Fake / Prototype Macbook Air

[digitalrampage]

Considering the prototype is

a) working
b) has prototype software
c) Clearly is legit (red board)
d) Is very different to the shipping model

I would easily estimate its street price at over $7500USD. A prototype (non functional) of a Mac Portable recently sold for that price, but this is rarer, as there are at least a dozen clear mac portables floating out there, this is a one off as it stands.. I'd say, make a clone of the HD if you ever need to restore the OS and don't update, reinstall etc, or you'll wipe a few K off the price. Hell if the USD wasn't so ****, i'd offer $4500USD just to get the UK guy off my back!

 

[Anonymous Freak]

You are entirely wrong. They can prove legally it is theirs and WILL keep it the first moment it enters their possession and need not compensate the person one dime.

Rocketman

Uh, no.

If I walk into an Apple Store with something that may be Apple property, but for which none of the employees witnessed the theft; Apple cannot just take it from me. They can call the police, and have the POLICE detain me, take the property, and hold onto it pending an investigation and trial. But *APPLE* cannot do that.

That's basically what OJ Simpson was just convicted of.

Only if you witness a crime are you (in MOST but not all states,) legally allowed to act as law enforcement. If you did not witness the crime, you cannot take vigilante justice.

Now, my comment is based on the condition that the possessor of the item walks into the Apple Store, shows it to the employees, but does not leave it in their possession for any length of time. If the possessor leaves it with the Apple Store for any length of time, Apple could then have time to call legal counsel, police, etc; and hold it then; letting Apple Legal take care of any fallout.

But if he walks in, they can't just jump him and take it from him.

 

[Lyra]

Why bother?

In other words... it's a waste of money..

Instead of actually spending money on a TESTED machine, why waste it on a prototype? It's not like it's worth more. It's just prone to more bugs!

But I guess people with money to waste would buy anything these days...

I have a first generation iPod the VERY first... anyone interested in buying it for their collection of iPods, can do so for 8 million bucks. ;p
I'll even include ALL the hits from that era...

Sorry I just don't know why someone would by something like this...

 

[Sweetfeld28]

I would keep it, in any case, it uses Apples serial number coding therefore i would say its legit.

To the OP --

Even if you take it into a store, they probably would have any way to make any repairs to it, or get you parts, as it is probably a real Prototype. As in, usually one of a kind parts. Like i said usually.

 

[Molopo]

In other words... it's a waste of money..

Instead of actually spending money on a TESTED machine, why waste it on a prototype? It's not like it's worth more. It's just prone to more bugs!

But I guess people with money to waste would buy anything these days...

I have a first generation iPod the VERY first... anyone interested in buying it for their collection of iPods, can do so for 8 million bucks. ;p
I'll even include ALL the hits from that era...

Sorry I just don't know why someone would by something like this...

The difference between you iPod and his MBA is that anyone could have purchased your iPod. His MBA is a very exclusive and limited item not released to general public.

 

[Compile 'em all]

sell it on ebay as prototype. u make mad bucks.

 

[Sweetfeld28]

In other words... it's a waste of money..

Instead of actually spending money on a TESTED machine, why waste it on a prototype? It's not like it's worth more. It's just prone to more bugs!

Sorry I just don't know why someone would by something like this...

Because, unlike your original iPod, which had a good half million produced; this Prototype MacBook Air, is probably only one of ten or so. Plus it has some rare parts, and is de-badged, which makes it more valuable.

Don't you watch Antiques Roadshow?

 

[angemon89]

Ok that is just awesome. I say you eBay it. Make it a 10 day listing too so more people get the chance to see it.

 

[Ironic]

Keep it

 

[137489]

Interesting and nice fine. Considering it appears the ad said for parts or repair...

truthfully, I never buy from ebay. I got burned before and I know a few people who got burned - but once in a while you find a true gem. I would hold on to it, never know when it could be worth money. After all, I think they put the commodore 64 in the smithsonian. so when it comes time for the air to to there, then you can say "Wait - I have the prototype"...

 

[137489]

Because, unlike your original iPod, which had a good half million produced; this Prototype MacBook Air, is probably only one of ten or so. Plus it has some rare parts, and is de-badged, which makes it more valuable.

Don't you watch Antiques Roadshow?

I love that show, and yes if it is a true and real prototype - your right.

 

[segfaultdotorg]

The ports seem to be the same but the power adapter that it came with was the one for the macbook and not hte one for the air. I assumed that prior use of this more powerful adapter was what caused the battery to distort.

Unlikely--the battery should not charge at a faster rate if a larger adapter is used.

