Buying a Used MB: Which Model to Get?

Greetings,

My wife is a writer and has been wanting an Apple laptop for a while but we haven't been able to really afford one. This year though I'd like to get one for her so she can take it around the house, outside, etc, and use it for photos and writing. Thus, key factors are: portability, low price, and general daily use.

As such, I think a 13.3" MB would be ideal. The university where she works has a new MC240LL/A for $799, and I've been checking eBay for deals. Unfortunately it looks like even the older models go for pretty close to that on a regular basis. So, my questions are:

1) Is the $799 model a good one and for those that know pricing, is that a good price? It's a bit on the high side for my budget, but if that's the best price/performance match, I'll do what I can.

2) What model, other than the above, is the one I should look for if I'm getting a used one? Is there a model that stands out as superior? The aluminum unibody seems to be well liked but expensive. And MBPs are also a bit out of my range.

3) What price range would be normal for the above model on something like eBay?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

The MC240LL/A for $799 is not bad. I don't know where you're located, but Microcenter has the current plastic unibody Macbook MC207LL/A for $799 after rebate. It pretty close to what your looking at except for a slightly faster cpu and bigger HDD. For all around use the 13.3" Macbook gives you a good performance for the price. You could also get refurbished Macs from Apple's online store. That's where I got mine. Also try the NBR Marketplace. I saw some Macbooks for sale there. Hope that helps.

 

Amazingly helpful, that. I work close enough to a Microcenter that this may be the best option. Of course, I need to make a decision on it pretty quickly since the rebate ends tomorrow.

Rep +1. Thanks!

 

Just as a followup - I ordered the $799 MB from Microcenter ($999 + Tax - $200 rebate). Before I picked it up though I saw that Apple had posted some refurbished MBPs to their website for $999. So, I spent the extra $200 on that instead. No rebate headaches, same price at purchase with tax. And free shipping.

End result: refurbished MBP should be here in a few days.

 

Yep, Apple refurbished products are great, arrive as new without the retail box.
Still full one year apple care warranty.
And if you decide, you can always add years two & three via purchase of apple care on eBay for a bout $110 to the door.
Keep in mind that it needs to be added prior to the expiration of the first year.

 

i've had a good experience buying a refurb from apple also, recently.

arrives like new minus the normal apple packaging