Checking a Macbook before buying it in person. Beware, there may be surprises in a used MacBook

Any device that was released by the American company Apple can be verified using a unique code assigned at the time of manufacture and its entire history can be found out. This opportunity can be very useful for those who want more. For example, the verification procedure will be relevant when purchasing a Macbook secondhand. Let's figure out how to check a macbook by serial number and what needs to be done for this.

Stages

So you can get everything necessary information, follow these steps step by step:

• Find out serial number Macbook;

• Go to the official website in a special section and paste the code;

• Get information.

Let's look at each step in more detail.

Get unique code, assigned to each computer model from the factory, can be done in several ways.

• Click the apple icon and select About This Mac. Here you will see a line with the serial number;
• In addition, you can use the System Information utility. Under About This Mac, click the Learn More button. Next, from the menu on the left side of the window, select “Hardware”. In the right half, find the line with the right combination signs and numbers.

Now you need to check the serial macbook number pro or air. Let's look at it step by step.

Third Party Resources

It is highly recommended not to check on third-party sites. You can find a number of links on the Internet that offer similar services. However, the device information you enter may work against you. Not all such sites belong to scammers, but it is advisable to protect yourself from the risk.

Therefore, open the link checkcoverage.apple.com/ru/ru. Enter Serial number in the only field. Next, enter the numbers from the picture for confirmation and click the “continue” button. A page with information about your computer will appear on the screen. Now you know how a MacBook is scanned.

I don't think anyone needs to be told how expensive it can be Apple technology. And if on a budget iPad you can still “ save up from lunches“, then you can’t buy a MacBook this way. For most people, new Apple laptops cost exorbitant amounts of money.

There is no need to solve the problem with another loan; perhaps the best option for the price is already waiting for a new owner at secondary market. But then the question immediately arises: how to properly check a MacBook before giving money for it?

Important: MacBook check- a long process with many nuances. It is better to make an appointment with the seller in some cafe with free Wi-Fi. Be prepared to spend half an hour of your time.

The most reliable option is to take your MacBook to a good service center for a detailed check. After all, the covered video chip could have been warmed up, and the laptop itself could have been flooded and poorly cleaned. Such sores are not immediately noticeable, but only appear during use.

But this paid service , and not every seller agrees to open their laptop somewhere. This means that you will have to put up with risks and make do on your own. Here is a list of problem areas that you should pay attention to before purchasing.

Step 0: prepare the flash drive

We cannot do without preparation. You need to get a flash drive with minimum set programs and files. The following are useful for testing: color pictures (black, white, RGB), film, Heaven Benchmark, Macs Fan Control, Coconut Battery, Geekbench, Blackmagic Disk Speed ​​Test and MacTracker. It's cool if you have time to create more bootable flash drive With installed by Apple Service Diagnostic.

Throw in the whole kit at once, you will need it for various stages test.

First things first: passwords

A MacBook prepared for sale must have three passwords missing: in iCloud, in user accounts, and in the firmware itself (EFI).

iCloud password: " System Settings->iCloud"
Login password: “System settings -> Users and groups”
Firmware password: reboot with pressed Alt key(doesn't ask for a password, it means there isn't one)

If the seller finds it difficult to remove one of the passwords, leave; you won’t be able to fully use this MacBook.

The simplest thing: appearance

Alas, anodized aluminum cannot be polished, so other people’s scratches on the body will always be an eyesore. Decide to what degree killed"You are ready to come to terms.

You also need to pay attention to the top cover: it can be easily opened with one hand and held in any position, and when closed there should be no distortions or shifts.

Turn your MacBook over and inspect the bolts. These tricky pieces of iron must be unscrewed with a special screwdriver at the correct angle. If the repair was carried out in a makeshift manner, then extra marks will appear on the bolts. Small round bumps with dots reverse side they say that the wrong size bolt is tightened.

Worn-out chargers can also fail at any time. Check the complete set of wires for any tears or frayed wires.

