Apple does not sell to wholesalers, but sells directly to consumers and to resellers. Resellers, like Best Buy, for example, do not discount Apple laptops. There is no source of discounted laptops. Hundreds, or perhaps even thousands, of laptops are stolen every year on their way to consumers and are then sold, mostly on eBay. Thus, any current, non discontinued model sold new in the box is most likely stolen,

When you purchase a new Apple laptop from eBay and register it with Apple (for warranty coverage) Apple updates the "REACT" task force with your contact information. You will receive a call from those nice folks. If you can provide the auction number, all is well. So far, Apple is not trying to recover these laptops. If Apple does want their laptop back, PayPal will, of course, protect you and provide a refund of your purchase price.

The MacBook Pro I recently purchased on eBay was stolen. The eBay Member I purchased it from has sold many new Apple laptops on eBay and has excellent feedback, although he is no longer selling on eBay. There are several more eBay sellers still active selling stolen laptops. Apple says I can keep my MacBook Pro and that I have full warranty coverage. All is well, I guess, but this is still a stolen computer.