21" iMac for 1,200

[SPNarwhal]

Someone wants to sell me one of the new 21" iMacs for 1,200.
It's the upper model, with 4gb of RAM and 1tb harddrive.

Is this worth it?

Says it's a month old.

I know it's not a bad deal, but is it a good deal?
I can buy a brand new one on e-Bay for 1,400. And at the Mac Mall they sell for 1,400 also, before taxes? (Not sure if Mac Mall has taxes or not.)
So, I guess what it's boiling down to me is, do I spent the extra 200 or so to get it brand new, or save some money and get one that's used?
The thing on top of that is, I don't understand why someone would buy one for 1,499 if they could get 6" more screen space for just 200 more. I would have gotten the 27", so this is settling for me.

Is this a good deal, though? or just mediocre?

And how much would this be if I bought it from Apple brand new? I know it's 1,499 before taxes, but I'm not sure how much the total would be.

Sorry if this question has been asked a million times or something, I couldn't find anything on it. I know there's a retail value for Apple Products somewhere, but I don't know the website. And since these are so new, I can't really find many for sale that are used to compare to.

 

[HLdan]

Well, $1200 doesn't sound bad but you can get the same model on Macconnection for $1349 (after $100 mail-in rebate) plus no sales tax depending on your state location. For the small price difference I would get a new one from a creditable dealer vs. a private seller. Ebay also isn't a creditable dealer since they are not an authorized reseller. The 27" is a good deal but not everyone needs a screen that big. Price isn't always the issue for people. If it's too large they can't use it.


http://www.macconnection.com/IPA/Shop/Product/Detail.htm?sku=10684961

 

[spencers]

You really can't go wrong with buying used. It's a month old... A month of warranty has passed.. You would have 11 left.

Why spend $200 more? For what? The ability to open a brand new box and an extra month of applecare?

Take that $200 you WOULD have spent, and buy AppleCare extended warranty for the used one.

And with all the problems associated with these new iMacs (mostly the 27"), you can verify if the used 21.5" exhibits any of the problems that have been overly ranted about before you purchase it, assuming this "someone" would let you check first.

As far as "authorized reseller," get real. As long as it has applecare, it doesn't matter where it came from.

 

[Henryz]

Almost had a heart attack before I remembered your speaking dollors. Refurbished is ok if you can trust who your buying it from, spend the extra on some software or games, apple care is always a good idea as well.

 

[thiagos]

Someone wants to sell me one of the new 21" iMacs for 1,200.
It's the upper model, with 4gb of RAM and 1tb harddrive.

Is this worth it?

Says it's a month old.

I know it's not a bad deal, but is it a good deal?
I can buy a brand new one on e-Bay for 1,400. And at the Mac Mall they sell for 1,400 also, before taxes? (Not sure if Mac Mall has taxes or not.)
So, I guess what it's boiling down to me is, do I spent the extra 200 or so to get it brand new, or save some money and get one that's used?
The thing on top of that is, I don't understand why someone would buy one for 1,499 if they could get 6" more screen space for just 200 more. I would have gotten the 27", so this is settling for me.

Is this a good deal, though? or just mediocre?

And how much would this be if I bought it from Apple brand new? I know it's 1,499 before taxes, but I'm not sure how much the total would be.

Sorry if this question has been asked a million times or something, I couldn't find anything on it. I know there's a retail value for Apple Products somewhere, but I don't know the website. And since these are so new, I can't really find many for sale that are used to compare to.

1. Make sure it is not stolen.
2. Ask for the serial number, call Apple and ask them to whom is this computer registered to and make sure it is the same person who is selling.
3. Ask Apple if the computer has gone for repair and if so, how many times.

Although there are people who sell their computer to upgrade to something better but when it is a month old you have to investigate a little. This computer could be a lemon, have been stolen and so on.

I am not saying the guy is dishonest but $1,200 is not $100, better be safe than sorry.

Just my 2 cents...

PS: Don't wire any money. If purchased through eBay use Paypal. If not through eBay, buy it in person only.