Looking at buying a used macbook

i have the chance to buy a macbook and would like to know before I hand over the money how can i tell if it was stolen?, I want to know as i dont want any surpise visitors, and what should i ask the person etc etc?

I can think of no certain way to know if a computer has been stolen or not. You can contact the local police in the locality of the seller and ask if that serial number has been reported as stolen, if you can get the serial from the seller, but that's not going to be definite proof since the unit could have been stolen in a different city or even country. I would suggest that at minimum you ask the seller to provide a copy of the purchase receipt, but even one of those could be faked.
My advice is that if you can't trust the seller not to be selling stolen goods, don't buy the computer. Perhaps you could find a reputable dealer, either locally or on line, that deals in used computers that would have a MacBook in your price range.
Regards.

Similar Messages

  • Buying a Used MacBook Pro

    Hey All!
    I had my MacBook Pro stolen a few days ago. I am looking to buy a used MBP from a trusted friend. He, however, has not purchased an AppleCare plan for his computer. He purchased his computer 8 months ago.
    My question: If I purchase a used MacBook Pro, am I still able to buy an AppleCare plan within the first year of the original purchase of the machine?
    Thanks for your help!

    Yes.

  • I'm looking to buy a new Macbook Pro, and have questions about the Applecare extended warranty?

    I'm looking to buy a new Macbook Pro, and have questions about the Applecare extended warranty? I want to know if the 3 year extended warranty covers what damage. Like water damage, accidental damage, lost or stolen macbook, manufactory defects, or any other kind of damage, maybe be even cosmetic damage. Can anyone help me?

    If you are talking about features of the MBP itself, as long as you are not looking at  the Retina models, then the memory you can upgrade yourself for a lot less than Apple charges, and that does not affect the warranty as Apple considers memory a user permitted upgrade.  Great sources are Crucial and OWC, both are Mac specialists and have on-line videos on how to do the install.
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    The Hi Res screen is good if you do a lot of graphics work.
    Comparing the 13" amd 15" you will notice the 15" has a second, discrete graphic processor...helps when you get into heavy duty videos, games, graphics...but keep in mind that kicking in the second processor uses a lot of power and will run the battery down faster.
    If you are looking at the Retina models, then keep in mind there are no post-purchase upgrade options...you have to buy with everything you want at the start.
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  • Should I buy this used MacBook??

    I'm thinking of buying a used MacBook (I have to return the one I have from work because I am changing jobs)...it's almost 3 years old and here are the specs:
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    Sounds exactly like mine, Same basic specs and with MS Office 2008,
    Is it the White MacBook 13 inch ?
    Mine is a MacBook 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo: (13-inch, Late 2009) – Model A1342 Polycarbonate Unibody ( MC207LL/A ), I upgraded the memory to 4GB and the Hard Drive to a 500GB 7200 RPM pretty much the day after I bought it. With the Microsoft Office 2008 installed I probably wouldn't get $625 for mine.
    The one you're asking about I wouldn't pay more than $500 at the most for, Give your local area CraigsList a try. I've seen more Mac's on there lately than you can imagine.

  • What to look for when buying a used MacBook Pro? Tips

    Here to acquire a few tips on purchasing a used Macbook Pro. I am not graced with an Apple Store in my area, so I must rely on my own sub par geek wit and with the help of yours.
    Tips I know.
    Checking Battery Cycles and mAh capacity.
    Looking for third party applications.
    Request the original StartUp/Install Disks.
    Checking memory ratios...

