How to determine the year of manufacture of the macbook. How to find out the model of a MacBook: all the ways

Attention! There are reports of new types of fraud in the sale of used Apple laptops on the Web. Under the guise of top models, they sell cheaper modifications. Moreover, during the first check and inspection of the MacBook, it is impossible to notice the forgery, since the scammers “cheated” well in advance in the gadget’s settings. However, if you prepare for the purchase in advance and come to a meeting with a technically savvy seller, deceivers can be brought to light. Useful tips and links are below.

The essence of the catch

Most buyers know that when checking out a MacBook for the first time, they need to launch the "About this Mac" app and look at the gadget's configuration. You also need to “break through” the laptop by serial number and find out when the device was activated and whether the Apple warranty is still valid. Well, more advanced users check the characteristics of the device through the "system_profiler" command.

The problem is that scammers know about all this. And they find ways to change the description of the MacBook in the system itself and fake the stickers with the serial number on the boxes.

As a result, when you check the laptop in these standard ways, by all descriptions it turns out that you are buying a top-end configuration. The forgery is revealed when a new user reinstalls the operating system on the laptop. It was then that in the properties the real amount of memory of the device and other characteristics began to be displayed. That is, instead of a top model, they slip you a laptop from previous years of production with less memory. And although this technique is indeed Apple, and in most cases it is in good condition and is under the official manufacturer's warranty, it turns out that you overpay about 50 thousand rubles for it.

What to watch out for when buying a MacBook

The serial number can only be identified by stickers. You can't find it on the body of the device. For example, for one of the deceived buyers, the bottom of the laptop was very carefully sealed with a self-adhesive film “under aluminum” so that he would not see the real “serial”.

Where to find serial numbers on different MacBook Pro models, you can find on the official Apple support website - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204347

The console command "system_profiler" produces errors such as:

NSCocoaErrorDomain Code=4 "The bundle “SPMemoryReporter” couldn’t be loaded because its executable couldn’t be located." NSLocalizedDescription=The bundle “SPMemoryReporter” couldn't be loaded because its executable couldn't be located.) Code=4 "The bundle “SPLatformReporter” couldn't be loaded because its executable couldn't be located." UserInfo=0x7f943b011c20 (NSLocalizedFailureReason=The bundle's executable couldn't be located., NSLocalizedRecoverySuggestion=Try reinstalling the bundle., NSBundlePath=/System/Library/SystemProfiler/SPPlatformReporter.spreporter, NSLocalizedDescription=The bundle “SPPlatformReporter” couldn't be loaded because its executable couldn't be located.)

But some deceived buyers say that there were no such errors in their case, so you should not rely only on this item.

One of the surest signs of fraud is the lack of information about the processor, memory and disks in the detailed information about the device.

How to check the modification of the MacBook when buying?

So, insert the flash drive into the laptop, reboot, press Alt to select the boot option and boot from the flash drive. You should be in OS X Utilities. From the Utilities menu, choose Terminal. Next, use the "system_profiler" command. It will display a text in which you can find the necessary information about the modification of the device.

P.S.: And if you move a little away from technical wisdom, then rely on your intuition. Most of the victims write "the seller was kind of strange, but I decided not to attach any importance to this." Give! There are doubts about the honesty of the seller, no need to buy. Moreover, this type of fraud, as a rule, is carried out by “genius” students, and not at all hardened criminals who know how to control their emotions, so would-be sellers may give themselves away by nervous behavior or something like that.
In general, be vigilant!

Apple products have become desirable for a huge number of people. But not everyone can afford to buy a new MacBook in the store. The prices for such devices are quite high. In this regard, the market for used equipment of the "apple" company turned out to be extremely developed. But even for used equipment, the prices are rather big. This has given rise to a huge number of scammers seeking to cash in on unsuspecting citizens. Not only have numerous fakes flooded the market, but obviously faulty devices tend to be sold for fabulous sums. Therefore, it is necessary to understand how to distinguish the original products of the company, and also not to purchase a "pig in a poke" with hidden defects.

