Should I buy this Macbook Pro?

[Pure Apathy]

There is a person selling a like new Macbook Pro on Craigslist for $2400.

Here is what comes with it


* 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
* 4MB shared level 2 cache
* 2GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300)
* 120GB 5400 rpm hard drive
* 15.4-inch Glossy Widescreen Display
* 1440 by 900 pixels
* Ati Mobility Radeon X1600
* 256MB of GDDR3 Ram
* Built in iSight video camera
* Slot loading 6x-SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD+RW/CD-RW)
* ExpressCard/34 slot, Firewire 800 port, Firewire 400 port, Two USB 2.0 ports
* DVI port; DVI to VGA adapter included
* Optical digital audio input/line in
* Optical digital audio output/headphone out
* Built in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet
* Built in Airport Extreme
* Built in Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
* Backlit illuminated keyboard and ambient light sensor
* Apple Remote
* Preinstalled Mac OS X 10.4.9 and other bundled software
* 3 years of AppleCare included!
* iSkin Keyboard Protector included
* Screen Protector Included
* Laptop Case Included

and here is why he is selling it

I bought this Macbook Pro less than five weeks ago and it has seen little use since. Infact, it's only been out of the case a handful of times. I thought I was going to need this bad boy more than I ended up. My wife also recently acquired a very nice iMac, so this little guy really is not going to see it's full potential with me. I've tried very hard over the last week to justify keeping this machine around, but I have to let it go. I really want to see this machine to go a deserving owner. With the full AppleCare warranty and extras that I have included with this computer, I don't think you'll be unhappy if you buy it. :) Feel free to email me if you have any questions at all and I will respond promptly.

I had this listed on ebay and keep getting 'non-paying' losers interested. Grrrr....


and some pics

http://b.im.craigslist.org/tV/Dh/kG6NBb0DQtEk488ARDytzknCy20o.jpg

http://c.im.craigslist.org/cN/K4/7AdXUVxoRKb96FQ2xgRyahWBv76x.jpg

http://a.im.craigslist.org/rB/9h/scYcwV6oU0v8qJIKvQe3PxoT12we.jpg

http://b.im.craigslist.org/KF/PW/tIXmVcdK5oMRiBgKeXVPHdiq1Kvv.jpg


I noticed that he added an extra gig of ram and also upgraded the graphics card on this Macbook. Plus it comes with the apple care, case, keyboard cover, and screen protector. I'm not for sure if he has any software added onto it as well.

Would this be worth looking into getting? I sent him an email just to see if he would come down on the price at all. I'm low on cash at the moment, but I'm really wanting to buy a laptop for school next semester and if this would be a good deal I'd like to grab it.

Any help/advice would be appreicated. This would also be my first mac by the way.

Also here is a link to apple's website with the specs on the laptop with the regular specs http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?family=MacBookPro

[mykevermin]

Eh. It's "used," if you will, and it looks like he's trying to sell it for no loss whatsoever (or a tiny profit, frankly).

You can get the same thing, short the RAM and video card, for $2200 at the Apple Store (before the education discount!), and they *always* have specials (free printer/free iPod, stuff like that).

I vote no.

[iamthekiller]

without saying what you'd use it for, it's hard to say. what would your classwork require of you? seems a bit overkill unless you're going to be using all of these components

[paddlefoot]

The RAM is not big deal from what I have heard. It is user upgradeable. It is the hard drive that voids the warranty

[ighosty]

Eh. It's "used," if you will, and it looks like he's trying to sell it for no loss whatsoever (or a tiny profit, frankly).

You can get the same thing, short the RAM and video card, for $2200 at the Apple Store (before the education discount!), and they *always* have specials (free printer/free iPod, stuff like that).

I vote no.

good point, I would check to see if he would go lower. If you are interested I would also check from what date the apple care was set to make sure you are actually getting all 3 years.

[CouRageouS]

Eh. It's "used," if you will, and it looks like he's trying to sell it for no loss whatsoever (or a tiny profit, frankly).

You can get the same thing, short the RAM and video card, for $2200 at the Apple Store (before the education discount!), and they *always* have specials (free printer/free iPod, stuff like that).

I vote no.
I vote no too but I think it only looks like a profit cause the guy is also factoring in the warranty he purchased and tax maybe.

If you have interest in a MacBook just head into the store or type in your school online and check out what deals you get. If you wait till July/August, I believe thats when they had free iPods last year. Also consider if you really need the Pro for your needs, if you don't you'll save a bundle and still have a very capable laptop.

[Pure Apathy]

I'd mainly use it just to have access to the net and play games on. Mainly just to have it to do research on and type my papers for school or to use it to follow online outlines while I'm in class.

I like the standard Macbooks for the price, I just don't like the integrated graphics card.

[Pure Apathy]

Maybe I'll just wait it out for apple to offer the free iPod deal and just grab a regular black Macbook.

Are these the newest models or will there be a newer release this year sometime?

[mykevermin]

There is no black MacBook Pro.

I also know that AppleCare is 'spensive, as is tax. I also just bought a MacBook Pro (the middle one, which is, at best, what this is, with a RAM and video card upgrade (which means it was about $180 more than what I paid for mine). After tax, AppleCare, an Epson printer ($150 before rebate), a Speck laptop case, keyboard skin, and another $40-50 of accessories, my total was $2200.

This is *not* a good deal.

[Pure Apathy]

I meant to type the regular black macbook. The one that is 1500 brand new before discount and the free iPod. Hopefully they'll have the promo this year around the same time they did it last year.

I believe one website I looked at said last years sale started on June 5th.

Would anyone suggest getting the apple care thing as well?

[mykevermin]

Absolutely. .mac is a tossup, however.

[paddlefoot]

I'd mainly use it just to have access to the net and play games on. Mainly just to have it to do research on and type my papers for school or to use it to follow online outlines while I'm in class.

I like the standard Macbooks for the price, I just don't like the integrated graphics card.

Considering what you want to do with it and how much you are going to spend to get a Mac with a dedicated GPU, have you considered something along the lines of the Asus A8js.

[Pure Apathy]

Thanks myke

[mbstuff]

http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#MacBook_Pro


This isn't the time to be buying a macbook pro. You want to wait for a revision and either buy the new ones, or buy the older generation on the day of release for hundreds off (amazon always does it and is a decent place to buy the older ones that day while stock remains- Stock won't last past a day or two)

[Surferflames]

http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#MacBook_Pro


This isn't the time to be buying a macbook pro. You want to wait for a revision and either buy the new ones, or buy the older generation on the day of release for hundreds off (amazon always does it and is a decent place to buy the older ones that day while stock remains- Stock won't last past a day or two)

^^^ what he said.

WWDC is right around the corner and right after that is the best time to buy refurb/used hardware from people trying to upgrade.

[ighosty]

I would suggest gettin the apple care too. When spending that much money on something that you will probably keep for a while its better to know that if anything does happen that you can get it fixed or repaired and not have to worry about paying for it. They also have a tech phone line you can use without being charged.

[Pootie Thang]

Anyways you can get the Macbook w/ the 2.16 Ghz I think. I bought my Macbook w/ 2.00 Ghz Core 2 Duo 2 months ago and a newer one just released. It kind of sucks but mines is so awesome

[zman73]

Maybe I'll just wait it out for apple to offer the free iPod deal and just grab a regular black Macbook.

Are these the newest models or will there be a newer release this year sometime?


When I finally get a macbook, I will take advantage of the free ipod like I did with my imac purchase last year... it was a free nano, which I upgraded to the 60gb video by paying the difference... love the computer and love the ipod

[Pure Apathy]

http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#MacBook_Pro


This isn't the time to be buying a macbook pro. You want to wait for a revision and either buy the new ones, or buy the older generation on the day of release for hundreds off (amazon always does it and is a decent place to buy the older ones that day while stock remains- Stock won't last past a day or two)

That website says to buy the Macbook now since there was an update on May 15th. Should I still wait for a new one to come out? If one does come out, I hope they release it during the "buy a mac get a free iPod" deal.

[dastly75]

The macbooks now have faster processors(2.00 to 2.16) and more memory (512MB to 1 GB). I also think they gave it a bigger hard drive. Does this really count as a revision though? It just seems like they upgraded some components, they didn't really improve any of the Macbooks aesthetics or what not.

[paddlefoot]

The macbooks now have faster processors(2.00 to 2.16) and more memory (512MB to 1 GB). I also think they gave it a bigger hard drive. Does this really count as a revision though? It just seems like they upgraded some components, they didn't really improve any of the Macbooks aesthetics or what not.

They just phased out the bottom tier and moved everything down a notch.

[torifile]

MBPs are great computers but this one isn't really much of a deal. I scored a 2.16 ghz one for $1400 (including AppleCare and 3 gigs of RAM). And it wasn't even stolen. ;)

For future reference, you can check the purchase date and warranty status of any Apple product at support.apple.com at the bottom. All you need is the serial number.

