Edit: I’ve done a massive update of the topic more recently: check out Buying a Secondhand Macbook, in detail!
I’ve been asked by a number of friends in Melbourne recently: “Where to buy a cheap Mac?”
I’ve got good things to say about buying refurbished from Apple online.
The offerings vary, and stock numbers are intentionally unlisted, so keep an eye on the page..
Search for: Apple Certified Refurbished MacBook
Distinguishing between models
- Hardrive size (80g, 120g, 160g)
- RAM = memory (1gig)
- Speed.. no great difference
- The capabilities of the optical drive:
- SD = Super Drive = DVD burner
- Co = Combo = DVD player only
- both burn CDs; I highly recommend being able to burn DVDs as a backup
Following are some examples from NextByte’s Best Buys page, another place worth watching:
I’ve decoded the abbreviations in the first set.. note that the macbook that one friend purchased was about $1200 for the 2nd example MB062X/B, with 1 year warranty, which is exactly what I use: suitable for any task short of professional video, IMHO)
Model Number
MacBook Core2Duo (64bit Dual Processor) 13″ (Screen) 2Ghz (Speed: negligible variation) / 1Gb (RAM: standard, upgardable) / 80 (Gigabyte HD.. smallest size avail) / Co (Burns CDs, not DVDs)
MB061X/B
MacBook C2D 13″ 2Ghz/1Gb/80/Co
1,271.00
MB062X/B
MacBook C2D 13″ 2.2/1G/120/SD
1,599.00
MacFixIt may also be worth a look.
If you buy new and are eligable for an educational discount, you will save yourself $150 off the standard price. There is very little margin on Macs.. the price is pretty well fixed across distributors.
If you are willing to risk it with a secondhand computer, then I highly recommend that you get one with a warranty. Applecare warranty covers parts and service of a new computer for one year, and can be extended to three years anytime in the first year. Because its such a good deal (and transferrable) many Macs have this warranty, and a secondhand macbook may still be covered.
You could look at:
Buying a second-hand Macbook
Edit: I’ve done a massive update of the topic more recently: check out Buying a Secondhand Macbook, in detail!
I’ve been asked by a number of friends in Melbourne recently: “Where to buy a cheap Mac?”
I’ve got good things to say about buying refurbished from Apple online.
The offerings vary, and stock numbers are intentionally unlisted, so keep an eye on the page..
Search for: Apple Certified Refurbished MacBook
Distinguishing between models
Following are some examples from NextByte’s Best Buys page, another place worth watching:
I’ve decoded the abbreviations in the first set.. note that the macbook that one friend purchased was about $1200 for the 2nd example MB062X/B, with 1 year warranty, which is exactly what I use: suitable for any task short of professional video, IMHO)
Model Number
MacBook Core2Duo (64bit Dual Processor) 13″ (Screen) 2Ghz (Speed: negligible variation) / 1Gb (RAM: standard, upgardable) / 80 (Gigabyte HD.. smallest size avail) / Co (Burns CDs, not DVDs)
MB061X/B
MacBook C2D 13″ 2Ghz/1Gb/80/Co
1,271.00
MB062X/B
MacBook C2D 13″ 2.2/1G/120/SD
1,599.00
MacFixIt may also be worth a look.
If you buy new and are eligable for an educational discount, you will save yourself $150 off the standard price. There is very little margin on Macs.. the price is pretty well fixed across distributors.
If you are willing to risk it with a secondhand computer, then I highly recommend that you get one with a warranty. Applecare warranty covers parts and service of a new computer for one year, and can be extended to three years anytime in the first year. Because its such a good deal (and transferrable) many Macs have this warranty, and a secondhand macbook may still be covered.
You could look at: