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GreatGazoo

(4,287 posts)
Fri Nov 7, 2025, 04:19 PM 16 hrs ago

Advice on Buying a Used Macbook Air please

I'm buying a laptop for the first time in about 10 years. Started shopping this morning and realized there is a lot I don't know about Apple products right now.

Can the batteries be replaced? How do they fail? Fail to charge all the way?

Apple usually orphans their hardware after about 6 years (I think), so if I buy a 2020 M1 is it likely that the OS will not update beyond Sequoia or Tahoe?

Any models to avoid? or common failures to factor into the decision?

I only see two ports in the pictures -- Can I dock a Macbook to a monitor and a real keyboard?

Thank you!

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Advice on Buying a Used Macbook Air please (Original Post) GreatGazoo 16 hrs ago OP
best place to buy used mac's Henry203 16 hrs ago #1
Tahoe still works on Intel Macs ZZenith 16 hrs ago #2
good to know GreatGazoo 15 hrs ago #5
Some info usonian 16 hrs ago #3
For replacement parts ultralite001 15 hrs ago #4
I recently bought a used MacBook Pro. HappyH 15 hrs ago #6
Thanks. I'm seeing lots of M1s around $320 - $350 GreatGazoo 15 hrs ago #7
Mine has 4 places to plug in plus a headphone jack. HappyH 14 hrs ago #8

Henry203

(787 posts)
1. best place to buy used mac's
Fri Nov 7, 2025, 04:25 PM
16 hrs ago

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ZZenith

(4,436 posts)
2. Tahoe still works on Intel Macs
Fri Nov 7, 2025, 04:29 PM
16 hrs ago

So I doubt it will be end-of-line for M1’s, which are impressive machines.

usonian

(22,206 posts)
3. Some info
Fri Nov 7, 2025, 04:43 PM
16 hrs ago

tech specs on the 2020 M1 MBA
https://support.apple.com/en-us/111883

Prices vary. Around $430 for 8GB memory 256 SSD
Worst buy lists one for $330, which sounds too low.

Problem is who to trust.
The cheapest Apple refurbished MBA is an M2 for $630, which is probably above your price range
https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac/macbook-air

Just putting this out there.
No advice, since I haven't bought a laptop in "forever" (like 2010)

ultralite001

(2,255 posts)
4. For replacement parts
Fri Nov 7, 2025, 04:56 PM
15 hrs ago

I have had good luck w/ Ifixit

Their info videos + feedback from folks trying to repair their devices won me over… Mission accomplished every time…

HappyH

(142 posts)
6. I recently bought a used MacBook Pro.
Fri Nov 7, 2025, 05:02 PM
15 hrs ago

It's a 2018 model, Intel based and runs current software. It does not look new but functions perfectly. I'm real happy with it and the company I got it from. This one was about $300, the company is called Backmarket and they had several of the newer M based machines for sale. Just like used cars, the newer ones in excellent condition cost more. Might be worth a look.

HappyH

(142 posts)
8. Mine has 4 places to plug in plus a headphone jack.
Fri Nov 7, 2025, 06:12 PM
14 hrs ago

I did have to get an adapter cable from Apple to connect accessories like my DVD drive. The USB connections have changed size from my 2013 desktop, but everything works fine with the newer laptop. The battery in mine is the original one and it seems fine. I plug into the power source at night and use battery power all day.

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