Okay, so what's this Mac mini worth?

[pinkoos]

So, the deal in this thread turned out not to be too much of a deal:

http://forums.macresource.com/read.php?1...msg-683173

What about this one on a previous high end mini (asking price is $450):

-2.0GHz core 2 duo processor
-2 GB RAM (upgraded from base model)
-120GB hard drive
-Superdrive (dual layer DVD burner)
-built-in Airport wireless
-built-in Bluetooth
-all accessories, manuals, restore discs, adapters, box
-original warranty expires in April 2009

Let me know what you think!

[StingMe]

I think that's a decent deal - and you can still add AppleCare if you want.

For reference, MacConnection has a new (old stock) 1.83/1GB/80GB/combo mini for $490 shipped and a 2.0/1GB/120GB/super mini for $540 shipped.

Good Luck in your quest!

[Article Accelerator]

pinkoos wrote:
What about this one on a previous high end mini (asking price is $450)...Let me know what you think!

Compared to that model, the new Mac mini offers...

- a new warranty
- iLife '09

- 5 USB ports
- 1 FireWire 800 port
- 2 video ports w/ support for dual displays
- much faster video performance (5x at least)
- lower power consumption
- 802.11n WiFi
- DDR3 RAM
- a 1066 MHz FSB

...for $599 plus the cost of a 1 GB module. For an additional $175 or so, I think you'd be insane to choose the used one over a new Mac mini.

[pinkoos]

I guess the one attraction to the older mini (aside from the lower price) is the already installed 2GB RAM.

I've cracked a mini open before (a G4) to install RAM and, though I can do it, it was not very fun.

But, all that you pointed out is very true. I believe MacMall has the refreshed low end for $569 (after a $25 rebate).

If I bought the used one, at a minimum I would need to add about $90 for AppleCare (at least that is how much it was at LA Computer Company yesterday), bringing the price very close to the new mini. I have iLife '09, so that's not a dealmaker or breaker for me.

[Wailer]

I'd lowball and if you don't get it, forget it. Sure, he may be insulted, but if he really needs to sell you could be helping him out. If he doesn't need to sell, he probably won't take a "reasonable" price anyway. You can afford if he says 'no' since there are an essentially unlimited supply of mac minis around.

I've seen so many "must sell tonight" or "just offer me anything" ads that come back a week later at a slightly lower price.

I don't value my time enough when I look on craigslist. I always underestimate the value of new/refurb with warranty, being able to pick it up whenever I want, pay with a credit card, and take it back/send it back if something is really odd.

[pinkoos]

Wailer wrote:
I'd lowball and if you don't get it, forget it. Sure, he may be insulted, but if he really needs to sell you could be helping him out. If he doesn't need to sell, he probably won't take a "reasonable" price anyway. You can afford if he says 'no' since there are an essentially unlimited supply of mac minis around.

I've offered $400 but he's pretty firm at $450. No room to negotiate at all.

I guess he's pretty miffed that the value of his $800+ investment a few months ago has literally been cut in half by Apple's release of the newer, better but equivalently priced minis.

[Wailer]

You've given him a very serious offer. If you think that's a good price, drop him a line in a few days and let him know if he hasn't sold it that you are still looking. I buy most my stuff on CL this way; they get tired of dealing with the flakes, unrealistic low-ballers, etc.

Unfortunately most the sellers on CL don't know the market and because it cost nothing to post, don't have anything invested in the sale.