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    Is this a good deal? (Macbook Pro 15 Late 2008)

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by Agent CoolBlue, May 13, 2013.

  1. Agent CoolBlue

    Agent CoolBlue Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    Hey all, I have NEVER owned a Macbook in my life and know close to nothing about them, including their resale value.

    A family friend of mine has offered to sell me his Late 2008 Macbook Pro 15 with the following specs for $550, should I take it?

    Specs:
    2.53ghz Core 2 Duo
    2GB RAM
    Nvidia 9600 + 9400 Dual Graphics
    Intel X25 160GB SSD
    1440x900 15.4" screen
    OSX 10.8.3 (Mountain Lion)
    iLife 2011
    Microsoft Office 2011
     
    Agent CoolBlue, May 13, 2013
    #1
  2. saturnotaku

    saturnotaku Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Prices seem to be all over the map. The only thing I'd be concerned about is that Apple has a tendency to stop supporting machines with the latest version of OS X after about 5 years, which is where the system in question is. In other words, whatever comes out after Mountain Lion might not run. With Haswell right around the corner, your friend might be trying to sell it now because the resale value is going to take another hit when next-generation machines are announced. $550 is probably about right, though I'd see if you could get another $50 off.
     
    saturnotaku, May 13, 2013
    #2
  3. kornchild2002

    kornchild2002 Notebook Deity

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    As of now, some features in Mountain Lion aren't going to work with that MBP. AirPlay display mirroring, the one feature where it can receive updates while in sleep mode, and a couple of others. So Apple has already begun to weed out support for their older systems running Core 2 Duo and first generation Core i processors. The only Macs (Mac Minis, iMacs, MBPs, and MBAs) receiving full support in Mountain Lion are ones running Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge processors and chipsets.

    Depending on the condition, I would try to get the price down further to around the $450 range. Systems running Core 2 Duo processors (along with that Nvidia 9600 GPU) can be had for $200-$300 rather easily. I know Macs carry a high resale value but I wouldn't spend over $475 for a notebook that is 5 years old.
     
    kornchild2002, May 13, 2013
    #3
  4. KCETech1

    KCETech1 Notebook Prophet

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    its high I am seeing first gen core units with 8GB and SSD's now going for around $650. fleabay has those models with buy it now between $350 and $450 working pretty frequently. (and many parts machines trying to be sold as well )
     
    KCETech1, May 13, 2013
    #4
  5. acerbits

    acerbits Notebook Consultant

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    What are you going to be using the computer for? with specs like that, it won't be good for any new productivity applications besides office.
     
    acerbits, May 13, 2013
    #5
  6. Agent CoolBlue

    Agent CoolBlue Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    I was just in the market for a basic productivity machine to replace my old clunky Asus 15.4" gaming laptop that has a dying video card. I have a gaming desktop and a Y500 for anything that needs juice.

    Thanks for all the replies and input guys, it's been really helpful!
     
    Agent CoolBlue, May 13, 2013
    #6