Jiří Filip Commercial message: Consumer electronics are constantly improving thanks to more modern technologies and offer manufacturers more powerful, economical and efficient solutions. At regular intervals, we encounter newer generations of computers from Apple, while the macOS operating system itself gradually increases its hardware requirements. MacBook but exceptionally, it remains one of the laptops that fully functions even after several years of use, which cannot be said too much about competing models. Which generation can be used without problems even in 2022, or what to pay attention to with older models?
Characteristics of an outdated MacBook
If we proceed from official information, which Apple designates specific models as globally obsolete, this includes, for example, MacBook Air (year 2013 and older) or MacBook Pro (year 2011 and older). However, these selected pieces can be classified as "difficult" to repair within the availability of spare parts, rather than unusable. But if you were to choose one of these older models, na MacBookarna.cz he can easily deal with the repair. The entire chapter of this article will focus more on user groups and their requirements, including the purchase price of computers. But we must not forget about operating system support. By the way, such a MacBook Air, which celebrates its ten-year anniversary next year (2013), has an Intel Core i5 processor and 4 GB of RAM, which is a very sufficient configuration for a less demanding user.
macOS operating system support
An important factor is the support of the macOS operating system, which runs on Apple computers. As soon as a key update is not available for it, you may subsequently encounter a problem installing selected programs that you are going to use. Even in the future, a computer on an older system is often unusable in certain situations. If we were to follow the minimum system version milestone in 2022, it is advisable to choose computers supporting at least macOS 10.13 High Sierra (2017), which meets all the conditions. If you want to be sure of updates for the next few years and you plan to have the computer for a longer period of time, then we recommend at least macOS 11.0 Big Sur, which is the version of the system released in 2020. According to official information, the list of supported models includes 13” and 15” MacBook Pro 2013 and newer, as well as 11” and 13” MacBook Air 2013 and newer. Other models are notebook computers from Apple are unrestricted. All these pieces are available here.
If we were to summarize the paragraph above, you will definitely not make a mistake by purchasing the 2013+ model series, and you will also be taken care of for many years. You can choose an affordable MacBook Air directly from the e-shop www.macbookarna.cz, where you also get a 12-month warranty and within 30 days you can return it without giving a reason, or exchange it for another one. Older pieces than those mentioned, i.e. model series 2012 2011, 2010 with support for the High Sierra system, are suitable for users who are looking for a reliable and functional machine made of quality materials and do not require the latest operating system for their work or other activities.
However, there are alternatives to get a specific application on your computer even if you can't find it in the Mac App Store due to unofficial support. All you have to do is search for external links via Google. In addition, some improvements can be made to the old pieces, namely replacing HDD with SSD, or increasing the operating RAM memory, which will move the device to a higher level. The same laptop of a competing brand from the same year of production will probably already be lying in the scrap yard, or will not exist at all. In this respect, Apple is simply number one and its products are incomparable in quality.
Even an older piece can surprise
The MacBook Pro and MacBook Air were produced in different configurations than just the base. So if it gets to you CTO model, then in some ways you've won. By the way, specialists from MacBookarna.cz also offer such pieces. In addition to a more powerful processor with a higher frequency, it usually includes more RAM, more storage and a lot of other advantages. It is important to note that all Pro models with Retina display already offer a high-speed SSD disk, which is many times more efficient not only during system startup, but also during the actual use of the computer. If you would like to increase its capacity, it can be upgraded (up to the 2017 model range).
Which model is the ideal choice for me?
If you are choosing your first MacBook, or if you are going to replace your "vintage" model with a newer one, it is important to follow a certain direction and have an idea of the primary use. If you are looking for a computer for office work and dimensions and weight are important to you, then the ultra-thin is the ideal choice MacBook Air. You don't have to worry about the model series from 2013, which already offered a dual-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost up to 2.6GHz. You can also meet premium models containing 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB of flash storage.
Looking for a model with a better display? Apple delivered in models Macbook Pro (2013) high-quality Retina IPS panel with a resolution of 2 × 560 px, which is very decent by today's standards. You can choose from models that offer up to 1 GB of RAM and a 600 GB SSD disk, which will perfectly meet your expectations. Thanks to flash drives, such computers are fast, the system is nimble and its design still pleasantly surprises after almost ten years.
For more demanding users who use the computer for other than office work, a 15-inch version is available, which, in addition to a full-size display with LED backlighting, also offers powerful hardware and 16 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3L memory on board. Such a model can be found for around 20 crowns, which is a perfect investment in a machine that will last for several more years.
When do I need to replace or upgrade my Mac?
It exists several indicators, that your Mac has reached the end of its life:
- Apple no longer supports an important version of software that contains security patches (which could expose you to vulnerabilities)
- The applications you need to use are no longer running on it (when you can't even alternatively)
- Your Mac struggles to do the things you need it to do—especially if you can't upgrade your RAM or other components
- Something breaks and the repair is too expensive or the parts are not available
- Mac becomes unreliable. Unexpected shutdowns become commonplace and you've tried everything to fix the problem but to no avail
Not sure if a particular model will suit your needs? Or are you thinking about upgrading your current model? Contact the specialists in your field, who will gladly advise you on the selection and will also train you in some areas. You can stop by in person at the Lidická 8 Brno – 602 00 branch, where they are available every working day until 18 p.m.
"This publication and all the mentioned information regarding the view of outdated Macbooks and their use have been prepared for you by Michal Dvořák from MacBookarna.cz, which, by the way, has been on the market for ten years and has processed thousands of successful deals during this time."
