Question, buying used iMac off ebay

Question

Level 1

6 points

Question, buying used iMac off ebay

Hey everyone! I have a quick question.

Im considering picking up a used Intel iMac off ebay (would be either a 1.82ghz or 2.16ghz model would also be a 17' model) but I notice alot of these say they have lines on the LCD.

What are the odds that it's JUST the LCD gone bad, and not the actual video chip that's shot? In addition, how much would either repair likely run for sch a machine? (ballpark)

If I buy one of these it would be my first ever intel Mac (new systems are out of my reach at this time) I'm not opposed to having a used one as a "project-mac" to work on here and there to get it up to speed.. but was just hoping I could get some input?

Thanks everyone.

iMac G3s (600,400,333mhz)

Posted on Jan 16, 2011 7:38 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 16, 2011 7:47 AM in response to mlthmp

Buying off the eBay is always something of a gamble...have gotten really great items and some that were totally misrepresented. Replacing the display is not cheap on an iMac, and replacing a bad video chip means replacing the logic board as the video is an integral part. So, it is a matter of how much risk you are willing to take.

If the price is extremely low, it is suspect. If the price is close to the price of a refurbished unit, I would go for the refurb unit. You can find those here, on the Apple site by going to the Store item on the top bar. The refurb units are almost good as new, fully tested and some great bargains. Some of the regulars on here swear by the refurb units.

Hope this helps.

Ralph

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

92,422 points

Jan 16, 2011 8:49 AM in response to mlthmp

Hi mithmp

Any repairs to an older model iMac +(display or logic board to replace a bad graphic's chip)+ could easily cost you more than just buying a new 21.5" or better refurbished iMac with Apple Care.

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac?mco=OTY2ODY3Nw

Dennis

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Answer 3

cats01

Level 1

85 points

Jan 16, 2011 9:54 AM in response to den.thed

Totally agree. I'd look at refurbished models available through Apple before I'd ever look at anything else if I was going the "used" route.

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Answer 4

mlthmp Author

Level 1

6 points

Jan 16, 2011 10:00 AM in response to cats01

I understand the caution of buying used, but sadly even refurbished from Apple.com is out of my price range.

When it comes to newer (Intel) Macs.. I either buy used, or I do without (stick to G4 and G5 PPC models instead)

I simply cannot afford a new, or Apple refurbished model. Which is why I asked about possible repair costs, etc, etc.

I tend to stay away from G5 macs because of the capacitor problems.. which is why I've started eying used intel models on ebay.

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Answer 5

WZZZ

Level 6

13,238 points

Jan 16, 2011 10:41 AM in response to mlthmp

Try Craigs List. At least that way you can see and test what you're buying. (Also, make sure you get the Install Discs.) The iMac G5 iSights didn't have the capacitor problem, but they're getting a bit old now. Intel is probably the best bet. Watch out for the 24" models -- don't know exactly which year, maybe '08 -- they have been getting some bad reports lately.

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Answer 6

mlthmp Author

Level 1

6 points

Jan 16, 2011 3:18 PM in response to WZZZ

Well let me ask a question. Since I am thoroughly scared now of picking up a used iMac.. would a used mini be any "safer" in your opinions?

Also, as for as iMac G5's go.. I wouldn't mind going that route, but I see alot of ebay adds saying they have blown caps (even iSight models) that was my first major turn off as far as a G5 goes.

As I posted in another area yesterday.. I am also thinking about picking up a used eMac.. but really want to cap off (no pun intended) with a cheap fixer-upper intel model of some make. My thinking was if an iMac's LCD is all thats messed up I could feed it out to an external monitor while saving up to replace the LCD if that was the problem.

So, would an intel Mini be any safer / less likely to blow up in my face than a used iMac?

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Answer 7

WZZZ

Level 6

13,238 points

Jan 17, 2011 3:48 PM in response to mlthmp

Can't answer the Mini question since I have no experience with them. As for the question about the LCD screen and using an external monitor, you'd have to be certain it's only the screen that's bad. And you'd have to be sure the particular model Mac has a proper output port for an external monitor and that that monitor is compatible. Maybe when you've located a computer you're interested in, you could post the details and someone here can then look into those issues.

I wouldn't go near any of the iMac G5s except for maybe an iSight.

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