[Pure Apathy]

MBPs are great computers but this one isn't really much of a deal. I scored a 2.16 ghz one for $1400 (including AppleCare and 3 gigs of RAM). And it wasn't even stolen. ;)

For future reference, you can check the purchase date and warranty status of any Apple product at support.apple.com at the bottom. All you need is the serial number.

Wow, I wish I could find a deal like that

[icruise]

I read through the whole thread waiting for a smart-ass reply about how you shouldn't get the MBP because it's a Mac, but it didn't come. Kudos, CAG!

Anyway, as nice as the MBP is, the plain MacBook is the better value for most people. I wouldn't get the black one unless you're desperate to have black, since you're paying an additional $200 for the black color (which is admittedly nice) and a 40GB hard disk upgrade.

[torifile]

I read through the whole thread waiting for a smart-ass reply about how you shouldn't get the MBP because it's a Mac, but it didn't come. Kudos, CAG!

Anyway, as nice as the MBP is, the plain MacBook is the better value for most people. I wouldn't get the black one unless you're desperate to have black, since you're paying an additional $200 for the black color (which is admittedly nice) and a 40GB hard disk upgrade.
I thought the same thing, icruise. :) The only thing, in my opinion, that would affect most people when considering the MacBook or MacBook Pro is the integrated graphics on the MB. If you don't play games on your computer, for the vast majority of people, the MacBook is a better option. The are other distinct advantages to the MBP, but most people would never use them (e.g., expresscard slot).

[lanleague]

New MacBook Pros are rumored to be coming soon with Santa Rosa chipsets. Wait it out.

[mbstuff]

That website says to buy the Macbook now since there was an update on May 15th. Should I still wait for a new one to come out? If one does come out, I hope they release it during the "buy a mac get a free iPod" deal.

I thought you wanted a macbook pro. It's still not the best time to be gettin a mac though, until they start offering free upgrades to leopard.

I just happened to be checking macbook prices on amazon during the last update, and I know the bigger two macbooks of the last generation were $300 or so off. Sold out that day or the next day

[wildnuts02]

i love my macbook pro (i have an intel 1.83 ghz) BUT i do have to warn you: THESE RUN VERY HOT!

you literally can't work with one on your lap. even when i called customer support they told me they are not designed for lap use...they should be on a table in a well ventilated area. i sent mine in anyway (i got applecare) and all tests showed that interally it's fine - it's just the external that gets super hot.

the heat has been my only regret so far. i don't think the regular macbook has this issue (especially b/c it's not metal). anyway good luck

[paddlefoot]

New MacBook Pros are rumored to be coming soon with Santa Rosa chipsets. Wait it out.

Santa Rosa isn't a big deal for the MBP. It's not going to give you a noticeable improvement over this generation. If the new MPB has an ATI X2600 or something similar, then it would be a reason to fork over some extra money.

[Pure Apathy]

So hopefully they'll announce a new Macbook Pro at the WWDC. I'd like to see a new MBP with the LED backlit displays, better graphics card, santa rosa, and if they do announce a smaller MBP that would be very cool as well.

If I could somehow get a free leopard upgrade and a free iPod that would be sweet :)

I'm going to cross my fingers for the next couple of weeks.

[icruise]

They usually have the free iPod promotions to encourage people to buy models that have been out for a while, so I'm going to say that you're not likely to be able to get that and a new model with leopard.

[mykevermin]

http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/

Hope you held out.

[Pure Apathy]

http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/

Hope you held out.

Yep I held out :)

I'm really liking the mid-range MBP out of all three. Which one would you suggest?

I highly doubt this will work, but my college has a deal where if I buy a laptop with apple care I'm able to get a free iPod shuffle. I'm going to see if I can combine that deal with the back to school deal that started today. If it works, cool. If not, no big deal.

[Pure Apathy]

Also, which screen type is better? Glossy or antiglare?

[dastly75]

Make sure to click apple education, you get discounted $100-$200 plus you get a $200 rebate on a new ipod.

I have heard of ADC or something also where you pay $100 and you get 20% off plus other stuff, not sure.

[mykevermin]

I like glossy personally. Take a hike down to the apple store and check it out for yourself.

[Pure Apathy]

Yeah I'm going to take a look tomorrow at them. I think I'm going to go with the ADC discount instead of the education discount.

I will lose out on the free nano with the ADC discount, but I will be getting roughly 20% off, a free copy of Tiger, and when Leopard comes out I will be getting that for free as well.

