Buying a used Macbook

[MikeC]

I want a used macbook, but have no idea where to start. I say used as I wanna try pick a 2nd one up on ebay for a couple of hundred quid (thats my budget). I'm guessing theres no chance of getting a macbook pro - anything I need to be avoiding in particular? Minimum specs?

I'm not gonna be using it for hardcore usage, no gaming, mainly using it for internet usage, the odd document and photoshop stuff. Though really hate slow laptops, so am guessing minimum 2Gb ram?

 

[Christopher]

If you're using it for editing/manipulation/general Photoshop malarky, then 2GB of RAM is a minimum. I run 4GB on my Pro and it's fine, so upgrade if you have issues.

For that price, you'll be looking at 2006 MacBooks. Black or White. The model before the Unibody models.

Can you stretch to an Approved Used MacBook from Apple? £500+

You'll never get a MacBook Pro for that dollar. If you did, it'd be tatty and abused.

 

[Christopher]

This'll be the ideal model in your budget. Even better with the upgraded RAM.

http://support.apple.com/kb/sp23

 

[conneh]

Wow, how much would a 2Ghz MacBook cost back then?

 

[Christopher]

Back in 2006?

~£1100

Makes my 15" Pro seem a bargain. Four years later with a 2.8, 500GB, 4GB RAM, two graphics cards etc etc for £1500 with student discount.

 

[MikeC]

This'll be the ideal model in your budget. Even better with the upgraded RAM.

http://support.apple.com/kb/sp23

How much is that?

2006 model would be fine, don't need anything too fancy, and for my budget, not expecting swings and roundabouts... just something basic thats not snail speed slow

 

[Christopher]

Around £400.

Or go for something like this, for a little more.

I'd stay away from pre-'06 iBooks. They changed to calling it a MacBook in 2006 and changed the specs vastly.

 

[Christopher]

Nice, clean MacBooks.

Click.

Click.

 

[MikeC]

Tempting!

Christopher, I love your face.

 

[Christopher]

Heh, no worries mate.

Get it bought.

 

[Ronnie R]

Mac's hold there value f**k me lol

 

[conneh]

Indeed, its a ridiculous amount of money for a poor spec.

 

[Tom]

Indeed, its a ridiculous amount of money for a poor spec.

Its not a poor spec for OSX, keep that in mind.