Macbook Pro

[TyShawn]

I was hoping to get so direction from the pros on a realistic model range I could get for around $500.00. I am open to a 13 inch, but would rather have a 15 inch. My wife currently owns a 2012 non-retina model and I love it. I currently have a very used white Macbook and I don't believe its worth repairing and upgrading as I also have a 2006 Mini that I want to donate to Goodwill. So my plan is to run my MB as a desktop with a KB, Trackpad and monitor. Then buy a new used Pro as my mobile unit.

 

[Tomorrow]

Do you already have the keyboard, trackpad, and monitor? Because that will likely take up at least half (or more) of your budget.

For $500, you're looking at old hardware if you stick with the MBP line. What do you plan to do with this setup?

 

[Samuelsan2001]

I was hoping to get so direction from the pros on a realistic model range I could get for around $500.00. I am open to a 13 inch, but would rather have a 15 inch. My wife currently owns a 2012 non-retina model and I love it. I currently have a very used white Macbook and I don't believe its worth repairing and upgrading as I also have a 2006 Mini that I want to donate to Goodwill. So my plan is to run my MB as a desktop with a KB, Trackpad and monitor. Then buy a new used Pro as my mobile unit.

Any 15 inch in that price range is prone to dGPU failure and the repair program for the 2011 finishes this month so not a good buy. A 2012 13 inch cMBP is about the best you'll get for that sort of money.

 

[TyShawn]

Ok so based on that info I could keep my current Macbook for mobile use, which is fine with me. If I were to look at an older IMac 27 or a Mac Pro what would best fit this need.

Websurfing
Encoding with hand break (currently using an 06 mini)
If a pro desktop replacement stats below.
Asus P6T Deluxe V2
I7 920 OC to 3.8
6GB of ram
XFX HD 5870
640 WD Hard Drive
Sony AD-7241S-0B
CORSAIR 750HX
Lian Li case -V1200Aplus

 

[AroundTheFur922]

I would assume that even the older 27 inch iMacs or Mac Pros would be closer to $1,000 than to $500. I agree with Samuelson that a 2012 13" cMBP would be the only realistic option at the $500 price point. If you were willing to go just a tad further I imagine you might be able to unearth an early model 13" rMBP for maybe around $700 or so.

 

[TyShawn]

I would assume that even the older 27 inch iMacs or Mac Pros would be closer to $1,000 than to $500. I agree with Samuelson that a 2012 13" cMBP would be the only realistic option at the $500 price point. If you were willing to go just a tad further I imagine you might be able to unearth an early model 13" rMBP for maybe around $700 or so.

I could do 700 just the Bay doesn't seem to want to play nice at that price point. I was looking at the Pros and IMacs going somewhere within that price point.