With the ADC Hardware Discount:

2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1440 x 900 resolution
2GB memory
120GB hard drive1
8x double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 128MB SDRAM
Ships: 1-3 business days
Free Shipping
$1,599.00

2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1440 x 900 resolution
2GB memory
160GB hard drive1
8x double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 256MB SDRAM
Ships: 1-3 business days
Free Shipping
$1,999.00

2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1680 x 1050 pixels
2GB memory
160GB hard drive1
8x double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 256MB SDRAM
Ships: 1-3 business days
Free Shipping
$2,239.00

I'm just trying to decide if the extra 128 ram on the graphics card and extra 40 gigs of harddrive space is worth a $400 difference. I'm planning to do some gaming on it.

[Pure Apathy]

Well I just called Apple and here's what I can do. For $99 I can get the ADC Student membership which will take 20% off of my MBP purchase. I will also get Leopard for free when it comes out in the Fall.

I will also be able to get a free Nano or take $200 off one of the other iPods as well. So both of these offers can be combined.

[dastly75]

Well I just called Apple and here's what I can do. For $99 I can get the ADC Student membership which will take 20% off of my MBP purchase. I will also get Leopard for free when it comes out in the Fall.

I will also be able to get a free Nano or take $200 off one of the other iPods as well. So both of these offers can be combined.

They can?! I think I'm waiting till after WWDC before I buy one. I'm leaning towards the lowest MBP model.

[Pure Apathy]

They can?! I think I'm waiting till after WWDC before I buy one. I'm leaning towards the lowest MBP model.

Yep, I just got my info copied so it can be faxed tomorrow. I'm going to go ahead and get the ADC stuff out of the way and then I'll either buy one now or wait till after WWDC. I don't think they are going to release anything right after WWDC. They will probably just announce stuff that will be released later this year/next year.

[Pure Apathy]

I guess the ADC discount and Nano deal does not work. I just called Apple again and this time I was told different.

[Moxio]

Aw, that sucks.

But I don't really care for an iPod. $1999 for the middle version looks pretty nice...

[dastly75]

So with ADC, they give you a copy of Tiger now and you get Leopard free when it comes out?

[mtxbass1]

I'm currently waiting until after WWDC myself. I run a Dual CPU Mac Pro at work (2x3.0GHz) that's a fucking monster.

[Pure Apathy]

So with ADC, they give you a copy of Tiger now and you get Leopard free when it comes out?

I have no clue now, some people on the macrumors forum is saying you will get the Leopard upgrade when it comes out. I've been told two different things today from Apple so I'm confused right now.

[mykevermin]

The MacBook Pro I own is the middle-end one (the high end 15" one - only designers need the 17", and even then it's precious few of them truly).

Perhaps you want to see what is unveiled at the WWDC?
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=238

Blu-Ray equipped MacBook Pro to go with the new fancy LCD screen? Maybe.

[madportagee]

The MacBook Pro I own is the middle-end one (the high end 15" one - only designers need the 17", and even then it's precious few of them truly).

Perhaps you want to see what is unveiled at the WWDC?
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=238

Blu-Ray equipped MacBook Pro to go with the new fancy LCD screen? Maybe.

Mac doesnt seem to release upgrades too often. Blu-Ray does sound like its a possibility, but probably not worth the extra cost. At my college all design students were required to have apple laptops, but the 17" just seem huge, personally i wouldnt get one. I would suggest the warranty from several of the problems I saw people have, these were definately few so dont worry. Had people that dropped theirs so many times the case was cracked and it still worked fine, whereas others just had connection or electrical problems. I knew a few people that their hd crashed, then several others that their lcd's either lost their connection or went out. A couple others, like mine, randomly would go into sleep mode every minute (but then works a couple days later just fine). This isn't meant to scare you at all, sadly there are lots of designers out there that have no idea how to use a computer and just literally throw it around. Good choice for a macbook though, i love my laptop and have seen others go through beatings and still be fine.

[shrike4242]

The MacBook Pro I own is the middle-end one (the high end 15" one - only designers need the 17", and even then it's precious few of them truly).

Perhaps you want to see what is unveiled at the WWDC?
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=238

Blu-Ray equipped MacBook Pro to go with the new fancy LCD screen? Maybe. Screen real-estate whores (like myself ;) ) would want the 17" screen for the 1920 x 1200 resolution. I have that same res on my Dell laptop at 15.4" and sometimes, it's a little hard on the eyes. 17", that's perfect.

