$1400 for 14" M1 Max worth it?

[akasozvez]

I've been talking with a Facebook Marketplace seller regarding their used 14" M1 Max with 10C CPU/24C GPU, 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD priced at $1400 CAD.

It was originally purchased new from Apple in early 2022. He stated that it was just used for "everyday computing, like google search, FB, and adobe photoshop," and that he's only selling because he bought the M3 Max. The adapter and box are included. No AppleCare+.

There are 590 battery cycles, and there's no exterior damage that I can see. I feel like this is a good deal, but I'm hesitant because I've read so many stories of people getting scammed on Marketplace buying Apple products. Is it worth taking the risk? Is this a fair price?

 

[ChrisA]

I've been talking with a Facebook Marketplace seller regarding their used 14" M1 Max with 10C CPU/24C GPU, 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD priced at $1400 CAD.

It was originally purchased new from Apple in early 2022. He stated that it was just used for "everyday computing, like google search, FB, and adobe photoshop," and that he's only selling because he bought the M3 Max. The adapter and box are included. No AppleCare+.

There are 590 battery cycles, and there's no exterior damage that I can see. I feel like this is a good deal, but I'm hesitant because I've read so many stories of people getting scammed on Marketplace buying Apple products. Is it worth taking the risk? Is this a fair price?

It seems that the seller is some guy with too much money who overbuys. No one needs the "max" with 32GB for web surfing and email. Now he is needlessly upgrading.

My question is if you want to be the poorer version of him. What will you use the computer for and do you need those specs. If you do them its a bargain, if not buy something with lower specs for less money.

 

[chmania]

I've been talking with a Facebook Marketplace seller regarding their used 14" M1 Max with 10C CPU/24C GPU, 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD priced at $1400 CAD.

It was originally purchased new from Apple in early 2022.

There are 590 battery cycles, and there's no exterior damage that I can see.

My MBP is 16GB 15" 2018 Intel, manufactured in April 2019. It has 268 cycles and 91% battery health. Looks like that 14" M1 Max had been heavily used. Check what's its battery health.

 

[ChrisA]

My MBP is 16GB 15" 2018 Intel, manufactured in April 2019. It has 268 cycles and 91% battery health. Looks like that 14" M1 Max had been heavily used. Check what's its battery health.

If the Computer was charged every day, you would expect 365 charge cycles per year. but if the computer was charge every two days, you would expect only about 180 cycles per year.

Which is better? You might argue that 365 is better then 180 because perhaps the daily charge only want to 80% and then the user was able to plug it in before the battery fell to 40%. But the every two day charge may have been to 100% and the computer was used to a 20% charge before being plugged in again? The daily charge is likey better in the battery.

So the advice to "check battery health is right, charge cycles can be counterintuitive. More can be better.

It's the same with buying an EV. You want the car where the owner charged it every night at home on a slow charger to 80% and then came home after work with the battery not less than 60%. The worst car is the one where the owner recharges from nearly zero to 100% with the supercharger. It will have far fewer cycles

But really, the #1 most important thing is if you need this computer or if a lower or higher spec is right for your intended use. Again it is counterintuitive that buying more CPU cores and RAM will make the computer faster. It will not if you don't need it. Those extra parts will just sit and not do much for you

 

[chmania]

So the advice to "check battery health is right, charge cycles can be counterintuitive. More can be better.

Well, that's what I said, "Check its battery health." With just "everyday computing, like google search, FB, and adobe photoshop," it'd hardly go that 590 cycles. 😏
Anyway, it's better to search a bit more for a aftermarket device, and buy it after seeing it and checking it personally.

 

[akasozvez]

It seems that the seller is some guy with too much money who overbuys. No one needs the "max" with 32GB for web surfing and email. Now he is needlessly upgrading.

My question is if you want to be the poorer version of him. What will you use the computer for and do you need those specs. If you do them its a bargain, if not buy something with lower specs for less money.

Thanks for your response. I didn't set out looking for those specs, and the only non everyday things I'd be using it for would be occasionally editing 5k video, gaming, and using vocaloid6. I could likely negotiate the price down from what's listed, but you make a good point.

 

[Basic75]

Which is better? You might argue that 365 is better then 180 because perhaps the daily charge only want to 80% and then the user was able to plug it in before the battery fell to 40%. But the every two day charge may have been to 100% and the computer was used to a 20% charge before being plugged in again? The daily charge is likey better in the battery.

I was under the assumption that charging twice from 50% to 100% would count as one charge cycle. Does somebody here know whether this counts as one or two cycles?

 

[chmania]

I was under the assumption that charging twice from 50% to 100% would count as one charge cycle. Does somebody here know whether this counts as one or two cycles?

Determine battery cycle count for Mac laptops

 

[HDFan]

I've been talking with a Facebook Marketplace seller

Be aware of the risks buying from 3rd parties with no return or warranty policies. Many posts about people losing all of their $.