NFT: Upgrade my MacBook Pro or get a new one?

a 2013 Air (not a pro) but it has 4GB RAM and 250 GB HD and I'm running Catalina.

Why do you think you can't upgrade to Catalina?

Does the pro need something different than the Air?

I was thinking about upgrading as well. Get this, you can't upgrade the RAM. It's soldered on. I'm pretty sure the only thing upgradable is the hard drive.

As far as OS, I went to Mojave. I'd suggest that over Catalina, which doesn't run 32 bit apps. I accidentally upgraded to Catalina without realizing this and had to go through the long, annoying process of downgrading.

The newer MacBooks apparently have keyboard issues.

This is my last Mac btw. Next laptop will be a ThinkPad.

when you first install it. It complains about 32 bit apps when you run them for the first time. It also complains about programs downloaded from the internet, you have to allow each one in settings on install.

to a 2014 retina 15" and it's a huge upgrade. Aside from the increase in power/RAM, the differences in screen quality and portability is huge. Even if you're not using the computer for any demanding tasks, I'd still recommend a retina machine at the minimum.

and are also a little cheaper than they used to be (under $1k before tax for the lowest model). They are a drop smaller at 13 inches but the base model also has a little more memory than they used to (and there are obviously upgrade options). If you are used to a mac laptop and don't need much computing power it seems like a real strong option.

I'm on a 13 inch 2013 macbook pro and I'm waiting for the 2020 pro 13 inch to come out and then I'm going to decide between that or just get the air with extra memory/faster processor.

I'm a mac lifer because I think it's absolutely insane that my macbook pro from 7 years ago is still a really solid computer. Even with thunderbolt 2-->3 adapters it can output really solid resolution to an extended monitor. So i'm just waiting to buy the version that's most future proofed at the size that easily fits in all sorts of travel bags since i will likely keep the next one for another 3-5 years.

In comment 14857570 pjcas18 said:

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a 2013 Air (not a pro) but it has 4GB RAM and 250 GB HD and I'm running Catalina. Why do you think you can't upgrade to Catalina? Does the pro need something different than the Air?

I believe my model is capable of running Catalina, however I fear that my non-SSD HD and relatively minimal RAM might run it slowly or jam up the works.

Don't install Catalina on a computer without an SSD and with 4GB of RAM.

processor is 2.6 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 and memory is 16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 (with a 1tb hard drive).

so ignore me.

In comment 14857621 giantBCP said:

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Don't install Catalina on a computer without an SSD and with 4GB of RAM.

Do you feel the same would apply to Mojave? How about High Sierra? At least High Sierra is still being supported for another 6 months or so by Apple.

Thanks for the responses all

In comment 14857620 Dave in PA said:

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In comment 14857570 pjcas18 said: Quote: a 2013 Air (not a pro) but it has 4GB RAM and 250 GB HD and I'm running Catalina. Why do you think you can't upgrade to Catalina? Does the pro need something different than the Air? I believe my model is capable of running Catalina, however I fear that my non-SSD HD and relatively minimal RAM might run it slowly or jam up the works.

Good point, I have an older version of an SSD (it's flash) and 4GB of RAM and have zero issues, but not sure I'd do it with a non-SSD.

If I had all my shit backed up, I'd probably try though, if it was free to upgrade.

the RAM wouldn't bother me though.

I have a mid 2012 macbook pro ..
it is last one that has DVD player ..

my backlight on screen suddenly went out and I went to local repair shop
cost 175 bucks to fix ..
I was all set to get a new MacBook Pro but they are insanely expensive
the repair shop said . the past few years of MacBook Pro have sucked and have all sorts of problems
2012 was a great year and the only way this computer dies is if you spill a drink on it ..

2012 MacBooks are upgradable
I recommend upgrading your ram to 8 gigs and installing an SSD drive (1 TB) and your machine will be great

So will a RAM upgrade. If you're going to upgrade the RAM you might as well go to 16Gb. That much RAM plus a 500 Gb SSD should run you about $300 or less versus > $2000 for a new MBP. Also Catalina is way better than El Cap.

I'm running a modified 2008 MPB with Catalina. It has 6 Gb of RAM ( the most this model will take ) and a new SSD. Performance is passable, but not ideal.

BTY to get anything older than a 2012 to use Catalina you need to go to http://dosdude1.com/software.html

saying "the past few years of macbooks have sucked" is probably because Apple makes it harder and harder for "repair shops" to fix their computers. ha. Apple keeps upping the ante with security between the T2 chip a few years ago and a lot of their MacOS changes. People find this annoying and complain.

If you can afford a new one get a new one, if you cant then repair the old one. If you want a new macbook pro expect to spend around 1600 and around a 1000 for an Air. Im using a mid 2015 macbook bumped up to 16GB of RAM at purchase. Its held up very well with heavy usage (IT is my field).

2.4 GHz Intel Core i5
8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3

It runs really well - handles my external monitor with ease, etc.

Every time I look, I don't see a reason to buy a new one, especially given I won't want to spend more than 1500 dollars at MOST. I can't see spending 2500 on a laptop...

I've been tempted by the new MacBook Air, but...

The hard drive is nearly full, but that's something I can address by backing up / getting rid of things.

Still, if anyone can make an argument/case for me to upgrade/get a new one, please do. I keep trying to decide!

I started looking to upgrade last year because I needed to buy a bunch of thunderbolt 3 adapters for new external monitor + dock, so I thought about whether or not it made sense to spend a little bit more and just get a new machine because I also saw the benefits of upgrading to a device that has the bi-directional power source. Also the battery started giving me warnings and I know that will be a few hundred to replace - it's usable but drains quickly, and I expect that's pretty common for any machine 6+ years old.

