Apple updates its macOS (previously Mac OS X) desktop and laptop operating system once a year, like clockwork, bringing new features and improvements. That's all very well, but Apple's most recent version of macOS - Big Sur - won't run on any Mac older than 2013, and in some cases 2014.
19 ways to make your Mac run faster right now
- Remove apps you don't use anymore.
- Free up hard drive space if you have an older Mac.
- Run Monolingual to delete the extra language files you don't use.
- Buy a solid state drive.
- Close memory-hogging processes.
- The same goes for apps.
- Close unused tabs in your browser.
MacBook Pro “Buy” Prices (What you can expect to pay as of 11/10/2020)
| Amazon Current Price @ Amazon | eBay Current Price @ eBay |
|---|
| MacBook Pro 15-inch, 2017 | $1,180 | $780 |
| MacBook Pro 13-inch, 2017 | $750 | $670 |
| MacBook Pro 15-inch, 2016 | $1,065 | $1,100 |
| MacBook Pro 13-inch, 2016 | $690 | $488 |
Get credit toward a purchase today.
| Your device | Estimated trade-in value* |
|---|
| iPhone X | Up to $250 |
| iPhone 8 Plus | Up to $210 |
| iPhone 8 | Up to $140 |
| iPhone 7 Plus | Up to $140 |
For the 2009 and 2010 iMac models with Mini DisplayPort, purchase a USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter. For the 2011 to 2014 Thunderbolt 2 iMacs, you need Apple's or a third-party Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adapter (Apple's is $49), and a Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 2 cable, which can cost $20 to 30.
So what are AirPods owners to do? Sending them off to Apple for recycling by trading them in with Apple Trade-In or bringing them to your local Apple Store is certainly an option. But you could also use our official trade-in partner MyPhones Unlimited.
Apple considers the 2011 iMac a vintage product in the United States and Turkey, and obsolete in the rest of the world. Vintage products are not eligible for hardware-based services, though other types of support may be available. Obsolete products no longer are eligible for any type of hardware repair or support.
According to the estimated value is $700 to $900. Similar to selling a car, it will very according to location, condition and extras. When you do sell it be sure to prepare it for sale according to this Apple document: What to do before selling or giving away your Mac - Apple Support.
Macbook are just not worth coughing up that extra cash for basic usage, you are better off with Windows laptop. Mac systems including Macbook series and Windows laptops are not recommended for gaming at all and you don't find may games that can run on Mac and even if you did it's not a great gaming experience.
7 things Mac users can do that Windows users can only dream of
- 1 - Back-Up Your Files and Data.
- 2 - Quickly Preview The Contents Of A File.
- 3 - Defragging Your Hard Drive.
- 4 - Uninstalling Apps.
- 5 - Retrieve Something You've Deleted From Your File.
- 6 - Move and Rename A File, Even When It's Open In Another App.
- 7 - Multi-Touch Gestures.
Macs Are More Expensive Because There's No Low-End HardwareMacs are more expensive in one crucial, obvious way — they don't offer a low-end product. But, once you start looking at higher-end PC hardware, Macs aren't necessarily more expensive than similarly spec'd-out PCs.
While the life expectancy of a Macbook versus a PC cannot be determined perfectly, MacBooks tend to last longer than PCs. This is because Apple ensures that Mac systems are optimized to work together, making MacBooks run more smoothly for the duration of their lifetime.
If you want to play video games, Windows PCs are the best option, by far. Anyone who wants to play video games on a computer should buy a Windows PC, hands down. Only a fraction of the games available can be played on Macs, and anyone seeking high-end graphics won't find them on Macs because they lack the power.
The big question out there when it comes to Apple products is, “Can a Mac get a virus?” The short answer? Absolutely. Apple computers can get viruses and malware just like PCs can. While iMacs, MacBooks, Mac Minis, and iPhones may not be as frequent targets as Windows computers, all have their fair share of threats.
While PCs vary drastically in design from machine to machine, Macs have a more consistent look and feel that appeals to people who prefer a high-end experience. If your employees want Macs because of the look and feel, you may be able to win them over with a high-end PC, like an HP EliteBook or Microsoft Surface Pro.
