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Old 08-25-2005, 11:33 PM
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Default Ever buy a used computer off eay?

I'd like to get a used Mac G4 and was looking on ebay. I found many good candidates, but I'm feeling a little cautious, never having bought something like that used, and sight unseen. The best deals seem to be from private parties with not a whole lot of feedback.

I'd like to hear your experience, good or bad.
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Old 08-26-2005, 05:38 AM
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Default Re: Ever buy a used computer off eay?

I don't think I've purchased a used computer from ebay, but I've had nothing but good experiences buying things in general from ebay. I got a refurb 4-in-1 fax machine that retailed for something like $300 for like $20 once.
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Old 08-26-2005, 05:59 AM
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Default Re: Ever buy a used computer off eay?

Oh! ebay. I never heard of eay before.

I've never bought a used anything off ebay. I've bought new stuff off ebay, including computer stuff. Once, I bought a used motorcycle off cycletrader.com. It has served me quite well for a little over three years now.
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Old 08-26-2005, 06:36 AM
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Default Re: Ever buy a used computer off eay?

Just a cautionary tale, I was ripped off quite badly buying a G4 Powerbook on ebay a couple years ago. Be careful.
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Old 08-26-2005, 07:04 AM
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Default Re: Ever buy a used computer off eay?

Speaking of a powerbook, if you haven't read this page you should.
Absolutely great.
http://www.p-p-p-powerbook.com/

As to the question, I would be catious too. Never bought anything from ebay but I know of enough scams, to know it's buyer beware, if it looks too good to be true, it's a scam.
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Old 08-26-2005, 03:19 PM
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Default Re: Ever buy a used computer off eay?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ari
Speaking of a powerbook, if you haven't read this page you should.
Absolutely great.
http://www.p-p-p-powerbook.com/
LOL! OMFGSTFUBBQ! :roflmao:

Thanks. So far, I've had great luck with ebay, but I'm so nervous about buying a computer. Maybe its worth paying a bit more for the peace of mind of getting it from a reputable reseller.
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Old 08-26-2005, 05:03 PM
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Default Re: Ever buy a used computer off eay?

If you have any non apple run Mac stores in the area you might consider visiting them and taking a look. They might have some good used comps and they normally have good prices and check up the computer before selling it. They could also use the business, apple stores have been killing the small Mac retailers.
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Old 08-26-2005, 05:10 PM
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Default Re: Ever buy a used computer off ebay?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ari
If you have any non apple run Mac stores in the area you might consider visiting them and taking a look. They might have some good used comps and they normally have good prices and check up the computer before selling it. They could also use the business, apple stores have been killing the small Mac retailers.
No Macs where I am, but I could go to Seattle or Tacoma and pay 25 cents per 8 minutes parking, higher prices and city taxes, if I even find anything that's suitable . :(

Portland, OR is probably better for that, but I can't make that trip right now. There is a mail/weborder Mac reseller down there that gets good ratings. I'll try them, as I'm better off with a sure thing than a gamble in this.
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Old 08-26-2005, 05:21 PM
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Default Re: Ever buy a used computer off eay?

Buying a used computer is hard, especially if they haven't done any tests on it. A computer kept properly can last for a long time. I have a Mac Se (for those who don't know, it's one of the box shaped macs with built in screen from 1987) in my closet that still works great. But it is also easy to abuse or just wear out a computer in ways that are hard to see from just pictures.
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