What Do You Consider "Like New" Condition For a MBP?

[samuels1]

I just took delivery of a "like new" 2015 macbook pro in a 8/256 config. This is replacing a stolen mbp, same config. I searched far and wide for this model at the best price, in the best condition.
It has well under 200 battery cycles and overall, looks very nice.

Two caveats:
1. the charger and cable look like they've been through a war. It works, obviously, but pretty beat up.

2. more importantly, there are a series of small dings and scratches on the display case, most are only visible from specific angles though.

I exchanged msgs and the seller said they tested and inspected the laptop and that it looked new and was graded as such. I was slightly disappointed with the condition, although it's in great shape overall.

Was the condition of this product not listed accurately? I paid $849 btw, shipped.

 

[jerryk]

Chargers can be replaced for $60. A lot of people just throw them under a set or in a bag and let them get beat up. I would not worry about that,

Small dings and scrapes are expected with any used car or computer.

 

[samuels1]

Not if it's in "like new" condition...

 

[jerryk]

Not if it's in "like new" condition...

Since you have already made up you mind, why did you ask the question?

 

[samuels1]

Since you have already made up you mind, why did you ask the question?

So you're ok with a like new condition computer not being in like new condition ie with cosmetic damage?

Also there are practical implications such as a restocking fee. And having to start the search for a laptop all over again.

 

[Honza1]

Any computer after unpacking and any amount of use will have some cosmetic damage. I had small scratches on freshly unpacked MBP, apparently from manufacturing. Who cares? It's tool, machine, to be used... Not trophy to be put on shelf and shown to family;-)
It will get scratched first time you'll slide it in backpack or carry it wherever...
For me, personally, if I cannot see scratches from few ft, or especially if I have to look for them, it is "like" new condition. Not sure what you expected, but if you have such high expectations, get a new MBP - and pay for it. That is the only way to have a chance to get scratch free, new computer.

 

[samuels1]

Any computer after unpacking and any amount of use will have some cosmetic damage. I had small scratches on freshly unpacked MBP, apparently from manufacturing. Who cares? It's tool, machine, to be used... Not trophy to be put on shelf and shown to family;-)
It will get scratched first time you'll slide it in backpack or carry it wherever...
For me, personally, if I cannot see scratches from few ft, or especially if I have to look for them, it is "like" new condition. Not sure what you expected, but if you have such high expectations, get a new MBP - and pay for it. That is the only way to have a chance to get scratch free, new computer.

:-( Bummer.

But it does affect resale value, does it not?

Thanks for all replies btw, nice to get a range of opinions.

 

[jerryk]

:-( Bummer.

But it does affect resale value, does it not?

Thanks for all replies btw, nice to get a range of opinions.

I doubt small marks and a beat up charger will have much of an effect on resale value. After all it is a used machine that started at $1999. You are already down to $849, less than 1/2 the original price.

If the charger bothers you get a new one. Apple sells them, as do 3rd parties. They are all kind of wonky. On Apple site last time I looked they were getting a 2.5 stars out of 5 rating for the OEM charger.

Me. I use a massive old style black charging brick that looks like it came from 2000 Dell. But it has lasted longer than any Apple charger I had and runs cool to the touch, unlike the original Apple charger which I only use for travel.

 

[JPack]

A cycle count of 200 is not "like new" nor are dings and scratches.

But then you didn't pay "like new" price either.

 

[StockDC2]

I'm with OP on this one. "Like New" means that it's literally like new with no cosmetic blemishes. If the charger is not in the same condition, the seller should have mentioned it.

The price doesn't matter. If it's classified as "like new", then it should be like new.

 

[samuels1]

Another scale I've seen sellers use is x/10.

From what I've seen on craigslist, 9/10 seems to be synonymous with "like new" at least in seller's listings (and perhaps in their imaginations) as well.

Is there some sort of uniform criteria for this grading scale, say on ebay or elsewhere?
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A cycle count of 200 is not "like new" nor are dings and scratches.

But then you didn't pay "like new" price either.

Fair points indeed, on both counts.

Then again, prices are all over the map for the 2015 macbook pro. 850-ish is squarely in the middle based on the listings I've looked at.