Macs in general will have a much better trackpads than Windows Machines. Even if you have a spare mouse, you'll find yourself using their trackpads much more frequently. A Mac is definitely more secure due to the fact that there are few viruses that can infect Macs.
It's expensive partly because it uses a Xeon processor and ECC memory, which isn't essential for a lot of professionals. Or, say, they just need the 28-core processor and a lot of memory but not space for dual GPUs or other PCI cards. Apple really needs at least one less expensive, more compact version of the Mac Pro.
Apple has a trade-in program for many of its products, including MacBooks. Plug in the details of your machine and you can get money for it in the form of an Apple Store Gift Card or a credit toward your next purchase. If Apple determines your ancient MacBook holds no value, it'll let you recycle it for free.
Apple today made some changes to its recently introduced "Trade Up With Installments" payment plan, which is designed to let prospective customers trade in an old iPhone, Android, or Windows Phone, putting the value of the device towards a new 24-month iPhone installment plan.
Best places to sell your Mac
- Computer Exchange.
- MacBack.
- Cash4Mac.
- Renew and Recycling Program at Apple.
- Trade it in to your local Mac reseller.
- Sell on Ebay, Amazon or Gumtree.
- Sell via a local Facebook group.
- Sell it the old fasioned way.
Macs are a lot more overpriced than they used to be. It's because Apple hasn't been keeping up with updating to the latest available hardware, but they're still generally selling at the same price points as they were years ago.
If that's you, you should check out trade-in sites like Apple Trade In, Gazelle, MyPhonesUnlimited, and others like them.
- Sell your MacBook Pro with MyPhones Unlimited. We highly recommend our own trade-in partner MyPhones.
- Sell your MacBook Pro with Apple Trade-In.
- Sell via Gazelle, Best Buy, and more.
Factory resetYou need to put your MacBook ($850 at Best Buy) into recovery mode in order to erase all of your data and reinstall MacOS. To enter recovery mode, restart your Mac and immediately press and hold Command-R. You can release the keys when you see the Apple logo.
Just disconnect hard drive and unbolt. Not much of any tools required, and easy to do. Then you can just recycle the rest of the unit if you don't want, and destroy hard drive by opening it and removing the disk platens (that look like silver CDs. Just lightly sand and scratch them up, and no one will ever read them.
All other products – such as batteries, ink cartridges, computers, printers and hundreds of other items – continue to be recycled for free at all of our stores. Since 2009, Best Buy has voluntarily operated the most comprehensive e-waste recycling service in the United States.
Don't trash it. According to the EPA "recycling 1 million laptops saves the energy equivalent to the electricity used by more than 3,500 U.S. homes in a year." Plus, discarded electronics harm the land, water and air. A final reminder: Even if you recycle your laptop, be sure to clean your hard drive.
7 Creative Ways to Reuse an Old Mac at No Cost
- Install Linux on your old Mac. Linux is known as a lifesaver able to breathe some life into old Macs.
- Make your old Apple laptop a Chromebook.
- Make a network-attached system out of your old Mac.
- Create an emergency Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Sell or recycle your old Mac.
- Trade-in an old Mac.
- Fun things to do with your old Mac.
You can still continue to recycle electronics like phones, laptops, tablets and more for free at our stores. And large TVs and appliances can be safely removed through Best Buy's haul-away services for a fee. Best Buy is the nation's largest collector of recyclable electronics and appliances.
Laptop recycling made easyYou can find a program through Microsoft's Registered Refurbisher directory. If the device is too old or out of shape to donate, you can recycle it. Again, Earth911 makes it easy: Just search for "laptop computer" and enter in your ZIP code to find the nearest drop off site.
It is still a good machine if your budget is low. If you can buy the newer machine and can afford to upgrade the RAM, then you are in a better position. Better still of you can install an SSD as your main drive you will notice an immense boost in speed.
Take Them to Best Buy. Whatever you do, don't toss old batteries or electronics in the garbage. If you have old electronics, or batteries, or old devices with built-in batteries, check out Best Buy's Electronics Recycling Program web page to see which items are accepted at your local store.
If you were thinking of dumping that old laptop, hold on a second. Apple has just updated its trade-in policy, and you can now bring in any Apple product, as well as any desktop or laptop, for free recycling or even store credit. Yes, any desktop or laptop, including PCs — and it won't cost you a dime.
