Used MacBook Air:

[speeder]

I’m looking at used MacBook Air laptops on CL. These are about $1k new, (for the base model), but I’m cheap and want to spend half that or less. I’ve had pretty good luck w other Apple products lasting a while w heavy use. Here are my questions for the experts:

Battery life is important on this device, it’s a carry/travel machine. I have no idea what a good number is for battery cycles, is 90 a lot? Here is an ad I’m looking at:

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/sys/d/los-angeles-apple-2015-macbook-air-13/7281835213.html

Any other important info on these is appreciated, such as how old is still new enough, etc. Different ages of Mac products run different latest OSes, from what I can gather. Some people don’t like the latest OS, it seems. Thanks a million!

[RANDY P]

So, it's had a new battery recently. That's a base model

Honestly, for a 128GB 6 Y/O model, it doesn't seem to strike me as 'good deal'. I'd hold out for a Pro, especially now the new architecture is out.

rjp

[RANDY P]

1 year old MBP.

236 charge cycles. I don't know if being on PARF had any effect on that figure.

PS If you buy it, I say DON"T upgrade to Big Sur- it sucks the battery life out of my machine. Hate it.

[speeder]

I super appreciate that advice. I know that the newer machines are better and pro is better but of course, more $$. I just called on the one I linked, it’s at a pawn shop not far away and I was thinking about offering $300 cash for it.

Also appreciate the advice wrt Big Sur, sometimes Apple’s “upgrades” suck bigly. I don’t need super high performance but need speed online for trading, etc.

EDIT: So does the battery page no longer display battery health as a percentage number?

[pmax]

I have one like this just after a few years ...

[speeder]

Originally Posted by RANDY P

So, it's had a new battery recently. That's a base model

Honestly, for a 128GB 6 Y/O model, it doesn't seem to strike me as 'good deal'. I'd hold out for a Pro, especially now the new architecture is out.

rjp

In 2015, the MacBook Air came in either 11” or 13”. So this is the more expensive one. There was no “Pro” MBA, that’s the regular MacBook.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by pmax

I have one like this just after a few years ...

What year is it and have you tried bringing it in for service? Sometimes, they just need to re-load the OS.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by pmax

I have one like this just after a few years ...

Hard drive went tits up or OS corrupt.

Easy fix if it's got a platter.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by speeder

I’m looking at used MacBook Air laptops on CL. These are about $1k new, (for the base model), but I’m cheap and want to spend half that or less. I’ve had pretty good luck w other Apple products lasting a while w heavy use. Here are my questions for the experts:

Battery life is important on this device, it’s a carry/travel machine. I have no idea what a good number is for battery cycles, is 90 a lot? Here is an ad I’m looking at:

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/sys/d/los-angeles-apple-2015-macbook-air-13/7281835213.html

Any other important info on these is appreciated, such as how old is still new enough, etc. Different ages of Mac products run different latest OSes, from what I can gather. Some people don’t like the latest OS, it seems. Thanks a million!

Not a huge fan of the older Air's.

Some years / models are not really user serviceable.

Check Apple refurb site, apple.com scroll to bottom

Stock changes daily so you have to keep an eye on it and grab what you want when you see it cause it may not last.

Saw new M1 Airs on there last week for $800ish.

[craigster59]

^^^^ I have bought my Macs "refurbished" at Apple. Same warranty as a new Mac and no problems. Last one bought in 2014 and still going strong.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I know you don't want to spend this much but really something to consider. The $400-$500 MBAir is disposable. The very newest MBAirs use a new Apple designed chip that, from what I've read, is incredible and blows away previous models.

Consider that older Macs run slower on the latest OS and the latest applications run best on the latest OS.

A new MBAir will last 5+ years. An older one may only last one or two.

$1000 buys you speed, security, a warranty and on and on.

Choose your new MacBook Air and select a finish.

[pmax]

Originally Posted by speeder

What year is it and have you tried bringing it in for service? Sometimes, they just need to re-load the OS.

2014.

How much does that service cost ?

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Hard drive went tits up or OS corrupt.

Easy fix if it's got a platter.

Easy fix for DIY ?

[speeder]

Originally Posted by pmax

2014.

How much does that service cost ?

I just had it done at a licensed reseller and they charged me $99. If you have Apple stores that are open where you live, the Genius Bar will sometimes do it for free while you wait. At least in the past, they did. You might have to wait for them to be fully open again.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Not a huge fan of the older Air's.

Some years / models are not really user serviceable.

Check Apple refurb site, apple.com scroll to bottom

Stock changes daily so you have to keep an eye on it and grab what you want when you see it cause it may not last.

Saw new M1 Airs on there last week for $800ish.

The only downside to a new one would be running the latest OS, which is supposed to suck. OTOH, it’s a foot race to stay ahead of obsolescence w Apple stuff these days.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by speeder

The only downside to a new one would be running the latest OS, which is supposed to suck. OTOH, it’s a foot race to stay ahead of obsolescence w Apple stuff these days.

I checked this weekend and my Macbook is a 13" Air from early 2015. i looked at their refurbs and they don't have anything earlier than 2020 and even then I think your saving $180 going refurbished, not anything to get excited about.

Right now I'm running Mojave which is a 2018 OS behind Catalina and the new one Big Sur. Here's one similar to mine that just popped up on "Offer Up" for $420 (gee, where did they come up with that price?)....

https://offerup.com/item/detail/1082902580/

[wildthing]

It may not be half the price but I’d get Apple Refurb.

[Arizona_928]

Well don't they hold the value.

I use my spare macbook to watch movies on. Usb cd player is a must.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by craigster59

i looked at their refurbs and they don't have anything earlier than 2020.....[/url]

The inventory shown is real time.

There could be a dozen M1 chipped boxes listed in the morning and at some point during the day they could all be gone.

I’ve stuck stuff in my cart, gotten distracted, come back later to check out and gotten “so sorry, we sold that **** 2 hours ago, next time don’t drag your feet”

[bugstrider]

We are currently using a 2017 MBA and love it’s portability. When my extended AppleCare runs out in July, I plan on doing a DIY memory upgrade to a 1TB memory stick. Per our serial #, it’s one of the last ones that an upgrade is possible.

Later models have the internal memory soldered to the mother board. Check your local University computer store for any used ones as well. Just an idea if your set on a used one.

Cheers


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Racerbvd]

Here is another option for a refurbished one.
https://www.backmarket.com/refurbished-macbook-Pro.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu7r26v-l7wIV4TizAB2VfQ3JEAAYAyAAEgL9HvD_BwE