Strategies for trading in old machine and buying up to new?

Posted:
in General Discussion edited January 2014
Okay, so now that the TiBooks have Combo drives standard, I want to sell my Pismo and pay up to get a G4 Powerbook (probably 550Mhz -- I'm a college student and don't have THAT much money).



What is the best way to go about this? Where's a good place to sell my old Powerbook? Does the AppleCare warranty on my Pismo (has 2 years left) help or hurt the possibility of selling it? What other factors would affect its resale value?



Please, whatever info. or insight you might have would be nice. Thanks!
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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 30
    torifiletorifile Posts: 4,024member
    [quote]Originally posted by CosmoNut:

    <strong>Okay, so now that the TiBooks have Combo drives standard, I want to sell my Pismo and pay up to get a G4 Powerbook (probably 550Mhz -- I'm a college student and don't have THAT much money).



    What is the best way to go about this? Where's a good place to sell my old Powerbook? Does the AppleCare warranty on my Pismo (has 2 years left) help or hurt the possibility of selling it? What other factors would affect its resale value?



    Please, whatever info. or insight you might have would be nice. Thanks! </strong><hr></blockquote>



    The 2 years on the warranty will definitely help it. You should tout that as much as possible. I'd get rid of it as soon as possible so that you don't get the value knocked down again by another ibook update or people waiting for that ibook update. Unfortunately, the ibook has taken a lot of the resale value away from that machine already, especially the latest ones. I'd hit ebay... there are always people there who overpay. As for tips on the auction (not that you asked, but what the hell, right?), make sure your page looks good. What I do is I fire up dreamweaver lay out the page exactly as I would like and then copy the source code and paste it right into ebay's text field. Works like a charm. Good luck.



    ps - you should have titled the thread "murbot! I need your advice!" or something to that effect.
  • Reply 2 of 30
    [quote]Originally posted by torifile:

    <strong>ps - you should have titled the thread "murbot! I need your advice!" or something to that effect. </strong><hr></blockquote>



    lol!!! Touche!!!
  • Reply 3 of 30
    xoolxool Posts: 2,460member
    I don't have much advice on selling the machine (although RAM is cheap, so load it up!) but rather advice on buying a new one.



    While Apple provides an educational discount, both at college stores and online, you can get a better deal as a developer. For $100 you can sign up for a student developer program which entitles you to:

    * 1 hardware developer discount purchase, ever... until you upgrade to the $500 premier program.

    * Monthly mailings, with dev software and OS builds.



    I did this (I am a software developer after all) and saved big bucks on my Ti500... totally loaded for a $3100 -- which includes tax -- a week after they were announced.



    So go save some money and get some cool CDs.
  • Reply 4 of 30
    torifiletorifile Posts: 4,024member
    [quote]Originally posted by Xool:

    <strong>I don't have much advice on selling the machine (although RAM is cheap, so load it up!) but rather advice on buying a new one.



    While Apple provides an educational discount, both at college stores and online, you can get a better deal as a developer. For $100 you can sign up for a student developer program which entitles you to:

    * 1 hardware developer discount purchase, ever... until you upgrade to the $500 premier program.

    * Monthly mailings, with dev software and OS builds.



    I did this (I am a software developer after all) and saved big bucks on my Ti500... totally loaded for a $3100 -- which includes tax -- a week after they were announced.



    So go save some money and get some cool CDs.</strong><hr></blockquote>



    That's an interesting idea. I've got a free online membership but $100 to save a couple hundred sounds like a great deal. Could you let me know how much the TiPBs are now? (if this would get you in trouble don't worry about it) Sounds almost too good to be true...
  • Reply 5 of 30
    matsumatsu Posts: 6,558member
    The Apple care definitely hurts the resale value of your machine. People just don't want it on a used machine. If they were after warantee they'd buy new. And, since the iBook now costs less, is much lighter and more compact, yet outperforms the pismo in just about every way, you'll have to substantially undercut the cheapest ibook. I'll do you a favor and take that burdensome machine off your hands for 300USD, but you better hurry, the value is dropping all the time!
  • Reply 6 of 30
    leonisleonis Posts: 3,427member
    AppleCare DOES HELP on getting rid of your machine.



    When those people are shopping for second hand machine. When they see the one comes with applecare they will pick that one even it is sold for a little more.



    people want peace of mind.



    My previous machines sold real quick because of that exteneded warranty. My asking price usually is around $150 higher than others but all others' warranty were already expired....so.......I was the winner



    Those Pismo still has quite high resell value here in Vancouver. Lots of people here want expansion bay, PC Card, and big screen.....these are what the iBook lack... I sold my Pismo (400Mhz and with AppleCare) six months ago for $2650 CDN. Now I see other people selling the same model (but no AppleCare) for $2300CDN!



    BTW...I agree with other fellowes here. Ask Murbot!!!



