Knowing when to turn in your old Apple MacBook can be challenging, especially since Apple products are designed to last so long. Learn the signs it’s time for a new MacBook.
It’s no secret that Apple products last a long time. In fact, that’s one reason so many people are drawn to Apple devices.
However, Apple itself has come out and said that any OS X or tvOS device (think iMac, MacBook, or Apple TV) is destined to last approximately 4 years, while any iOS or watchOS device (think iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch) is bound to last only 3 years.
Which is not to say your Apple devices won’t last longer.
Of course, knowing the general lifespan of such expensive products can help you make the decision whether to upgrade when a new, more efficient Apple device releases.
But what about those times when you are not eyeing a new release; rather you are just trying to decide whether your MacBook is in need of retirement or not?
If you are unsure about whether it is time to sell your MacBook and replace it with a newer version, read on to learn the signs your Apple product gives you when it wants you to take a trip to the nearest Apple store.
1. It’s Running Slow
When computers become old and worn, they tend to slow down. After all, they have been churning out all sorts of information for you for years by now. It is no wonder the hardware is starting to become sluggish.
Before you jump to conclusions, however, and purchase the next big thing released by Apple, try these troubleshooting tips to see of your MacBook really is in need of a replacement:
- Install more memory and swap out the old hard drive for a solid-state drive (SSD)
- Reinstall OS X and start fresh, without years of built up files and apps
These two tips are especially helpful for those that have MacBooks that pre-date 2012. If, after completing these two tasks you still notice a slowdown that affects your user experience, you’ll know it’s time to make a swap.
2. You Cannot Run the Newest OS X
Apple wants everyone using their products to be as up to date as possible when it comes to operating systems.
The new version of OS X comes out every fall. Right now, the current OS X is High Sierra (10.13.2). If your MacBook has trouble downloading this new version, you had better start looking for a new device because:
- Your device has now become marked as “vintage” and hardware service on it will not be cheap
- You will not be able to take advantage of all the newest features
- Your old device may become vulnerable to malicious activity running an outdated OS X version
Lastly, if you keep your MacBook any longer, it may go from being considered “vintage” to obsolete, meaning no service parts will be available at any price point.
3. The Parts Are Expensive
When you have an old car, and it starts to have problems that require an expert to fix, it is time you evaluate whether the cost to fix the problems (including the inevitable future ones) is worth it.
Sometimes, after this assessment, you decide that simply buying a new car is a more financially sound decision than continuing to place your hard-earned money into a constantly broken car.
The same rings true for older MacBooks.
At some point, your Apple parts are going to cost more than it would to buy a new MacBook. In fact, Apple does a “great” job of making it nearly impossible to replace Mac parts. This in turn causes a high demand when users want these parts anyways, making it expensive to fix older Apple products.
When your MacBook starts to breakdown, take a step back and ask yourself where you would rather place your money.
In an old device that is sure to continue breaking, or shiny new one that is destined to have a longer lifespan.
In the end, buying a new MacBook can be an exciting (yet expensive) process. However, using the services of a place like Gadget Salvation can garner you money to offset the cost of a new device.
Luckily, the sticker shock of buying a new MacBook doesn’t come around that often since the products are designed to last long. So, have fun selling your old MacBook and go get a new one!
