easy operation. Otherwise, if you like it, it's a worthy model. I'm typing on mine now. Best wishes. :) Thing is, for $1150 you could get the latest one out. If it were me, I'd wait to get the latest version because of the processor and ram.

Well, as told before it is around 1900$ in Denmark, and we have no refurbished store. Is it the exact same model you have? so you think i can rely on it?
 
Joined
Jul 26, 2009
Messages
196
Reaction score
1
Points
18
Location
Florida
Your Mac's Specs
Mid 12 MBP 8gb ram, Crucial M4 SSD 512gb, Sandy Bridge i7
If you have booted it up and tried it out, and it works well with no clicking sound from the hard drive, then it's a go. When I bought mine new, it was highly rated. The MBP is a very worthwhile unit. No problems encountered with mine. I replaced the hard drive and added 2 gb of ram. No issues. The screen is intact, and all of the keys are functional? If yes, then the unit itself is great. The other thing to keep in mind is the battery. At some point, depending upon its age, it would have to be replaced by Apple. Download CoconutBattery for Apple from the web to judge the condition of the battery.
 
OP
H
Joined
Jun 5, 2011
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Well, the battery lasts around 4-5 hours (starts saying 6 hours, but ends up at 4-5 hours) so it should be okay? The harddrive is fine, if something happens i have a replacement.
 
Joined
Dec 24, 2010
Messages
37
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Your Mac's Specs
MBP 17inch, Intel Core i7 2,6 Ghz (Boost: 3,2 Ghz), 8GB DDR3 1066Mhz, Nvidia GeForce 330M
If i were you i wouldn't do it. Would you buy a car for a reasonable high price with dents on it?

Look on ebay, there are plenty macbooks 13" for the same price without dents over there.
 
Joined
Jul 26, 2009
Messages
196
Reaction score
1
Points
18
Location
Florida
Your Mac's Specs
Mid 12 MBP 8gb ram, Crucial M4 SSD 512gb, Sandy Bridge i7
Well, the battery lasts around 4-5 hours (starts saying 6 hours, but ends up at 4-5 hours) so it should be okay? The harddrive is fine, if something happens i have a replacement.

Within 3 years the battery may need replacement depending upon how you use it. Mine is almost always plugged in, and is at 92%. You're getting a lot of no votes on this purchase here Hackster because of the dents, but if you've tried it out, everything functions well, and you're happy then do it. It sounds like you want it. Too bad you're so near and yet so far from a new 2011 model here in the states.
 
OP
H
Joined
Jun 5, 2011
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Danm! I really want a free economy state :( If it wasnt for this welfarestate, i could ahve gotten a cheap MBP Aswell :(
 
Joined
Jul 26, 2009
Messages
196
Reaction score
1
Points
18
Location
Florida
Your Mac's Specs
Mid 12 MBP 8gb ram, Crucial M4 SSD 512gb, Sandy Bridge i7
Well, I mean are they tinny tiny dents, or big ones? :)

Let's see, dents on the bottom would mean the plate that is removable with screws. Hum, does it look as if there is any internal damage? Have you removed the bottom plate to check that? The plate itself is pretty thin. Can't see em so I can't say. The answer to your original question remains that the 2009 MBP is a solid unit.

What about bargaining for a lower price because of the dent issue? :)
 
OP
H
Joined
Jun 5, 2011
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Points
1
I already tried that. Its impossible though. I think i wont be satisfied by the design of it, if it has scratches and dents. So i think imma jump over this one.
Thank you guys. Love you <3
 
Joined
Apr 20, 2009
Messages
4,301
Reaction score
124
Points
63
Location
The lonely planet
Your Mac's Specs
Too many...
Since you asked "is it worth the money?" I'm going to answer that question regardless of your issue. No, it's not worth the money for a 2009 model when you can get a refurb for that price(minus the tax), with a full warranty, and in new condition. No way would I pay around 900 for that one you described.

Here's one:
Refurbished MacBook Pro 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - Apple Store (U.S.)
 
Joined
Jul 26, 2009
Messages
196
Reaction score
1
Points
18
Location
Florida
Your Mac's Specs
Mid 12 MBP 8gb ram, Crucial M4 SSD 512gb, Sandy Bridge i7
I already tried that. Its impossible though. I think i wont be satisfied by the design of it, if it has scratches and dents. So i think imma jump over this one.
Thank you guys. Love you <3

I know you will get what you want and soon! :)
 
Joined
Sep 11, 2010
Messages
154
Reaction score
0
Points
16
Location
Moved to Spain in 2000 after enforced early retire
Your Mac's Specs
iMac24,iMac27,iMac21.5-i3,iPhone4-32gb,iTouch3.32gb,iPad1,Apple TV,iPodClassic160gbx2
Well, as told before it is around 1900$ in Denmark, and we have no refurbished store. Is it the exact same model you have? so you think i can rely on it?

I think that Americans sometimes forget how much more Apple products, as well as most other tech./electronics items - cost in Europe !:Smirk:

And - that Amazon.com and probably Apple Online and Refurb. stores - WON'T ship to Europe....
 

Shop Amazon


Shop for your Apple, Mac, iPhone and other computer products on Amazon.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
Top