Indeed, my experience is the same. Years ago I tried to sell my 1.5 year old MacBook white (back when it was still the regular consumer model). I could only get a bit more than half of the purchase price. The trick in the article may work sell before the end of the cycle), but I don't want to align to Apple's cycle. What if the cycle is probably going to end, and you have some deadlines?

I concluded that the resale price is too low for such good-quality and durable hardware that I decided I'd rather give my older hardware to family or friends for free or a small compensation. Making someone happy with a good MacBook or Mac Mini is worth more.

Then make it worth more. Things like Applecare, the software you have on it, and other upgrades can increase the value.

Load it up with expensive software and you will earn a higher resale value.

I think the key is selling it in a year. A year old macbook retains most of its value. It's actually the same thing with BMWs ;-).