Why no one wants to buy a cheap used Mac right now
TLDRThe video discusses the current challenges in finding good quality used MacBooks on eBay. With the launch of Apple silicon, fewer people are selling or buying older models. The narrator shares his experience of searching for a 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro and highlights issues with listings, such as poor condition and misleading information. He also points out that for a similar price to an older used MacBook, one can get a new M1 MacBook Air, which offers better software support and performance. The video warns about potential scams and emphasizes that the value of Intel-based Macs has significantly decreased compared to Apple silicon models, making high-priced used Intel Macs a less attractive purchase.
Takeaways
- 💻 There's a noticeable decrease in the availability of good used MacBooks on eBay, especially post the launch of Apple silicon.
- 🔍 The 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro, once highly sought after, is now harder to find in good condition on eBay.
- 💰 Listings for used MacBooks under $300 are often worn out, with issues like LCD damage or worn-out chargers.
- 🚫 Avoid listings with vague descriptions, missing pictures, or components like batteries and SSDs not included.
- 🤔 The value proposition of buying an older used MacBook is diminished when considering the performance and support of Apple silicon models.
- 🆚 An M1 MacBook Air can be had for not much more than an older used MacBook, offering better performance and software support.
- 🛍️ When looking at new or refurbished options, Amazon and other retailers often provide better value and support than eBay listings.
- ⚠️ Be cautious of eBay listings that quote turbo clock speeds of processors or offer suspiciously long warranties not covered by Apple.
- 🧐 The description of the MacBook's condition and what the warranty covers should be clear and not misleading.
- 📉 The market for Intel-based Macs has shrunk as Apple silicon offers a superior experience, making older models less appealing.
- 📈 The shift towards Apple silicon has led to a reevaluation of what constitutes a good deal for a used Mac, with many current listings not offering good value.
- 🔗 Consider the total cost of ownership, including potential repairs or upgrades, when evaluating the price of a used MacBook.
Q & A
What has the YouTuber noticed about the availability of used MacBooks on eBay?
-The YouTuber has noticed that there aren't as many good used MacBooks for sale on eBay as there used to be, especially with the launch of Apple silicon.
What is the issue with buying a used Mac on eBay as described in the video?
-The issue is that many of the used Macs listed on eBay are either overpriced for their condition, have significant wear and tear, or are scams with misleading information.
What is the significance of the AMD Radeon R9 m370x in the context of the video?
-The AMD Radeon R9 m370x is significant because it is the Dual Graphics configuration of the 15-inch MacBook Pro from 2015, which was highly sought after but is now harder to find in good condition on eBay.
Why are some deals for used Macs on eBay considered bad?
-Some deals are considered bad because the used Macs are either worn out, have damaged components like screens, or are not economically viable to repair, making the purchase not worth the cost.
What is the main reason the YouTuber suggests for the decrease in good used MacBooks on eBay?
-The main reason suggested is the launch of Apple silicon, which has led to fewer people selling and buying used Intel-based Macs on eBay.
What is the problem with the MacBook listing that has a confusing description and picture?
-The problem is that the listing is misleading; it describes a MacBook with a 4960 HQ and late 2013 running Mojave, but the picture shows what appears to be a 2016 touch bar MacBook, causing confusion about the actual product being sold.
Why is buying an eight-year-old MacBook Pro not a great value despite the price?
-It's not a great value because it's an older device no longer supported by macOS, and for a slightly higher price, one could get a newer M1 MacBook Air with better performance, software support, and battery life.
What is the issue with the eBay listing that offers a three-year warranty on all their upgrades?
-The issue is that the three-year warranty is misleadingly presented as covering all aspects of the MacBook, when in fact it only covers a specific component they install, and the rest of the machine has a much shorter warranty period.
Why is the YouTuber skeptical about the value of used Intel-based Macs compared to Apple silicon models?
-The YouTuber is skeptical because Apple silicon offers superior performance, battery life, and software support, making it hard to justify spending a significant amount on an older Intel-based Mac.
What does the YouTuber suggest as a good deal for an Intel-based MacBook?
-The YouTuber suggests that an Intel-based MacBook would be a good deal if it's ridiculously cheap, in the range of $100 or $200, and is in good working condition.
What is the conclusion the YouTuber comes to about the current market for used Macs on eBay?
-The conclusion is that the current market for used Macs on eBay is not offering good value for money, especially when compared to the performance and features of Apple silicon-based models.
Outlines
😕 Declining Quality of Used MacBooks on eBay
The speaker expresses concern over the scarcity of good quality used MacBooks on eBay. Despite having built his YouTube channel by purchasing various items on the platform, he observes a shift, particularly post the launch of Apple silicon. The video aims to address the challenges of buying a used Mac on eBay, including the prevalence of worn-out machines and deceptive listings. The speaker uses a 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro as an example to illustrate the point, highlighting the difficulty in finding well-maintained models within a certain budget.
🤔 Questionable Deals and eBay Scams
The discussion continues with the speaker scrutinizing the value of used MacBooks, especially when compared to newer Apple silicon models. He points out that even seemingly good deals for used MacBooks are not worth the investment due to their age and lack of software support. The video also warns viewers about common red flags in eBay listings, such as夸大处理器的睿频速度 (exaggerating the processor's turbo speeds) and misleading warranty claims. The speaker emphasizes the superiority of Apple silicon over Intel processors in terms of performance and battery life, which diminishes the appeal of older Intel-based MacBooks.
👍 The Apple Silicon Advantage
The speaker concludes by summarizing his thoughts on the current state of used MacBook sales on eBay. He suggests that with the advent of Apple silicon, there's little incentive to invest in older Intel-based models, even if they are available at a discount. He advises that if a buyer is considering a used MacBook, it should either be an exceptionally good deal on an Intel model or preferably an Apple silicon model to ensure longevity and compatibility with future software updates.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Apple Silicon
💡eBay
💡MacBook Pro
💡AMD Radeon R9 m370x
💡Scams
💡Intel Mac
💡M1 MacBook Air
💡Warranty
💡LCD Damage
💡Turbo Clock Speeds
💡Refurbished
Highlights
The availability of good used MacBooks on eBay has decreased.
The launch of Apple silicon has impacted the used MacBook market.
2015 15-inch MacBook Pro was highly sought after but is now harder to find in good condition.
Many used MacBooks listed on eBay for under $300 are worn out.
Buyers are wary of deals that are not economical, such as needing a screen and top case replacement.
The value of an eight-year-old MacBook Pro is questioned when compared to newer M1 models.
Scammy listings on eBay quote turbo clock speeds and offer dubious warranties.
A three-year warranty is often misrepresented and only applies to specific components.
The condition of used MacBooks for sale is often not reflected in their price.
Apple silicon's performance makes it hard to justify purchasing older Intel-based Macs.
Intel-based Macs struggle to compete with Apple silicon in terms of software support and battery life.
Buyers are advised to either go for Apple silicon or opt for very cheap, functional Intel-based machines.
The presenter shares their experience and strategy for evaluating used MacBook deals on eBay.
There is a lack of compelling deals for used MacBooks in the $300-$500 price range.
The presenter found a confusing listing with mismatched information about a MacBook model.
A comparison is made between buying a used MacBook with a graphical issue for $550 versus a refurbished M1 MacBook Air.
The presenter emphasizes the importance of being cautious with eBay listings and understanding what is covered by warranties.
The video concludes with a discussion on the challenges of finding good value in used MacBooks in the current market.