Advice on buying 2nd hand Mac (iMac or MacBook)

[whooshbong]

Hi all,

After a bit of advice - my sister in law needs a new computer for her and the kids for school work and general stuff. She only has about £250 though and the kids desperately want a mac product.

My 2012 iMac (27" max spec) generally works fine and still play anything but the most recent games on it without a problem on lowered settings via Bootcamp. But I'm not sure what to advise for her on something that is going to stand up to lots of use for a good while, she can't really look to have to replace this again in the short term.

PC world does have some reasonable basic PC towers for that price range.

Any advice or pointers would be appreciated.

 

[victry1]

Hi all,

After a bit of advice - my sister in law needs a new computer for her and the kids for school work and general stuff. She only has about £250 though and the kids desperately want a mac product.

My 2012 iMac (27" max spec) generally works fine and still play anything but the most recent games on it without a problem on lowered settings via Bootcamp. But I'm not sure what to advise for her on something that is going to stand up to lots of use for a good while, she can't really look to have to replace this again in the short term.

PC world does have some reasonable basic PC towers for that price range.

Any advice or pointers would be appreciated.

[doublepost=1541723385][/doublepost]

Hi all,

After a bit of advice - my sister in law needs a new computer for her and the kids for school work and general stuff. She only has about £250 though and the kids desperately want a mac product.

My 2012 iMac (27" max spec) generally works fine and still play anything but the most recent games on it without a problem on lowered settings via Bootcamp. But I'm not sure what to advise for her on something that is going to stand up to lots of use for a good while, she can't really look to have to replace this again in the short term.

PC world does have some reasonable basic PC towers for that price range.

Any advice or pointers would be appreciated.

My last desktop was a refurb from Apple. It’s a 2011 iMac, purchased in 2012. I saved a good deal of $$ on it and it is still going strong. It hasn’t gotten used by kids but a lot of heavy usage by me using PS. OnOne. Topaz and other graphics programs. Otherwise, I would recommend going through a friend or acquaintance who may have something for sale. If buying used, AppleCare is a,plus. Just be sure to check the coverage on Apple’s website.

 

[HDFan]

Looking at refurbished prices here in the U.S., the cheapest desktop refurb is $1699. With a budget of €250 your options are limited. I do see systems at that price on ebay, but I would hate for you to lose your money on a system that doesn't work as a repair could easily exceed the purchase price.

If you can find some verified seller, preferable a reputable dealer, who guarantees the unit for at least 30 days and offers a return that might work. Don't know if such a dealer exists, however.

Hate to say this but a PC might be a safer investment. I see a dell all in one starts at $390 new, refurbed at $439. I just don't want to see you lose your money.

 

[vkd]

There are a number of 21.5" iMacs on ebay.co.uk for £250 which would fit the bill. Might be easier to police the children's internet activity that way too - no hiding in their bedroom looking at porn, for instance, mummy would be able to easily look over their shoulder.

 

[whooshbong]

There are a number of 21.5" iMacs on ebay.co.uk for £250 which would fit the bill. Might be easier to police the children's internet activity that way too - no hiding in their bedroom looking at porn, for instance, mummy would be able to easily look over their shoulder.

Main problem with eBay is seeing before you buy. Having said that I’m just looking at refurbed mini’s which is not considered originally.