Questions about buying used

[HerbM]

I just spotted a used $800 computer that almost matches the $1200 I'd spend on a new build.

 

What's the best way of testing it out to make everything works?

 

Would this be enough of a bargain to entice any of you?

 

Or would the peace of mind of buying new be worth the difference?

 

Thanks

[broken]

I just spotted a used $800 computer that almost matches the $1200 I'd spend on a new build.

 

What's the best way of testing it out to make everything works?

 

Would this be enough of a bargain to entice any of you?

 

Or would the peace of mind of buying new be worth the difference?

 

Thanks

 

 

Short of installing OS X onto it (and patched kext files and such), I don't think there is a quick way to test a machine for compatibility. I would just verify if its motherboard and video card are on the compatibility charts.

 

Does it use a SATA hard drive and dvd drive? If so, no problems there. I would personally avoid IDE drives as Apple hasn't used them for a while and they are notorious for causing issues with OS X (like the dreaded "Waiting for root device" error).

 

 

If you can give us some details, perhaps we can better assist you.

 

 

As far as the price goes, buying used is a great way to save same money on a build providing you know what you are getting. $1200 -> $800 is a savings of 33% and its hard to ignore that kinda figure. That would easily pay for some more ram and a nice big LCD monitor. Or just pocket the cash difference.