Main consumable: battery

The battery in modern MacBooks is designed to last approximately 1000 recharge cycles. That's almost three years in normal mode use. Once the battery loses capacity, it will have to be replaced.

“Mileage” can be viewed in the system report. The required line is hidden here: “About this Mac -> System Report -> Power Options.” True, he can " twist", just like in an old car. This is where a prepared flash drive with the Coconut Battery application comes in handy.

We launch the utility and see detailed information about the battery. Don't be alarmed if its capacity drops to 80-90%. If the age of the laptop is comparable, then this is normal natural wear and tear.

Everything according to the passport: MacBook configuration

Passing off a younger model as an older one is the most common way of deception when selling a MacBook. This is especially true on pumped-up cars. Of course, you can try to check using MacTracker, but in some cases even this will not help.

What’s the trick: unscrupulous sellers edit the information in “About This Mac”, disable extra lines in the “System Report”, put back cover with a serial number from a donor and block the exit to EFI with a password. Or they program the microcircuit by entering there new number. The result is a top-end model, the serial number hits the Apple database - you can’t undermine it.

The real configuration will come out when you reinstall the system. Unpleasant surprise which can be avoided.

In 90% of cases, it is enough to restart the MacBook while holding down the Option+D keys. The laptop will conduct internal diagnostics, after which it will issue an error report. You can see the decoding of all codes. The serial number will be shown on the same screen. This is what we run through the Apple database, comparing the device model. It should match the number on the cover, from About This Mac, and on the box.

If you think that you are “lucky” to run into masterly scammers, then you can check the real hardware configuration using the Apple Service Diagnostic utility, launched from a bootable flash drive.

There is another way: Just run the Geekbench test and compare the resulting value with the reference figure from the Internet. It turns out not very accurately, but in general it reflects the situation.

Speed ​​test: hard drive

Old MacBooks with an HDD on board turn on in 40-90 seconds, and new laptops with SSD drives will start in 5-25 seconds.

Accurate read and write speed data can be obtained by running the Blackmagic Disk Speed ​​Test. The utility is already on the flash drive, remember? Click Start and check the numbers. HDD should deliver about 90 Mbps, and SSD drives show almost 250 Mbps. In general, the program is designed for working with video, but it reflects the situation as a whole.

Checking the picture: video under load and display

This is where color pictures and film come in handy. Open the images one by one in full screen and look closely for possible dead pixels or highlights. The film, in turn, should be played back without any brakes, even if the window location or size suddenly changes.

You can also run the Heaven benchmark, and with it the Mac Fan Control diagnostic utility. Thus, we will kill two birds with one stone - we will load the video core more seriously and measure the temperature of the iron in stressful situations. In idle mode, the normal reading will be 40-50 degrees, and under load - 85-95. Sudden jumps or going beyond the limits indicate an unreliable cooling system. Perhaps the thermal paste has long since become unusable or the coolers are completely clogged with dust. You shouldn't mess with this MacBook.

Input devices: keyboard and trackpad

It's your turn primitive, but effective methods.

The keyboard is checked simply - TextEdit opens and all the buttons are slowly pressed. It’s not enough to just see all the pressed symbols; you need the buttons to be pressed clearly, without clicks or squeaks.

The trackpad needs just as much attention. Try different gestures with several fingers, check the entire panel area. Only the narrow strip at the top should not respond to touches. The trackpad itself is always pressed without unnecessary crackling, with approximately the same sound.

On new MacBooks No physical button under the trackpad. The Taptic Engine is responsible for the feedback here, and the sensor itself recognizes the force of pressing. This also needs to be checked immediately.

Almost there: wireless connectivity and ports

Don't forget to pay attention to the functionality of wireless communications. Check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. To do this, just go online or connect to your phone.

