Should I return this Macbook Pro? UPDATE: Bought a Lenovo

[cr2250]

So my Parents decided to buy a Mac without consulting me :/

Dad has a 17" model from this generation, loves it!

They ended up with this

MA895LL/A 4GB/320GB
http://www.cowboom.com/product/674018

Now from what I can tell, the system doesn't look too bad, I think it'll be able to handle SL just fine. But they paid around 450 pre-tax. Pictures doesn't look too bad either. Also seems it's been upgraded from stock (320gb hd and 4gb ram) Price seems below average comparing to fleabay

My Mom wanted a Mac (she uses one at work) but didn't want to fork over the 1600 for a laptop when she'll only be using it for web browsing and youtube.

She also has been through HP, Gateway's etc, all have crapped out on her within 2 years of use (usually durability of the case, keyboard falling apart, not software related).

Luckily cowboom offers a 30 day return policy.

What do you guys think, should we even try it out or should I cancel the order.

TLDR
Mom bought a 2007 Mac Book pro for 450
Wants a 15.4" Mac
Did not want to spend $$$ for a brand new one


My true worry is the 8600gt failure, seems to be quite an issue with this generations model, also Cowboom's lack of product description as far as the condition of the unit. Claimed light use

Also don't need the you could've spent that 500 on an i5 Asus...I KNOW! But it wasn't my call

 

[Cheesetogo]

If she's dead-set on a Mac it's probably not a terrible price. That being said, if she just wants durability, get a low end Thinkpad. You can probably get something for under $600 on sale, and they're pretty much indestructible under regular use.

 

[xanis]

Unintentional, but thanks for the website OP. Been wanting a new MBP to replace my old one and was a little put off by the prices on new ones.

EDIT: I have the same MBP your mom bought. For the most part it's been pretty durable, but the logic board failure turned out to be a gigantic pain in the ass. Apparently, Apple won't honor Applecare if your laptop has minor cosmetic damage (small dents, scratches, etc.).

 

[cr2250]

LOL I actually do own a thinkpad (x220), awesome computer.

Unfortunately I cannot say the same for all thinkpad's anymore, they are not what they used to be ever since IBM left the business.

Even my x220 has random squeaky spots, screen issues and sound issues. I had an IBM thinkpad that was a tank.

 

[cr2250]

Unintentional, but thanks for the website OP. Been wanting a new MBP to replace my old one and was a little put off by the prices on new ones.

EDIT: I have the same MBP your mom bought. For the most part it's been pretty durable, but the logic board failure turned out to be a gigantic pain in the ass. Apparently, Apple won't honor Applecare if your laptop has minor cosmetic damage (small dents, scratches, etc.).

I pm'd you

 

[bearxor]

I'd absolutely not buy a 2007/Early 2008 MacBook Pro. All 8600m GT chips are defective. It's just a matter of time.

Take this one instead:
http://www.cowboom.com/product/108587

Yes, it's a generation older. No FW800. But it does have a slightly faster processor and a X1600 Radeon Mobility.

 

[God Mode]

Cowboom is such a roll of the dice. 2 laptops were returned because of weird fan and overheating issues. Nevermind that they neglect to mention the deepass gouges on the lcd lid and sticky keys. If you have time to waste and you get lucky, you can find nice deals but I'd rather pay a bit more to buy used from someone more reputable.

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Cowboom

 

[dclive]

As long as the 8600GT is already fixed or you can take it to Apple and get it fixed, it will be a wonderful machine. Just get the serial # and call up Apple to find out the status.

Even better is to take 20 minutes and swap out the hard drive with a 120GB SSD.

 

[bearxor]

As long as the 8600GT is already fixed or you can take it to Apple and get it fixed, it will be a wonderful machine. Just get the serial # and call up Apple to find out the status.

Even better is to take 20 minutes and swap out the hard drive with a 120GB SSD.

It's a 2007 model Apple is only repairing them 4 years from date of purchase and we're just about there.

Also, there is no fixing the 8600m. Every single 8600m (and 8400m, for that matter) is defective. You can "fix" the problem, but with enough heat it just happens again. It's only a matter of time. Mines been replaced 5 times now.

 

[dclive]

Yep. Good info. (Edit!)

http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2377

 

[dclive]

It's a 2007 model Apple is only repairing them 4 years from date of purchase and we're just about there.

Also, there is no fixing the 8600m. Every single 8600m (and 8400m, for that matter) is defective. You can "fix" the problem, but with enough heat it just happens again. It's only a matter of time. Mines been replaced 5 times now.

FIVE times? Have you taken them to court under lemon law yet?

 

[Topweasel]

FIVE times? Have you taken them to court under lemon law yet?

The only lemon law applies to Cars. Some warranties (usually the extended kind) have no lemon policies.

Really they need a new name for it. What did lemons ever do to get compared to poorly manufactured junk?

 

[God Mode]

The only lemon law applies to Cars. Some warranties (usually the extended kind) have no lemon policies.

Really they need a new name for it. What did lemons ever do to get compared to poorly manufactured junk?

Because it leaves you feeling bitter and sour.

 

[dclive]

The only lemon law applies to Cars. Some warranties (usually the extended kind) have no lemon policies.

Really they need a new name for it. What did lemons ever do to get compared to poorly manufactured junk?

Hmm...the name is wrong, but Magnuson Moss still seems like it would apply:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuson–Moss_Warranty_Act


Full Warranty Requirements
Under a full warranty, in the case of a defect, malfunction, or failure to conform with the written warranty, the warrantor:
can remedy the consumer product within a reasonable time and without charge;
may not impose any limitation on the duration of any implied warranty on the product;
may not exclude or limit consequential damages for a breach of any written or implied warranty on the product, unless the exclusion or limitation conspicuously appears on the face of the warranty; and
if the product, or a component part, contains a defect or malfunction, must permit the consumer to elect either a refund or replacement without charge, after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
In addition, the warrantor may not impose any duty, other than notification, upon any consumer, as a condition of securing the repair of any consumer product that malfunctions, is defective, or does not conform to the written warranty. However, the warrantor may require consumers to return a defective item to its place of purchase for repair.

 

[cr2250]

Canceled the order before it shipped. Figure it would have dents and plus the price was ridiculous for the performance received. Mom decided she'll hold off on a mac did she gets enough money for a new one.

So I purchased this one for them http://www.ebay.com/itm/19063992828...X:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_4561wt_1270

Should be a good laptop, CPU is decent. Plus reliability of a Lenovo (I have an x220).

Shipping was waived, so about 400 OTD.

Maybe not as efficient but it does benchmark fairly well, even beats my mom's i3 330m in the POS gateway
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_lookup.php?cpu=Intel+Core2+Duo+P9700+@+2.80GHz

 

[Valis]

I have my brother's MBP (2.4Ghz C2D) here with a broken logic board as well. Anyone know where to find a cheap replacement so I can change it myself? Or is eBay the only option?

 

[dclive]

Apple won't cover repairs?