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!
Henry203
(787 posts)1-800-275-4576 +1-815-338-8685 macsales.com Support Chat View web version
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ZZenith
(4,436 posts)So I doubt it will be end-of-line for M1s, which are impressive machines.
GreatGazoo
(4,287 posts)thanks
usonian
(22,206 posts)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)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)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.
GreatGazoo
(4,287 posts)from high rated resellers like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/187720064094?_skw=macbook+air+m1&itmmeta=01K9G6MCS2QHSJH5T9CKEY1TZ2&hash=item2bb4fcdc5e:g:tokAAeSwRydpDjAT&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1cHiyP%2BzxK5IQtV0iv%2FsiGvLljV9vWVyurfoie1bnFuyv3VlD3unFgOMxAFM0NBD%2FqTv6amZtu9G%2FuqcDNVrp%2Btdu1azKUnhr0MEmbhhRvI0z1ydcX7yDh%2FE1TsZK5oXL8yW56aE09L73S1fhQPgnCPeA%2BraW2g8Knctt1H2J7QAgfPlRsW48QoThtcY0SjvcBcw6lMntkm318jYwKI%2Fl2%2BAyM2gt1MQ0VcgMfBOlDNIHnA6nMGo7narF63KAk3bXASLPU8CaANBcOvvWsKY6Sr8R5jhY6UweuSF7JUiuPKDQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR9rM0YbMZg
Found out M1 is allegedly efficient and better on the battery but swap is $130 when needed.
Docking is easy with $70 station / hub that accepts every cable + SD cards, etc.
Nice to see all the love here for Apple laptops!
HappyH
(142 posts)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.