Should I buy MBP 13" 2011 i5 or buy a new model

[haipronl]

Dear MacRumors Member,
To briefly introduce, I currently intend to buy Macbook Pro 13" 2.3GHz i5 2011 and upgrade RAM and SSD up to 8GB and 128GB, respectively. It might improve the performance of MBP but the problem is that MBP 2011 cannot receive a new update from apple, especially in MacOS. Maybe it is quite old (8 years old) right now. Or should I buy a new one (2014 or 2015 maybe).
I usually have 15 tabs open with Chrome, work with Office, and run virtual machine (Win 7).
My money is around 700$.
Could you please give a valuable advice for me?
Thank you in advance.^^

 

[Mr. Dee]

I really would avoid 2011 (which is now vintage) and 2012 models which are next to be designated vintage. If you want a machine with some guaranteed mileage left out of it, I would go with a 2014 or 2013 model, minimum. This of course depends on your budget. Considering your budget is around $700, you might actually get a 2013 for that. I was just reading a thread post from someone comparing the new 2018 with his 2013 and he mentioned getting a fully maxed 2013 for $700. So, maybe if you can research a little bit more, you might able to get a good configuration within your budget.

 

[haipronl]

I really would avoid 2011 (which is now vintage) and 2012 models which are next to be designated vintage. If you want a machine with some guaranteed mileage left out of it, I would go with a 2014 or 2013 model, minimum. This of course depends on your budget. Considering your budget is around $700, you might actually get a 2013 for that. I was just reading a thread post from someone comparing the new 2018 with his 2013 and he mentioned getting a fully maxed 2013 for $700. So, maybe if you can research a little bit more, you might able to get a good configuration within your budget.

I got it. Thank you so much for your kind reply. Depend on my tiny budget. I think I will upgrade it first and keep it as long as it can.

 

[keysofanxiety]

I got it. Thank you so much for your kind reply. Depend on my tiny budget. I think I will upgrade it first and keep it as long as it can.

I wouldn't go for a 2011 13" as they're currently vintage. If you're absolutely insisting on going for an older model, do the 2012 13" because these are just as cheap (if not cheaper) due to market saturation as Apple sold them for ages. Plus USB 3, better CPU/GPU.

Though again I would save up for a newer one personally.

 

[haipronl]

I wouldn't go for a 2011 13" as they're currently vintage. If you're absolutely insisting on going for an older model, do the 2012 13" because these are just as cheap (if not cheaper) due to market saturation as Apple sold them for ages. Plus USB 3, better CPU/GPU.

Though again I would save up for a newer one personally.

Of course. The price for MBP 2012 is little higher and this MBP was last unibody product. Thank for your comment

 

[AppleHaterLover]

Buy a 2015 MacBook Air. Those are cheaper, probably faster, and probably the best for your budget.