Buying preowned-can I use serial number or other to get specs?

Question

I want to get accurate information about preowned iMacs and I have the serial and other numbers from the side of the box..... is there a way to enter any information on the apple site to get the original specifications?

Answer 1

Query by serial number
Apple's warrenty database will identify the type of Mac you have.  Your serial number is securely sent.  Provides more information for newer machines.
https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do
This site provides more information.  Best for older machines.  Note, serial number is sent in the clear.
"A serial number is a unique, identifying number or group of numbers and letters assigned to an individual piece of hardware or software. It's used for various things depending on the product / brand but what is your Mac's serial number for and more importantly... what is it hiding and what can it do for you ?"
http://www.appleserialnumberinfo.com/Desktop/index.php
or
This site provides more information, but lacks security too.
"A serial number is a unique, identifying number or group of numbers and letters assigned to an individual piece of hardware or software. It's used for various things depending on the product / brand but what is your Mac's serial number for and more importantly... what is it hiding and what can it do for you ?"
http://www.appleserialnumberinfo.com/Desktop/index.php
http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html
    ( hint by K Shaffer  )