which older macbook air?

[pwillsran]

looking for an older macbook air for a parent.

they have some surface garbage now lol.

just basic computing youtube, emails, word docs, browsing the net, etc.

want something that has the latest OS so can't be too old.
want to avoid any years that have problems (butterfly keyboard?)

 

[MajorFubar]

What's your budget and where's your location? If you're in the States it's way cheaper to jump on the Apple bandwagon than in the UK and EU (and probably elsewhere) because the greater quantity of used machines keeps prices lower.
My advice, which is just an opinion, is don't in 2022 buy any Air older than the current M1, launched in 2020. It's such a huge leap ahead of even the MBA which came immediately before it. If you can wait until the new M2 Air is launched, you will get killer deals on nearly new (<2 y/o) M1 Airs from compulsive upgraders who just need to have the latest gear.

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

Based on your “requirements” you can’t purchase anything old. The butterfly keyboard was replaced in early 2020 models (Intel chips still).

 

[44267547]

they have some surface garbage now lol.

To be fair, most people who prematurely call something ‘garbage’ without experience, likely have no idea what they’re talking about. The Surface is actually very solid tablet that’s dynamic in both workflow and media base services.

However, just to answer your question, I’d probably recommend a discounted M1 MacBook Air, plenty capable, sand probably be found with discounts if you search thoroughly.

 

[Bodhitree]

You could even buy a new M1 Macbook Air off Amazon, they are usually at least 100 euros off. But refurbished and second-hand are going to be even cheaper, if price is a factor.

 

[DouglasCarroll]

You want a 2015 Macbook air, probably the 13” model. It runs Monterey and is a great Machine. Get one with 8gb if possible, ssd size won’t matter for older people usage like you describe. No hardware issues at all with this year model and they are very affordable.

 

[jav6454]

looking for an older macbook air for a parent.

they have some surface garbage now lol.

just basic computing youtube, emails, word docs, browsing the net, etc.

want something that has the latest OS so can't be too old.
want to avoid any years that have problems (butterfly keyboard?)

Have you looked at Apple's refurb store? You can get great deals there.

 

[m1maverick]

You want a 2015 Macbook air, probably the 13” model. It runs Monterey and is a great Machine. Get one with 8gb if possible, ssd size won’t matter for older people usage like you describe. No hardware issues at all with this year model and they are very affordable.

I did exactly this for my father so he could run Office 365 (requires at least current - 2 macOS) Paid $230 for the 13", 8GB, 256GB configuration.

I avoided the M1 due to his USB device eco system. I wanted direct plug and play for his 2011 model.

 

[minik]

For a modern MacBook Air, don't get the 2018 (aka first retina) and 2019 (updated keyboard but same internal). The 8-gen Y processor and graphics are pretty weak. The pre-retina MacBook Air is fine but macOS Big Sur/Monterey seems to take a toll on it especially the early 2015 i5 model.