How to Buy Used Apple Laptops

Used apple laptops may not give you quite as big of an immediate ego boost, but they save on wallet drain. If you want to buy laptops that are used, however, there are a few steps to take to be sure you buy laptops that are reliable and deliver what you need.

Instructions

1. CONSIDER HOW YOU WILL USE THE MACINTOSH LAPTOP

   Whenever you buy laptops you should match the machine to your actual intended use. If you primarily use your laptop for word processing, email, and simple internet activities like social networking and shopping then you don't need a macbook pro. You may even be fine with a used iBook G4 model that costs a third of the new macbook price.

   If you use a lot of video editing, download large files all day long, or are a gamer than you may want to get the macbook pro. Buy laptops that fit you.

2. CHECK THE OPTIONS SPECS.

   You should always buy laptops with the accessories you will use. A combination drive allows you to use CD's and DVD's as well as burn CD's. A super drive gives you the ability to burn DVD's, but slows CD burning. The size of your RAM is one of the most important factors concerning performance. You need 512 MB to operate OS X well, and it is the bare minimum (bare) for Leopard. Make sure you don't buy laptops you will have to upgrade in a month.

3. CONSIDER REFURBISHED MACINTOSH LAPTOPS.

   These are more expensive than used models but they have a stronger guarantee and are virtually new. They were simply returned for one reason or another, which was fixed, and can no longer be sold as officially new. If you want to buy laptops at the top end of the 'used' category this is for you.

4. RESEARCH MULTIPLE WEBSITES FOR PRICING.

   Once you have your specific model and specs in mind you can research sites without comparing apples to apple slices. Many sites are ebay powered and the bid price is not necessarily the price you would eventually get it for. Check out any fees and shipping costs and factor those into your comparison. Be sure there is a warrantee of some length to cover any hardware issues.

5. BUY LAPTOPS FOR USE NOT SHOW.

   Be careful of the temptation to get the newest and best just because they look nicer. You can save seven hundred dollars simply by taking a used but in good condition model from somebody else who does buy laptops for show. Before you click on the 'buy laptops' button, ask yourself if this is the computer you need.

   See tips and warnings below.

Tips & Warnings

• Double check the length of warrantees and the depth of coverage before purchasing.

• Avoid buying from Ebay sellers with extremely high fees or shipping.