Looking to buy my first 'used' mac book

Came across this mac and was wondering what you thought about it...how much is it worth realistically...basically some opinions and thoughts.
Macbook Core 2 duo 2.10 GHz
2gb ram
250gb hd
Mac OS X 10.7, Lion
13"
Use, Office and game development for the iphone.

The current mac systems have alot of power. When my son went to film school/college, he had to get a PowerBook using Final Cut Pro, and it handled video editing satisfactorily.  The Intel-based systems are much more powerful (and the operating systems/programs are more complex, too).  
Suggest you go back to the Apple store, and spend some time with the iMac. Unless you need the portability of the MBP, you're paying a computing dollar premium versus the iMac. Roger pointed out a good option with the MBP and display, however, it sounds like that would blow your budget.
The iMac, which I have, has alot of power in itself, and for video editing, a larger screen, vs the MBP, is very handy. I have the 21.5" screen, which works very nicely for me, however, many like the even larger screen. The added expense of a desk/chair can be managed. A desktop system can go on many flat surfaces, and you can get a desk chair for reasonable prices in the used market or see what Costco/Sams has.  
For a first time user, Applecare is a good investment, just for the 3 years of phone support, not to mention the extended hardware warranty.

Similar Messages

  • I to use iphoto library manager to save corrupted iphoto and each time it saves some and the first time it brings up iphoto, iphone goes into "not responding" mode.  Using mac book pro, iphoto 9.5.1, and maverick 10.9.2.

    I've had issues with my iPhoto "not responding" and as a result I am attempting to save my photos to an external hard drive using iPhoto library Manager but each time I start the program it saves some, and then when it starts iPhoto, iPhoto then goes into not responding mode. Using mac book pro, iphoto 9.5.1, and maverick 10.9.2. I have completed all of the photo library first aid steps several times, but it makes no difference, iphoto eventually goes to "not responding."  Initial issues started with Time Machine back ups stopping because of iphoto. Thanks......

    Do you have a back up?
    If you're just trying to recover the photos you can do that much more simply:
    Go to your Pictures Folder and find the iPhoto Library there. Right (or Control-) Click on the icon and select 'Show Package Contents'. A finder window will open with the Library exposed.
    Look there for a Folder called 'Originals' or 'Masters'. (varies according to the version of iPhoto)
    Your photos are inside - these are the originals as imported from your camera.

  • Am first time mac book user, could someone assist me in deleting the junks in my cache, cookie etc., and hoe useful the mac kepper software is?

    am first time mac book user, could someone assist me in deleting the junks in my cache, cookie etc., and how useful the mac keeper software is?

    AshwathRaj wrote:
    am first time mac book user,
    In General 3rd Party AV Software and Cleaning Utilities tend to cause More Issues than they claim to fix...
    They are Not Required...
    Mac OS X tends to look after itself.
    See >  http://www.apple.com/osx/what-is/security.html
    More Info Here  >   https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4545776?tstart=0
    The Safe Mac  >  http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg/
    AshwathRaj wrote:
    ... and how useful the mac keeper software is?
    See Here  >  Beware MacKeeper

  • Looking to buy my first Mac computer product. . .

    Hey there Mac support users! I'm looking to buy my first Mac computer product, and I am currently caught indecisive between the 13in and the 15 inch Macbook Pro. I have been over the technical specifications of both, and I do not really want to push out the 1700$ it would cost to buy the 15 inch if getting the 13 would be just as effective for my purposes. And of course, here is some background info on me:
    I am currently a college student (hooray education pricing), and am also a musician who plays guitar, bass, some keys, and does vocals.
    I will be using the Macbook for some light gaming (Diablo III with friends, maybe some other stuff later), but I am specifically wondering about which version to buy as concerns Pro Tools and audio recording -- something I plan on getting into after purchasing the Macbook.
    I am aware that the 15 inch has a more powerful processor able to handle more things at once, which may come in handy while utilizing Pro Tools. In addition, I have noticed that the 15 inch Macbook version comes with two built in 3.5mm jacks on the side -- one for audio in, and the other for audio out (as compared to the standard headphone jack of the 13inch model). I am curious to know whether having the two separate jacks would be ultimately beneficial for music recording, or would it simply be better/cheaper to buy the 13 inch and get an adapter for the headphone jack?
    I guess, in sum, I am just looking for some pointers in the best direction -- which would be best for a musician using Pro Tools: cheaper normal/super version of the 13 inch? Or the more expensive yet powerful 15inch model?
    Any help is greatly appreciated
    Thanks!

