Buying used on craigslist??

I'm thinking of getting one used on craigslist. Anything i should watch out for? Is it worth it to save around $100 to buy used?

Kinda one of those things you have to say out loud to see how smart it sounds.
Not only would I advise you to not save $100 but I will go further to suggest you also spend an additional $99 on the applecare. Warranty/tech support/overall experience will be better this way.
Hope you can get one that meets your needs.

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Buying used

Hey guys, this is my first attempt moving over from PC to Mac, and I have to say I am VERY excited (after doing all of my research). I have a few questions, and I hope you'll be able to help me out!
1) I am going to probably buy used, because I can find them way cheaper, and I use ksl.com and/or craigslist.org. My question is: when I meet these people in person to test out the computer (Macbook Pro 2009 series) before I buy it, what are specific things I should be looking for? Are there any tests you would run, or programs you would try to use, or something physical to look for (dying screens, etc) that I should do to make my decision whether or not to buy it? I'm not talking about specific specs (RAM, HD capacity, etc) as I have already made up my mind, I am talking about specific things I can do right there in person to make sure the computer runs well.
2) Also, I am trying to debate between iLife and MS Office. I have read on many different websites, and they seem to be pretty equal, but I am wondering what YOU have found to be more useful.
Thanks again for all of your help!

TarikB wrote:
There is so much that can go wrong with Macbook Pros. You should be very wary about a used recent Macbook Pro that is likely to cost quite a lot of cash.
Personally I would look at the Apple refurbished store. It won't be as cheap but it comes with the full 1 year warranty that a truly new MBP would come with.
If you were buying a Mac Pro or Mini or even iMac I'd say go for it, but there is so much that can go wrong with laptops these days (after AND before they leave the factory) that I wouldn't take the risk, unless the seller gave me plenty of time to boot it up and see it working.
I suppose the tests to perform would be:
1) Check the screen
2) run a 3D benchmark / stress test for a couple of hours (to check the GPU)
3) Check every port, including the mini DVI
4) listen to the sounds the computer makes when in operation
5) check that the battery charges.
The list could go on, and if you are not experienced with Mac hardware I would advise you to take an expert with you.
Is this for reals? Are there really lots of problems that have been going on with the latest Macbook Pros? I wasn't aware of that...so would I be better to get a last-year model? Because I have found some really good deals on last-season's Macbook Pros (the ones right before 'unibody' Macbooks). Would that be a better deal?

If buy used Mac how get regular Apple security upgrades,etc? Desperate.

Need to buy an older used Mac. Worried that they wouldn't be able to get regular updates to security, etc., from Apple when I go online.
My present broke old iBook I bot from a store and registered with Apple and so of course was getting regular automatic updates (or upgrades, what do we call em?)
Ain't be gots no money now, so gots no choice but to buy used, from a local, probably off Craigslist.
I've been advised to, of course, insist on the original installation CDs or DVDs (?) that came with it when new bought.
But even so, would i be able to register it for the updates?
And if the original CDs lost and not available, what then? Out of luck? Would that be way too risky and a stupid buy?
And many used macs are described as 'Leopard INSTALLED'. Where would that leave us? What does that mean? I'm guessing it means the OS was just put in from somebody elses CDs and a buyer would be orphaned and unsupported and unable to get extremely necessary regular improvements from Apple.
It is good luck that is wished to those who help me with this.

thelnukus wrote:
Q: OK, thanks, I understand that all OS, whether Tiger or Leopards, whatever, can still be updated. But say I buy said, used, how then can I just go to Apple.com and get registered for regular Updates?
You don't even need to register to get the updates but it would be a good idea.
thelnukus wrote:
You advised: "If the owner does not have the original disks you can get them from Apple by providing the serial number of the Mac."
Q: How much might that cost? If i only have $500 and so have to buy a used mac, would it cost big bucks more to buy these disks? And are these disks essential for safe operation and regular Software Updates for security, etc?
Yes, you should get the disks. Since they are replacement disks they will be very inexpensive.
thelnukus wrote:
You wrote: "To be consistent with the license agreement the seller should also give you that software and license."
Q: Yes, they 'Should', of course. But how important is that 'Should'? What if they doesn't? Whatever the reason (they kept it, they lost it, they never had it, or its been re-sold a few times). If buyer doesn't get the disks for software and license, can they still get regular Updates from Apple online?
Yes.
thelnukus wrote:
Further Q: Some sellers say they can give buyer "BACK-UP Installation Disks". Would such a description be a warning that this is just a suspect unauthorized Copy of the disks, and thus might be a problem or not honored buy Apple? It suggests to me that seller may have a)never had a legit copy themselves, and or b) they are keeping the original and maybe even using it still themselves on another computer, and if I try to register it with Apple so can get updates, Apple might say that it is in use to another, so I'm out of luck.
Yes, if they have backed up the disks and intend to keep a copy, it would be a violation of the software agreement. Their violation, not yours.
-mj

What are the major risks buying used lenses ?

i just bought my first dslr, and i was wondering what are the major risks buying used lenses ?