More difficult check ports. If the new MacBook Pro has only four USB Type-C connector, then in the old ones you can find a card reader, Thunderbolt and HDMI. The majority of connectors are checked externally hard drive with adapters, but with HDMI you’ll have to come up with something.

16.12.16 55 169 0

How to buy a MacBook on Avito

Instructions for those who do not want to understand PCIE SSD

Three months ago I bought a MacBook on Avito.

Lyubov Belokon

I bought a MacBook Air for 35,000 RUR

Buying an original one was expensive, but buying a used one was scary. I tell you how to make a profitable and safe choice.

I understand that you can buy a MacBook in different ways and there are different subtleties. I talked about those that I know. I also received advice from people who have bought and sold MacBooks in the last two years. If you also bought a MacBook and have something to add, come contact us on Facebook, I will be glad to complement my story with your story.

Understand a fair price

The main characteristics that affect the price of a MacBook are the screen, processor, memory and disk. Therefore, you first need to decide on the model. Easiest to find right size in the store: come and try it on. If you don’t understand processor power and memory capacity, ask the seller, they will tell you everything.

If you are not engaged in video editing and do not design houses in Sapra, it is not necessary to chase the most big screen and most powerful processor. The 1.4 gigahertz processor, weak by modern standards, is suitable for working with text and watching videos.

About gaming on Mac

If you dream of buying the most powerful Mac and playing something like the latest Farcry, Mafia, Doom, GTA or something else on it, give up hope. No modern games will run on a Mac, and if they do, they will look bad. Surprisingly, with all the capabilities of these computers, they still have not learned to play. What comes out on the Mac is ridiculously unoptimized and slow. On the other hand, retro games from your childhood will run on any Mac.

New MacBooks are released all the time, so it is important not to miscalculate the year of release. Ideally, buy a MacBook from the current or last year: there will already be 1-2 more recent models on the market, and last year’s ones will have reasonable prices. If you're buying a Mac in early 2017, look for late 2015 or as late as 2016 models.

Do not confuse the year of manufacture and the year of purchase. The seller could have bought a MacBook early 2012 in 2015 - that is, “beginning of 2012.” I don’t recommend this: the latest operating systems and programs will slow down on it.

When we decide on the model, we go to Yandex Market. We find there the lowest price of the selected model, subtract 30% and get the fair price of a used Mac in good condition. We focus on it when searching on Avito.

Often sellers only write the number of screen inches in the ad title. Therefore, a simple request " Macbook Air 13" will show more offers than "Macbook Air 13, early 2015". It will take you longer to filter out unsuitable models, but you will definitely not miss out on good options.

Sorting by price makes searching easier. You can buy parts and old computers for less than 50% of the cost of a new model; Macs with defects are usually sold for 50-60%. We need options at the best price of 60-70% of the cost of a new MacBook. I picked it up here optimal cost at the end of 2016:

Which MacBook can you buy on Avito?

Air 11″ 2015

The lightest and smallest MacBook. Like a tablet, but a fully functional computer. Ideal for students and travelers.

From 37,000 R

Air 13″ 2015-2016

A little heavier, bigger screen. Macs hold a charge the longest. There is a slot for a memory card, unlike 11″. Suitable for those who need to travel a lot for work.

From 40,000 R

MacBook 12″ 2015

MacBook with retina display. Very light - weighs 920 grams.

From 50,000 R

About 13″ 2015-2016

Noticeably thicker and heavier, therefore less mobile. The main advantages are a retina display, more memory, a faster processor.

From 56,000 R

About 15″ 2015-2016

The heaviest MacBook with an even more powerful processor. Ideal for working with graphics and video.

From 89,000 R

Weed out ads

Let's say a search yields ten Mac options in the same price range. Now you need to choose the best ones.

You can visually distinguish an obviously fraudulent ad from one that you can trust. Here's the scammer:

There is only one photo taken from the Internet. You will come across several more advertisements with the same photo.

MacBook specifications not specified.

The seller cannot be contacted by phone.

The price is too low for a “new” model.