    [ 12-20-2001: Message edited by: Leonis ]</p>
  • Reply 7 of 30
    torifiletorifile Posts: 4,024member
    [quote]Originally posted by Matsu:

    <strong>The Apple care definitely hurts the resale value of your machine. People just don't want it on a used machine. If they were after warantee they'd buy new. And, since the iBook now costs less, is much lighter and more compact, yet outperforms the pismo in just about every way, you'll have to substantially undercut the cheapest ibook. I'll do you a favor and take that burdensome machine off your hands for 300USD, but you better hurry, the value is dropping all the time!</strong><hr></blockquote>



    How's that, again? You have two pismos, comparably configured. One has no warranty and one has a two year one. Which would you choose? The same goes for a car. If you want to get a warranty on a used car, you go to Carmax. Sure you pay more, but do people do it? Yes. If you're buying used you want to have some security about things breaking. People buy used because they can't afford to buy new and if you can get something with a new feature (like a warranty) it makes it that much more attractive.



    ps - if you were just joking so that you could offer $300 for the computer, I apologize. I looked for sarcasm, but couldn't find it (and I know you are articulate enough to be able to get your point across).
  • Reply 8 of 30
    matsumatsu Posts: 6,558member
    HAHAHA,



    I thought I'd wait for a few replies first! Sorry. Naturally, AppleCare helps, I thought no one would take me seriously. Why even sell the Pismo? With 2 years of warrantee still on it, that means it's just a year old. Still new enough, I think. You can get yourself a 16-10-40x burner for 129 Canadian (after rebate) or a 24-10-40 for 199 Canadian. RAM is cheap, and so are HDD's. I dunno how much an external firewire case for the CDrw would cost, but I suspect that with 500$ Canadian you could scrounge up a HDD, optical and RAM boost for your machine. You haven't mentioned specific needs, and when I hear 'colledge student' I can't help but think you're trying to keep up just for the sake of keeping up. That's fine, if you're rich, or if you're Murbot, but since you're neither, I think a couple of wisely chosen accessories are your best bet.



    Besides 2002 is shaping up to be a banner year for the PPC (and Apple) 550 may be nearly doubled by late 2002, use your Pismo at least till then.
  • Reply 9 of 30
    groveratgroverat Posts: 10,872member
    That was sarcasm. Notice the use of "burdensome" and "300USD".



    Seriously, people, let's kick those brains in gear.



    Oh, and I'll give you $301 for it, Cosmo!
  • Reply 10 of 30
    torifiletorifile Posts: 4,024member
    [quote]Originally posted by groverat:

    <strong>That was sarcasm. Notice the use of "burdensome" and "300USD".



    Seriously, people, let's kick those brains in gear.



    Oh, and I'll give you $301 for it, Cosmo!</strong><hr></blockquote>



    I tried. I really did. But I couldn't see the sarcasm. Some people are too good for my sleepy mind to understand. (And I just say that you're not really a Microsoft zealot but your sense of irony and sarcasm are beyond me )
  • Reply 11 of 30
    cosmonutcosmonut Posts: 4,872member
    Even though I AM a college student:



    1) I'll be graduating in May, so I don't have much time left in school.

    2) I do a lot of web and video production on my computer (including FCP2 and hopefully 3 soon). I would very much like to have the wide screen, G4 processor, and combo drive in my Powerbook -- none of which I can upgrade on my Pismo.



    Any more ideas or tips. Thanks for the suggestions (and sarcasm) already posted.
  • Reply 12 of 30
    andersanders Posts: 6,523member
    [quote]Originally posted by Leonis:

    <strong>

    BTW...I agree with other fellowes here. Ask Murbot!!!



    [ 12-20-2001: Message edited by: Leonis ]</strong><hr></blockquote>



    What is this all about? Is he the king of eBay or something?
  • Reply 13 of 30
    leonisleonis Posts: 3,427member
    [quote]Originally posted by Anders:

    <strong>



    What is this all about? Is he the king of eBay or something?</strong><hr></blockquote>



    He's the one who knows how to selling computer without losing money and sometimes PROFIT! <img src="graemlins/smokin.gif" border="0" alt="[Chilling]" /> :eek: <img src="graemlins/bugeye.gif" border="0" alt="[Skeptical]" />
  • Reply 14 of 30
    matsumatsu Posts: 6,558member
    Soldier on dear boy, soldier on! I really think processor speeds are going to go through the roof (in Apple terms at least) over the course of 2002. I'd hold off untill a job is secure at least. Your employer will supply the equipment you need, and the machine you have (with FCP 2) will let you do all the work you need to do. It was good enough for TV production 2 months ago, and it's still good enough today. Besides, you may need the money for food, rent, alcohol, women... Money's tight now, so just wait, the machine you 'want' can't really do more work than the one you 'have', hence it isn't a machine you really 'need'.



