Interesting turn of events after purchasing MBA on eBay

[DAMAC3]

I bought my first Mac, a MBA, on eBay about 3 weeks ago. I started a thread asking advice before I purchased (thanks for the help!). Anyway, I loved the form factor, but it was a acting a little quirky which Macs aren't supposed to do. I went to register it with Apple, but they didn't recognize the serial number. I immediately assumed it was stolen. The guy included the original box, but the power cord he sent was for a regular MB. Plus, he didn't send recovery discs. So I took it to an Apple store, and they spent some time trying to find information on this machine.

It turned out I got a preproduction model from last August (the revB Air shipped in Oct). No wonder it was flakey. I got a great deal ($1150), but I wasn't keeping it since it wasn't eligible for Apple Care and was a preproduction model. I'm getting a refund from the seller, but I was wondering where he got ahold of a preproduction unit.

I usually have tremendous luck with eBay, but after this issue I just went to the Apple store yesterday and bought a MBA new with the SSD. Boy is it faster than the regular HDD version I had. I am loving it!

 

[tubbymac]

A preproduction iPhone is going on ebay for about $2000 today and the bidding isn't over yet. If it was really a prototype sometimes you can sell them to crazed Apple fans that will pay big bucks because it's rare.

There was another prototype Air that was sold on ebay before. I can't remember if it sold for cheap or fetched a pretty penny. Maybe investigate into that first before you return it.

 

[mikey28]

Agreed.

The problem here, was that the seller either did not know, or didn't mention "pre-production" model.

Seems to me you have a collectors item, and you'd get a lot of $$$ if you sold it as such...

 

[DAMAC3]

Well, there is nothing interesting about it other than the fact that the serial number indicates that it was shipped in August rather than October. Do you really think someone would pay extra for that?

 

[bigjnyc]

wow did you return it already? You can probably sell that for a nice profit on ebay, especially since the serial numbers proves its a pre-production model.

 

[mikey28]

Well, there is nothing interesting about it other than the fact that the serial number indicates that it was shipped in August rather than October. Do you really think someone would pay extra for that?

Yes, but the serial #, to a collector, or mac fanatic would mean everything.
Yes, think someone who is interested would pay a premium for what you have.

 

[DAMAC3]

wow did you return it already? You can probably sell that for a nice profit on ebay, especially since the serial numbers proves its a pre-production model.

Actually, I have it boxed up and ready to go. You think I could get more than the $1150 that I paid? It won't be covered by AppleCare. Other than having a little trouble with getting in and out of sleep while connected to an external monitor, it was a nice computer. My biggest problem was the lack of AppleCare.

I may just sell it on eBay then. Even if nobody wants it as a collectors item, do you think a 1.86/120 revB Air will go for more than what I have in it if it doesn't include any AppleCare?

 

[Scottsdale]

Actually, I have it boxed up and ready to go. You think I could get more than the $1150 that I paid? It won't be covered by AppleCare. Other than having a little trouble with getting in and out of sleep while connected to an external monitor, it was a nice computer. My biggest problem was the lack of AppleCare.

I may just sell it on eBay then. Even if nobody wants it as a collectors item, do you think a 1.86/120 revB Air will go for more than what I have in it if it doesn't include any AppleCare?

I think you need to really check into what you have BEFORE you send it out. It could be a HUGE mistake... or, it may be the right thing. If I were you, I would completely photo the whole thing. Does it have Mini-Display Port? I would share the serial number and all of the details here on Mac Rumors and just see if anyone thinks it's of value and maybe you could even sell it for far more than you paid... or maybe NOT... But based on the recent hype of "pre" anything Mac/Apple, I would say it's probably worth your time to check it out.

Good luck.

 

[Miker2k]

I may just sell it on eBay then. Even if nobody wants it as a collectors item, do you think a 1.86/120 revB Air will go for more than what I have in it if it doesn't include any AppleCare?

Be sure to caveat the (potential) sale with the fact that it is a pre-release and is not eligible for Applecare ......

 

[Airforcekid]

Those are worth a TON of money iPhones like that sell for thousands an Air probley $5,000 at least. Man should have keep it.

 

[brett33]

I'm the guy that had the other prototype back in Nov/Dec.

I put it on ebay, and it ended up selling for $1800, BUT the high bidder was a zero feedback bidder from Russia who didn't pay.

I had a lot of press on my Air Prototype and it ended at $1800, and it was also a preproduction model of the first Air, which may be of more interest to collectors than from the Rev B. There were also physical differences, the bottom was black, the keyboard was a bit different etc. I took it apart and there were internal differences too.

I would imagine that if you sold it on ebay you would get somewhere around what you paid for it, or a little bit more but anyone saying $5k is way off base.

After having been through a similar situation as you, I would either return it to the seller or contact Apple and see if they were interested in swapping for a refurbished one of the same model (which is what I ended up doing). I'm not exactly sure who to contact at Apple other than to say that it wouldn't be someone at an Apple store. Call the 800 contact number and explain the situation.

If you have further questions please feel free to PM me.

 

[jaw04005]

I would email sjobs@apple.com, explain the situation and see if they want it back since prototypes are probably their property. You may get a brand new Air out of it.

 

[gsampson]

You could get a warranty out if it if you did it through squaretrade I would assume. Then you get to keep it.