Can you get a mac setup for under $600?

[crazycat]

My friend would like to start to use macs for school work, email/internet and maybe some "other" work such as watching DVD's since he is going to school soon. He dose not want to spend more then then $600 as he is on a budget. Thanks.

 

[briangig]

used or new? New, there is the mac mini. Used, anything really, imacs, powerbooks/ibooks, G4 powermacs, can all be had for under 600.

 

[iMeowbot]

I would keep an eye on the Apple refurb section (there's not much out there at the moment, but it changes from day to day).

You can get a reasonable Mac mini setup brand spankin' new for around $600, but you would still need to add a screen, keyboard and mouse (not a problem if you already have these around). The base $499 model might be okay, but its 512 MB RAM is really on the low end of usability.

 

[Glenn Wolsey]

You could get a nice Mac mini with upgraded RAM for that price. Obviously he will need to have a keyboard, mouse and monitor, but that machine should be a nice starting block.

 

[sw1tcher]

Available right now on Apples refurb page....




Apple Certified Refurbished Mac mini

Refurbished Mac mini 1.25GHz
1.25GHz PowerPC G4
512MB DDR333 SDRAM
ATI Radeon 9200 with 32MB DDR video memory
40GB Ultra ATA hard drive
Combo drive (DVD/CD-RW)
DVI or VGA video output
Built-in 56K Internal Modem

• Save 15% off the original price
Original price: $499.00
Your price: $429.00

Estimated Ship:
7-10 business days
Free Shipping




Refurbished Mac mini 1.42GHz
1.42GHz PowerPC G4
256MB DDR333 SDRAM
ATI Radeon 9200 with 32MB DDR video memory
80GB Ultra ATA hard drive
Combo drive
DVI or VGA video output

• Save 27% off the original price
Original price: $599.00
Your price: $439.00

Estimated Ship:
3-5 business days
Free Shipping




Refurbished Mac mini 1.42GHz
1.42GHz PowerPC G4
512MB DDR333 SDRAM
ATI Radeon 9200 with 32MB DDR video memory
80GB Ultra ATA hard drive
Combo drive (DVD/CD-RW)
DVI or VGA video output
Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth

• Save 14% off the original price
Original price: $599.00
Your price: $519.00

Estimated Ship:
1-2 business days
Free Shipping



I'd go with #3. Throw in a mouse, keyboard, and CRT monitor and he'll be set for a couple of years (at least).