I've been holding off for 2 reasons.
1. the butterfly keyboards (which they are now replacing on all new models)
2. most of the tech specs seemed similar (even the processors)

They have fixed the keyboards on all new machines so #1 is solved and re: #2 I'm waiting to see what the specs are on the new pro before deciding between that and the air, but on either it looks like there's an upgrade (air can go up to an i7 chip and I believe the new pro is supposedly going to have an i9 or i10). I expect the battery life will improve a lot, the thunderbolt port will be an upgrade, and as someone who is on zoom all day (pre-corona) I think there's supposedly going to be upgraded bluetooth also. There are also rumors they are going to increase the screens to 14 inches without increasing the size of the laptop like they did with the 16 inch pro released last fall. My guess is this will be a solid upgrade to make it worthwhile to buy over the new air they just released.

The Air itself seems like a very solid upgrade on the 2013 and more portable with probably 4-5x the battery life - so even if the pro upgrade at 13 inches doesn't have anything notable changed I'd just buy the air. There are rumors about new AMD processors and LED screens next year so maybe those worth holding off for if you are looking for peak performance, but both would be big changes and the existing tech in those areas is already good enough for me (and proven).

until Apple fixs all their keyboard issues. I had a 2017 MBP and the key board crapped out after 1.5 years....I replaced it with a MB Air last year, and it's been a great computer so far, but the keyboard issues are still there.

They supposedly, went back to the old style keyboard in the new 15" MBP's, so you should be ok if thats what you are looking at. However, I will never buy another MBP until they fix or make the keyboards more reliable.

...I've been a loyal mac fan since 2003 and have had several MBP's last for 7-10 years.

and the new MBP that hasn't been announced will have it too. They finally moved on from the butterfly and once this next macbook pro is out I believe it won't be in any of the new machines for sale.

In comment 14858159 Eric on Li said:

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and the new MBP that hasn't been announced will have it too. They finally moved on from the butterfly and once this next macbook pro is out I believe it won't be in any of the new machines for sale.

I couldn't wait for any new keyboards to come out as I needed to replace my MBP for grad school ASAP. So I have the crap keyboard in my current Air and first thing i did was by a skin for the keys.

But agree, the new MBP's and what else in their lineup should have the improved "old" style keys. I'm not rushing to go and get a new MBP though, my 2018 Air hasn't let me down since and does everything I need get done....

Similar to the OP, I have a 2009 MBP that I use here at the office for simple web surfing and emailing during the idle moments at work (like right now--3:30 on a Friday when most have cleared out). It has the factory 4GB of RAM and I am running OS El Capitan, which I see reading through here is a big no-no. I haven't experienced any problems at all with it, however.

In comment 14858429 GruningsOnTheHill said:

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Similar to the OP, I have a 2009 MBP that I use here at the office for simple web surfing and emailing during the idle moments at work (like right now--3:30 on a Friday when most have cleared out). It has the factory 4GB of RAM and I am running OS El Capitan, which I see reading through here is a big no-no. I haven't experienced any problems at all with it, however.

If you have a 2009 MBP Apple will not allow you to upgrade beyond El Capitan. You can get software from http://dosdude1.com/software.html that will allow you to upgrade to Mohave or Catalina, but I have to warn you, the procedure is very tricky. I'm typing this on a 2008 MBP running Catalina, but for any serious work I use a 2019 MBP with an Intel 8 core i9. I still had to do some hardware upgrades to the 2008 to make it useable.

If the MBP you have is the only Apple device you have you can live with El Cap. If you have an iPhone, Watch, Apple TV and other Macs, then El Cap can be a problem.

In comment 14858457 Ron from Ninerland said:

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In comment 14858429 GruningsOnTheHill said: Quote: Similar to the OP, I have a 2009 MBP that I use here at the office for simple web surfing and emailing during the idle moments at work (like right now--3:30 on a Friday when most have cleared out). It has the factory 4GB of RAM and I am running OS El Capitan, which I see reading through here is a big no-no. I haven't experienced any problems at all with it, however. If you have a 2009 MBP Apple will not allow you to upgrade beyond El Capitan. You can get software from http://dosdude1.com/software.html that will allow you to upgrade to Mohave or Catalina, but I have to warn you, the procedure is very tricky. I'm typing this on a 2008 MBP running Catalina, but for any serious work I use a 2019 MBP with an Intel 8 core i9. I still had to do some hardware upgrades to the 2008 to make it useable. If the MBP you have is the only Apple device you have you can live with El Cap. If you have an iPhone, Watch, Apple TV and other Macs, then El Cap can be a problem.

Hi Ron--

I do have an iPhone and a 2016 (I believe) MBP at home that runs Catalina. I don't notice any problems or issues, but again, I'm fairly remedial when it comes to computers.

In comment 14858586 GruningsOnTheHill said:

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Hi Ron-- I do have an iPhone and a 2016 (I believe) MBP at home that runs Catalina. I don't notice any problems or issues, but again, I'm fairly remedial when it comes to computers.

The main difference you are going to see is in iCloud capabilites. Catalina and the more recent versions of iOS have features that El Capitan does not. I'm not familiar with everyone of them but some things that come to mind are iMessages on the Cloud and enhanced Notes and Reminders. What that means is that iMessages that you get on your phone can be seen on a Mac running Catalina, but usually not on a Mac running El Capitan. Stuff you do in Notes and Reminders on an iPhone or Catalina Mac may not be visible on an El Cap Mac.

Also Catalina uses the APFS file system. If you use an external drive and you want both the Catalina Mac and El Cap Mac to be able to see it you have to make sure its formatted with the HFS filesystem or FAT32 filesystem.

More disturbing is that Apple appears to no longer be creating Security patches for El Capitan. The last two rounds of security patches only go back to High Sierra.