Is it possible to get a decent laptop -- used is fine -- for $500?

[ogneopasno]

I'd like a Mac, and it doesn't need to be fancy. Basically I need it as a word processor. I know there are a lot of online sites with used computers -- does anyone know of a good one, or bought a used computer on eBay?

[Orrex]

1. Sure. Even in Pittsburgh, or so I've heard.

Oh, wait a minute. Laptop.



Never mind...

[ogneopasno]

2. Noice.

Hee. I anxiously await the copycat.

[Goblinmonger]

3. I'm on one of these right now.

http://www.amazon.com/Acer-AOA150-1029-8-9-Inch-Netbook-Processor/dp/B001GEP2W0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1237431156&sr=1-4

I like it.

[Juche]

4. Go to fatwallet, slickdealz, tigerdirect or craigslist

I bought a new Acer for $300 back in 2007. But I had to buy RAM to make it work, you can't run Vista on 512MB.

[AlCzervik]

5. my bil goes to the Dell auction site (who knew) and buys laptops there for right around $500.

http://www.dellauction.com/

[jobycom]

6. CompUSA.com has some decent refurbs. Newegg.com is pretty good, too.

I've sold computers on EBay, but never bought one. I'd say either stick with an individual who doesn't retail products through EBay, or find a genuine retailer who also sells on EBay. I've run into problems with sellers whose only business is on EBay, and that's an increasing number nowadays. There are ways to keep a pissed-off buyer in limbo so that they can't give you a negative rating, so you can't always trust the ratings. Just my experience--you can usually get a decent feel by reading the info and talking to the person. If they know a lot about the individual item they are selling, that's good. If it is just something they bought in a "lot" and can't tell you more than that about it, run the other way.

[NYC_SKP]

7. You can get a good iBook G4 on eBay for under $500

Like this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Apple-iBook-Laptop-1-33G-WiFi-CDRW-DVD-iLife-Office_W0QQitemZ270349821555QQcmdZViewItemQQptZApple_Laptops?hash=item270349821555&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1308|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

I've gotten several laptops on eBay, never been disappointed.
Of course you have to buy from someone with many sales and good feedback.

I'd try to find one with a little AppleCare warrantee left on it, there may be one out there but I didn't specifically look.

:patriot:

[TreasonousBastard]

8. If all you need is word processing...

this week I've seen Radio Shack, Best Buy, and either Staples or OfficeMax with new $300-500 laptops that aren't much for video editing, but fine for WP, email, and stuff.

one edit...

These aren't Macs, but they'll do the job, are cheap, and come with a warranty.

[ogneopasno]

9. Thanks, all. I appreciate the suggestions.