Buying Apple computer, as opposed to mobile devices is costly and not affordable for everyone. Most Mac users begin his acquaintance with the Apple world with iPhone or iPad, Imbued with philosophy and apple ecosystem, maturing to buy right computer. But what if your budget is limited, and the Mac is very much want? There is a solution - the secondary market. Buying a used computer, as well as other complex and expensive electronics, involves many nuances, which you will learn from this guide.
I will describe the online shopping process, followed by shipment by courier, because it involves more steps. If you buy a Mac from hand to hand, simply omit unnecessary steps.
Why do it?
As mentioned above, buying a Mac with hands can be great savings to you, expanding the list of available models, or even make possible the purchase of Mac rather than a standard PC or laptop with a small budget.
Who needs it?
Most people buy Macs in the secondary market when they want to meet with OS X. Many do not want to spend money on a new computer, for fear that he will not approach them. Another common scenario - the purchase b / a Mac to develop for iOS. Developer may give preference to other brands and operating systems, but to create applications for Apple gadgets need a Mac. The rest of the people are buying used Macs when they want to save, or more profitable to invest money by buying a used, but a more powerful Mac.
Where to begin
model Selection
You probably already know what kind of Mac you want to buy, but if you are still undecided, then proceed from form factor - desktop (iMac, Mac mini, Mac Pro) or - mobile (MacBook Air, MacBook Pro).
I will not go into the details of banal, I think, you know that better suit you for your needs and usage scenarios. Let me just say that in the case of laptops preference should be given to models not older than two years (if you not pursue the goal to save as much as possible), yet the iron very quickly becomes obsolete (OS X becomes everything more demanding), And in the case of a laptop on upgrades count is not particularly necessary. Also consider wear batteries, The high cost of its replacement and the difficulties to find the original.
The best option - it's last year or pozaproshlogodnih generation. These Macs are quite productive and feel good on the current version of OS X. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that, to buy at a good price five years the Mac, but in this case, ready to work not on the latest version of OS X, and the fact that its autonomy will be the strength of the couple of hours.
Price monitoring
Given the rise in prices due to the fall of the ruble, the cost of used Macs, as well as new ones, increased. Apple equipment sufficiently liquid commodity and prices of the models of past generations is reduced slowly. There is a range of prices between the generations, and small variations, depending on the state, configuration and upgrades carried out by the previous owner.
When searching it is not necessary to focus on proposals with a low price, which, with rare exceptions when the seller urgently need money, scams are scams. Focus on the value of similar proposals, and compare it with the price of a new Mac.
When considering possible options do not forget about regional differences. "Gray" Maki with shtatovskih keyboard are cheaper, while the official RS / A models have a higher price. American versions may be ugly stickers on the keyboard or engraving. Actually, there is nothing wrong with that, but such models should be cheaper.
Also consider the cost of installed upgrades. For example, it is better to give preference to the Mac already installed SSD or extended RAM than the "sink" model, especially if other things being equal, the price difference between them is small. You will in any case have to "pump" your Mac afterwards, and taking into account the higher prices, it will be a lot of money.
The choice of the place of purchase
There are many places where you can buy a used Mac. The most basic of these is - boards (Avito, OLX), auctions (Molotok, Aukro), specialized forums and communities in social networks, as well as local online flea market in your city.
From my own experience I can say that the highest prices at auction. In terms of security, this is the best option, as you can see the seller's reputation and "credit history" - the opinion of other buyers, the number of sales and the percentage of positive reviews. That's why sellers at auctions slightly overestimate the price, knowing that users are willing to pay a premium, getting some guarantees.
ads portals are good lots of offers, where you can find just about anything. Sellers attracts more than a simple procedure and lower sales compared with auctions, responsibility. This, in turn, increases the number of scams that are arranged their nets and catch them gullible citizens, coveted low prices.
Community profile, in principle, all good - there will be high prices, there are other people who can help a novice buyer, as well as identify potential scams.
A big plus local flea markets online that you can check your Mac to purchase and negotiate manibeke in case of any problems. Minus only in a small number of proposals, especially if you live in a small town.
Purchase
Choosing Seller
The choice of the seller - a very important time of purchase, so pay special attention to him. Most purchases are made online, but even if you look for an option to buy in your city, you do it will still be on the Internet.
The most important thing is for the seller's reputation. This concept combines the various components that differ depending on the place of purchase, but the most basic ones are:
- date of registration. It is possible that the seller sells the Mac on a new site for yourself and register there a week ago. But how likely is this? That's right, it tends to zero. We buy and sell a bunch of stuff that requires us to have an account at a particular trading floor and "seniority" of the seller, you can trust to be at least not less than one year.
