Website design By BotEap.comIf you are considering buying an Apple laptop, then I would really recommend you take a hard look at the used market.

Website design By BotEap.comApple computers have always been excellent machines, beautifully designed with software to match. Their iLife software offers seamless integration with your iPod and iTunes, and if you have a camcorder, simply plug it in, download your footage, edit it, and burn it to DVD. Try doing it on a PC. You’d have to buy a lot of software, but it’s all standard on a Mac.

Website design By BotEap.comThere are many different laptop models to choose from, each designed for a specific purpose. If you’re a home user, I’d recommend checking out the iBook series, while a business user should aim for the iBook Pro series. Both were discontinued in 2006, to be replaced by the macBook and macBook Pro respectively, but still offer excellent value for money, and a high-spec machine can be had for as little as $300, compared to its original price of $1500+.

Website design By BotEap.comThere are also cheaper models on the market, specifically the ‘clamshell’ iBook G3 models, but these are the first ones that were discontinued in 2001. Good sellers back in the day, now they’re a bit old and they’ll win. It is not compatible with many of the new applications. However, if you were looking for a first computer for your child, or a computer just to surf the internet and do some basic work, this might be it for you.

Website design By BotEap.comIf your budget stretches a little further, then the aforementioned MacBooks or even the new ultra-slim MacBook Air are worth considering. You can also get these on the used market, and while there are significant savings over the list price, they’re still expensive.

Website design By BotEap.comSo where do you get your used Apple laptop? I’ve personally had great success with eBay – I’m now on my third Mac laptop from them. There are some great deals here, including plenty of accessories, and as long as you’re careful, you can’t go too far wrong. Once you’ve decided on the best machine, look carefully at the seller’s details: look at the feedback they’ve received, make sure they seem trustworthy. You are looking for positive feedback of around 99% of 200 comments or more. You might even consider buying only from a Power Seller.

Website design By BotEap.comWherever you shop online, you should always email the seller, asking questions about the product and their service. Here is a quick guide to some of the main points for you.

Website design By BotEap.comLook at the work you want your laptop to do, research the available machines, and then make your choice. Don’t settle for anything else once you’ve made up your mind. Don’t fall into the trap of buying a better machine with fewer specs for the same price, thinking you can fix it. Most of the time it’s not that simple, so don’t take any chances.

Website design By BotEap.comDon’t pay more than $35 for shipping, unless it’s blazing fast.

Website design By BotEap.comMake sure it comes with an adapter and that the battery works.

Website design By BotEap.comPlease do not purchase ‘untested’ or ‘as is’ items, unless you are purchasing parts.

Website design By BotEap.comGet the right operating system (OS) – If you’re going to be doing serious work and need to add new apps, make sure it’s at least OS 10.3 (this will be very slow on a G3 ‘clambook’, so be careful if the vendor says it is installed, this is not the original operating system the machine was designed for).

Website design By BotEap.comJust pay with PayPal; Otherwise, some unscrupulous salesperson might take your check, protest that they never received it, and then keep the check and the computer.

Website design By BotEap.comBy following these guidelines, it’s possible to get a great used Apple laptop at a bargain price. Good luck.