Hey everyone! I could really use some advice. Just yesterday I spilled hot tea on my Asus laptop and it fried. I'm considering getting a used 2017 MacBook Air since I found it at a low price, and it's refurbished with a one-year guarantee from a reputable site, not a private seller. I'm mainly looking to use it for browsing the web and watching movies. I have a powerful desktop for my more demanding tasks like Adobe, so I don't need a powerhouse here. My biggest concern is whether this MacBook will die on me quickly. Would you recommend buying it?
5 Answers
Honestly, if you're looking for longevity, a Thinkpad might be a better option. They offer similar prices but come with better specs, a nice display, and upgradeable components. Plus, if you're into experimenting, you could try running macOS on that with Hackintosh, although that's a bit complicated.
If it's the $200 one, it might be okay as a secondary device, but be aware that you won't be able to update to the latest macOS. Also, remember this model is quite old—2017 models are nearing the end of their usable life, but they can still serve well for basic tasks if you manage your expectations
Buying a MacBook usually isn't the best choice for the price. You might be better off with a Chromebook that can handle the same tasks for less cash.
I hear you, but I’m eyeing the seamless integration with my other Apple gadgets. That’s a big plus for me.
You think it’ll only last a short while? I've had my 2017 MacBook Air for years. If you grab one with a decent CPU and GPU, it should be fine for a while, especially for your needs!
For reference, I recently bought a Dell with some solid specs for a great price, and it's holding up well!
I'd say Apple tends to support their devices with security updates for about a decade, but keep your expectations in check. A 2017 model might feel outdated in just a couple of years. It’s a bit of a gamble, really.
True! Thinkpads are solid machines.