What to look for in a 2nd Hand MBP

[capoeirista]

Hey everyone, I have found a second hand MBP 15.4" 2.16GHz, 2GB, 120GB at a really great price (about 1/2 the refurb store price, and no I'm not gonna tell you where). 4 months old, shop receipt, 20 months applecare. Blimey. I'm gonna go have a look at it. If things go well I'll sell my Macbook (see my sig).

I do have some questions though as this is still a lot of money for me...

1) What should I be looking for? Based on the spec above, does anyone know of any obvious problems with this model (I know the description is a little vague)

2) Are there any checks (hardware etc) I can do when I go and see? Of course I wanna see it running first...

3) Is applecare transferable? I'm pretty sure it is.

4) Anything else?

Man I'm excited. I hope I don't get scooped! Wish me luck!

 

[mick4394]

The number one problem with these MBPs seems to be the LCD. Check for yellowing on the bottom third of the screen for a newer model. Check for graininess on an older model.

 

[scienide09]

Sounds kind of sketchy at 1/2 the refurb price. If it's legit, then a good find.

You didn't say, so the first thing I'd check on is the accessories: adapter, video out, installation software, remote, etc. If it was purchased brand new, check to see if the seller still has the original packaging.

Before buying, ask for the serial number. Check with Apple to see if it's been reported as stolen. If the seller is wary of giving you the serial number and won't budge, that should be a clue that something fishy is going on.

Oh, and the yellowing problem mentioned just above -- isn't that something that has been an issue with the recent SR MBPs? The older 2.16 C2D machines didn't have these problems, did they?

 

[techlover828]

The number one problem with these MBPs seems to be the LCD. Check for yellowing on the bottom third of the screen for a newer model. Check for graininess on an older model.

It would be mostly graininess. At that price, be careful because no one just sells a MBP for half of what its worth. Its highly possible that there is something wrong with it.

 

[techlover828]

Oh, and the yellowing problem mentioned just above -- isn't that something that has been an issue with the recent SR MBPs? The older 2.16 C2D machines didn't have these problems, did they?

No you're right, only graininess.

 

[capoeirista]

Yup.

I agree. When I saw the advert it was for the town next to mine (like 40 minute drive) so I thought that it if I could see it then it'd be cool. Now it turns out that the seller is several hundred miles away in a different town to that the ad was listed under. No thanks. No try no buy.

If an offers to good to be true...... etc. I 'll just have to put up with the wail of my CD MB for the time being!