    Have some will-power, you can kick consumer fetishism if you try.
  • Reply 15 of 30
    xoolxool Posts: 2,460member
    [quote]Originally posted by torifile:

    <strong>



    That's an interesting idea. I've got a free online membership but $100 to save a couple hundred sounds like a great deal. Could you let me know how much the TiPBs are now? (if this would get you in trouble don't worry about it) Sounds almost too good to be true...</strong><hr></blockquote>



    Here's current developer pricing for certain configurations:

    * 667/48/1024/Combo/AirPort ("Ultimate" BTO)-- $2,879

    * 667/30/512/Combo/AirPort (Stock) -- $2,339

    * 550/20/256/Combo/AirPort (Stock) -- $1,839

    * iBook 600/30/128/Combo/AirPort (BTO: needs more memory) -- $1,613 - $100 rebate

    * iPod -- $319



    Don't forget about $100 for student membership. Also remember that you get 1 discount purchase, ever, as a student member.
  • Reply 16 of 30
    andersanders Posts: 6,523member
    When I need a new PB I have to make a deal with one of you guys. The cheapest PB here is $3023. I could probably get myself a nice vacation for the money I save if I bougth in US under those conditions.



    Anyone want a free student developer membership in a years time?
  • Reply 17 of 30
    murbotmurbot Posts: 5,262member
    I heard the call... and I have arrived!!



    I don't do anything special. I have a perfect feedback rating of 28 (soon to be 30), which helps.



    I write a nice little ad about the computer. You wouldn't believe how much this helps. I had an auction for a 600 MHz iMac a couple of months ago or so (I think...) that ended a full $250 US above another 600 MHz iMac that ended on the same day. The difference between our ads? His was a few lines long.. and mine was a page or 2... with big pictures of the actual product being sold. The real kicker is that he also had included an iSub, a MS Intellimouse, and an extra MS keyboard - and he got $250 LESS than me!



    If you've got no dead pixels, make sure you mention that - it's a pretty big selling point.



    Go on about how you've babied the machine, go on about all the cool things you can do with it. With the Pismo, explain the benefits of expansion bay hard drives, swappability, etc. You really can't write too much.



    And for christ's sake check your email LOTS during an auction. I usually don't have anyone go more than half an hour without getting a response from me. (unless I'm sleeping of course) I know when I'm looking for something I can't stand waiting 24 frickin hours for a slacker seller to email me back.



    On high priced items try not to use PayPal if you can - that 2.9% fee really takes it's toll on you. (bad US to CAD conversion rates for us Canucks too...)



    Hey, it's not like I have some secret - just commom sense stuff. Make sure you have a few good big photos of the PowerBook in the ad. Having a small pic taken off the Apple website, and a one line description of the product.... makes you look like a fraud.



    I think I'm just addicted to eBay myself... I know I'm going to be there in January selling the iBook that I'm picking up TODAY at my reseller! The lady finally came through with the money for my PowerBook (if she only knew about the combo drives..... ) so I'm grabbing the iBook... which will tide me over until I can place my order for the top of the line LCD iMac the second the Apple Store opens. I'm banking on the iBook not being touched at MWSF. Please Steve. Leave the poor iBook alone.



  • Reply 18 of 30
    cosmonutcosmonut Posts: 4,872member
    So Murbot, your advice is to go with an eBay then? A couple of questions:



    -- 1) If I shouldn't use paypal, what's the best way to go about getting their payment, including shipping costs (i.e. Do I figure out shipping before I auction it, or just tell the person "by the way, shipping will cost this much more than what you're paying")? A quick rundown of all that would be nice.



    -- 2) Do you recommend formatting the page in Dreamweaver first than pasting the HTML code into eBay like torifile suggested?



    -- 3) What's the best way to emphasize the AppleCare warranty, AND what procedure do I go through to transfer it to the new owner?



    -- 4) Is there any time which would be better to put it up for auction? How long should I put it up for?



    -- 5) What do you think of the "buy it now for" feature of eBay? Should I use it or not?



    If I seem very ignorant on eBay stuff I am. I've never sold anything there, however I'm looking at selling several things there soon, so all that stuff would be good to know. Anybody else could reply to those questions too!
  • Reply 19 of 30
    xoolxool Posts: 2,460member
    [quote]Originally posted by Xool:

    <strong>



    Here's current developer pricing for certain configurations:

    * 667/48/1024/Combo/AirPort ("Ultimate" BTO)-- $2,879

    * 667/30/512/Combo/AirPort (Stock) -- $2,339

    * 550/20/256/Combo/AirPort (Stock) -- $1,839

    * iBook 600/30/128/Combo/AirPort (BTO: needs more memory) -- $1,613 - $100 rebate

    * iPod -- $319



    Don't forget about $100 for student membership. Also remember that you get 1 discount purchase, ever, as a student member.</strong><hr></blockquote>



    You should probably double check Apple's developer site for more info as their policies might have changed. It appears that only Premier members get HW discounts now (although I'd expect student and select members to get the discount too). i dunno?
  • Reply 20 of 30
    Murbot, I know you already know this, but just wanted to say, you're my hero!! Ahh, nice to be back on AI. MacNN is nice and the people are very knowledgable, but for some reason, the conversations here are much more livelier (probably because you can actually speak your mind without some Apple apologist getting up your arse about it). Oh yes, a big shout-out to Leonis as well!
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