    Hi Ziatheral, and welcome to the forums!
    You've asked a lot of really good questions, and I'll do my best to be helpful.
    For starters, you'll need to know that Pro Tools requires a 7200 RPM hard drive. Your standard off the shelf Mac ships with a 5200 RPM drive, so you will need to custom order a machine to meet specs.
    Pro Tools is not yet officially qualified to run on Mountain Lion, although some users report it runs ok for them. It will take Avid a while to release an up-to-date version of Pro Tools.
    You can NEVER have too much screen real estate. I've run Pro Tools on a 27" monitor, and even the 15" screen seems tiny by comparison. You get better graphics on the 15" monitor, too.
    When recording, most artists use some kind of breakout box for mic preamping and monitoring. It's cool to think that the built in inputs and outputs will work, and in some cases they will, but that method is far from how pro recording is done. Many people like the Apogee Duet 2 for this:
    http://apogeedigital.com/products/duet2.php
    Personally, I'm kind of cheap, and if you're not going to be using MIDI, I like the Mackie Blackjack. I can at least afford one of those more easily:
    http://www.mackie.com/products/onyxblackjack/
    You have some time. It'll probably be a month or two before Pro Tools is ready to run on Mountain Lion. Keep looking. Do your homework. Don't just take somebody's word for it (including mine). And write if you have any more questions. The community is here for you.

  • Purchased used Mac Book pro

    Just bought a used Mac Book pro and the hard drive has been wiped.  Tried to recover over internet but Apple ID not associated with OS X purchase.  I purchased OS X Mountain Lion and received proof of purchase.  Tried restore again and still fails.  I do not have a computer with OS X installed.  I have an ipad and iPhone.  How do I associate my recent OS X purchase to my Apple ID so I can restore the Mac book pro?

    The first thing to do with a second-hand computer is to erase the internal drive and install a clean copy of OS X. You—not the original owner—must do that. How you do it depends on the model, and on whether you already own another Mac. If you're not sure of the model, enter the serial number on this page. Then find the model on this page to see what OS version was originally installed.
    It's unsafe, and may be unlawful, to use a computer with software installed by a previous owner.
    1a. If you don't own another Mac
    If the machine shipped with OS X 10.4 or 10.5, you need a boxed and shrink-wrapped retail Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) installation disc from the Apple Store or a reputable reseller—not from eBay or anything of the kind. If the machine is very old and has less than 1 GB of memory, you'll need to add more in order to install 10.6. Preferably, install as much memory as it can take, according to the technical specifications.
    If the machine shipped with OS X 10.6, you need the installation media that came with it: gray installation discs, or a USB flash drive for a MacBook Air. You should have received those media from the original owner, but if you didn't, order replacements from Apple. A retail disc, or the gray discs from another model, will not work.
    To start up from an optical disc or a flash drive, insert it, then restart the computer and hold down the C key at the startup chime. Release the key when you see the gray Apple logo on the screen.
    If the machine shipped with OS X 10.7 or later, you don't need media. It should start up in Internet Recovery mode when you hold down the key combination option-command-R at the startup chime. Release the keys when you see a spinning globe.
    Some models shipped with OS X 10.6 and received a firmware update after 10.7 was released, enabling them to use Internet Recovery. If you have one of those models, you may not be able to reinstall 10.6 even from the original discs, and Internet Recovery may not work either without the original owner's Apple ID. In that case, contact Apple Support, or take the machine to an Apple Store or another authorized service provider to have the OS installed.
    1b. If you do own another Mac
    If you already own another Mac that was upgraded in the App Store to the version of OS X that you want to install, and if the new Mac is compatible with it, then you can install it. Use Recovery Disk Assistant to prepare a USB device, then start up the new Mac from it by holding down the C key at the startup chime. Alternatively, if you have a Time Machine backup of OS X 10.7.3 or later on an external hard drive (not a Time Capsule or other network device), you can start from that by holding down the option key and selecting it from the row of icons that appears. Note that if your other Mac was never upgraded in the App Store, you can't use this method.
    2. Partition and install OS X
    If you see a lock screen when trying to start up from installation media or in Recovery mode, then a firmware password was set by the previous owner, or the machine was remotely locked via iCloud. You'll either have to contact the owner or take the machine to an Apple Store or another service provider to be unlocked. You may be asked for proof of ownership.
    Launch Disk Utility and select the icon of the internal drive—not any of the volume icons nested beneath it. In the  Partition tab, select the default options: a GUID partition table with one data volume in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format. This operation will permanently remove all existing data on the drive.
    After partitioning, quit Disk Utility and run the OS X Installer. If you're installing a version of OS X acquired from the App Store, you will need the Apple ID and password that you used. When the installation is done, the system will automatically restart into the Setup Assistant, which will prompt you to transfer the data from another Mac, its backups, or from a Windows computer. If you have any data to transfer, this is usually the best time to do it.
    Then run Software Update and install all available system updates from Apple. To upgrade to a major version of OS X newer than 10.6, get it from the Mac App Store. Note that you can't keep an upgraded version that was installed by the original owner. He or she can't legally transfer it to you, and without the Apple ID you won't be able to update it in Software Update or reinstall, if that becomes necessary. The same goes for any App Store products that the previous owner installed—you have to repurchase them.
    3. Other issues
    If the original owner "accepted" the bundled iLife applications (iPhoto, iMovie, and Garage Band) in the App Store so that he or she could update them, then they're irrevocably linked to that Apple ID and you won't be able to download them without buying them. Reportedly, Mac App Store Customer Service has sometimes issued redemption codes for these apps to second owners who asked.
    If the previous owner didn't deauthorize the computer in the iTunes Store under his Apple ID, you wont be able to  authorize it immediately under your ID. In that case, you'll either have to wait up to 90 days or contact iTunes Support.
    When trying to create a new iCloud account, you might get a failure message: "Account limit reached." Apple imposes a lifetime limit of three iCloud account setups per device. Erasing the device does not reset the limit. You can still use an iCloud account that was created on another device, but you won't be able to create a new one. Contact iCloud Support for more information. The setup limit doesn't apply to Apple ID accounts used for other services, such as the iTunes and Mac App Stores, or iMessage. You can create as many of those accounts as you like.