Find out the serial number

The first step is to check a used MacBook by its serial number.

Each MacBook model has a special serial number that reveals additional information about the device model, year of manufacture, and region of sale. In many cases, the serial number is enough to protect yourself from buying an obvious fake.

Serial number

How and where to find the serial number of the MacBook

There are several ways to find out the serial number of a laptop. If you have access to your computer's operating system, you'll find the serial number in the "About This Mac" section. This section is located in the Apple main menu, marked with a special company logo. After going to the section, information about the computer model and the serial number itself will be available.

In the same window, you can get more information about the configuration by clicking the "System Report" button. The window that appears will provide the user with a special identifier, which can also be used to check the computer. The principle of determining the serial number is the same for all MacBook models.

If for some reason access to the system is not possible, the serial number can be found by examining the device itself. On the back cover of the device, where all the configurations are indicated, there should be the number itself.

The serial number must be indicated on the box from the computer and on the check. On the packaging, it is located next to the barcode. You can also see the model number there.

How to find your MacBook model by serial number

Find model by number

Having learned the serial number of the device, you can begin to check it. To do this, go to the official website of the company and enter the found number in the appropriate field. The service should display basic information about the device, including the year of manufacture, model, etc. Additionally, information about the right to maintain the device is issued.

Model identification is also possible by identifier and by article. But if the identifier already contains a clear model name, the article must be checked against the corresponding table on the official website of the company. The article identifies the model, year of manufacture and configuration type of the device.

Other Important Verification Aspects

Buying a used computer is a rather complicated process. Especially if you seriously approach the choice, taking into account not only the authenticity of the device, but also its serviceability. Apple products are famous for their reliability, but in most cases it depends on the handling and type of use. If you do not treat your computer too carefully, a number of defects can occur, some of which can directly affect the operation of the laptop. And not all of these defects can be identified with a cursory examination. Sometimes they can hide quite deep.

Price

Prices for used MacBooks are in their certain range. Of course, the price is affected by the model year, configuration and physical condition. But if the price is too low, it's time to think. Perhaps, for this money they want to sell a fake or a device with very significant defects. A low price is indicated to attract buyers and throw dust in their eyes. The extraordinary "profitability" of the purchase will result in a number of unpleasant consequences for the buyer, the main of which will be the receipt of an absolutely insignificant product for very significant money.

Scratches, scuffs, chips

Chipped laptop

Appearance is also of particular importance. A used device is unlikely to be perfect, but certain defects are best avoided. Minor abrasions to the lid and keyboard are acceptable as they do not affect the operation of the computer. Yes, and the appearance does not suffer significant changes. Sometimes, during inspection, deep scratches are found on the display or case, or even chips and cracks. These defects indicate a significant physical impact, such as a fall, etc. Not only does the appearance of the device become unpresentable, but its performance may be impaired. Cracks and chips allow a large amount of dust to enter the device and lead to premature contamination of the cooling system and other components. Of course, external defects may not affect performance, but it's better not to risk it.

Equipment

Charger

Along with the laptop itself, components are usually sold. The main and obligatory component is the charger. It is necessary to check the performance of the charger on site, as well as inspect its appearance. Various kinks, braid and plug defects can be a reason for bargaining. The MacBook charger is quite expensive, so it needs to be treated with no less attention than the laptop itself.

Other components are optional, and are most often represented by a bag, a mouse, etc. Their compliance is also determined with due attention.

Start time

One of the main advantages of the MacBook is the startup time. It is also considered the main indicator of the health of the device. And while older models can start within one minute, relatively new ones usually take 15 to 20 seconds. If this time is exceeded, it is time to think about the presence of hidden problems with the hardware component.

Passwords

Password at startup

When buying a laptop, you need to pay attention to the presence of a password. If it is present, the seller must disable it. Otherwise, access to the system will be closed, and its opening will require additional investments.

