Apple deals: computers under $2,000, more
updated 07:30 pm EDT, Sun August 10, 2008
Apple deals under $2,000
Apple's online store currently has a wide selection of refurbished Mac computers for under $2,000. MacBooks are now available starting at $899 for a 2.1GHz processor, 1GB of memory and 120GB hard drive with combo drive in white. For $1,099 is the 2.4GHz model with 2GB of memory, 160GB hard drive and 8x SuperDrive also in white ; and finally the black 2.4GHz model with 2GB of memory, 250GB hard drive and 8x SuperDrive for $1,299. Aluminum cased iMacs start at $999 for 1GB of memory, 250GB hard drive and 2.4GHz processor, and the MacBook Air is only $1,499 with a 1.6GHz processor, 2GB of memory and 80GB hard drive. The Mac Pro Quad with 2.66GHz processor, 1GB of memory and 250GB hard drive is $1,999 and the 15-inch MacBook Pro is available for $1,699 with 2.4GHz processor 2GB of memory and 200GB hard drive.
Refurbished Mac peripherals include the the wireless Mighty Mouse for $59, wireless keyboard for $69. Apple certified refurbished displays are $499 for the 20-inch, and $749 for the 23-inch.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2005
Surprisingly logical
As someone who had the top of the line Apple machine for a while, and then cursed himself repeatedly once the intel line came out a few months later (as an architect who is required to run autocad, parallels was exactly what i had been looking for), I can now say that having the best of the best is overrated.
I've upgraded my 1.67Ghz PB even beyond apple's original design intent, as needs required, and it still serves me well. The next time I buy a machine, I've learned two things:
1-The best becomes the next step down in a few months, and looks like a clunker in a few years.
&2- portables don't leave enough room for growth.
Apple refurb products offer prices far below new retail price, and the warranty (for those of use who know the value of insurance) lasts just as long for both. I'll be watching refurb macpro pricing, personally, for expandability and low cost.
I've learned my lessons with buying a laptop- even the current line will seem underpowered in a while, and you can only add on so much more power or space. Peripheral devices for things like storage tend to multiply like rabbits. Don't even get me started on the need for a much faster graphics card.
If you watch the development of things like the iPhone/iTouch, I'm certain we'll see the presentation capability being regulated to these mini-machine devices (A/V out) and there being less and less need for a full-blown computer for daily web needs.
We all have our own computing needs, and time and again, progress leaves past machines choking on the silicon dust. I've come to the conclusion that to buy a new machine (as a less than independently-wealthy individual) is misguided at best, ludicrous at worst. Apple offers a sane comparable purchase ability, saving $100s to almost $1k's. Would you choose any different? WHy?