The seller recently registered on Avito.

There is only one photo taken from stock. You will come across several more advertisements with the same photo.

MacBook specifications not specified

The seller does not want to communicate on the phone

The price is too low for a “new” model

The seller recently registered on Avito

Unprofessional photographs, MacBook taken from different angles, there are screenshots.

Some of the characteristics are indicated in the description, the rest are in the attached screenshots.

Disadvantages are indicated.

Price - more than 60% of the cost of the new model.

Seller on Avito for 6 years.

The price is more than 60% of the cost of the new model

Seller on Avito for 6 years

You definitely need to know the condition of your MacBook's battery.

Time battery life MacBook depends on the number of recharge cycles. Apple says the battery should be replaced after 1,000 cycles. If the recharge cycles are 600 or more, don’t take it.

The condition of the battery also depends on the current capacity - how much charge is left. You can buy a used MacBook if its remaining charge capacity is at least 4000 mAh (milliamp-hours).

If the battery is in poor condition, you can reduce the price by the cost of replacing it: 6,000-9,000 rubles.

How to find out the battery status of a MacBook

Click on the apple icon on the left top corner MacBook screen. About This Mac → System Report. Find the column “Number of recharge cycles” in the “Power supply” section. Nearby there is an item “Full charge capacity”:

If the seller did not indicate in the ad all necessary information, no problem: you will have the opportunity to ask when you call. Enter the options you like into an Excel spreadsheet with key characteristics, a link to the product, seller contacts and your comments.

Comparison of MacBooks in Excel spreadsheet

Call the seller

We look through all the ads with reasonable prices and only then start calling. The completed table will show what information is missing about each model. During the conversation with the seller, we fill out the cells and at the same time make a note of what impression he made. We need to buy from a normal person, and not from the hero of the Crime Chronicle program.

If the seller is reluctant to answer questions and is rude, it is better to say goodbye to him. But if he calmly says that he doesn’t know how to look at the characteristics you need, offer to explain.

Badly

• - All information is written in the ad.
• - Unfortunately, there is nothing written about cycles there.
• - Well then it doesn’t matter. And in general, I'm busy right now.

Fine

• - How many recharge cycles does your Mac have?
• - I don’t even know what this characteristic is.
• - It affects the condition of the battery. Let me tell you how to quickly check it?
• - Let's.

If during telephone conversation The seller names the characteristics that suit you, you need to immediately make an appointment. After 5 minutes, another buyer can book a MacBook. If you like another offer, arrange to meet with both sellers. Don’t be alarmed, in the end there will be 3-4 options left that you will want to go to.

Under no circumstances agree to prepayment or payment for a reserve, even if you really like the offer and are afraid of missing out on it. There are many scam stories on this topic on the Internet. Agree with the seller to pay in cash and only after personal verification MacBook.

Meet the seller

To meet with the seller, it is better to choose a crowded place with the Internet and an outlet. Bring headphones and a USB flash drive to check the ports. And a phone from which you can distribute Wi-Fi if there are problems with the public network. If you buy Macs from late 2015-2016, please note that they have USB-C ports.

Sellers are also afraid of you, especially if you press buttons they don’t understand and load something from a flash drive. Comment on your actions and speak up when you see the shortcomings of the MacBook. This will help bring down the price.

If you are being rushed or forbidden to do something, do not give in to the pressure and leave. With good preparation, a complete scan of your MacBook will take 10-15 minutes. And new MacBooks are constantly coming on sale, so you will always find yours.

What to check externally

Dents. A common problem with MacBooks is wrinkled corners. I only noticed the dent on the Mac I bought at home because I examined it in poor lighting. This is the least that can happen from inattention.

Cover problems. If dropped, the Mac's lid may become dislodged. You will feel this if you run your hand along the junction of the lid and the body. This problem can also arise if the hinges are adjusted incorrectly after repair. It is important that the lid closes smoothly, does not dangle, does not make sounds, and does not fall if you lift it one centimeter from the body.