And this rev has me thinking very hard about getting a MBP as my next laptop, as I can run Windows on it via BootCamp or Parallels. If they tossed in a BR drive as a BTO option, then I'm sold, once Leopard's out.

[mykevermin]

Others have pointed out that there are deals (via spending the money to sign up for Apple's ADC?) that will incorporate a free copy of Leopard when it is released.

You have to spend money in this case, but the discounts are greater than your typical education discount.

[icruise]

The MacBook Pro I own is the middle-end one (the high end 15" one - only designers need the 17", and even then it's precious few of them truly).

Perhaps you want to see what is unveiled at the WWDC?
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=238

Blu-Ray equipped MacBook Pro to go with the new fancy LCD screen? Maybe.
I think the chances of them releasing anything Macbook Pro related 1 week after updating the line are very very small indeed.

[n25philly]

There is a person selling a like new Macbook Pro on Craigslist for $2400.

Here is what comes with it


* 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
* 4MB shared level 2 cache
* 2GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300)
* 120GB 5400 rpm hard drive
* 15.4-inch Glossy Widescreen Display
* 1440 by 900 pixels
* Ati Mobility Radeon X1600
* 256MB of GDDR3 Ram
* Built in iSight video camera
* Slot loading 6x-SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD+RW/CD-RW)
* ExpressCard/34 slot, Firewire 800 port, Firewire 400 port, Two USB 2.0 ports
* DVI port; DVI to VGA adapter included
* Optical digital audio input/line in
* Optical digital audio output/headphone out
* Built in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet
* Built in Airport Extreme
* Built in Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
* Backlit illuminated keyboard and ambient light sensor
* Apple Remote
* Preinstalled Mac OS X 10.4.9 and other bundled software
* 3 years of AppleCare included!
* iSkin Keyboard Protector included
* Screen Protector Included
* Laptop Case Included

and here is why he is selling it




and some pics

http://b.im.craigslist.org/tV/Dh/kG6NBb0DQtEk488ARDytzknCy20o.jpg

http://c.im.craigslist.org/cN/K4/7AdXUVxoRKb96FQ2xgRyahWBv76x.jpg

http://a.im.craigslist.org/rB/9h/scYcwV6oU0v8qJIKvQe3PxoT12we.jpg

http://b.im.craigslist.org/KF/PW/tIXmVcdK5oMRiBgKeXVPHdiq1Kvv.jpg


I noticed that he added an extra gig of ram and also upgraded the graphics card on this Macbook. Plus it comes with the apple care, case, keyboard cover, and screen protector. I'm not for sure if he has any software added onto it as well.

Would this be worth looking into getting? I sent him an email just to see if he would come down on the price at all. I'm low on cash at the moment, but I'm really wanting to buy a laptop for school next semester and if this would be a good deal I'd like to grab it.

Any help/advice would be appreicated. This would also be my first mac by the way.

Also here is a link to apple's website with the specs on the laptop with the regular specs http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?family=MacBookPro



Too expensive, and I wouldn't trust someone from craigslist

[Pure Apathy]

Too expensive, and I wouldn't trust someone from craigslist

Yeah I decided not to get that one a few weeks ago after I was told to wait it out. I think I may wait until after WWDC or even just wait for a 17'' LCD or Ultraslim MBP to be released. I've waited this long, so waiting a little longer won't kill me. :)

[torifile]

Yeah I decided not to get that one a few weeks ago after I was told to wait it out. I think I may wait until after WWDC or even just wait for a 17'' LCD or Ultraslim MBP to be released. I've waited this long, so waiting a little longer won't kill me. :)
Why would you wait until after WWDC when the new computers were just released yesterday? And there's been a 17" MBP since the beginning...

[dastly75]

I have no clue now, some people on the macrumors forum is saying you will get the Leopard upgrade when it comes out. I've been told two different things today from Apple so I'm confused right now.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=3716922&postcount=22

Looks like a good answer to me.

[Pure Apathy]

Why would you wait until after WWDC when the new computers were just released yesterday? And there's been a 17" MBP since the beginning...

If they announce something at WWDC like say an ultra slim MBP then I'll be glad I waited. I'm sure it'll be all about the iPhone though. Plus, these laptops are on backorder right now for most people until June 20ish. So no need to hurry up and order one right now. I have until September to order one and still get a free iPod, I'll probably just wait for the next update nown anyways since I just bought some golf clubs.

Yeah there has been a 17'' MBP since the beginning, but not one that is LED backlit...