[grayware]

In January, my company purchased the beloved 15 AlBook I use. And now, after 8 years, yours truly (as well as our entire dept) is being laid off.

My question: would you offer to purchase the Book, or buy a new one yourself? At first I was really leaning toward keeping it, but is buying new with a clear warranty a better choice?

[macwayne]

Man, sorry to hear that you got laid off.
If you can, I would get the Albook you used on the job. You might be able to get it at a discount because it is used. Plus, you already know the condition of it, No dead pixs, etc.
If you got a new one, you would be taking a chance that everything would be fine (9 times out of 10 it would be perfect). Just that little factor of not knowing for sure. Is it still under the original Apple 1-year warranty? If so, then you might be able to purchase Applecare for it to have peace of mind. Good luck, and let us know what happens.

[killer_735]

Do some serious negotiating about price. Consider pulling up some ebay auctions to show them what used powerbooks are selling for.

[Stonie]

I'd say buy it if you could. Companies usually sell those items at a deep discount. Plus like its said above, you already know this PB and prob already has it configured just the way you like it. What would be great is if you could convince them to give it to you as a parting gift , afterall you did give them 8 yrs of hard work and dedication. Right?

Oh yeah. good luck on the job hunt.

[grayware]

After talking with the cooler boss, it looks like it's all going to work out. We're a developer for Apple so I'll be able to buy this for a nice price. Seems there were many who had their eyes on this machine knowing I was leaving and didn't want to pass it up.

As for the job hunt, after a month sabbatical I've got a couple jobs lined up on retainer or contract work.

Thanks everyone, for the advice on the Book, and the well wishes for work.