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theyoda3 · Sep 27, 2006, 10:16 PM

I was wondering if I get your opinions on how much I should ask for when selling my laptop? I was thinking around $800 or $850 based off of Ebay.

PowerBook G4 12" 1.33Ghz
1.25 GB RAM
60 GB HD
64 MB vRAM
AppleCare until 2/08
Combo Drive
Booq Vyper Sleeve and potentially an iLap
Also comes with iLife 05 and OS X Tiger 10.4 along with original Panther disc
All original packaging and documentation as well

The laptop is in outstanding condition with no cosmetic damage, and it has the LCD replaced about a year ago for uneven illuminatation, but the new one is much better.

Any advice for how much I should try to sell this for?

Thanks
-Chris

Oversoul · Sep 28, 2006, 12:05 AM

I think $800-850 sounds fair enough, especially if you're using eBay as a guide on the going rate for your machine. You say your powerbook is in outstanding condition, which is important for a second owner, and you're throwing in extras. Be careful about how you represent the screen replacement though, because you don't want to imply problems. (For example, call it a screen upgrade instead.)

Good luck.

Simon · Sep 28, 2006, 03:09 AM

Personally I wouldn't use the expression 'screen upgrade' because it's not really true. It was replaced with an identical screen model so it's not exactly an upgrade. Apple hasn't issued any screen upgrades for the 12" PB. Instead, I'd write 'new screen installed by AASP' or something like that. It still sounds positive and it's 100% true.

IMHO I try to be as honest about my hardware as I can when I'm selling it. If you're too positive or imply stuff that won't hold up to the buyer's inspection, he'll be disappointed, demand a rebate or won't go through with the deal at all. And then you will have lost a lot of time and still be stuck where you started off. Instead I try to be as accurate as possible and think what kind of impression the description would make on me if I were reading the ad. If you're too humble, you'll have a very happy buyer, if you're too bold you might not have a buyer in the end at all.

That said, I think $800 sounds pretty reasonable for what you're offering.

Zeeb · Sep 28, 2006, 09:56 AM

I wouldn't call it a screen upgrade either. Just say that its a new screen and that there are no dead pixels(only if that's true). Don't forget to include lots of pictures of the actual laptop running--no stock photos. Mention in the listing that the computer that is pictured is the one for sale.

Personally, I would consider craigslist since the potential buyer can see the computer in person and pay you on the spot for it. It's very convenient for both parties. Just meet in a public place. I got a few hundred dollars more for my PB than it was going for on ebay and I didn't have to pay any fees.

cwosigns · Sep 28, 2006, 10:12 AM

I just sold an iMac on craigslist last night, and a wireless ethernet bridge. CL rocks!

theyoda3 · Sep 28, 2006, 04:46 PM

Yea i wasn't going to call it a screen upgrade anyways. I'm an honest guy so I'd just tell them the truth. Most people probably wouldn't have even noticed the uneven illumination, I'm just picky. I'm going to sell it at my university so I'll probably skip the Craiglist thing for now. Thanks for your comments.

-Chris

theyoda3 · Sep 28, 2006, 04:47 PM

Yea i wasn't going to call it a screen upgrade anyways. I'm an honest guy so I'd just tell them the truth. Most people probably wouldn't have even noticed the uneven illumination, I'm just picky. I'm going to sell it at my university so I'll probably skip the Craiglist thing for now. Thanks for your comments.

-Chris