Used Apple Laptops

I've been a PC to Mac convert for years now, and have put this guide together to share my passion for these amazing computers.

It's true that Macs are generally more expensive than PC's and I'd admit that put me off initially. But after my Dell motherboard gave up the ghost, I started looking around. I checked out eBay, and, although a little wary at first, couldn't ignore the savings so I finally gave in and bought my first used apple laptop. I haven't looked back since - infact I'm now on my third one (the latest MacBook Air, saving $500!)

There have been 3 different category of apple notebook over the years, all with varying models, specifications and prices to match. I'm going to give you a breakdown of the different used apple notebooks on offer so you can compare the differences.

Firstly, the iBook series, manufactured between 1999 and 2006 and aimed squarely at the consumer and education markets. Ultimately replaced by the Macbook series in 2006.

Secondly the Powerbook. More for the professional user, and replaced in 2006 by the MacBook Pro series.

And thirdly the incredibly thin and light Mac Book Air, introduced in January 2008. Designed squarely with the person on the move in mind, there's no Ethernet port, CD/DVD drive or FireWire port (hence the lightness). Comes with 2GB ram as standard. Despite it's relatively high price tag, that hasn't stopped them flying out of the stores.

When considering your used apple laptop, think about what its main use is going to be. If you're doing graphics work, storing photographs, downloading / playing movies and music, go for about 1GB RAM and a hard drive of140GB. Neither is too important if you doing general office work or surfing the net.

You'll find my pick of the current used apple laptops on eBay below, including what to look out for each specific model. If you've never bought from eBay before, or you are a bit nervous about it, I have added a short guide as to how to go about it and what to look for after the following list of models.

This is where it all started. Originally in 3 colours- Blueberry, Tangerine or Graphite. The iBook firewire was then introduced in Indigo, Key Lime, and Graphite colours with more opaque parts. Rounded in shape. Good entry level model, but a bit long in the tooth now. Perfect inexpensive solution for your child's first Mac, or if you want to dip your toe into the Mac world.

view the full catalog of used Apple ibook 'Clamshell' Laptops

More conventional 'square' laptop shape. Screens are nice and sharp and the casing is smooth, with no sharp edges. Chassis covered in polycarbonate (the same material used to manufacture bullet proof glass) but still a tendency for the lids to easily scratch. Great battery life. Just as happy in the office as the home. Incredibly reliable. Ultimately replaced by the next generation G4 series, but still one of the best selling iBooks ever.

view the full catalog of used Apple ibook G3 Laptops

Great successor to the G3 series. Translucent case replaced with an opaque one, only available in white. Heavier then it's predecessor, but screen just as clear, if not more so. You might want to consider getting 1GB of RAM if you're going to do heavy graphics work. Hard drives come in a variety of sizes too.

view the full catalog of used Apple ibook G4 Laptops

At the time of introduction, the fastest notebook available. Bulky and a bit heavy, Apple's attempt to replace the desktop machine.

view the full catalog of used Apple Powerbook G3 Laptops

Hailed for their modern design, long battery life and processing power. Aluminium casing. Thin and light with large widescreen display. Initially only 12" and 17" screens available, 15" introduced in 2004 with backlit keyboard for typing as it gets dark (!), Bluetooth & WiFi.

view the full catalog of used Apple PowerBook G4 Laptops

Consumer version of the Pro series, aimed squarely at the ipod user market. Glossy screen great for watching DVDs. Built in webcam, with dual layer DVD burner an upgrade option. Available in white or you could have black if you wanted to pay extra (?) Ideal for music, digital photography and video work.

view the full catalog of used Apple MacBook Laptops

Professional version of the MacBook. Updated CPU , built in wireless, bluetooth, new Nvidia graphics card. 17" version was criticized for being a bit heavy. 2GB RAM standard.

view the full catalog of used Apple MacBook Pro Laptops

Weighing only 3.0lbs (0.36kg), and only 0.76ins (1.93cm) at its thickest point. Lacking in some features (CD/DVD drive, firewire, Ethernet port).

view the full catalog of used Apple MacBook Air Laptops

I know that some of you might be a bit apprehensive about buying from eBay. You think you might get ripped off, receive a pile of junk or the seller will make off with your money and you'll never see your laptop.

Well, I won't lie to you, these things have happened and I expect will continue to do so. eBay's buyer protection is very good, and you are covered to a certain degree. But really, all you need to do is apply a little common sense and you should be fine. I've bought many things from them over the years, and have never experienced a problem.

So to help all of you that might have some doubts, or maybe haven't done this before , I've put together a little guide for you.

1. Look over my guide above, decide which model is the one you want and set yourself a budget. If you're not sure what you'll need to pay for the model you want, check out eBay first,look at a dozen or so to get an idea, then you can fix your price.

2. Once you have your budget set, DO NOT exceed it. It is very easy to end up paying more than you intended, especially if you are bidding on an item. You must be strict with yourself over this, or you can easily spend far more than you intended. If you don't get the laptop, there will be more, so don't panic.

3. Don't make the classic mistake of seeing a newer model that's the same price or cheaper than yours and bidding on it, unless you are very sure of what you are buying. If a new model look ridiculously cheap, that's usually for a reason. a $1500 laptop for $50 isn't going to be worth much.

4. If you do see what appears to be a bargain, check if it is marked as 'untested' or 'as is' - if so, ignore it. It's probably only useful or parts.

5. Once you've found the laptop you want, check out the seller's details. They should have a positive response (around 95% or more) from about 150 customers.Preferably, they'll be a power seller. Have a look if they have lots of the same product on sale too.

6. Email the seller. There's no harm in asking a few questions, and they should be only too happy to answer them. If they don't, or don't supply the answers you wanted, don't buy from them.

7. Check what OS (Operating System) your laptop is running. It should be at least 10.3. If you want a 'Clamshell' check very carefully - they weren't installed wit this as standard, and if it has been installed, the chances are that the machine will not run properly.

8. Make sure all the battery and the transformer work and all the cables and power leads are included too.

9. If there's anything else you feel you should know about your laptop, just ask them.

10. Only pay by PayPal. Never a check. This is a classic way people get ripped off - they send a check through the post, the seller receives it but claims he hasn't, and end up with your money AND the laptop.

That about raps it up. I hope that little guide is useful to you. Just remember - research the model you want, stick to your budget, investigate the seller and ask as many questions as you need to.

I hope this has whetted you appetite for all things Mac, and you decide to get used apple laptop for yourself or your family. They really are great machines, with a large range of accessories and upgrades available and fantastic software to match. They are the best machines around, and you won't regret it.