You need to be able to inspect and test the lens.
Look for obvious signs of physical damage, drops, etc. (cracks, dents, etc.) A lens normally will get some signs of wear but as it's a used lens, you expect *some* wear... you're really looking for signs of damage.
Remove both front and rear caps. Look through the lens into a bright no-contrast background (a white wall, a blue sky, etc.) and check the optics. You're looking for signs of mold growth or damage to coatings. Minor dust on internal optics wont impact the lens performance... so while you wouldn't want major amounts of dirt... don't worry too much about minor bits of dust (I've actually helped prove this to someone by clipping a 3M PostIt note down to a tiny 1/4" x 1/4" size and sticking it on the front glass. Take a photo... nothing shows in the photo (even a piece of "dirt" that big wont show because the camera cannot focus on anything that close to the lens.)
Rotate the focus ring from end to end. You should feel a smooth and consistent amount of friction as you rotate the focus ring. There should be no rough spots. Listen to the lens as you do this... there should be no grinding noises.
Do the same with the zoom ring but in addition to checking for smooth consistent performance (no sticky or rough spots) you're also checking to make sure nothing seems excessively worn (nothing wobbles loose... very heavily used lenses can do that after enough wear.)
Connect the lens to the camera and make sure the camera can completely operate the auto-focus motors without a problem and/or if it's an image stabilized lens that the IS components are working.
Set the camera to max aperture (e.g. f/22, f/32.. depending on the lens) and press your camera's "depth of field preview" button (if you don't know which button is your DOF preview, check your manual. Canon tends to move that one around a bit but it's almost always on the front side of the camera near the lens mount.) You want to press and release it a few times. This will cause the lens aperture blades to stop down to the aperture you set. Release... do this while watching the lens. You should see the aperture blades move in and out (well... they snap in and out very quickly). You want to make sure it works ok, the camera gets no error codes, and there's no signs that anything is sticking.
And then there is the focus test...
Focus the camera preferably at a FLAT surface that has lots of detail.... such as the brick wall of a building. Make sure the camera is level and that the camera's focal plane is parallel to the plane of the wall. Take a test photo at low f-stop and inspect. You're checking to verify that the focus works and that the focus is reasonable across the image. As you inspect from left ot right and top to bottom you are looking to make sure the focus is more or less equal (if the right side of the image is focused... but the left side of the image is soft... it would indicate that lens elements are skewed (lens isn't collimated). It's difficult for a lens to get into this situation unless it was dropped and you'd probably see signs of damage.
Tim Campbell
5D II, 5D III, 60Da

Used imac craigslist is there a way to see if it's stolen by serial number?

used imac craigslist is there a way to see if it's stolen by serial number?

I don't believe Apple maintains such a list; however, you can check the serial number to see if it is covered by a warranty or if that has expired, but that's about it.

Hi good morning, I'm from malaysia, can I use apple education package my wife is a teacher, I'm interested for mac 13 inch water for her I be able to buy used apple education package how and what documents are needed

hi good morning,
I'm from malaysia,
can I use apple education package
my wife is a teacher,
I'm interested for mac 13 inch water for her
I be able to buy used apple education package
how and what documents are needed

You will need to contact th Apple Store. This is a user to user forum.
http://www.apple.com/contact/
http://store.apple.com/us-hed

I used to buy used iphone and I'm in Mexico. I wanted to upgrade but I ask you insert a sim Mexican rejects me says that is not compatible or if I can never use my iphone here in mexico

I used to buy used iphone and I'm in Mexico. I wanted to upgrade but I ask you insert a sim Mexican rejects me says that is not compatible or if I can never use my iphone here in mexico

reneagustin wrote:
is possible to make the phone legal?
More than likely not... Try google...

I'm confused about buying used smart cases for iPad mini 1, 2, and 3.

I'm trying to buy used smart covers for the iPad mini 1, 2, and 3 but I'm not sure which smart cover versions will fit which mini.
So far, in pink, I've been able to find MGNN2ZM/A and MF061ZM/A. But I want all the other colors too.
MacMall.com says MGNN2ZM/A is compatible with iPad mini 1, 2, and 3 and MF061ZM/A is compatible with iPad mini 1 and 2. (Apple doesn't provide the part numbers on their web page)
Basically, I could really use a list of iPad mini, iPad and iPad Air accessories' parts numbers, and the device/cover compatibilities, if such a list exists.
Eventually, I want to buy smart covers in every color for iPad 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (Air), and 6 (Air 2).
Thank you for your help in advance ^^

