2. I am not looking to trade with someone on the forums only if anyone thinks I could do this.
I think it's quite possible, but you're going to have to run into a very special-case person: someone who bought a relatively new Mac, is unhappy with it, and wants to get back into the Windows side of things. I think it's highly unlikely that you will find this person. I do not think your trade is going to happen, and I think it's best you sell the computer for cash then use the cash to purchase a new/used/refurbished Mac.
Short: I don't think it's going to happen.
Just my opinion, as I've seen several others in this same situation. If you continue with the "more features" mindset, then it is of my opinion that you should stick with Windows PCs -- because if you can't get that Macs are not about cramming tons of "features" into a computer case, then once your trade does happen, you're going to be decidedly unhappy with your Mac. It helps to put yourself into a "minimalist" mindset when considering a Macintosh.
5. You must understand however, that my laptop has more features than even current macbooks (maybe not imacs) and that should be considered before saying that my laptop is worthless compared to macs. So an older mac for my laptop is an extremely good deal for someone who doesn't like mac.
Never said it was worthless, I'm just saying you're putting a higher value on "features" than what the market will. Little things that were "cool" when you purchased the laptop like a fingerprint scanner or a card reader have extremely little value in the aftermarket. The big things are RAM, hard drive, processor and screen (not particularly in that order) -- and that's about it.
For example, if you were selling a laptop that had a Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB RAM and a 320GB hard drive, let's say you could feasibly sell it for $300.
If you add a fingerprint scanner and a built-in card reader (i.e., more "features"), you could feasibly sell it for $305.
"Features" don't matter, much like a used car -- they just need a good, healthy engine and be structurally sound. Tinted windows, back-seat air conditioning, heated seats, steering wheel-mounted radio controls -- they are worthless in the aftermarket and do not add considerable "value" to the car. Same with computers.
This is what you have to sell, basically:
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.5 GHz
4GB DDR2
17 inch widescreen
CD/DVD Burner
320GB 5400rpm
These "features" do not add significant value to the computer whatsoever:
Studio 1735, T9300 800 Mhz 6m L2 Cache.
Midnight Blue color.
Back-lit keyboard
Hi Res glossy WLED
8x Slot Load (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
ATI mobility radeon hd 3650
Windows Vista Sp2 Home Premium
2.0M pixel webcam
Adobe Acrobat
Roxio Creator DE 10
Lojack theft revovery 3 year
Mcafee 3 year
3 year limited warranty
3 year accidental damage warranty
fingerprint reader (allows you to log on to computer by swiping your finger)
and a lot of extra software.
I understand that those "features" may have significantly influenced what the
original price of the computer was new, but in the used market, they mean very little.