I want to buy a second-hand apple computer, what should i do? checking? and how do i check? what should i check?
thanks

first, you have to do a lot of "research"
regarding which second hand apple that u want to borrow...

plus ur budget(the most important part!)

This post has been edited by hairol83: Nov 2 2006, 05:30 PM

the secondhand machine i want to buy is 15" IMac G4.


700Mhz PowerPC G4 processor

256K on-chip level 2 cache running at 700Mhz

512mb sdram expandable to 1GB

40gb ultra ATA HD drive

combo drive (dvd / cdr-w)

15in active matrix lcd display with easy height, swivel adjustment.

So, what should i check upon meeting up with the seller?

how much is it?? I think that is more important. If its around 3000, maybe you might want to buy a new one. *Coz for me, personally i would rather get a new intel mac.

Below 2000.

And what else should i consider?

make *SURE* everything works.

test the swiveling LCD. can it stay in place. check *all* the ports, the speakers...

get the original CDs.

Check the screen for stuck pixels and discolouration.
Perhaps with a neutral background and a dark one.

-yap

What original CDs? the OSX CD?

How do stuck pixels look like? the part of it does not have image?

Yes, you must check the LCD screen as it is the most expensive part. A very simple test. Run a program like PowerPoint/ Keynote or something similar, put a black background and run the slide. Your screen will should appear fully black with no white pixel (or in layman's term, white spot). Then run a white background slide and run the check again and this time there should be no black pixel there. If there's any, its up to you whether you want to go ahead with the transaction. Usually LCD screen with dead pixels will degrade further in time.

love those old iMac G4

thats mean we cannot know there are dead pixels?

CHECK THE MHZ.

Anything less than 1GHz for a G4 would make you regret. That's the speed you need to reliably run average DVD rips.

The speaker is fr Harman/Kardon

It's like taking Apple Cinema Display and mount it on a Mac Mini

Speed is not the problem. because next year, when the leopard released, i am going to buy the Intel IMac

Its design damn good.(G4)

This is going to be my 1st mac(G4), so, i don't know how to check the machine. Never use Mac before, but wanting to change to Mac.

So i decide to get help from anyone who knows Mac very well lives near PJ somewhere around new town or old town (my cousin live there but i'm from Terengganu) to check the machine for me. I will pay you for sure.

Thanks

EDIT: oh ya, i heard that every mac owner is registered with its serial number. should i make an agreement with the seller? or the user name can be changed?

This post has been edited by lswang: Nov 3 2006, 11:09 PM

The user name is not important. Keep the serial number. I am also a fan of this design, I personally think, design-wise, it's the best iMac Apple has ever made. I also owned a 700Mhz G4 iMac before I bought a Powerbook 12".

that is pretty good..700Mhz might be a little underpowered but it gets its job done. For basic surfing , chatting , and even playing some games itw ould work

If you are not into graphics, this machine is a wee bit underpowered. I have 1 in the office relegated to scanning duties and could really grate your nerves if you have a dateline to catch.

If you like the design, try to look at the 17" or 20" G4 iMac. It's a much better computer on top of the extra screen area. All other advice on this post is very applicable.