Mac autopsy. The screws on the bottom of the case should be tightly tightened and flush against the case. If there is even a small gap or the thread is knocked off, it means that the MacBook has been opened. Then it is better to refuse it. If the screws stick out at one angle, they opened them at home and did not tighten them properly. It also happens that some of the screws are missing.

Display. Your vision depends on the state of the display. The anti-reflective coating on Macs often wears off - the screen looks like peeling polarization on the lenses of sunglasses. This occurs from the display rubbing against the keyboard when you carry your MacBook in your bag, or from improper care of the screen.

The wear is visible if you open a light background - for example, a page in Notes - and increase the screen brightness to the maximum. At the same time you can check for dead pixels.

Replacing the display will cost almost half of your purchase: 17,000-28,000 rubles per screen on a MacBook Pro, and 8,000-20,000 rubles on a MacBook Air.

Keyboard and touchpad. The keys should respond quickly and not stick. Open Notes and go through all the keys like you would a piano. Check the keyboard backlight adjustment on the F5 and F6 keys. Notice how the touchpad works. The cursor should move smoothly, without jumps, and the buttons should respond quickly and not “stick.” The keyboard should be illuminated evenly.

If the keys stick or light up unevenly, it's likely that soda or beer was spilled on your MacBook. If it has already been repaired, this is not a big deal, but often the opposite happens: the Mac is filled with soda, but it still works for some time. They sell it, and after a few days it turns out that the keyboard is faulty.

Replacing a keyboard or touchpad costs 3,000-6,000 rubles.

MagSafe. If you haven't connected your MacBook to a charger yet, now is the time to do so. Check the condition of the cable and the presence of an extension cord. The wires of Apple products quickly fray and the braid comes off. Many people replace a damaged power supply Chinese version, which shortens the battery life and breaks down quickly. This is a reason to negotiate the cost of a new adapter: 6,500 rubles. How to distinguish a fake: the inscriptions on the Chinese charger are poorly written, the markings are erased, there is no apple pressed into the body.

What to check inside

Serial number. If you run your Mac using the serial number in the Apple database, you can check the model and understand when the computer was activated. The serial number can be found in different ways, the lightest and most reliable - look at the underside of the MacBook case.

The serial number is written at the very end

"About this Mac." Click the apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen and select About This Mac. Go to System Report to check the number of charge cycles and remaining charge capacity.

Apple diagnostics. The built-in Apple program will show problems internal components Maca. To run it, turn off the computer, turn it on again, and hold down the D key. The Mac settings that this diagnostic shows cannot be changed, unlike the settings in System Information. This will protect you from a fraudulent scheme: selling a MacBook in a minimal configuration under the guise of a top model.

Work under load. We need to check how the MacBook behaves under heavy load. Launch the built-in programs “Final Cut” and “Facetime”, open many tabs in the browser with videos on YouTube. If your Mac freezes up a lot, gets hot, or makes noise, it's not good.

Operation of all ports. Check all USB connectors using a flash drive and listen to music through headphones. Repairing any port costs 3,000-5,000 rubles if the problem really lies in the port. If the sound system or USB controller fails, you will have to replace the motherboard - this is half the cost of a Mac.

Camera and microphone. Record it in the built-in Photo Booth app and listen to it. Replacing a camera will cost 5000-6000 rubles, and a microphone - 1500-3000 rubles.

Wi-Fi and bluetooth. To check if Wi-Fi is working, connect to public network or distribute the Internet from your phone in modem mode. The same goes for Bluetooth: turn it on on your phone, and then find the device on your Mac.

Safety

If you have carefully examined the MacBook and are ready to buy, you need to take care of further security. Here's what to check.

