Is it worth buying a 5 year old MacBook?

Question

Level 1

9 points

Is it worth buying a 5 year old MacBook?

I want a MacBook but I can't afford a brand new one.

But on Ebay you can get a used 2009ish Macbook for pretty cheap. (The white plastic ones)

But it is it worth it to buy a 5 year old laptop??? I will need it for the next 2 years.

I'm afraid that if I get a laptop that old that It will die before Im done using it and have to end up getting another one 😟

I need to be in okay shape and run at least Mac OS X Lion. My budget is under $300 (preferably $250). I really don't have any more money to spend on it. Is that possible???

I can upgrade the RAM if I need too.

Right now I'm using a 2005 (2006?) intel iMac. So Im desperate.

MacBook

Posted on Jul 31, 2014 6:50 PM

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Answer 1

macs300

Level 1

46 points

Jul 31, 2014 6:56 PM in response to EthanP.

Your best bet is to go to a company that tests and refurbishes macs. Here is one you might be interested in http://www.macofalltrades.com/MacBook-13-inch-2-0GHz-C2D-Early-2009-p/mb-13-20-e 09w.htm

This company also let's you upgrade certain components of the macbook to fit your needs

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Answer 2

dwb

Level 7

32,920 points

Jul 31, 2014 7:40 PM in response to EthanP.

I know people who have purchased electronics sight unseen; some have been ripped off and others haven't. Personally, I'd never buy something from eBay except from a trusted brick and mortar store that uses eBay as its online outlet. Having said that, if you do find a 4-6 year old MacBook or MacBook Pro that functions it is something of a crapshoot as to whether it will last 2 more days or two more years...or perhaps longer. If it belonged to someone who took care of it or if you purchased it from a reliable store that refurbished it, or at least gave it a good diagnostic look-over there's a good chance it could last quite a while longer. But it could also short out. I've personally sold a computer that died within the week (I took it back) and I've also sold several that are functioning much longer than I ever expected.

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Answer 3

Andy Z 03

Level 3

530 points

Jul 31, 2014 7:49 PM in response to EthanP.

Personally, I think it would be best to get one from at least a trusted refurbisher. Many have been ripped off on eBay, and while others haven't, keep in mind that it's already several years old and will be unable to receive OS X updates much sooner than a newer model. However, your budget will always be the deciding factor. I'd recommend going as high as you can go, and you may find yourself buying a new MacBook many years from now, instead of sooner - thus, saving money in the long run.

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