This is with regard to the main password of the system. But besides it, there is also an Apple ID - a special access password. It is tied to a computer user account, and if you do not sign out of it, the operation of the device may be difficult.

Special programs for checking the macbook upon purchase

As mentioned above, not all defects are detected during external examination and standard use of the system. Sometimes a deeper check of all components may be required. Here, special programs come to the aid of the buyer, which can provide comprehensive information about the components. This is especially true for those components that tend to wear out over time. These devices include hard drives and batteries. In any case, they will lose their characteristics during operation. But if they were used without following the rules, the condition of the devices would be much lower than expected.

HDD

Hard disk check

To check the hard drive on a MacBook, you will need to install the DriveDX program. After it starts, you need to start checking the hard drive. The program will display comprehensive information about the operating time, the number of bad sectors and possible defects. As a result, the remaining disk resource will be displayed. If, after checking the disk, all the bars turned out to be green, then the disk is working. Otherwise, you need to think carefully about purchasing such a device.

Battery

Battery check

The most important quality of a laptop is autonomy. It is provided by a battery installed in the case. It, like a hard drive, tends to wear out. In a used laptop, it will obviously not be new. A special Coconut Battery program will evaluate the battery and display information about its condition. You should not buy a laptop with a practically dead battery. Well, or you can simply bring down the price.

Display

The display is perhaps the main component of any laptop. It is he who is responsible for displaying information. Therefore, it is advisable to check it for serviceability. Moreover, even if outwardly everything is in order, it may have broken pixels that spoil the image quality. The Screen Utility program will help to detect such defects. If there are too many defects, it is better not to buy a MacBook.

In any case, such information can be an excellent reason to lower the price.

What data is required to find and order parts for your MacBook

Selection of parts

MacBook repair requires a very responsible approach. Firstly, it should be carried out only by qualified specialists in specialized services. Secondly, the parts used must be appropriate. Full compatibility of the part and the repaired model is important. To achieve this compatibility, you have to order components on the official website of the company.

To place an order, you will need to select the appropriate model. Knowing three points can help in this matter:

model identifier;
model serial number;
configuration.

How to find all this information was described above. After finding it, the corresponding model is searched on the site and the order is executed. This approach will ensure full compatibility of the part and device, which, in turn, guarantees a successful repair with a full restoration of the laptop's performance.

Carefully! Forgery when selling a used MacBook

Forgeries in the sale

Since the MacBook is very expensive, a large number of people prefer to buy used devices. And then a huge number of scammers enter the arena. Most types of deception in this area are already known and successfully neutralized, but sometimes new scammers with much more complex schemes appear. Moreover, such schemes are extremely difficult to recognize. One of the latest innovations for scammers is the sale of old models under the guise of top configurations.

The essence of the catch

Almost all people already know how to determine the configuration of a laptop in standard ways. Some even go further, using specialized software. But for modern scammers, neither one nor the other poses a threat.

In order to deceive, stickers on laptop boxes and on the devices themselves are very often re-pasted.

At the stage of preparing the device for sale, scammers very carefully process some of the features of the operating system. Thus, they force the system to display the configuration that it is beneficial for them to show the buyer. As a result, the buyer sees top-end features where they are essentially non-existent.

Such a forgery is detected after reinstalling the system. The operating system re-identifies all components, and the true configuration floats out.

It is worth noting that the difference in price between different configurations of devices can reach 50 thousand rubles. That is, it is this amount that will turn out to be the profit of the fraudster.

What to watch out for when buying a MacBook

There are several important indicators that can lead the buyer to the idea of a possible fraud. One of these indicators is the inability to see the serial number of the device on the back cover. This may be prevented by a special film or other similar solutions. The fact is that stickers on packages have learned to fake perfectly. But the serial number on the device itself is much more difficult to fake.

Important! The fact that the “system_profiler” command does not work properly should lead to suspicion. After entering it, an error may appear, indicating the impossibility of displaying information.

