Buying a reconditioned Mac

[Spinney]

Hi computer buffs

I'm a PC person - mainly because my work requires me to use Word, and it seemed less faff just to use Windows, so most of my stuff is Windows based.

However now I want to use software that is only produced for the mac. I probably won't bother using the mac for anything else, so it doesn't need to be high spec. It needs to run El Capitan (10.11), Sierra (10.12) or High Sierra (10.13)

I was wondering about buying a reconditioned one, or a second hand one. I dislike ebay and don't want to buy from them.

If I buy just the computer, as opposed to buying a laptop, can I just plug it in to the same monitors I use with my PC? Would I need a different keyboarrd?

I'm not really a computer person, I just bash the keys, so any advice welcome.

Ta
Spinney

 

[cisamcgu]

I know very little about Mac's, but they will work with any monitor.

 

[jefmcg]

Any keyboard will be fine. You want one with apple keys (command etc)

I think macs typically come with Bluetooth keyboards these days

 

[Tin Pot]

I’ve used Apple at home for twelve years or so. I bought two recondition laptops from them, no problems with either.

You’ll be fine.

 

[Tin Pot]

https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/browse/home/specialdeals/mac

 

[Spinney]

Thanks @Tin Pot, they do seem to be the least risky to buy from 2nd hand.

 

[Spinney]

Hmm, what's a mac mini - bascially a small desktop? Looks like that might be the cheapest thing to go for, if I can find one.

 

[pawl]

Buy an umbrella as well.

 

[jefmcg]

Hmm, what's a mac mini - bascially a small desktop? Looks like that might be the cheapest thing to go for, if I can find one.

I think that right.

The prices at the refurb store are consistent, but stock changes regularly. Keep checking for what you want, and when you see it, snap it up.

 

[Profpointy]

I know very little about Mac's, but they will work with any monitor.

Not sure if this is meant as a joke, but good luck with monitor compatibility. You'll need a load of adaptors, some of which work some of the time.

 

[cisamcgu]

Not sure if this is meant as a joke, but good luck with monitor compatibility. You'll need a load of adaptors, some of which work some of the time.

Any mac that does not have a built in monitor will have "HDMI" output

 

[Profpointy]

Any mac that does not have a built in monitor will have "HDMI" output

Mine's a laptop, and only has an apple monitor ßocket which only works unreliably with mainstream monitors via an adaptor. Bloody apple !

 

[Spinney]

Ah, I think Windows laptops don't easily connect to external monitors either. But a mac mini (seems cheapest option) is just a box, so it looks like you are both correct!

 

[oldwheels]

I have been catapulted into macland with very little knowledge other than the iPad I now use. Some of the MacBooks do not have usb connections and there seems to be a variety of obscure charging connections a well as chargers. One MacBook I cannot get into as it is password protected by a password I do not have but there seems to be a variety of ports with no obvious use. While you should not have password problems look at the connections to external items. ( before anyone asks no they have not been stolen but the previous owner died without divulging passwords )

 

[alicat]

I bought a reconditioned Macbook Air from the official Apple store about 8 years ago. Seemed to be NOS. Still going strong.