I came across an ad on craigslist for an early 2008 (non-aluminum unibody) MacBook Pro. It's stacked with a 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 4 GB RAM, 250 GB HDD and an NVIDIA 8400 (I think it's an 8400) chipset. I was able to get the serial number from the owner and had my friend who works for Apple look up the history of repairs. Everything came up clean except for the battery replacement that happened a month or so ago, which the owner told me about. The owner is willing to trade me for my black MacBook (early 2008 model also with 2.4 GHz Intel C2D, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB HDD) and $250. Would I be a fool not to take the deal? On paper it's a great trade but I'm not convinced I should/need to do it. I need your advice ClutchFans!
I should also mention that I'm a junior in college majoring in Logistics so I won't really be using the computer for much other than basic school work and obviously surfing the web. I don't really do much graphic design or video editing except for hobby/fun.
That all depends if you need the CPU power and the graphics card. I personally own that model and absolutely love it. I do all of my work (web authoring programs), I can have photoshop, illustrator, dream weaver, like 20 website browser tabs open and it is still fast.
You have to ask yourself why he's willing to trade what seems to be a superior machine. If your machine does what you need it to, and it sounds like it does, and you don't intend to take advantage of the upgraded features i.e. more ram and better video, then I'd say it's a no brainer NOT to take the chance you're getting a bad deal for some undisclosed reason. Even if you DO intend to "use" the upgraded features, I'd still be wary, if your current machine suits your needs fine. I'd say, don't do it.
Evaluate your needs. There's no point in spending $250 to "upgrade" if your current computer is a better fit for you. Do you need the bigger screen and extra power or will the larger laptop be more of a hindrance?
How is it a deal if you're looking to spend $250 on something you're not going to take advantage of anytime soon? Do you think you'll need the extra computing power anytime in the next year or two?
there's no such thing as a free lunch who're are you trading with? I'd be more convinced if it's some ditz girl who's in it for the black macbook's aesthetics