Also very suspicious is the lack of complete information about the device in the system itself. This may indicate third-party interference in the corresponding code.

How not to be fooled when buying

Buying scam

There are a number of ways to protect yourself from buying a device that does not match the description:

You must use all available built-in computer tools to check it. It is recommended to always run a hardware test to verify the configuration. This is done by pressing the D key during system startup. But it should be borne in mind that this method will not work on all systems.
When buying a laptop, it is recommended to have a flash drive with third-party programs necessary for checking. Sometimes you may even need a bootable USB flash drive with the operating system.
While booting from a flash drive, you must go to the appropriate menu and enter the console command. The information displayed on the screen must be exhaustive in order to form an idea about the device.
It will not be superfluous to offer the seller to reinstall the system on the spot. Of course, this will take some time, but it will protect you from fraud. A good seller should not refuse to reinstall the OS.

Selling used equipment always takes a lot of time. Both the buyer and the seller must be prepared for this. If the seller wants to end the deal as quickly as possible, there is reason to think.

Attention! You need to pay attention to the selling price. If it is significantly below the average in this category, you need to be especially careful. The price may be reduced due to defects or in order to attract more buyers.

Well, probably the easiest way to identify a fraudster is observation. If a person behaves restlessly, twitchy and insecure, then most likely the matter is not clean.

Hardened criminals who control themselves are rarely involved in this type of fraud.

Fair, not too high or too low. There should be prices on the Service website. Necessarily! without "asterisks", clear and detailed, where it is technically possible - the most accurate, final.

If spare parts are available, up to 85% percent of complex repairs can be completed in 1-2 days. Modular repairs take much less time. The site indicates the approximate duration of any repair.

Warranty and Liability

A warranty should be given for any repair. Everything is described on the site and in the documents. A guarantee is self-confidence and respect for you. A 3-6 month warranty is good and enough. It is needed to check the quality and hidden defects that cannot be detected immediately. You see honest and realistic terms (not 3 years), you can be sure that you will be helped.

Half the success in Apple repair is the quality and reliability of spare parts, so a good service works directly with suppliers, there are always several reliable channels and a warehouse with proven spare parts for current models so that you do not have to waste extra time.

Free diagnostics

This is very important and has already become a rule of good form for the service center. Diagnosis is the most difficult and important part of the repair, but you should not pay a dime for it, even if you do not repair the device after it.

Service repair and delivery

A good service values your time, so it offers free shipping. And for the same reason, repairs are carried out only in the workshop of the service center: it can be done correctly and according to technology only at a prepared place.

Convenient schedule

If the Service works for you, and not for itself, then it is always open! absolutely. The schedule should be convenient in order to be in time before and after work. Good service works on weekends and holidays. We are waiting for you and working on your devices every day: 9:00 - 21:00

The reputation of professionals consists of several points

Age and experience of the company

Reliable and experienced service is known for a long time.
If a company has been on the market for many years, and it has managed to establish itself as an expert, they turn to it, write about it, recommend it. We know what we are talking about, since 98% of incoming devices in the SC are restored.
We are trusted and passed on complex cases to other service centers.

How many masters in the directions

If you are always waiting for several engineers for each type of equipment, you can be sure:
1. there will be no queue (or it will be minimal) - your device will be taken care of immediately.
2. You give Macbook repair to an expert specifically in the field of Mac repairs. He knows all the secrets of these devices

technical literacy

If you ask a question, the specialist must answer it as accurately as possible.
To give you an idea of what you need.
Will try to solve the problem. In most cases, from the description, you can understand what happened and how to fix the problem.

Friends, today we will discuss how to check a Macbook when buying it from hand. That is, we will consider the main details that you should immediately pay attention to when testing the device. Naturally, each case is unique, but if you know the basics, then on the spot you can already understand what is additionally worth checking. Note that these recommendations do not 100% guarantee you the purchase of the perfect Macbook, but they will help you when inspecting the device.

How to check a Macbook when buying from hand?

