There continues to be a healthy resale market on Apple's Clamshell laptop computers, and with good reason!  I am continually amazed at how well engineered they are.  They don't depreciate like PC's, but tend to remain functional, valuable and useful.
That being said, how do you go about getting a good Clamshell at a good price on eBay?  As a seller of Clamshells, I would like to share a few tips with you on things to look for as well as things to beware of.  Unfortunately there are Clamshell sellers that are less than reputable, as there are sellers in all areas of eBay.

There are some key features to look for in any Clamshell listing.  First, is the photograph you are looking at of the actual Clamshell up for sale?  If you can't be sure, ask the seller.  I have had my own images stolen many times by other sellers.  The picture should give you some representation of the cosmetic condition of the Clamshell, as well as its color.  Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for sellers to misidentify the color of the Clamshell they are selling.  If you are not sure, email the seller within the eBay system.  Then you have a record of them telling you the Clamshell is blue (Indigo), when what you receive is gray (Graphite) and have grounds for a
"significantly not as described" dispute.

Don't be fooled by sellers that throw around big numbers and complicated specs.  A 3Gb hard-drive is the same as a 3000Mb hard drive and that is the smallest stock size that these systems came with.  Hard-drive size does not get impressively big until you get up over 10Gb, which is the biggest stock size.  The bottom line is that if you want to use iPod, iPhoto or iMovie, you need a hard-drive that has been professionally upgraded considerably above the stock 10Gb.  Even running OS X effectively requires a significant upgrade in both RAM and hard drive size.  I routinely upgrade my systems to 40Gb, usually higher.

What about firewire?  Yes, it IS a big deal!  Firewire ONLY comes with a Keylime or Graphite 466 Clamshell, or an Indigo or KeyLime 366.  Period.  Firewire is a valuable feature, especially with the current technology and as it is hard-wired in, it is not something that can be added.  Expect to pay more if you want Firewire.  It is a rapid data transfer system that also allows you to connect external add-ons, like a DVD burner or a movie camera, up to 400mbs, comparable to the PC USB2.

ALL Clamshells come with at least a CD-ROM, which means you can read a CD, but not a DVD.  The 466 mentioned below is the only stock Clamshell that comes with a DVD-ROM, and will read DVD's, enabling you to play movies.  NO Clamshell comes stock with a DVD or CD burner, but one can be attached through the firewire port, which is fast enough to run it.

A 466 Clamshell is top of the line.  But how do you recognize one?  Very simply, it will have a shiny white plastic exterior top case, instead of the usual silvery gray metal-look one.

What is the seller's guarantee and what is his or her return policy?  This is crucial.  You must read the fine print in the listing.  If you don't find the information you are looking for, but are still interested, email the seller WITHIN the eBay system so that you have their response on record.  Is there any guarantee at all?  Is the Clamshell being sold "as is"?  If so, I would leave it for the techs on eBay to buy.  The minimum guarantee I would accept is a non-DOA, which means that the Clamshell will at least boot up when you receive it, but not necessarily anything more.   That's not really saying much, is it?  I like buyers who give me the opportunity to return the system if I don't like it.  Keep in mind, though, that YOU will be paying all the shipping.  I guarantee my Clamshells to be 100% functional when I sell them and if they aren't, I assume responsibility and FIX them!  I am not the only seller who sells this way!   However, this only applies to the system's hardware.  No seller can be expected to bail you out if you download incompatible software that shuts down the entire operating system.

Has the Clamshell been tested?  If so, who did the testing and what sort of testing was done?  I see many sellers say they did not have the time to test the computer before listing, but they expect you to plunk down lots of money for it anyway.  Well, if you don't have the time to test it, then I don't have the time to buy it!  I often read that the testing was done by a "retired tech."  What kind?  A Dental Technician?  I'm not saying that the clamshell has to be tested by a Certified Apple/Macintosh Technician, but it would be reassuring to know that the testing was done by someone who knows about Clamshells.  What kind of testing was done?  I run every Clamshell I sell through a very comprehensive test called Tech Tool Pro.  I believe that if all sellers did this, buying Clamshells on eBay would be a more positive and safer experience.

Speaking of testing, what about the battery?  A battery "duration" test, one that tells you how long the battery will hold a charge, is just not that hard to do.  A new Clamshell battery costs around $60 on eBay and holds a 6 hour charge.  Keep this in mind if you are dealing with a seller who has not tested the battery or is only willing to tell you that "it charges."  Batteries and their charge duration are more important to buyers who plan to move the Clamshell off their desk a lot.  If you don't or won't, it is not that important to you, except that it is the battery that holds the time and date, and possibly other settings, like printer settings, that you could possibly lose should you unplug it.

Somebody must insure the computer during transit.  Clamshells are tough, but I have received damaged systems, most often cracked cases, when the packing was not what it should be.  If your seller is not willing to, buy the insurance yourself.  If the system is damaged and uninsured, it will turn into a dispute that could tie your new computer up a long time while PayPal sorts it out.  You DID pay by PayPal, didn't you?  If not, what guarantee do you have that the seller received your payment and sent the system to you?  And who will protect your interests if there IS a problem?  There is NO downside to using PayPal for buyers.  It costs money for sellers to use, but the protection that is provided for both sides of the transaction makes it worthwhile, in my opinion.

Don't get too excited about the seller who is willing to upgrade or customize the computer to your specifications for an additional cost.  I see this a lot.  The seller should perform any upgrades prior to listing the unit or sell the unit as listed.  Upgrading after the fact for an additional fee is a form of fee avoidance and the listing may get reported for being in violation and disappear suddenly.

As Clamshells are no longer made, they are starting to pick up something of a "vintage" flavor about them that only seems to increase their value.  There are a number of people who collect them and many more who use them every day.  It is common knowledge that Mac's are favored by folks in Graphic Arts-related businesses, for good reason.  If you use common sense, read carefully, aren't afraid to ask questions and pay with Paypal, there is non reason why buying a Clamshell on eBay can't be fun and a wonderful value.  Please feel free to email me personally if I can be of any assistance.