- Reviews. The opportunity to provide feedback is not everywhere, but it is there and you have to see them, check for negative responses and their number. Also pay attention to how many reviews received for the sale, as well as - for the purchase.
- Number of sales. In addition, it is important to successfully and the number of lots sold, from which develops a reputation. It is logical to give preference to the seller, who has thousands of sales, rather than one or two. And further. Take the time to discover the last seller items and check that it is sold before that - perhaps he He scored 1000 feedbacks selling beer caps, and now wants to scam with expensive iMac Retina 5K.
further details
Do not hesitate to fill Seller bunch of questions still Mak very expensive thing and it would be sad if some bad moment will reveal after purchase. It is also useful to detect cheaters - if after your seller questions will behave suspiciously or leave the answer, it is a sure sign that it is better not to mess with him.
You in his own right, so feel free to ask for more detail information, detailed photos of scratches, dents and other controversial things. By how much the seller will be set to the answers, you will be able to form an opinion of his honesty and integrity.
Performance Test, s / n
Every Mac has a model code and the identifier that is easy to learn about him all the information. For example the last 11-inch MacBook Air has a 128 GB model code MD711 ID MacBookAir6,1. Most often operate model code. On it convenient to look for your desired Mac and verify performance. If businesslike sellers indicate in the description only him, but the code you nothing says - code can break through the Internet or use for this special tools. I like free Mactracker, which contains information about all hardvarnogo and Apple software products and there are versions for iOS and OS X.
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The serial number is also very important, and the seller must give it to you. His refusal to be a reason for you to believe that he is hiding something, because the serial number You can check date of purchase and the warranty remaining and learn whether restored Mac.
Payment
final price
Keep in mind that even if the seller does not have to describe the possibility of bargaining, it can still agree to the revision of the final price. The chances are increased if you have a strong case, which may be structural condition, wear battery performance, the lack of the necessary upgrades, boxes, documents and other important details.
Payment method
Of course, the preferred method of payment for you - is the transfer of money, after the desired acquisition will be in your hands. When it comes to online shopping, it is cash on delivery (COD). For it you will have to pay extra separately by courier service, but it will be quieter.
If you trust the seller, the opportunity to make a purchase on the recommendation of friends or believe thousands of reviews of previous customers, you can choose advance payment. In this case, you are transferring a specified amount of money for a convenient way to you (often translating to a bank card), after which the seller sends you a purchase.
Warranty
You should definitely stipulate guarantees. If the seller agrees to give you at least a little time to check the Mac or manibek, in most cases it should be all right. Otherwise, you need to be cautious and perhaps even abandon this seller services.
Delivery
Choose shipping method
It is not necessary to save on shipping, at least for such expensive purchases should not choose the cheapest option. One must have insurance that covers cases of damage or loss of precious parcel. Mail Russia, I think that such things are better not to trust and use the EMS service or regional delivery services. Ukrainian state mail works a few rastoropnee, but it has a lot of alternatives available, offering higher quality services.
Insurance
As mentioned above, insurance is mandatory, and the full amount of the purchase. Seller can evaluate when sending a parcel, specifying any cost. This service is worth the money, depending on the amount of insurance, so you can offer to save money by insuring sending, say, 50% of the cost. Do not settle, it is exactly the case when it is better to overpay and be calmer.
Delivery Payment
Typically, the cost of sending payment borne by the buyer, and even if the seller indicates that the sending will be at his own expense, shipping costs, most often, is laid in the price of goods. This nuance can be established and the cost you pay for - as a bargaining may be asked to lose a small amount that will cover your expenses.
Precautionary measures
Even if the seller when dealing was very polite and decent man, it is better to play it safe and take some precautions. Protect yourself from spoofing Mac when a photo and description you see a single computer, and in the preparation of completely different - you can request the seller serial numbers and then check them in the office of the courier service. Ask for a serial number and a photo of him on the screen and the device itself.
reception
Training
To run the tests Mack internal components you will need to carry your installation disc or USB flash drive with any a modern version of OS X (in case Mac internal drive is formatted or it is missing OS). You can also bring your USB flash drive to test the USB-connector, headphones and any device with Bluetooth to check it (even amiss iPhone).