  • Hello friends!I use mac book(2.4 GHz intel core 2 duo).is it worth updating to snow leopard and then lion?if so how to do so?

    Hello  I use mac book 2.4 GHz intel core 2 duo.Is it worth updating to latest version like snow leopard and then Lion or buying new mac air?
    regards
    Clayton.

    Well, it depends on what you expect it to do and if it works as expected - it that answer is yes, I'd say make sure you max out the RAM (I've noticed Snow Leopard needs more). Doing it this way gives you a machine which will run 2 different OS versions - on the other hand, depending on when you'd buy the MBA, you may only be able to run Lion (unless you buy that quickly as well while they still come with SL).

  • Photo Elements 12 editor shuts down when I select enhance Photomerge Panorama  I am using Mac Book Pro with Yosemite operating system.

    Photo Elements 12 editor shuts down when I select enhance>Photomerge>Panorama.  I am using Mac Book Pro with Yosemite operating system. Otherwise, the program preforms properly. Any suggestions?

    When you see a beachball cursor or the slowness is especially bad, note the exact time: hour, minute, second.  
    These instructions must be carried out as an administrator. If you have only one user account, you are the administrator.
    Launch the Console application in any of the following ways:
    ☞ Enter the first few letters of its name into a Spotlight search. Select it in the results (it should be at the top.)
    ☞ In the Finder, select Go ▹ Utilities from the menu bar, or press the key combination shift-command-U. The application is in the folder that opens.
    ☞ Open LaunchPad and start typing the name.
    The title of the Console window should be All Messages. If it isn't, select
              SYSTEM LOG QUERIES ▹ All Messages
    from the log list on the left. If you don't see that list, select
              View ▹ Show Log List
    from the menu bar at the top of the screen.
    Each message in the log begins with the date and time when it was entered. Scroll back to the time you noted above.
    Select the messages entered from then until the end of the episode, or until they start to repeat, whichever comes first.
    Copy the messages to the Clipboard by pressing the key combination command-C. Paste into a reply to this message by pressing command-V.
    The log contains a vast amount of information, almost all of it useless for solving any particular problem. When posting a log extract, be selective. A few dozen lines are almost always more than enough.
    Please don't indiscriminately dump thousands of lines from the log into this discussion.
    Please don't post screenshots of log messages—post the text.
    Some private information, such as your name, may appear in the log. Anonymize before posting.

  • Looking to buy my First iPhone.

    Since I am looking to buy my first iPhone, I don't have the unlimited data plan so I would be getting the 2GB data plan. I was wondering, if your iPhone has wifi and you are surfing the web, etc. Does your internet activity still count towards your data plan or does it just run off of the wifi so you essentially are not paying for it?

