Ok, this is interesting.
An alleged prototype of a 17-inch MacBook from the previous generation without an aluminum housing, has appeared for bidding on eBay. According to MacNN, the device allegedly integrates a 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, indicating that it may have been a prototype for the MacBook Pros released early in 2008.
Although pictures of the prototype device do not show a housing dissimilar to the MacBook Pro design that was chosen for production, the EMC number has been left blank.
The seller claims the device was purchased from a Craigslist ad posted by a “guy in San Jose.” After taking the MacBook to an Apple Store for servicing, the staff reportedly told the owner that the MacBook “doesn’t exist” and the red motherboard indicates a prototype instead of a production model.
Although it is uncommon for prototype products to surface on the market, it is routine for Apple to distribute such devices to certain employees. Possessors are typically prohibited, however, from selling the device or attempting to have it repaired.
The unit has a US$255 reserve which has yet to be met, so you could take home a cool piece of history if you wanted to…