I'm looking to buy a Used MacBook. Which late models would be the most cost effective and would last a few more semesters before becoming obsolete? I am aware of the Mac Pro upgrades but I can't find anything online that discusses late model notebooks.
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Need a budget school comp
- Thread starter Nksmith86
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Welcome to MR 
Tell us more about what you want to do with your computer ... Heavy number crunching, video processing, note taking, web research ... What is your budget ?
Tell us more about what you want to do with your computer ... Heavy number crunching, video processing, note taking, web research ... What is your budget ?
Normal school things mostly. I will need to web surf, research ect. I want something quick but don't need to do much in the way of video/audio work. I do dj on occasion for extra cash so I will need somthing better than a g4 preferably something that can handle at least lion. I was thinking around the 300-400 range. If I can justify spending more I will.
Maybe something along these lines http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MacBook...WQNK/ref=aag_m_pw_dp?ie=UTF8&m=A31S0G23O53F7U I did see a few with 2.4 core duos
Not at the moment but I can tell you the core 2 duo is a very fast processor and the ssd sped the boot up time to around 15 seconds alone. She used to get beachballs when opening iTunes (in mountain lion) with around 10-15 startup time for it. Now it's almost instant. The ram upgrade was more than sufficient as well for school work / personal usage. I also really like the screen on hers because after using my air for a while its nice to have that much space / resolution.
In your price range I think you will have a tough time getting something newer. Also used airs tend to hold value because the 2008-12 look so similiar. They go for almost new prices. But the 7,1 macbook is no slouch.
In your price range I think you will have a tough time getting something newer. Also used airs tend to hold value because the 2008-12 look so similiar. They go for almost new prices. But the 7,1 macbook is no slouch.
In my area you will not fin a 2010 for 300. A 2008 macbook would be the best laptop in that range around here. 2010's go for about 500-600.
Just realized how much value these airs hold, I saw a guy selling a 09 baseliine 11 inch for $1200 in "new condition"
HE WILL GET NO BUYERS! lol ive seen on craig 2011 Mac Airs 11" run for 700 so a 2010 mac air would do for about 400-500. Used of course
if i could find a 2010 air for 400-500 i would be a happy camper. i do have a buddy in jersey so i can scout craigslist up there as well. if worst comes to worst im looking at a plastic body :/ amazon'd with a 2.4 in it. OR im buyying a solid state and putting it in my thinkpad for 100....which i would rather not do
There are classifieds on this site, however you have to be a member for awhile before you have access...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-Macbo...58661020?pt=Apple_Laptops&hash=item3f2250cf9c
I would recommend something like this, the 2008 Macbook (aluminum) isn't obsolete at all, still looks and works great too.
There are classifieds on this site, however you have to be a member for awhile before you have access...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-Macbo...58661020?pt=Apple_Laptops&hash=item3f2250cf9c
I would recommend something like this, the 2008 Macbook (aluminum) isn't obsolete at all, still looks and works great too.
I actually bought a 2008 Macbook Aluminium in September last year - couldn't really justify spending the cash on a new MBA / MBP given all I really need a computer for - and have been absolutely delighted with it. Intend to shortly upgrade the RAM to 8GB, which will hopefully see me through the next couple of years! Thoroughly recommended.
Hi.
I have a white MacBook (I think late 2008 or early 2009).
It's the last white plastic model with irda port before the unibody white plastic.
I've upgraded to 4GB ram (max is 6 by two 4GB sticks but those are pricey).
The OEM hard drive is very slow. I've upgraded to WD blue, WD black, and then to SSD. Each HD upgrade made big speed gains.
Latest OS is Lion.
More RAM and SSD will also extend battery life.
Sure Air weighs less. All depends on your budget. If its $400 you may get one with a SSD and use the old drive as external.
I think the original Air is too slow.
If you run Snow you can get Apple remote and watch your iTunes stuff via front row. Install Perian too.
Good luck with your hunt...
I have a white MacBook (I think late 2008 or early 2009).
It's the last white plastic model with irda port before the unibody white plastic.
I've upgraded to 4GB ram (max is 6 by two 4GB sticks but those are pricey).
The OEM hard drive is very slow. I've upgraded to WD blue, WD black, and then to SSD. Each HD upgrade made big speed gains.
Latest OS is Lion.
More RAM and SSD will also extend battery life.
Sure Air weighs less. All depends on your budget. If its $400 you may get one with a SSD and use the old drive as external.
I think the original Air is too slow.
If you run Snow you can get Apple remote and watch your iTunes stuff via front row. Install Perian too.
Good luck with your hunt...
