New mac user, value advise please

So, I've been thinking about getting a macbook for a while now and came across a macbook pro on craigslist. I contact the dude and he came down in price to $985. Specs for the laptop:

Macbook Pro purchased new summer of 2008:
core 2 duo 2.53
4gb ram
250gb HDD
GPU: nvidia 9400m w/ 1440x900 native screen rez.
applecare paid until August 2012
minor cosmetic blemishes to be expected from laptop usage.

Link to post: FS: Apple MacBook Pro 15" 2.53 Ghz 4GB Ram 250 GB HD w/AppleCare 2008

In addition to coming down in price (which he did quite easily, so perhaps I could have gone lower) he also offered to toss in an ipod shuffle and wireless mouse. Doesn't seem like a bad deal, but I know those specs in a windows laptop wouldn't go for more than $400 these days.

Question: Does this seem like a decent deal given the specs? Would you get it if you were looking for a macbook? I've heard macbooks hold their value more than windows laptops but I don't have enough experience with macs to know if they hold value this well.

Was there a question?

Updated post

Oops, there was suppose to be, yes I updated post. I'm basically looking for opinions as to the value of this particular package.

Meh - seems a little high for something that is almost 4 years old.

MacBook Pro 15" - Apple Store (U.S.)

There are referbs for 15" from Feb, 2011 for $1430

it seemed a bit high to me as well, even at $985. What wouldn't seem high to you? $600-700, perhaps?

Mac2Sell - Guide to used Mac, iPad, iPhone & iPod - Evaluation - Argus Mac, iPod, iPad, iPhone Occasion

Very useful tool in determining the value of a Mac. Keep in mind that it doesn't really take condition and extra's into account.

hope it helps
-bentharbour

Also,
Make sure you get the Original OS X disks that came with it.
So many people have run into trouble when they do not have the original system disks.

DavidH

since with craigslist you can test the machine, if it is not worth it, you can always back out. Would avoid buying pre 2009 model though. Yet apple product hold its value against window pc. It is the golden standard of all pcs.
If you go with refurbished one, remember it has been broken before, with all the complicated circuit board and switches, it might go wrong too.
Bottom line is use your judgement. The advantage with craigslist is you can see with your own eyes, no one is going put a gun on you to buy. There bound to be some honest sellers, you have to be patient, you might be lucky though, till then good luck.

ycl1688 said:

since with craigslist you can test the machine, if it is not worth it, you can always back out. Would avoid buying pre 2009 model though. Yet apple product hold its value against window pc. It is the golden standard of all pcs.
If you go with refurbished one, remember it has been broken before, with all the complicated circuit board and switches, it might go wrong too.
Bottom line is use your judgement. The advantage with craigslist is you can see with your own eyes, no one is going put a gun on you to buy. There bound to be some honest sellers, you have to be patient, you might be lucky though, till then good luck.

Click to expand...

After some more consideration, I think I agree with getting nothing older than 2009. I think it was Q4 2008 that the unibody was introduced, yes? Thanks for the input.

megamac said:

After some more consideration, I think I agree with getting nothing older than 2009. I think it was Q4 2008 that the unibody was introduced, yes? Thanks for the input.

Click to expand...

IMHO...there's really nothing wrong with purchasing something older that 2009 (as long as the computer is functioning properly)...it's just comes down to paying a fair price.

- Nick

If it were me, I would just spend a couple hundred dollars more and get brand new one. I am really leery about buying used electronics from people I don't know. By getting a brand new one, you know that is not be abused at all and you are able to get the Apple Care and all the good stuff. It really doesn't sound worth it to me.