[Macola]

I've sold some older Macs on eBay over the past few months. In many cases, I had prospective buyers ask me for the serial number. Now, I might do that as a bidder just to see if the seller responds to questions, but is there any way to look up a serial number of a registered Mac? Of what use would the serial number be otherwise?

[Arkham_c]

Originally posted by Macola:
I've sold some older Macs on eBay over the past few months. In many cases, I had prospective buyers ask me for the serial number. Now, I might do that as a bidder just to see if the seller responds to questions, but is there any way to look up a serial number of a registered Mac? Of what use would the serial number be otherwise?

I can't say for sure, but there are some online registries of stolen computers. Maybe they're just doing their homework to make sure you're not selling stolen goods.

[-Q-]

Or they could be doing research to make sure that the computer you're selling hasn't been stolen from them. A local reseller here has had a couple break-ins recently.

I really can't think of any other reason the serial number would be of use.

[all2ofme]

Yeah, -Q-'s hit the nail on the head for the one reason I'd want to know the serial number. My 17" PB got nicked a couple of months ago and the only records I have of it are the MAC address and the serial number.

[FormerCitizen]

while I still have access to GSX, I'd be happy to look up the serial number for you.

[mark9939]

Originally posted by FormerCitizen:
while I still have access to GSX, I'd be happy to look up the serial number for you.

What's GSX?

[FormerCitizen]

^^ Apple's serial number/parts lookup. Employees have access to it.

[Yose]

^^ Apple's serial number/parts lookup. Employees have access to it.

It's a little bit more than that! It's basically what allows ACT's to do their repair work but you can do more than just look up serials/parts with it.

[dr. zoidberg]

is there some place where you can submit serial numbers of stolen gear? we had two machines stolen a couple of weeks ago, and i have already asked myself if apple would have some database with stolen machines.

[all2ofme]

Register the serials with Apple themselves. That's not to say anything'll come of it, but it has to be better than nothing. I was told that if the machine which I had stolen was brought in for repair it'd be flagged up as stolen then.

FWIW

[dr. zoidberg]

good idea, thanks! i´ll dig thru the apple site to see if i find any appropriate contact.

[all2ofme]

I called Applecare about it, they were happy to help.