• Discover Apple Desktop Computers

• Explore Mac Features and Software

• Consider a Retired Apple Computer

• Find an Apple Computer on eBay

• Buy Apple Computer with Confidence

Discover Apple Desktop Computers

Discover Apple Desktop Computers

The latest Apple desktop computers, popular in homes and schools as well as video and graphics production environments, run the Mac OS X Panther operating system (also known as OS X version 10.3). Different Apple desktops work best for different people. When shopping decide if you want a basic home computer, a multimedia computer, or an all-in-one computer that has computer components and drives built into the monitor. All support Ethernet networking, FireWire, and USB 2.0.

• PowerMac packs a punch: PowerMac G5 has all the features multimedia enthusiasts and design pros need to create stellar audio and high-end graphics and video, including a 64MB NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra or 128MB ATI Radeon 9600 XT graphics card.

• Benefits of buying an iMac G5: The iMac G5 all-in-one offers a sleek look and the higher-end model offers comparable performance to a low-end PowerMac G5. It includes a widescreen LCD display and 64MB NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra graphics card.

• Select an eMac: The eMac all-in-one offers enough computing power to make young students and people who want a basic computer happy. You'll be able to use productivity software such as Microsoft Office, browse websites, and email your friends and family. The eMac's CRT display takes up more desk space than the LCD on an iMac. It also weighs more than Apple's other all-in-one, which can increase shipping costs.

• Meet Mac Mini: Home computer users, who want an entry-level Mac and don't need to burn DVDs, may want a Mac Mini. The diminutive computer stands only 2 inches tall and measures 6.5 inches by 6.5 inches, yet still has enough power to go online.

Get more memory for your Mac

Many Apple desktops have more RAM than the standard configuration. For the best performance, select a desktop with at least 512MB RAM.

Explore Mac Features and Software

Explore Mac Features and Software

Apple desktops include an email client (Mail), calendar program (iCal), and video-conferencing software (iChat). Most also come with iLife '05, a software suite that includes iPhoto image-editing software, iMovie video-editing software, iDVD DVD mastering and burning software, iTunes digital music management software., and GarageBand sound-editing software. Some may also include additional features and software to enhance your computing experience.

• 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.

• Cinema Display monitors: Cinema Displays, Apple's line of 20, 23, and 30-inch LCD monitors, look great on your desk and offer a large screen for people who work on high-end graphics and video.

• iWork '05: iWork '05 software allows you to create multimedia presentations with Keynote. Or, use the Pages word processor to design layouts that look ready for print.

• Microsoft Office 2004: Yes, Microsoft's suite of productivity applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, is available for the Mac OS in Microsoft Office 2004. Buy it if you send a lot of documents and spreadsheets to colleagues or if you use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint at school.

Consider a Retired Apple Computer

Consider a Retired Apple Computer

Although recent Macs feature G5 and G4 processors, you'll also see Apple desktops with older G3 processors on eBay. If you decide to go with an older processor, make sure it meets the system requirements of the software you want to run and meets the minimum requirements set by your Internet Service Provider.

For example, to run iDVD 5, you need a 733 MHz (or faster) G4. 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 an Apple Computer on eBay

Find an Apple Computer 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 PowerMac G5, type "G5" (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 Computer with Confidence

Buy Apple Computer 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 C$1,250.

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