    Shop your local and nearby Craigslist websites, starting with:
    http://tampa.craigslist.org/
    Read this excellent post by frequent contributor JasonFear about buying and selling through Craigslist:
    http://discussions.apple.com/click.jspa?searchID=-1&messageID=9958349
    Avoid Ebay.
    If third-party applications or other software are included, they add nothing at all to the value of the machine unless you are given the original installer discs for them. Otherwise, they are just pirated software that you can't reinstall if you ever need to.
    Message was edited by: eww

  • Buying a used Macbook & wondering about warranty coverage

    I'm in the market to replace my 6 year old iBook and don't have the money on hand to buy something new out of the box. Have been looking around Craigslist and found several Macbooks, 6 mos old or so, that have what I need and are more in my price range. The sellers seem to indicate that it's possible to extend or buy AppleCare coverage for these used models - is that correct? If so, I think I'd feel safer buying a used machine - but I'm wondering if there is something I'm missing.
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    Hi roz,
    If the macbook still within 1 year warranty, you still can add apple care before it past that 1 year warranty. But considering it already used, we don't know how the previous owner use it and how long the Hard drive and battery will last.
    But why not considering apple refurbished from apple online, or third party authorize reseller like macconnection that offer mail in rebate and free shipping and still you will start fresh a 1 year warranty.
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  • Buying a used Macbook?

    Merry Christmas everyone!
    I'm getting ready to buy a used 2009 Macbook from a buyer on craigslist. It's a 2.13 with 2 GBs RAM and a 120MB hard drive. The buyer seems very reputable and the Macbook appears to be in good shape. I'm planning on meeting with the buyer in a public place later this weekend.
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    Hi there, I am able to buy a secondhand MacBook at my office, model 2006.
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  • Buying a used Macbook, Display working as it should?

    hi,
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    In the last year I have replaced half a dozen Macbook displays due to failing backlights. It is a very common fault with them. There are many replacement services on the web and start at around $200US. Or, if you are up for the challenge you can replace it yourself for around $100US. It's not too difficult and there are many video tutorials on the net to help you.
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  • I am looking into buying a used monitor to connect to my macbook. Does anyone know if multicav monitors with a vga input work with macbooks?

    I have found a Multicav 22 inch LCD monitor for sale but have never heard of multicav before and was wondering if anyone had any experience connecting a multicav monitor to their macbook.

    You will need an adapter. This model should do it for your MacBook.
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  • Looking to buy my first MacBook Pro, advice needed

    Hey all, this is my first post. I am looking to become a MacBook Pro owner for the first time. I have an iphone5 and an ipad but have decided it's time to step up. I have decided to give my ipad to my wife because she likes the more portable device and just uses it for web browsing and Facebook.
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  • 120 GB HD or 160 GB HD? (Looking to buy a White MacBook)

    I am hopefully getting a White MacBook (2.0 GHz, C2D processor), and I was wondering whether the 120 GB model would be better for me, or the more expansive 160 GB model would suit me better. I have read the advice that they have for you when you are looking at which specification is better for you, depending on what you use. I am having trouble determining whether the 120 GB HD is better for me or the 160 GB, because I will have a number of text documents, will browse the internet, and use iTunes a lot. I will also have a lot of photos and maybe even try to use the video features a few times. I do not have thousands of songs or photos, as I may have about 200. Should I play it safely and buy the 160 GB model for extra space? Or will 120 be enough space for my media and still have a lot of space left on my hard drive? If anyone has either one and can describe what they use their MacBook for, please share so it will help me (and others) out.
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  • Buying a used MacBook for Premiere Pro CS4

    I've been in the market for a MacBook to do some HD video editing.  I  found a deal through someone selling an older (non-Unibody) white  MacBook with the software I need (Adobe CS4 suite).  After researching  this MacBook, which was released in 2008, I'm not sure if it'll perform  the way I need it to.
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    Hunt

  • Looking to buy a refurbished MacBook Pro for video editing. Need suggestions on what to look for.

    Hey Everyone,
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    Hey BobRzand OGELTHORPE
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  • I am looking to buy a new macbook. I am not sure whether to go for the Air, 13inch Retina or 15inch Retina.

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  • Buying a used macbook checklist?

    This will be my first mac computer, what should I look for when I am going to pick it up before I buy it.

    I am guessing its the last year model. It has 2.2 ghz, but i think her rounded up from 2.16, it has 2gb or ram and he says the warranty ends on novmeber 19th 2008. I am guessing that is the free year one. Should I get the extended warranty

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