Best place for a really cheap mac laptop?

Anyone know where I can pick up a really cheap, but fairly recent mac laptop? I'm starting to do some computer repair and windows troubleshooting from home, but thought I should get familiar with OSX because I'm certain at some point someone will ask me for help. I haven't spent much time with OSX and would like to get a bit familiar with it.

 

If you have a screen and a keyboard just get a mac mini you can probably get one brand new for like $700 or get a used one for around $400 or so.

 

The words "cheap" and "Mac" don't go together. "Inexpensive" and "Mac" can fit somewhat if you know where to look. Check your local Craigslist to see if anyone is selling their MacBook, MacBook Pro (MBP), or MacBook Air (MBA), in your price range. Online prices tend to be higher because there are idiots out there who will give into the price gougers.

Just keep in mind that you will want a unit with at least a Core 2 Duo processor since Lion, the latest version of Mac OS X, cannot be installed on hardware older than that (the Core Duo processor). You should also look for something with an Nvidia 320m if you want to buy a MBA since anything prior to that was buggy. Your best bet will probably be an inexpensive used MacBook. The least expensive price for a new MacBook I have come across is $899 but you have to be an educational institute.

I agree that a Mac Mini would be better if you just want to learn your way around Mac OS X. Again, you will want something with a Core 2 Duo. I recommend the 2010 Mac Mini since it came with Nvidia 320m integrated graphics and you can find a used one for a relatively inexpensive price. The 2011 Mac Mini is also only $580 through Apple's education store.

 

That would be 1999-2003, give or take.

 

Best bet is browse your local Craigslist listings. Not sure what's "really cheap" to you but even 2009 13" Pro models still go for ~700, it's nuts.

If you just want to get your feet wet with OSX for cheap, the best route is to look for a used Mac Mini on your local listings. I found TWO great deals on the same day locally a few weeks ago and bought them both. Sold one of them and kept all the expensive Apple accessories and I ended up with the 2010 Mini for next to nothing. For some odd reason the old style 2009 Minis sell for roughly the same as the newer 2010 unibody style on Ebay Those older Core 2 Duo Minis seem to hold value quite well. If you can find one in the 300's you can't lose, but no earlier than 2008 model. 2009 preferred.

Core 2 Duo is a must, unless you happen across a Core Duo for <200 in great shape and don't mind to be stuck at Snow Leopard.

 

If you're fine with just using Mac OS X Leopard 10.5, try looking for a 12.1" PowerBook.

 

If you look locally, you can find Core Duo or Core 2 Duo Macbooks 300+

Mac Mini are kind of a pain to work in, if you buy one you'll likely have to replace the drive (2.5", gotta rip it entirely apart to get to it, and some major weak sauce with GMA 950).