Hello there ctemple,
That is a great question, thank you for taking the time to contact us. I am sorry to hear your phone is on it's last leg and not working as it should be. I know how important it is to have a working device at all times so will be more than happy to assist you today.
Great news on our Verizon Edge program you can upgrade to pretty much any phone in our lineup. You pay a small installment every month over a 24-month span on your bill instead of paying full retail or the two-year pricing all at once.
If you like you can view additional information about our Edge program by going to http://vz.to/1kqnEzS
Please let us know if you have additonal questions or concerns. Have a great day!
KarenC_VZW
Follow us on twitter @VZWSupport

Buying used GPIB/ENET100 card. What software must have with it. Have LABView 7

Buying used GPIB/ENET100 card. What software must have with it to configure and use. Have LABView 7

Actually, I believe the drivers that are available on the NI website are licened for upgrades only. If the hardware came with an NI-488.2 driver, you can upgrade that to the latest version with the link above.
If your purchase did not include a software license (the hardware is sold separately from the hardware due to single- and multi-user license options), you need to purchase a license of NI-488.2.
http://sine.ni.com/apps/we/nioc.vp?cid=10622〈=US
The part numbers for the single and multi-user license for Windows are 778598-02 and 778598-01. Other operating systems are listed as well.
If you have any confusion, you should contact NI to confirm licensing issues.

Advice on buying Used/New Macbook Pro

I'm giving some serious thought to buying a macbook pro unibody and I'm trying to decide on whether to buy a near-perfect used machine as opposed to a new one. I'm after a 13" and have no interest in anything larger... actually wish there was a netbook-sized mackbook. And truth be known, if the iPad had a iSight camera built in, I would probably be heading down that pad. The macbook will mainly be used around the house and occasionally at wi-fi enabled off-site locations. We're also eligible for a educational discount, so if I buy new... that comes into play.
If I buy used, I would have to see the machine in person locally, watch it run, use it... and know that it's hopefully still eligible for AppleCare if ownership is transferred? I'd also want the original sales receipt and I might like to opt for one on one because even though I've had my iMac for over a year... I'm still learning.
Having only owned a couple of IBM ThinkPads and a WinBook way back when... I was just curious about whether the mackbooks are reliable and sturdy (my ThinkPad has a titanium frame), and whether its worth it to score a great deal on a gently used one that is loaded with more memory and/or larger HDD and possibly a bunch of apps or spend the same for a base model?

"... whether its worth it to score a great deal on a gently used one that is loaded with more memory and/or larger HDD and possibly a bunch of apps or spend the same for a base model? "
1. What do you feel is a great deal and where have you seen one?
2. Anyone who sells you a machine with third party apps needs to give you the original disks or you are both in violation of SLA's. Keep that in mind.
3. If you buy a used machine and the owner touts it has Applecare you need to make sure he/she purchased the AppleCare from Apple or AASP. Otherwise it's not transferable to you.

Yesterday i buy used iphone 4 from my friend i want to know that can i checked online or on internet status and history of this mobile ? that it is no

yesterday i buy used iphone 4 from my friend i want to know that can i checked online or on internet status and history of this mobile ? that it is no

https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do

I would like to buy used Ipad 3gen 32 or 64 GB   .What are the things I should check for.(and how to check it) It is cash deal -no warranty.

I would like to buy used Ipad 3 32 or 64 GB.It is cash deal and no warranty. What are the things I should check and how to do it ?

Make sure it is in perfect working order before you turn over any money.
Test connected to Internet.   Test Safari and several other apps for crashes.
If it passes this test, it must now have find my iPhone turned off by the seller.   They must also remove the device from their iCloud account.
*****Please observe this.   If the seller can't turn off find my iPhone, then it is not his iPad to sell.   It will lock when you try to activate and will be worthless.****
If this is the owner of the iPad he can also remotely erase the iPad with iCloud.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5661

Cannot buy using in-app purchase. support ....

Cannot buy using in-app purchase. it always says contact itunes support .... this is the second time that i face this problem ... please fix and i hope it doesn't happen again

You need to do as requested and Contact iTunes Support...
Use this Link > Apple Support iTunes Store Contact

Can I buy used IPhone 4 registered in USA and use it in India? How can I re-register it to my name?

I would like to buy ans used unlocked iPhone 4.
Can I buy used unlocked IPhone 4 registered in USA and use it in India? How can I re-register it to my name?

Thanks KiltedTim.
I know a person who usedit for couple of months and now he would like to sell it.
I want to know if anyone can use it in India. When I say "use" that means download apps and purchase music from the store.
I am asking this because that Iphone ll be registered in USA.

HT201441 i buy used iphone 5s from japan and when i do activated it write need apple id and i no have that id because i buy from japan and i know in lebanon pleas tell me what i do

i buy used iphone 5s from japan and when i do activated it write need apple id and i no have that id because i buy from japan and i know in lebanon pleas tell me what i do

There is not a thing you can do except get the Apple ID and password of the previous owner...that iPhone is in Activation Lock mode and cannot be unlocked any other way. The Activation Lock is an anti-theft protection that cannot be bypassed. You very well may have a stolen iPhone so try contacting the who you bought it from and get your money back.

Buying used on craigslist??

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