I have a Macbook that randomly shuts down and I have a couple of options to replace it while it is being repaired. I could buy a refurbished machine from Apple or get a used model elsewhere. My question is what model would I be able to recover most from? If I get a decent deal I shouldn't lose too much money since I would only keep the computer for 1-2 weeks.
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Which Mac has best resale right now?
- Thread starter stuuke
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Why not get an iMac and keep it as a desktop and use the MacBook as your portable?
Computers are not an investment, they are an expense.
Computers are not an investment, they are an expense.
stuuke said:
Sorry, you posted a question, I gave you my honest opinion.
Seems more economical to have a desktop and a portable in your situation in case one of them breaks down again instead of taking either a 10% hit (restock) or heavier if you sell it. You are not going to much lose less buy buying on over another...
If you don't want people responding to you, you probably shouldn't post your questions on the Internet.
Your question is kind of confusing. Are you asking:
-If there is a value difference between buying from Apple refurb or from a reseller? For example, will a 20' iMac G5 refurb from Apple be worth more than a 20' iMac G5 refurb from SmallDog?
Probably not. Unless, for the same price, Apple/Smalldog gives you AppleCare or some other deal. Resale value is overwhelmingly determined by the computer in question, not by the reseller.
If I have it wrong, please be a little more specific and I'm sure more people will answer.
-If there is a value difference between buying from Apple refurb or from a reseller? For example, will a 20' iMac G5 refurb from Apple be worth more than a 20' iMac G5 refurb from SmallDog?
Probably not. Unless, for the same price, Apple/Smalldog gives you AppleCare or some other deal. Resale value is overwhelmingly determined by the computer in question, not by the reseller.
If I have it wrong, please be a little more specific and I'm sure more people will answer.
Buy a 20" iMac with 3GB or RAM, use it for a few weeks and then sell it to me for $500 plus shipping.stuuke said:
Maybe the cheapest mac mini, I think you can return macs within 14 days with a 10% restocking fee, but I'm not sure what happens if you open and use them for those 14 days. If you don't have a monitor then I would say a macbook or the cheapest iMac, because the macbook pros and mac pros are going to lose more value because of their higher price.
I understand your problem, I wish I had a mac to use so I could get my Macbook Pro fixed... I can't go without a computer for a week so I'm going to have to live with a broken fan that sounds like a helicopter grinding against wall when it heats up too much.
I understand your problem, I wish I had a mac to use so I could get my Macbook Pro fixed... I can't go without a computer for a week so I'm going to have to live with a broken fan that sounds like a helicopter grinding against wall when it heats up too much.
I'm looking to buy a machine that I use for a week to two weeks while my current laptop is being repaired. I guess you could say I'm looking for the best value on a used intel machine right now with the goal being to resell it after I receive my repaired macbook. I understand that there will probably be a loss unless I find an amazing deal I'm just trying to minimize it.
Yes I asked a question on the internet but when someone asks which machine could provide a short term solution at the lowest costs then it's pretty obvious that there are economical considerations. Someone could post a response suggesting I buy a MacPro with 16gb of Ram and a 30" monitor but it doesn't really help me. Unless of course you're willing to buy it for me
Yes I asked a question on the internet but when someone asks which machine could provide a short term solution at the lowest costs then it's pretty obvious that there are economical considerations. Someone could post a response suggesting I buy a MacPro with 16gb of Ram and a 30" monitor but it doesn't really help me. Unless of course you're willing to buy it for me
I doubt any machine you buy is going to noticably depreciate over the 1-2 weeks that you're planning on keeping it.stuuke said:
If your business as as dependant on your computer as your post implies, you might want to consider iGary's suggestion. Having all of your eggs in a basket with an overall 19% repair rate doesn't sound too wise.
Really? Maybe I should buy a backup for the backup and another backup for that. I realize another computer would be a long term solution, my question refers to a short term solution. If I didn't have two logic boards, a monitor and hard drive fail this summer I might be able to purchase another computer but as I stated over and over again I am not in a position right now to pay the entire price of another computer.
Thanks to those that have offered suggestions.
stuuke said:
Wow.
Not so open to advice, I guess.
It cracks me up when people ask for advice and then get all huffed up and take their toys out of the sandbox when it isn't what they want to hear.
I don't know how much the model matters (or, for that matter, whether you use it for 2 weeks or 2 months), once the box is opened, it becomes less attractive to future buyers.
Over a longer period of time, I'd expect a high-end model to depreciate the least (as a percentage) as they're the most expandable and future-proof. However, over 2 weeks, I'd go for a mini (or low end iMac, if you don't have the monitor & keyboard), as the depreciation (in dollars/euros/pounds) on the lower cost machines will be less.
Over a longer period of time, I'd expect a high-end model to depreciate the least (as a percentage) as they're the most expandable and future-proof. However, over 2 weeks, I'd go for a mini (or low end iMac, if you don't have the monitor & keyboard), as the depreciation (in dollars/euros/pounds) on the lower cost machines will be less.
stuuke said:I love when I research a problem and ask for opinions specifically on A and B and someone decides to drop in C.
I'm considering an Accord and Camry what do people think? Answer, neither Mercedes is a much better car.
As you don't appreciate the advice given here, why don't you just do your own research ?
Ebay is full of MacIntosh comps, it's not too hard to figure what models offer what you are looking for. I hope that's not too much trouble.
Let this be a lesson to you.
If your business depends in any way on having your computer work, then never have just a single computer.
I make my money with my PB 15''.
Several months ago, I brought second hand a G3 iBook to use in the express event that something went wrong with my PB. I've not had to use it yet, but I'm damn glad I have it.
Suggest you buy on eBay the cheapest laptop that will do what you want, and then just keep it as reserve in case of future problems with your main computer.
And I hope you've been backing up your data. What would you have done if your main machine was stolen or the drive crashed?
I dont mean to be all preachy, just that you don't seem to have planned for bad things happening. I hope you find the solution that suits you and prevents you getting stuck again in the future.
If your business depends in any way on having your computer work, then never have just a single computer.
I make my money with my PB 15''.
Several months ago, I brought second hand a G3 iBook to use in the express event that something went wrong with my PB. I've not had to use it yet, but I'm damn glad I have it.
Suggest you buy on eBay the cheapest laptop that will do what you want, and then just keep it as reserve in case of future problems with your main computer.
And I hope you've been backing up your data. What would you have done if your main machine was stolen or the drive crashed?
I dont mean to be all preachy, just that you don't seem to have planned for bad things happening. I hope you find the solution that suits you and prevents you getting stuck again in the future.
I think I learned my lesson when the logic board on my pb went out followed by my backup hard drive and monitor. All of which happened in a two week period. I purchased a new machine to replace that one and now it needs a new logic board and heat sink. I would love to buy more equipment but I have already replaced the items mentioned and do not wish to add more debt right now. I'm not sure what part of "it is not a financially an option right now" is so hard for everyone to understand. If it wasn't going to take an extended time to fix it I would be fine. I would say many of us couldn't do our job if our computer was out of commission for a month but it's just not realistic to expect everyone to own two computers. Apple released a product with widespread engineering problem.
There is no such thing as a mac with good resale value, in fact if you refer to eBay, just selling a brand new Macbook/Macbook Pro right now will already incur a hit on the seller. Everyone is expecting C2Ds soon and have adjusted their bid prices accordingly.
That said you can probably try your luck with a 2nd hand Mac. Buy it 2nd hand... when selling advertising it as 2nd hand too... No one will be none the wiser.
That said you can probably try your luck with a 2nd hand Mac. Buy it 2nd hand... when selling advertising it as 2nd hand too... No one will be none the wiser.