Checking status
- external condition. Carefully inspect the Mac to external damage, comparing them with the description provided by the seller. Check the dent in the MacBook - the corners, as well as the alignment of the cover and the housing in the closed state. If running a hand you feel that the cover is "moved down" in or out - it may indicate the displacement during the fall or incorrect adjustment of the loop when the panel is replaced. Also pay attention to the smoothness of the cover is closed and no at the same time extraneous sounds (crunching, creaking). Carefully looked closer to the screws on the rear cover can be determined whether they are spun down and judge the intervention or repair.
tests
Be sure to run the built-in test Apple Hardware test equipment (when the hold the D key), which will tell you about the problems of the internal components, if any. Yet this test is valuable because it shows us the true parameters of the Mac (CPU, memory, disk, etc.), In contrast to the "System Information", data can not be a substitute for AHT. This will save you from buying a Mac in a minimum configuration in the guise of a top model. Quick test takes 2-3 minutes, but if you have time - it is better to run full diagnostics (30-50 minutes), with, however, need a socket.
After the sweep AHT include Mac and check the operation of all devices:
- Display and defective pixels. On a white background with a maximum brightness of the display, inspect carefully - it should not be lighted, yellow spots and "broken" (nepodsvechennyh) pixels.
- Keyboard. Also check the uniformity of the backlight keyboard (for MacBook) and adjust its brightness. The keys are also not interfere explore, checking their response - they have to be pressed accurately and not "sticky". You can create a new document in TextEdit and go through all the keys, typing qwerty ...
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Wireless interfaces can easily verify by connecting to them. If the hand is not vayf, you can use iPhone tethering. Bluetooth is also easy to check iPhone - enough to enable it to detect and find through searching on the Mac.
- Speakers, microphone, camera. These devices can be checked immediately if the call on FaceTime or Skype (at the same time check, and Wi-Fi). If this is not possible, then just open the built-in PhotoBooth application and write the video and then play it.
- USB and headphone. Grab a stick and headphones that can help you check the appropriate connectors.
- Battery, MagSafe Adapter. Battery status, as well as information on other internal components can be found in System Profiler, open section ( - This Mac - - For more information about the System Report) "Power". We are interested in the number of cycles, is directly related to battery life. Typically up to 500 cycles, the capacity does not fall, but in the region of 600-700 begin to decline. Apple says the service life of 1,000 cycles, but if you buy a MacBook with more than 500 - you can safely demand a discount, because in the future it will need to be replaced, and there is it is not cheap. Also check the charging adapter - recharges whether, if there is damage to the cable, the presence of the extension. This accessory is also not cheap, so that in case of any nuances, you can reset the price.
- firmware password. A rare thing enough, but I still mention about it. it an additional degree of password protectionBlocking access to the boot options and as a result, making it impossible to reinstall the system and its load at all - if you do not know the password. Do not reset and is not treated in any way. Generally. When you turn on the Mac you can "lock" and the input field - that's it. In no case do not buy a Mac under any pretext.
Buying at a meeting
Support Group and the transfer of money
Buying a Mac with it at the meeting, for the purpose of security is better to come at it with anyone of your friends, it is desirable versed in Macs. You can play it safe and give the money to a friend who will be there and podneset them at the right time. Meet, of course, it is better in a crowded, well-lit area where there is Wi-Fi and socket (ideally).
These Seller
Do not interfere, by mutual consent, and make a simple contract of sale or receipt showing the passport data of the seller and the buyer, to calm both sides. Not every seller will agree to that, but if it is important for you, feel free to ask for it.
Pros and cons of buying b / a Mac
The biggest and fat plus in buying a used Mac - it saves money. Selecting a good time and good pomonitoriv market, you can find great deals, which would not fit into your budget when buying a new computer. This is the main advantage and it justifies all the troubles.
Less, perhaps, only one - the complexity of the procedure and more likely to make a mistake with no experience. You can run into a scam that sold you a defective or refurbished Mac, as if not to lose money. If you do decide to buy a used / the Mac, keep in mind the possible consequences.
conclusions
Yet, despite the potential challenges and a lot of nuances that people buy on the secondary market as the old (cheap), so modern, very expensive Macs. If you live in the city or have any experience in online shopping and you are good at computers or you have friends like that - there's no reason to miss a good opportunity to buy a Mac at an affordable price. Apple equipment is very reliable and morally obsolete much faster than physically. Mac, which no longer satisfies the requirements of a professional, will serve you faithfully for many years.
Hopefully this guide will clarify some of the details and dispel possible doubts and prejudices regarding the purchase Macs with it. If you have any questions - ask in the comments. Successful you shopping!