Appearance and accessories

To begin with, it is worth checking the appearance of the device: it should not have dents or chips. The fact is that laptops are much harder to damage than smartphones and tablets. And if the latter are allowed to have such defects (they dropped the phone or iPad once), then for a laptop this is a little strange. Dropping a Macbook multiple times is not the best option.
Open the lid of the MacBook with one hand: the laptop should not rise like ordinary laptops - the part with the keyboard and touchpad should remain even and motionless on the surface, and the screen should open easily. This is a feature of Apple laptops.
Now look at the back panel as well as the screws on it. They should not be broken or damaged, like the panel itself. Apple uses special Pentanoble screws, and if they were unscrewed by an inexperienced craftsman, then traces of such interference will be immediately visible.
It's time for the box and accessories. The box may have scuffs if it was often taken from one place to another or dragged around the house. If she always lay in one place, then where do the defects come from? Accessories need to be checked very carefully! Cables must be original and fully operational. If you do not know what they look like, it is highly recommended to go to a regular store and have a look. By the way, in the same way you can see what the kit with the MacBook itself should be like. If the laptop does not come with a charging cable, then you should know that the original device will cost you a round sum (about seven to nine thousand rubles).
Since the beech runs on an SSD, the time is reduced to 20 seconds. Naturally, plus or minus a couple of seconds must be taken into account here. If the specified time is exceeded, then it is possible that there are problems with the motherboard.
Be sure to make sure that there are no passwords anywhere: on the account, in programs, and so on. But if the seller has not yet removed his data, then let him do it. More details in the next paragraph.
This is a separate issue for all Apple products. The fact is that if you do not turn off the Find My iPhone service or any other device, then it can be blocked. Therefore, we make sure that iCloud is not installed on the MacBook and the above service for the laptop is turned off.
Now we are doing the second launch of the device with the D key pressed to check for errors in the hardware and its status.
Install the Mactracker application: it will show the exact version of the laptop model, the date of purchase and the expiration date of the warranty. So the seller will not be able to deceive you, and you will either confirm or refute his words.
Mactracker application window
The following application called Screen Utility is installed to check for dead pixels on the maximum brightness of the Macbook screen. You don't want to end up with a bad display, do you?
It's time to check the laptop battery. It should be noted right away that the battery is designed for 1000 charge cycles. In the future, you will compare with this figure. Launch the menu with the Apple key on the main toolbar, go to "About This Mac", open the "Overview" tab and click on "System Report". Now in the side menu located on the left, open "Hardware" and the item "Power Options".
Here we look at the number of recharge cycles. The closer this number is to 1000, the sooner you will have to change the battery. For example, if you charge the battery only once a day, then there are approximately 365 cycles per year (plus or minus 10-15 cycles). It is also worth noting that 1000 recharge cycles are available only to modern MacBooks. That is, for a device in 2009, for example, this figure will be completely different.
Open any text editor and check the operation of all the keys: press each one in turn and see if they leave an imprint. Function keys should also be tested. If one of them does not work, then this device is not worth looking at, even if you save enough money.
Now we check the touchpad. Before buying a Macbook, check with the seller for the exact model, about which you can then read everything on the Internet: reviews, operating principles, device features, and so on. For example, on some Macbooks, the touchpad recognizes the force of pressure. And you won't be able to check it if you don't know in principle whether there is such a function in it or not.
After these checks, let's move on to testing the laptop in games and complex programs. Naturally, all this should be done within reason, since not all devices can pull, for example, the simultaneous processing of five photos, editing Full HD video, listening to music in the background, browsing the Internet, and so on.
We do not forget, of course, about ports and inputs: we check them to the last. Whether it's HDMI or USB, internet cable input, charging port and so on. All of them should, of course, work great.

Conclusion

Friends, today we discussed checking a MacBook before buying it from hand. We hope that these tips will help you get a really high-quality device that will not break in another week. Do not forget to share your opinion, impression, and personal experience in the comments!