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Am I getting ripped off?

C

crb824

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 2, 2007
40
0
Hello all... I am pretty new to the mac world and I am being offered a g4 ibook from a friend of a friend.

The iBook's specs are:

1.2 ghz g4
256 RAM
CD Drive
30 gb HD
OS 10.4.6


The iBook is in pretty excellent condition, though the specs look low. He is asking $450 for it, and thats as low as he goes. Should I pull the trigger?
 
Ok I think I might just go with it.. I don't think it comes with original software or power cable. I hope that doesn't lessen the deal for me.
 
crb824 said:
is it that much better?
Click to expand...

Are you kidding me? The macbooks have a 1.83Ghz INTEL CORE DUO processor. (10x better) 512Mb Ram. (double the RAM), CD/DVD drives, 60Gb HD (double space). Also are the newest model and have built in isights, etc. Apple refurbs are like new.

The MacBook would kick the iBook's ***.
 
This ibook is for my girlfriend who really only uses computers for the internet (especially shopping), listen to music, and write papers. I mean she'll use it for some other reason's here and there, but she isn't a very serious computer user.
 
crb824 said:
This ibook is for my girlfriend who really only uses computers for the internet (especially shopping), listen to music, and write papers. I mean she'll use it for some other reason's here and there, but she isn't a very serious computer user.
Click to expand...

The iBook's specs are:

1.2 ghz g4
256 RAM
CD Drive
30 gb HD
OS 10.4.6


If it has the airport card? I'd pull the trigger, after all the power cord $ cost will be about the same as a Anti-Virus program $.
 
Soulman said:
The iBook's specs are:

1.2 ghz g4
256 RAM
CD Drive
30 gb HD
OS 10.4.6


If it has the airport card? I'd pull the trigger, after all the power cord $ cost will be about the same as a Anti-Virus program $.
Click to expand...

Yes it does have the airport card.
 
I just sold a somewhat similar iBook
1.2ghz
768ram and 60gb hardrive for $600
So Id say that price isnt bad. But the refurb macbook is a better choice overall.
 
The refurb macbook is absolutely a better choice. While the iBook will get the job done (though you'll want to upgrade the RAM), if you have the extra cash, it is a much better idea to go with the macbook.
 
My rule of thumb is: If it used for more then $100 then I don't buy it.

*Exception: Unless buying from a reputable dealer.
 
Get It!

I say get the ibook, then stick it on ebay and see if you can get more. You will at LEAST get what you put into it, so it's not a huge risk. Besides, you will probably get more to put towards a Macbook!!!
 
For $999 you could get a really cool new macbook. Not a bad deal for the ibook. Save up and get an intel mac.
 
BigPrince said:
If its from Apple, yes. Just I would not do it from a friend or someone online thats questionable.
Click to expand...

You have a terrible rule of thumb. Taking advantage of people getting sick of their stuff (and thus selling it really cheap) is great. His girlfriend sounds like she won't need much power, this ibook will have enough power to do what you need to do with it. Providing nothing's wrong with it, might as well spend half as much if she's not gonna need the full power, hard drive space, etc
 
coffey7 said:
For $999 you could get a really cool new macbook. Not a bad deal for the ibook.
Click to expand...

So what you're trying to say is......


Go for the iBook. The MacBook is better, but people at tech forums will always try to convince you to get something better. There's always something better anyway, and they cost more. For some, the extra $300 is worth it, but it's not worth it because internet shopping on a MacBook isn't faster than it is on an iBook. ;)

This will serve your girlfriend's needs just fine. Just check to see if the machine looks really worn out before purchasing.
 
For only $2799 you could get a 17" MBP instead! :p

I'd say get the ibook and upgrade the ram (and maybe the drive if you need space) - assuming it is in good condition and you trust the seller (i.e. that it's not dying and they're trying to get rid of it), and assuming your girlfriend only has basic computer needs. You could even mention that refurb MB's are going for $799 and try to get the ibook for $400. I'd only suggest the MB route if money is no issue....
 
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