    The iPhone 4 is my first iPhone and I'm quite happy with it so far. I came to the iPhone from an Android device and I have to admit the OS on the iPhone is much, much better than even the non-standard firmware I used on my Android phone.
    As for data usage I incorrectly assumed I would be okay with just the 200MB data plan but I got close to hitting that mark in just 10 days of the 31 day bill cycle. AT&T was nice enough to switch me over to the 2GB plan and back-date it to when my bill cycle started.
    I'm sitting at about 900MB now with about 10 days to go in the cycle. I use WiFi at home 100% of the time and generally stick to 3G while away from home.
    Dave

  • Using mac book "the late plastic white one ) like DVD player

    Using mac book "the late plastic white one ) like DVD player I can't the movie but only the standard desktop immage, and not the movie or the immage I choose from mine 4 the desktop.
    I use an adaptator 4 HDMI port to the TV

    In System Preferences>Displays look for an option to "mirror" displays. If the checkbox is blank, click on it. Now you should be able to see the movie on the TV.
    ~Lyssa

  • Hi! Iam using Mac Book

    Hi! I am using  Mac Book white polycarbonate laptop with Mac OSX 10.7.5   and   iMAC  mid 2007  with  Mac OSX Snow Leopard.
    I intend  to use  Sandisk Cruzer Blade 16 GB Pen drive(USB 2.0) first  time. ( Presently, I am facing  problems  with Transcend USB 2.0 Pen Drive).
    Is  it  compatible  to  both  the  laptop  and  desktop with  OS specified  above?
    (ii) If I  update  OSX  to  the  latest  Mavericks in  both  the  laptop  and  desktop,will the  Sandisk cruzer Blade  pen drive  still  compatible?
    Thanks  in  advance
    J.SRIDHARAN

    Bring your MacBook Pro and its power adapter to Apple for evaluation.
    Laptop batteries can fail in a manner that causes them to swell, creating pressure on the trackpad from beneath, causing the symptoms you describe. If you suspect that may be the cause have Apple replace the battery.
    The following Apple Support document may help:
    Portables and Magic Trackpad: Jumpy or erratic trackpad operation

  • I had windows 7 (32bit) and decided to use boot camp but i forgot to download the latest support software from apple and now i cant find any support softwares please help..i am using mac book pro

    I had windows 7 (32bit) and decided to use boot camp but i forgot to download the latest support software from apple and now i cant find any support softwares please help..i am using mac book pro

    Try the Boot Camp Assistant when you are in OS X and download those and follow the directions in BCA utility.
    Then look up the Boot Camp forum. I suspect you thought this was MBP related forum, it is for 65 lb tower model (and well the new "nMP Late 2013 Mac Pro" http://www.apple.com/support/macpro/
    Boot Camp
    There is a support page too
    http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp

  • In apps purchases using Mac Book Pro

    How to make in apps purchase using Mac Book Pro? I have been trying to purhase in apps but the link on the side do no lead me to any option for puchasing?
    How to do I go about it?
    Thank you

    Open the App Store application - either from the Apple menu or in your Applications folder.
    If you want to purchase apps other than those from the App Store, you'll just have to Google for the website.
    Good luck,
    Clinton

  • Can i use mac book pro charger to mac book

    can i use mac book pro charger to mac book?
    my battery suddenly died and it was'nt working. 

    Yes you can use an 85W adapter with a MacBook that requires a 60W adapter. Not an issue.

  • I bought a used Mac Book from the widow of a neighbor who had died.  We don't know the password.  How can we get in to set up wireless printing??

    I bought a used Mac Book from the widow of a neighbor who had died.  I am trying to set up wireless printing for a new HP printer and it asks for the Administrators password.  Is there any way to break through this and create a new password?

    Is the Macbook running? If yes, go to Apple Menu About This Mac to find out the version of Mac OS X you are running.
    If the computer is not working, do you know the model, or the version of the operating system on the MB?
    You can track down some information with the serial number. Here's how to find the serial number:http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1366
    With the serial number you can identify the model on this site:
    http://www.powerbookmedic.com/identify-mac-serial.php
    When we know the model it will be much easier to answer your questions.

  • I am using mac book pro and I cannot see the video of my chatmate using skype or fb.please help

    i am using mac book pro and I cannot see the video of my chatmate using skype or fb.please help

    Is your version of Skype known to work with your operating system version?

Maybe you are looking for