Firmware password. Every Mac owner can install additional protection to your computer, which blocks system reinstallation and all boot options. If a stranger gains physical access to your MacBook short time, the firmware password will protect your computer data from hacking. A normal reboot or shutdown of the MacBook will not require entering the firmware password. But that's it alternative methods downloads will not be possible without it. Macs rarely have such a password. The firmware password can be reset, but at risk to the computer. So it's better not to buy such a MacBook.

To check for the firmware password, restart your Mac while holding down the ⌘R keys. You will enter recovery mode. On the “OS X Utilities” screen, open the “Utilities” → “Firmware Password Utility” item. If the window that appears says “Password protection is disabled,” everything is fine.

Password protection is disabled

FileVault encryption. The firmware password protects the computer for a short time. But if you lose your MacBook, they can remove the drive, connect it to another Mac, and reset your account password. A tool that encrypts all information on the disk protects against this. It is important to check if it is installed on the Mac: “System Preferences” → “Protection and Security” → FileVault tab. If this tool is disabled, you will be prompted to enable it. If it's on, turn it off.

Screen with ransomware disabled

How to turn it off: Click on the lock icon in the lower left corner, ask the MacBook seller to enter the administrator password and click the “Turn off FileVault” button.

Removing a device from iCloud. The seller must log in to iCloud.com from another device and select the “Find iPhone” function. At the top of the screen, follow the “All devices” link, find the Mac in the list and remove it from “Find iPhone”. In this case, the MacBook must be disconnected from Wi-Fi.

Apple ID. Open the iTunes program. From the menu bar located at the top of the screen, select " Account» → “Authorizations” → “Deauthorize this computer”:

When prompted, enter your Apple ID and password and select Deauthorize.

If you've checked all the features and completed the security settings, congratulations: you've saved money and bought a great MacBook. If you have anything to add, come

Most of the stories about scammers and deception with the characteristics that you may have heard are, unfortunately, true. Where there is great demand, there will always be dishonest sellers who want to make money from the buyer. So you need to take the selection and testing of the device very seriously.

This guide will help you check not only your Macbook, but also your iMac or other computer (for PC based Windows list programs will differ, but the essence will remain the same).

First, it’s worth understanding for what purposes the device will be used. And my advice to you: don’t chase the top-end hardware. If you just need to surf the Internet, type texts and sometimes work with Photoshop, then even a 5-6 year old Macbook will easily allow you to do all this. Even editing a small video in Final Cut will work.

It is worth paying attention to computers no older than the end of 2010. It was at that time Apple company switched from outdated Core 2 Duo to modern i5 and i7 second generation. Anything older will not provide the same experience working with the system, because today Core 2 Duo chips are already very old.

Having decided on the model, you need to understand the real cost on the secondary market. I'll give you an example on my own Macbook Pro 13 early 2011 in the basic configuration (i5 and 4 GB RAM). These laptops sell in the range of $400 to $600. When purchasing, you should focus on the average cost, which is in this case is 500 dollars. Anything that sells for more money must have significant advantages (accessories, increased RAM or SSD storage). Otherwise, the overpayment is not worth it. And everything that is offered for less money may have hidden defects.

Having found several suitable offers, you should call the seller to clarify the details. It's clear that there is a lot useful information You shouldn’t expect anything from him, but he will help clarify some little things. You should definitely find out about the configuration, accessories, laptop repair and condition charger. The latter is very important, because a Chinese or faulty power supply can seriously damage or even destroy the entire computer. A new block will cost 100-130 dollars. And don’t be fooled by the seller’s assurances about a “factory copy of the charger”, this is all complete nonsense.

It would be a good idea to find out the serial number of the device. There are a lot of services on the Internet that can use this number to provide you with all the information up to the exact day the laptop was released.

If at first glance everything is in order, we arrange a meeting and prepare for testing. A Macbook inspection should be carried out, for example, in a cafe with good lighting, so you can sit quietly and carefully check everything.

