• Discover Apple Desktop Computers

• Explore Mac Features and Software

• Consider a Retired Apple Computer

• Find Apple Desktop Computers on eBay

• Buy Apple Computers With Confidence

Discover Apple Desktop Computers

Discover Apple Desktop Computers

When selecting an Apple desktop computer, think about how you plan to use it.

• Check out iMac: iMac is an all-in-one computer, with components such as an iSight camera and drives built in to the flat-panel LCD monitor. iMac typically comes with iLife software and, with fewer wires, it makes a good choice for families, students, and individuals looking for a space-saving design.

• Find good things in Mac Mini’s small package: It’s 2 inches tall and 6.5 inches square, but the Mac Mini has plenty of features you want, including an Intel Core Duo processor, a 60 or 80GB hard drive, and iLife software. Add a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and you’re up and running.

• Get more power with Mac Pro: There’s a reason design professionals use Apple desktops. With the Mac Pro, you get a choice of two quad-core or two dual-core Intel Xeon processors. It can run Final Cut Pro video editing software, Maya 3D rendering software, and Adobe Creative Suite software, all with ease.

Explore Mac Features and Software

Explore Mac Features and Software

When you buy an Apple desktop, you get a variety of built-in multimedia features such as iLife software, Mail (an email program), iChat video-conferencing software, and iCal (a calendar program to keep you organized). You'll also get a Dashboard that allows you to access calculator, calendar, and weather forecast widgets. Look for:

• Included drives: To watch DVDs, play CDs, and write data to CDs, look for a Combo Drive. In order to write data to a DVD, get a SuperDrive.

• Bluetooth: Bluetooth allows Bluetooth-enabled gadgets wirelessly share information with your computer from up to 30 feet away.

• AirPort Extreme card: Install an AirPort Extreme Card, place your computer anywhere you want, and access the Internet over your wireless network.

• Airport Extreme Base Station: With the Airport Extreme Base Station, you can set up a secure wireless network for up to 50 people.

• iLife: iLife includes iPhoto image-editing software, iMovie video-editing software, iWeb Web site creation software, iDVD DVD mastering and burning software, iTunes music management software, and GarageBand sound-editing software.

• iWork: iWork includes Pages, which lets you create professional-looking newsletters, brochures, flyers, and more. It also comes with Keynote, ideal for creating high-quality work presentations.

• Microsoft Office: Microsoft Office allows even the most ardent PC users to feel at home with Mac. Be productive with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Entourage (the Mac version of Outlook). It’s a must-have for cross-compatibility if you use these popular programs at work or at school.

• Cinema Display monitors: Spend a lot of time at the computer? Treat yourself to a big, bright screen. The Cinema Displays come in 20-inch, 23-inch, and 30-inch models, and the 23-inch and 30-inch monitors are high-definition.

Consider a Retired Apple Computer

Consider a Retired Apple Computer

You may be able to find good deals on retired Apple G5 and G4 desktop computers on eBay. When considering an older model, look at its technical specifications and make sure it can support the software programs you want to run. For example, iWeb is only available in the iLife 2006 package. Also make sure that the computer meets the minimum standards set by your Internet service provider.

Sellers will include minimum system requirements for Apple, Macintosh software in item listings. If you have further questions, click the “Ask seller a question” link under the seller’s profile.

Find Apple Desktop Computers on eBay

Find Apple Desktop Computers on eBay

Now that you know exactly what you want, go to the Computers & Networking portal, click the Apple Desktops link under Apple, Macintosh Computers, and start searching for items on eBay.

• Categories: The Categories list on the left side of each page will help you narrow down your listings by item type. For example, the Apple Desktops Categories list contains links to 68K, Mac, Apple eMac, Apple iMac, Apple Mac Mini, Apple Power Mac, and Apple Servers, Xserve.

• Product Finder: Use the drop-down menus on the Apple Desktops Finder on the left side of your screen to select system preferences such as product family, processor type and speed, hard drive capacity, memory, and condition.

• Keyword search: Search eBay listing titles for specific words. For example, if you want to find a Mac Pro, type "Mac Pro" (without quotation marks) into the Search box. Click "Search title and description" to expand your results. Visit eBay's Search Tips page for more tips on searching with keywords.

If you can't find exactly what you want, try shopping eBay Stores, tell the eBay Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay and eBay will email you when a match becomes available.

Buy Apple Computers With Confidence

Buy Apple Computers With Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

• Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.

• If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

• Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay protection programs.

• Never pay for your eBay item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

• What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

• What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

• Most top eBay sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, eBay and PayPal are there for you.

• Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorized payments from their accounts. Plus, with PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to $2,000.

• eBay Security & Resolution Center: Visit the Security & Resolution Center to learn how to protect your account and use eBay's quick and efficient resolution tools.