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How do you "Retire" a computer?

F

FooArk

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Mar 16, 2011
433
78
I have a 2009 MBP now, but will eventually buy a Retina MBP.

So do you just stop using the MBP? Put it away and enjoy the moments you had? If you just completely stop using the computer, is that bad?
 
If it still has value I'll sell it or give it to someone. It's a tough world out there, someone less fortunate can make use of what would be a dust collector for you.
 
I usually don't upgrade until my stuff breaks, but when I do upgrade, I just leave it in the closet. Having it handy if your new computer breaks is more valuable than the money you get selling it.
 
One I sold on EBAY. Most have I've either "handed down" to family members or have given to charity for reuse (FreeGeek here in Portland, OR.)
 
FooArk said:
I have a 2009 MBP now, but will eventually buy a Retina MBP.

So do you just stop using the MBP? Put it away and enjoy the moments you had? If you just completely stop using the computer, is that bad?
Click to expand...

Keep it as a backup computer.

I still have a 2009 17" MBP for this reason, and have also performed some upgrades to it (8GB RAM and an old Samsung 830 SSD taken out from an old Mac Pro).

It still has quite some useful life left in it.
 
yjchua95 said:
Keep it as a backup computer.

I still have a 2009 17" MBP for this reason, and have also performed some upgrades to it (8GB RAM and an old Samsung 830 SSD taken out from an old Mac Pro).

It still has quite some useful life left in it.
Click to expand...

Ditto this. I've left my 13" 2009 at my boyfriend' as an extra laptop and to use with remote disk. It still has an HDD, but a new battery and a Mavericks upgrade have given it some new life.
 
Ebay.

I just replaced my mid-2009 MBP last week withe a Haswell MBP Retina. People pay very good money for well taken care of MBPs on there.
 
If it still works, it's a very worthwhile machine - sell it, or keep it as a backup. I've breathed new life into a few of these particular ones with SSDs...should be a great machine for all but the most demanding user.

To answer your question - if I do decide to sell a computer, I usually restore the software to the original factory versions (although now that OS X Mavericks is free, I guess you could leave it on there), and do a secure disk erase just for a bit of peace of mind (I think it's the 8-times option in Disk Utility).
 
I'd just like to say for those who are keeping their old computer as a spare in the closet, you are most likely wasting a valuable commodity. Either make use of it or give/sell it to someone who will. Don't be adding to electronic waste crisis.
 
I have handed them down to family/friends that do not have a laptop

I have never replaced a laptop untill I feel its not longer working to my desirees so to come up with a value its hard

this 2011 is my first MAC so I am not familiar with replacing a computer that still has a value of $600-800, and by reading these forums some users replace their machines when they are still worth over 1K, so I guess handing it down is not an option for them
 
Buy new one. Migrate data. Secure erase old drive and reinstall OS X.

Sell the old one or give it to someone in need (could be family, friend, or stranger).
 
Mine get passed down to the kids. Mom and Dad get the new tech, kids get the year or two old stuff. Between the kids, they'll hold on to it for another few years. I generally will put them on Craigslist when I'm ready to pass down another one and need to move one out.

Victor
 
Macs get passed down, donated or sold.

Windows gaming systems get kept for when friends with integrated GPUs visit. :eek:

Cheers,
 
I gave my late 2008 unibody MacBook to my friend for his kids to use. They are still young enough they they don't care that it is not the latest tech. They are just excited to have their own Mac!;)
 
I sell it, either eBay or Craiglist. My last MBP was handed down to my wife and I suspect when the time comes to do the same for my rMBP I'll give it to one of my kids.
 
A few years ago, I gave my "Mint & Boxed" Titanium powerbook to a friend
who I thought deserved it and would get good use from it.
( it did not have a single scratch and looked brand new )

After one week he knocked it off the table and bend the screen hinges
and dented the side of the case :-(

I won't be giving any more away after that - I was heart broken.

.... I'm a bit obsessive about looking after my gadgets !!

My last Macbook Pro from 2008 was sold in 2012 and went towards this one
I am writing on now.

M.
 
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