To test your computer, you will need several things: headphones, an SD card and a USB flash drive. On the media you need to upload several color pictures (black, white, blue, green and red), a movie, a couple of music tracks and the following list of programs: Heaven Benchmark, Macs Fan Control, Coconut Battery and Geekbench.

When we meet, the first thing we do is inspect the body of the device for dents and scratches. And if the latter are present on almost any laptop, then dents are a serious reason to refuse the purchase. After all, when dropped, HDDs are often damaged and microcracks appear on motherboard and a lot of other little things that you definitely don’t need.

Particular attention should be paid to the screws on the bottom cover of the laptop. If they are licked off, differ in appearance or are absent altogether, this is a sign of unprofessional intervention. service center or “a neighbor who understands computers.”

It is clear that when buying a 4-5 year old Macbook, they simply had to open it to clean the cooling system, but the condition of these screws can tell you about the quality of the “repair” performed. By the way, there shouldn’t be pimples like this on the body.

This is a sign that someone screwed in the wrong screw in the wrong place.

When opening the display, the hinge must firmly fix it in any position. If the screen moves freely or is loose, it is necessary to either tighten the hinges or replace the entire mechanism.

After this, you need to check all the connectors on the computer. This is where headphones, SD and USB flash drives come in handy. There should be no blackening or broken parts on the ports. This is especially true for the power connector, which is on its last days on my Macbook.

If something does not work, it is better not to mess with such a device. Almost all connectors are soldered to the motherboard; repairing them will be expensive.

Next you should run any text editor and check the entire keyboard. The keys should not stick, click loudly or squeak. In addition, the keyboard backlight must be uniform. If you find something suspicious, most likely the keyboard has been flooded.

Be sure to connect your computer to Wi-Fi networks, open a couple of sites, for example, Youtube and turn on any video. In addition, you can simultaneously launch the Photo Booth application and record a short video. So you can check at the same time wireless modules, built-in camera and microphone.

If everything works, we move on to the final stress test of the laptop. We connect a pre-prepared flash drive and launch everything on it one by one.

First, turn on the music, check the speakers and headphones. Next, turn on the movie to lightly load the video core. If the image already at this stage begins to “crumble”, this indicates an almost dead graphics accelerator.

After that, we simultaneously launch the program for monitoring the temperature of Mac Fan Controll and the Heaven benchmark. The purpose of running these tests is to see the maximum temperatures of the internal components and check the operation of the video accelerator. If something is wrong with the device, colored stripes will appear on the screen or the Mac will simply freeze.

For a well-maintained laptop, the operating temperature range is as follows: at idle, about 40-45, and under load, up to 85 degrees. If, when starting programs, the temperature rises instantly, the thermal paste has already turned into powder, and the cooling system is quite clogged. An indicator of cooling problems will be heating above 95 degrees. In this case, you should think about the feasibility of the purchase. Working in critical modes will not end well, and it is impossible to find out how often it was heated this way.

The screen will help us check the color images that are on the flash drive. The method is very primitive, but it works. Flip through them one by one and check the matrix for dead pixels. This process is not the fastest, but it is worth it. After all, replacing the display can cost half the cost of a Macbook.

On at the moment The process of replacing computer information has become very popular in the secondary market. And what you see in the system report may not coincide with what actually exists. To check the stated characteristics, you need to run service menu Apple. To do this, hold down the D key at startup. The process is simple but lengthy. If you only care about the processor model, I recommend quick way check it out.

The last thing will be to check the battery and hard drive. The CoconutBattery program will provide a complete report on the battery status, remaining real capacity and the number of recharge cycles. The fewer cycles, the better. The ideal option would be to find a laptop where there are less than 500 of them. Otherwise, you will have to replace the battery soon (about $100 or more).

But you won’t be able to download the BlackMagic utility in advance. It will allow you to check the writing and reading speed of the HDD. Ordinary hard drive should produce at least 90 MB/s, and the SSD in normal condition is about 250 MB/s and above. No errors should appear during the test.

