Buying used macbook, how old is too old?

**muffintop** · 04-23-2013, 06:12 PM

I'm going to be buying either a 13" MB Air 13"-15" MBP within the next few days.
I'll definitely be getting one with 4gb RAM, and that can be upgraded to the latest OSX

My budget is about $700, and I will be using the computer only for TP2. There are a bunch used in this price range, all over the place in age.

My question is, how old is too old when buying a used Macbook?

Also,
Should I spend the little extra to get a 13" Air, or stick with the Pro?

**Sample Seven** · 04-23-2013, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by muffintop

I'm going to be buying either a 13" MB Air 13"-15" MBP within the next few days.
I'll definitely be getting one with 4gb RAM, and that can be upgraded to the latest OSX

My budget is about $700, and I will be using the computer only for TP2. There are a bunch used in this price range, all over the place in age.

My question is, how old is too old when buying a used Macbook?

Also,
Should I spend the little extra to get a 13" Air, or stick with the Pro?

My friend has a MacBook Pro with an Intel Core 2 Duo (2007ish). It runs TP2 like a champ, it actually runs it better than my much newer HP laptop with a Core i3.

I suppose it's not so much a question of performance as it is how much longer the computer will last before it craps out, so I would say buy the newest thing you can afford.

**deevey** · 04-23-2013, 07:47 PM

At least an i3 or i5 upgrade to 8gb ram if it does not have an SSD

I currently use a 5 year old core2duo MBP 8gb, still kicks ass but starting to show its age with newest software (e.g. Adobe Suite, Running Traktor/Ableton at the same time)

I dont think you will get a Macbook Air for that money that will IMHO "do the trick" (i3 mid 2011 model MINIMUM).

**dj gullum** · 04-23-2013, 08:02 PM

I have 2 Macbook
1. Macbook white 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 4 GB ram (2009)
1. Macbook Pro 15" 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 8 GB ram (late 2008) Plan to put an SSD in and move the internal one to the DVD slot.

I can run TP2 no problem on them on the MBP I also have no problem running TP2 synced to Mashine
I have not tried Ableton on them as I have a iMac for producing music.

so a MBP 2008 should be safe for now.
The 13" Air has the same screen resolation as the 15" pro so you get the same on the screen but will feel a bit cramped.

**soundinsurgent712** · 04-25-2013, 07:27 AM

I'd say save your money and go with at least a 2011 that has an i5 or i7 in it. You might as well go big or go home. If your gonna get serious with this Why sell yourself short on the heart of your system which is your laptop. Everything else is second to your laptop......and go with at least a 15 inch cause your gonna need that bigger screen when you start running multiple programs at once. Go with a Pro not an Air their to fragile.......

**deevey** · 04-25-2013, 09:48 AM

and go with at least a 15 inch cause your gonna need that bigger screen when you start running multiple programs at once.

I've actually seen a few 13' Macbook Pro Retina's for sale @ around $900. Very surprised.

IMHO the 13' is the ideal size, just not the greatest resolution in the regular macbook pro.

**muffintop** · 04-25-2013, 10:07 AM

http://www.everymac.com/systems/appl...011-specs.html

Just ordered one of these for a fairly good price! "Like new" the seller said. Let's see!

**soundinsurgent712** · 04-25-2013, 10:09 AM

Yeah but the Retina does nothing for you other then adding more stress to the gpu/cpu, waste of money unless you get 8on the cheap plus I don't think you can add an extra drive in those due to the small size.