MBP 13 for wife is it enough power

[jmjava]

Buying a Mac laptop for my wife. It will be used as our home PC and she will use it for photo editing. We prefer portable as we never look at the thing in the same place, just where convenient.

Mainly running iLife and iWorks suites, email, finances, browsing etc.

My question is will she/we be satisfied with this computer with respect to power? Next question is: Is there enough value in buying an older model like 2010 vs new. Thanks in advance the help.

 

[miles01110]

Any Mac portable made within the last 3-5 years will be fine for your wife's requirements.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Oh this could be a fun one but I'll keep it clean.

Anything from 2010 on would be great, 2009 on would work well too.

 

[mobilehaathi]

Too much power even in a 2010 model. You'll be fine.

 

[jmjava]

Is there enough value in buying used? Savings vs new for the power sacrificed? Is there a place where you would say nah that's too old. thanks for the responses thus far!

 

[cperry2]

Might even want to consider a 13" 2011 Air, depending on budget. You'd be fine with a 2009 though as stated, could probably find one used for ~500.

 

[jmjava]

Might even want to consider a 13" 2011 Air, depending on budget. You'd be fine with a 2009 though as stated, could probably find one used for ~500.

Assuming ebay or craigslist for that kind of deal?

 

[cperry2]

Yes. Although honestly your safest bet for a deal is Apple Refurb - comes with standard warranty.

 

[jmjava]

Yes. Although honestly your safest bet for a deal is Apple Refurb - comes with standard warranty.

I see this recommendation in many posts. I have to say that as I look around ebay and craiglist. There are not many great deals in contrast with a refurb from apple. I guess it is a testament to the quality of the macs!

 

[mobilehaathi]

I see this recommendation in many posts. I have to say that as I look around ebay and craiglist. There are not many great deals in contrast with a refurb from apple. I guess it is a testament to the quality of the macs!

Apple refurb is solid: highly recommended.

 

[macrominnie]

I agree that Apple refurbs are a good option, since there's always a 1 year warranty.

While any model will serve the needs here, I find the i3/i5/i7 chips (Feb 2011 or later for the 13") noticeably speedier than than Intel Core2duo. An SSD swapped in for a SATA HDD would also boost performance, but that may also be a luxury for the needs described.