 

[carlgo]

GM, in particular, used to cut up and bury prototype cars. Some of these were historically important. The designers and engineers were actually heartbroken. Some have been found and reassembled by very dedicated people.

GM did this because they did not have any safety stuff and were afraid someone would get into a crash, get injured and then sue them. Lawyers win again....

I would not take it to an Apple store. What's to gain? In fact, I would hide it and my identity, deny everything if asked and either hide it away for a few years or sell if a huge bid came your way. Watch for a sting. Be very suspicious.

If all this is too much for you, I'll take it!

 

[Ironic]

GM, in particular, used to cut up and bury prototype cars. Some of these were historically important. The designers and engineers were actually heartbroken. Some have been found and reassembled by very dedicated people.

GM did this because they did not have any safety stuff and were afraid someone would get into a crash, get injured and then sue them. Lawyers win again....

I would not take it to an Apple store. What's to gain? In fact, I would hide it and my identity, deny everything if asked and either hide it away for a few years or sell if a huge bid came your way. Watch for a sting. Be very suspicious.

If all this is too much for you, I'll take it!

great advice...

 

[Kevlar]

just email steve@apple.com and ask him if he'll trade you a new air for it. if not, apple won't give a crap that it's out in the wild and you can sell it to the highest bidder you find.

if so, well, you get your air.

I would do something like this too. Put together an email with some pictures. Send it from an account not linked to your name at all of course and see what kind of response you get....if any.

 

[vvebsta]

AH HA! so they were thinking of making a black macbook. why were they shot down!?

 

[mAc-warrior]

You do indeed have a prototype Mac, the red logic board gives it away. All prototype Macs that are not intended to be sold contain red logic boards. It is an easy way for Apple to identify them and contain them.

That said, if I had the machine I would not take it to Apple or contact Apple to ask about it. This machine was never intended to make it into the hands of members of the general public. Apple may attempt to repossess it by some method; if I were them I would! Even an email message is traceable to you. Hold onto it or sell it to a reliable buyer for a profit if you can.

--mAc

 

[andrewag]

I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo jealous! Not only is it an Air, it's a prototype!

 

[Lyra]

The difference between you iPod and his MBA is that anyone could have purchased your iPod. His MBA is a very exclusive and limited item not released to general public.

Actually it's kind of special... in that on the box it's got Steve Jobs's autograph and it's got a gold back. Or rather gold as in look I never got around knowing if it was real gold or not, but the package did have a thank you note and a LTD seal.

Buuuuuuut, then I've used it and it was Super fragile so there are scratches.. BUT, believe it or not... the battery STILL works!! I now use it as an external HDD.



PS. Thanks for the reply

 

[MacsBestFriend]

Now... that is something! Congrats!

To the person saying that GM cut up their prototypes: on youtube there is a video someone took of the tiguan proto going to the crusher! idk if its still there, i saw it a month or so ago...

try to hide the computer.... i would be p.o.ed if it was confiscated....

 

[rogair]

GSX say "The serial # you entered is not valid. Please enter the serial # as it appears on the customer's unit."

Yeap... GSX Coverage Check came up nothing. oh well...

Keep digging... it's there...

 

[Tofaha]

thats so coooll...years from now, you can make a nice deal on this. or have a great story w/ proof to tell

 

[dornoforpyros]

Yeah it's a neat find, but the swollen battery does pose a problem, if it were me, I'd sell it to a collector who would appreciate it's rareness and use the money for a new one. Heck see if some one's willing to do a straight trade for a new in box MBA and be on your way.

 

[Bokito]

I would do something like this too. Put together an email with some pictures. Send it from an account not linked to your name at all of course and see what kind of response you get....if any.

Why not linking it to yourself? If Apple wants to try to get it back they will find the owner anyway. I get logged here and you too.

The question is how this unit left Apple's campus. Is it by theft, what I wonder or is it because an employee took it home (accidently), what is basicly theft too, but I need to make a difference somewhere.

Best thing is to get in contact with Apple (that doesn't need to be Steve himself) about this unit. If you want to save yourself from any (further) legal trouble (Apple can already sue you for handling) it sure is the best thing you can do I think. Selling doesn't seem to be a good option in my eyes.

Apple might allow you to keep the unit, but chances are small.

 

[Lyra]

Because, unlike your original iPod, which had a good half million produced; this Prototype MacBook Air, is probably only one of ten or so. Plus it has some rare parts, and is de-badged, which makes it more valuable.

Don't you watch Antiques Roadshow?

I'm weak...

On a different note I hope Apple releases a new smaller stronger and cooler MacMini... I miss my core duo MacMini... one of the 'funnest' macs I've had.