Second hand Mac

andrewjf

wba31 wrote: »

Even as an Apple Geek i dont see the point in buying a mac though for simple internet surfing...

I bought my first Mac last year, and love it. IMO it's a superior machine and O/S to my previous Windows based box. Seems more reliable, nice to use and avoids all the driver/compatibility issues you get with Windows machines.
I did however get it to do iPhone app development, so I guess I'm agreeing with your point They are pretty expensive.

If you're adamant for a mac, save up a bit more, pick up a bargain from the refurb store, just like buying a brand new mac, but MUCH cheaper...

Wonder if the OP has considered a Mac Mini? It's the entry level Mac, and Apple do offer an educational discount, which would reduce the cost even further.
If you don't need the portability, get the Mini, but you will also need a memory upgrade to 8GB (But do not buy the memory from Apple!)

almillar

You say you prefer Mac, and you don't state what age your son is, but what does HE want? I think unless you know what you're doing and are well versed in optimising old computers, compromising on certain things, and knowing lots of tricks and software, he'll have a lot of hassle with an older Mac. Windows 7 ain't that bad, have a look at it and spend £250-£300 on a branded PC laptop for a happier experience overall I reckon.
andrewjf - I wouldn't call £600, even minus an edu discount, entry level.

andrewjf

almillar wrote: »

You say you prefer Mac, and you don't state what age your son is, but what does HE want? I think unless you know what you're doing and are well versed in optimising old computers, compromising on certain things, and knowing lots of tricks and software, he'll have a lot of hassle with an older Mac. Windows 7 ain't that bad, have a look at it and spend £250-£300 on a branded PC laptop for a happier experience overall I reckon.
andrewjf - I wouldn't call £600, even minus an edu discount, entry level.

Well, we're talking Apple entry level, and it's the cheapest you'll get a new Mac for, but yeah it's still expensive.
Agree with your comment about older Macs.

bikebarbie

the_r_sole of course I asked my son :doh: and he would also prefer using a Mac

andrewjf, thanks for the advice I am looking for a portable not a desktop computer

almillar I did state in my reply that he is 12 and as per above my son would prefer a mac how (how can anyone even consider buying their son a computer without discussing it with them??)

Anyway I got the point, I' ll probably get a refurb from Apple for Christmas

thank you all much appreciated the advice x

redcard

You won't get a refurb from Apple for £250.

If it's between a 6 year old Mac, or a 1 year old PC, I think most people would go for a 1 year old PC.

You're son may want a Mac, but he probably means an iMac at over £1,000.

Get him a Netbook.

knightstyle

Think people are exaggerating the cost of used Macbooks. 2008 £300, 2009 £350 recently on ebay. Just keep looking and get a bargain.

System

knightstyle wrote: »

Think people are exaggerating the cost of used Macbooks. 2008 £300, 2009 £350 recently on ebay. Just keep looking and get a bargain.

but what can you get for the op's budget of 200 to 250?

bikebarbie

the_r_sole wrote: »

but what can you get for the op's budget of 200 to 250?

or what is the cheapest second hand mac option? There must be a middle ground between a £250 and a £600 mac?

wba31

how old is your son? can he not get a job and save up to contribute? Are you aware that the cheapest brand new portable mac you can buy is the 11 inch air, at £850.
I love Apple products, I own 2 macs, an iphone, an ipod, Apple TV, the only thing i dont have is an ipad, but from your description of use, i think you will be wasting your money this is MONEY SAVING expert after all).
If your son is adament he wants a mac and he can get a job let him pay the difference. PC experts will tell you that £250/£300 will get you something more than capable of surfing the net, typing up homework and updating his myface status...

I've just seen your reply stating he is 12. He has no need for a mac if he isnt going to be editing photos/videos etc or really using it's capabilities.

I think the sensible thing to do is buy a netbook, and tell him if he wants a mac he can save up and buy one when he's old enough.

failing that good luck on finding a 2nd hand one

andrewjf

wba31 wrote: »

I've just seen your reply stating he is 12. He has no need for a mac if he isnt going to be editing photos/videos etc or really using it's capabilities.

I think the sensible thing to do is buy a netbook, and tell him if he wants a mac he can save up and buy one when he's old enough.

totally agree with this. If there is no specific need for a Mac, then don't get one. Windows netbook is a much cheaper solution.