Buying Laptop for College

[yeah3x]

My brother is starting college this fall and is looking into getting a Macbook. I've heard all about the keyboard issues plaguing the last two models, and Intel CPUs haven't dramatically changed in the past few updates. So, we were looking into buying a 2015 model that has the old ports and keyboard. However, Best Buy and BH Photo recently sold out of them. I was browsing Ebay for a possible solution (want to be new if possible) and found this listing. I've bought smaller items from Ebay before without issue, but a laptop is a much bigger purchase.

Does this seem like an ok listing? It's barely cheaper than the new models, but we want to get a laptop that lasts his four - five years. It also seems to be tax free with no shipping which is a big plus. Any suggestions? Thanks.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-MacB...091238&hash=item3fa41ad2a4:g:Y1AAAOSwyjBW7o95

 

[shyam09]

From a feedback POV, he's got a ton of positive feedback - but the thing that stands out to me is that most of his stuff (sold and current) are lower priced items. The highest he has sold (from a quick 2 second glance) seems to be about $700ish during the past year.

You can ask him for the serial number to get more information on the device (cross-reference it here: https://checkcoverage.apple.com) to make sure it's a valid serial number.

If I'm going the eBay route, I would rather deal with someone who has dealt with high-priced items and has sold multiple (and has current listings) high-priced tech devices/computers.

 

[artfossil]

My brother is starting college this fall and is looking into getting a Macbook. I've heard all about the keyboard issues plaguing the last two models, and Intel CPUs haven't dramatically changed in the past few updates. So, we were looking into buying a 2015 model that has the old ports and keyboard. However, Best Buy and BH Photo recently sold out of them. I was browsing Ebay for a possible solution (want to be new if possible) and found this listing. I've bought smaller items from Ebay before without issue, but a laptop is a much bigger purchase.

Does this seem like an ok listing? It's barely cheaper than the new models, but we want to get a laptop that lasts his four - five years. It also seems to be tax free with no shipping which is a big plus. Any suggestions? Thanks.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-MacB...091238&hash=item3fa41ad2a4:g:Y1AAAOSwyjBW7o95

Your brother can get educational pricing from Apple and there is usually a back to school promotion starting in August or so. (Last year it was free Beats Wireless headphones.) The new models will also be more current for the 4-5 years of his education (and can be sold if he decides to upgrade sometime in there).

Speaking just for myself, I'd never buy a computer from eBay, only in person or from a reputable online vendor. I know others do, but for me, saving the dollars isn't worth the stress.

 

[kohlson]

The Apple edu discount is typically 5%. While better than nothing, it isn't much. Perhaps a better route is Apple refurb, which comes with an "as new" warranty. Depending on what/what your brother is studying, a MacBook may or may not be the best choice. Some schools don't care what you have, others do. Some disciplines require one platform or the other, or one with more capability.
Finally, consider some type of warranty. I sent my daughters off to college with Macs. The older one with an MBAir 7 years ago. Still works great. The younger one is a little "harder" on computers, and got her MBA replaced with a 2016 13-tbMBP. Keyboard replaced at 4 months, and some sort of required depot-level repair about a year later (Apple recall, not her fault). Students, like business people, can't be without their laptops. While both had AppleCare, I can't say I am that impressed. But whatever you get, get some form of insurance (SquareTrade?)