If all tests are passed successfully, you have almost ideal option which is worth buying. Such a check will take no more than 15 minutes, but will save you a lot of money and nerves. This is the most comprehensive test that can be performed without disassembling the computer.

Of course, to be completely sure, the tested laptop can be taken to a service center for additional diagnostics in order to be one hundred percent sure that everything is in order with the device.

I hope this guide will help you successfully purchase your desired model in good condition. If you have your own options for checking devices when purchasing, be sure to write them in the comments. I'll be interested to read them.

And finally, check that the previous owner has signed out of iCloud!

If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.

Apple laptops remain one of the most productive and reliable devices in their segment, which is why there is quite a high demand for used devices from this company. Knowing how to check a used MacBook before purchasing will help you avoid counterfeits and scams, and fully enjoy a working device.

External inspection

Never buy equipment with prepayment or without personal preliminary testing. Don't agree to meet with salespeople late at night in deserted or remote areas. Pay attention to the external inspection of the MacBook, including the box (if available) and components. The external condition must be good, all panels must be the same shade. Visually accessible screws must be firmly seated and have undamaged splines. Walk along the body with your fingers, pressing it in different zones: creaking, backlash, deflection are unacceptable.

Pay special attention to the availability of documentation. The chance that you are offered non-stolen equipment is much higher if the owner has kept the warranty card and receipt, filled out in accordance with all the rules. In specialized Apple stores, sellers are required to duplicate the model name, a unique identification number, date of sale and stamp on all documents provided. You need to compare the information provided with that printed on the box and listed in the system properties.

Detailed functionality check

More detailed diagnostics will require turning on the device. Make sure it doesn't freeze and loads quickly enough. It is advisable that the device is pre-charged, this will make it easier to test the battery life features. Take the time to check the operation of all the keys, pay attention to the smoothness of movement, the absence of crunching or sticking when pressed. Test the touchpad response.

It would be a good idea to take a USB flash drive with you to explore all the USB ports. If you discover a lack of power on at least one, refuse to buy the gadget without regret. It is advisable to use other connectors to get a clearer picture of the laptop’s performance.

Pay attention to the monitor: it should be free of scratches, cracks, and dead pixels. The easiest way to check is to use specialized programs, which are easy to bring with you on the same flash drive. In the left corner of the power-on screen, you'll find a clickable logo that takes you to the About This Mac section. It's worth looking at the match here technical characteristics stated by the seller, check the number of charge-discharge cycles. If the number approaches 1000, be prepared to spend money on replacing the battery very soon.

It is worth checking that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth reception is working properly, normal functioning disk drive, speakers, built-in microphone and camera. When looking for information on how to check a MacBook when purchasing it in person, keep in mind that the most trouble is usually caused by inattention and haste. This does not mean that you should only buy brand new MacBooks, but you need to be extremely vigilant. When purchasing, always insist on payment only after receiving and inspecting the goods. Too low a price also does not bode well. Additionally, it is worth checking the gadget using online services for the device’s IMEI.

Why is it worth turning to specialists for testing?

Both newbie users and quite experienced users may not immediately understand that they were deceived into buying such an expensive laptop. If this is your first time holding a MacBook in your hands, it is very easy to become a victim of attackers. Self-checking will only help you find obvious faults, but individuals often resort to quite sophisticated methods of deception, including lack of battery charge or lack of operating system, so that you cannot check the functionality, etc.

If you want to avoid risks as much as possible, arrange with the seller to visit our service center. A fraudster will never agree to professional diagnostics of the device, because a specialist will instantly detect the fraud. Masters of the service center “Kaknovy!” will help identify:

• whether the device has been repaired before and how many times;
• how well it was repaired, whether branded parts were replaced with Chinese ones;
• are there any traces of water or oxidation on the contacts and parts;
• how complete and correct the equipment is;
• is there an attempt to hide the true technical parameters device;
• How adequate is the price offered by the seller to the current state of the computer?