[MichiganRich]

Hi all, sorry to post something that I consider somewhat 'fluffy' but I really am in a quandary. A guy at work has a 4 month old Black MacBook for sale, excellent condition, for $850. It's the original Core Duo 80gig model with Superdrive and I would assume the stock 512MB RAM. Is that what you guys would consider a great deal that should not be passed up, or is it just okay? The reason I ask is that I'd really like to get my mom a new Mac for Christmas but I was really thinking a base model Mini would be ideal for her, as she has a nice 19" Dell UltraSharp LCD and a nice wireless Logitech KB/mouse set already. She really is the ideal Mini customer, given what she uses the computer for (not really needing a portable) and what she already owns. The MacBook just popped up as an option, and now I'm stuck in that decision mode. Gear Acquisition Syndrome might have something to do with it as well. :-) Opinions anyone?

[stefanicotine]

Well, if she's more of a Mini user, then get her a mini. In so doing you'll be saving money, money you could use to upgrade the mini to 2 GB of ram. Don't get her something less practical just because it's a good deal. That's my opinion anyway.

Whatever you do, good luck! I'm sure she'll love it!

[nickw311]

Sounds like a good price for the MacBook but for her, the Mini would probably be ideal.

[Z4cane]

If you look on Apple's site, you can find a factory refurbished blackbook for $999 (or a white one for $899). So it's a marginally good deal. I would still get her a MacMini though, especially if she doesn't need a portable.