ibook users, i (get it?) need advice.

[chaska]

Last week I asked for laptop recommendations. The ibook was the runaway hit of the thread. I think I'm going that way. What can I say, I went with Beta over VHS (gulp).

Here's the problem. I'm just not at all technical and don't know how to buy. I'm thinking ebay. But what do I need, spec-wise? Are there different models? Used or new? I need wi-fi advice.

...I have a lot of questions.

Is there someone that would be willing to pm with me through the process of buying one? No great hurry. It will be a few weeks before I have the cash (crossing fingers). I will, of course, be respectful of your time.

[Elwood P Dowd]

1. Here is the best place to start

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore/

I would NOT buy an Apple off eBay unless it was something cheap I was using as a toy or second computer.

I purchased my last iMac from a place called Mac Warehouse. Great deal, and the iMac arrived in 3 days. If you don't need the latest, greatest model, check for refurbs or discontinued specials at the Apple Store or with other authorized resellers. I would also recommend you take out the extended warranty (Apple Care) if you're a newbie.

[chaska]

2. Thanks for the advice.

I'll look into it.

[BigMcLargehuge]

5. Also check their refurbs and specials (the red tag)

they had a 1.25 GHz iBook 12" for $715 today.

[lizziegrace]

6. I had a nasty experience with a refurb

Mac G3 laptop. A week after the reduced warranty ran out, it stopped charging it's own battery. The failure was on the motherboard and I couldn't afford to get it fixed. There was also a cut in the wiring behind the display that couldn't have possibly been caused by a user. Apple refused to send the part and $250 and 4 weeks later, they mailed my computer back to me repaired.

I'm not saying my experience is typical, but weigh what you can afford to lose...

[BigMcLargehuge]

9. the Apple refubs now come with a 1 year warranty

and you can buy Applecare for them too (an additional 3 years of coverage).

[Poiuyt]

3. Look at smalldog.com

Smalldog.com sells used, refurbished, as well as new Macs. They are a reputable place AND they support liberal talk radio (they sponser Thom Hartmann).

If they can't help, them PM me and I'll try to help

[chaska]

4. Thanks.

I'll check it out. Gotta run now. sorry.

[Susang]

10. I second the endorsement for smalldog.com

Great company, great service and great aftermarket products for Macs as well. :thumbsup:

[Dinger]

7. I Have An iBook, And Have NEVER Had A Problem Of Any Kind

I love it!

[lizziegrace]

8. My daughter got an iBook for graduation

So far, it's been terrific.

When this PC bites the dust, I'm switching back to a Mac now that I'm not self-employed doing accounting work much anymore.