Best Used Macbooks Of 2020!

TL;DR

A guide to affordable used MacBook recommendations, emphasizing older models with good performance.

Transcript

welcome back everyone i wanted to hit on quickly some of my favorite used macbooks that i would probably recommend to a ton of people out there to purchase now obviously if you have all the money in the world and everything to spend getting the 16 inch or 13 inch macbooks are probably the better way to go like the brand new 2019 2020 ones i feel li... Read More

Key Insights

• 👤 The 2013 MacBook Pro Retina serves as a crucial entry-level option, balancing cost and decent software support crucial for users on a budget.
• 🥶 Upgradability in older MacBooks, specifically SSD replacements, provides a cost-effective means to extend the machine's usability.
• 🥳 The speaker has personal experience with the 2014 MacBook Pro, praising its reliability and performance for content creation and day-to-day tasks.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Newer MacBook models may have appealing features, but older versions can often fit most people's needs at a significantly lower price.
• ☠️ The appeal of the 2015 MacBook lineup includes multiple USB ports and an SD card slot, catering to users needing basic multimedia capabilities.
• 🟰 Not all MacBooks are created equal; some models are recommended over others, specifically within the same year's lineup due to differing features.
• 🤌 The speaker advises caution with the 12-inch MacBook due to usability concerns despite its sleek design, underscoring the importance of considering user needs.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why does the speaker recommend the 2013 MacBook Pro Retina as the lowest model to consider?

The 2013 MacBook Pro Retina is recommended because it's still supported with macOS Big Sur, unlike the older 2012 model. While its performance is not top-tier, it delivers decent functionality for basic tasks, and you can find it for under $400, making it an excellent budget option.

Q: What advantages do the 2014 MacBook Pro models have over the 2013 ones?

The 2014 MacBook Pro models offer improved performance and are more likely to receive software updates for a longer period compared to the 2013 model. They also have the capability to upgrade the SSD, enhancing storage flexibility without needing to purchase a new machine that may be costlier.

Q: What are the reasons to consider the 2015 MacBook models?

The 2015 MacBook models are recommended for their stable performance, solid build quality, and support for older USB ports, which many users still prefer. They are generally reliable workhorses and present a good balance of features and affordability, typically available for under $500.

Q: How does the speaker assess the 2019 MacBook models?

While the 2019 MacBook models feature touch bars and modern designs, they are noted for potential keyboard issues similar to previous models. However, the speaker emphasizes that Apple's ongoing repair program can mitigate concerns, making these models a worthwhile option for users looking for a more updated device on a budget.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker recommends the 2013 MacBook Pro Retina as the oldest viable option due to its software support and decent performance, available for under $400.

• The 2014 MacBook Pro is praised for its reliability and upgradeable SSD, making it a better choice than the 2013 model, typically priced around $500.

• The 2015 MacBook lineup, including MacBook Air and Retina models, is highlighted for good build quality, various features, and affordability, generally costing less than $500.