I have a 13-inch, mid 2012 MacBook Pro. I installed a SSD and a new RAM chip in 2016 since a chip failed. I have occasional minor glitches on the computer, which may be the 2nd RAM chip failing. I also replaced the battery in 2017 since it had reduced capacity. Debating whether I should spend the $ to troubleshoot in case the system eventually crashes vs just upgrade. How often do you upgrade?
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How often to replace/upgrade MacBook Pro?
- Thread starter applefan19
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I refresh all computers on a 3 year cycle.
Currently running a 2019MBPr15.6 will update 2022.
Just refreshed the windows machines with an Asus G14.
Sexy lady ( wife ) will be getting the new Apple release that shows tomorrow ( as long as it is a MBPr, if not she will get a MBPr16 ).
I upgrade iPads on an Apple release cycle ( about every year: whenever a new iPad Pro 11ish size comes out ).
I upgrade iPhones on an Apple release cycle ( currently have 3 iPhone Pro 12s ).
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I upgraded every couple of years.
Right now, unless you need specific Intel Mac only software, I try to wait a few months. Apple is introducing a whole series of Macs that will run on Apple-made (so-called Apple Silicon) processors. The first models will be introduced tomorrow with more models coming out soon.
Right now, unless you need specific Intel Mac only software, I try to wait a few months. Apple is introducing a whole series of Macs that will run on Apple-made (so-called Apple Silicon) processors. The first models will be introduced tomorrow with more models coming out soon.
I upgrade every six to eight years and generally when my device begins to fail or is made to be obsolete. So, I would think you are ready for an upgrade. Throwing money into a laptop that is over seven years old is like putting a new engine in a car that is 20 years old with 250,000 mile on it.
I was holding out to buy one for grad school, but probably won’t go for at least a year or more now. If I start grad school, I’d probably do another upgrade to start fresh.
If a $1800 16GB 13" MBP, with $100 of adaptors just to plug anything in, and $270 AppleCare, lasted eight years, you're paying $270 a year. That's the price if your luck is perfect.
(If you trade it in at 3 years and get $1200 then you can assetize the dock setup and that still comes to $290 a year.) (eta $230/y for the new M1 16GB)
For less than $270 I can go through a logic board repair on my 2012 every year this decade if my luck is horrible.
What was true in 2003 was not true in 2012. 2012 Macs will literally not be obsolete, ever. There's no OS that could overtax them unless it was designed on purpose to be horrible. They have sucky GPUs but that was just as limiting in 2012, it's not an issue of aging. That's why when you talk to an Apple Engineer about how 2012 Macs are just as good as today's, they say "T2 chip."
(If you trade it in at 3 years and get $1200 then you can assetize the dock setup and that still comes to $290 a year.) (eta $230/y for the new M1 16GB)
For less than $270 I can go through a logic board repair on my 2012 every year this decade if my luck is horrible.
What was true in 2003 was not true in 2012. 2012 Macs will literally not be obsolete, ever. There's no OS that could overtax them unless it was designed on purpose to be horrible. They have sucky GPUs but that was just as limiting in 2012, it's not an issue of aging. That's why when you talk to an Apple Engineer about how 2012 Macs are just as good as today's, they say "T2 chip."
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Upgraded from a 2011 13 inch MBP after spilling beer on the keyboard in 2017, short of six years in service 🤬
I had planned to keep it for 2-3 more years. Just saw it would still receive security updates...
The following 2017 MBP had keyboard failures twice so I upgraded after only three years. My latest machine is "future proof" as far as Apple allows (10gen 4-core, 16GB RAM, 1 TB), and I hope to keep it until late into the decade.
What is your use case? Will the transition from Intel to ARM have any impact on your use case? Then I would either buy one of the probably final Intel machines, or wait until second gen Apple Silicon devices are available.
We just replaced my wife's 2010 Core2Duo with a 2020 MacBookPro. I'm writing this on my 2011 i5. I've maxed the RAM, but still have an HDD and I'm on my 3rd battery.
I have a late 2012/early 2013 Macbook Pro. Powerwise, it runs all my software more than adequately. Hard drive is a little close to full for my taste, but perhaps more importantly, it looks like I won't be able to run Big Sur on it. It's annoying to be orphaned. That said, it's hard to complain. The machine has been used every single day and is holding up fine.
BTW, the arms that hold the (spring-loaded) RAM in place sometimes go weak. Typically it's a binary failure - the top card just stops being recognized completely because it's slightly out of place. So it likely isn't the culprit for your glitches. But it's a very easy fix, if it is the problem or if you just want to eliminate the possibility - just jam some plastic next to the arms.
It really depends on usage and how it’s cared for. My 2011 MBP was running ok until the GPU crapped out. Weighing the disable fix. Picked up a 2015 MBA to use while I decide what to do going forward. It has adequate power for my needs. Next machine will likely be Apple Silicon but I don’t want to be the first. I feel really comfortable keeping one for 8-10 years. About the same I do with cars.
My MBP prior to this 16" was a 2011 15" which I need to sell now. I did have a 2015 iMac 27" that I tried to get by with as my primary but it was not portable and that eventually got old so I bought this in May.
I need Windows for now so this may be my last Mac for awhile if they go completely Apple silicon. Perhaps another iMac later if they stay on Intel.
I need Windows for now so this may be my last Mac for awhile if they go completely Apple silicon. Perhaps another iMac later if they stay on Intel.
Do you think the 15” size is worth it? I’ve only had the 13”. I’m considering the 16”, especially since I’ll mostly use it at home. However, I’m not sure I can justify the price jump for casual personal use (unless I do eventually attend grad school).
I used to have the latest and greatest, but recently I have slowed down my upgrades - the updates itself tend to be more incremental so I don't really see a reason to upgrade. Currently on a 4 year 13" MBP, although I might just jump ship on the MBA M1 because of the keyboard and to see how M1 actually is.
Yearly for me. Tech is the only thing I spend money and that’s limited to Apple for the most part (MacBooks and iPhones).
I do the yearly buy newest gen and then sell the last gen although this year with the m1 I am skipping and holding onto my 16” pro.
I do the yearly buy newest gen and then sell the last gen although this year with the m1 I am skipping and holding onto my 16” pro.
I upgrade when the one I have can no longer do the job.
For me my computers are used for video & photo editing. If the 4K video work slows down or the handling of lots of photos/graphics starts bogging down the computer - it gets upgraded. I max out my computers when I get them. Currently I have a custom built Windows desktop and a 13” 2020 MBP that is maxed out. I will keep my MBP until it gets too slow.
I will admit that with my iPhone I am more app to upgrade frequently. It really depends on the features and if the one I have is driving me nuts. Just got a 12Pro - wanted the night camera. Also the Qualcomm modem is giving me much better signal strength. In my rural area is a huge plus.
For me my computers are used for video & photo editing. If the 4K video work slows down or the handling of lots of photos/graphics starts bogging down the computer - it gets upgraded. I max out my computers when I get them. Currently I have a custom built Windows desktop and a 13” 2020 MBP that is maxed out. I will keep my MBP until it gets too slow.
I will admit that with my iPhone I am more app to upgrade frequently. It really depends on the features and if the one I have is driving me nuts. Just got a 12Pro - wanted the night camera. Also the Qualcomm modem is giving me much better signal strength. In my rural area is a huge plus.
There are people who use their MacBook Pro for 10+ years without problems. If you really wanted to use the machine for work/web browsing/movie viewing, it is more than enough to make it last a long time. But the idea of buying something shiny and new is what always gets us to sell after 3 or 4 years.