Search results
4 days ago · The iMac is a compact desktop computer with virtually everything you need in one cohesive package. Here's what you need to know before buying a used one. ... are still being made by Apple today ...
- Overview
- Is It Bad to Buy an Old Mac?
- Check the Used Mac's RAM
- Check the Used Mac's Hard Drive
- Check the Used Mac's Processor
- Check the Used Mac's Graphics
- Check the Used Mac's MacOS Compatibility
- Check the Used Mac For Apple Service Programs
- Buying a Used iMac or MacBook? Examine The Display
- Buying a Used MacBook? Check The Battery
Trending Videos
Want to buy an old, used Mac? It can be a wise way to save money, but it's not without risks. Here's what you need to know.
Buying an old, used Mac is a good option for those who like Apple's products but can't afford or don't want to pay new hardware prices.
Apple products are often reliable. The company also has excellent customer support. An old, used Mac likely won't have a warranty remaining, but you can visit an Apple store for help and pay for repairs if necessary.
A used Mac's RAM is an important specification. RAM is a critical component of any computer.
You'll want at least 4GB of RAM. It's enough for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, basic games, and streaming video. If you have more demanding things in mind, like photo editing or complex games, look for a used Mac with 8GB or 16GB of RAM. If you can, aim for having at least 8GB,
A used Mac's hard drive stores all the files found on the Mac and its operating system.
Look for a used Mac with at least a 128GB hard drive if you rely heavily on cloud storage. If not, you'll want at least 250GB.
Also, check the type of hard drive installed. It will be a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive. Solid-state drives are quicker and recommended.
Some older Macs have a user-serviceable hard drive you can replace or upgrade. Check the Mac's specifications to confirm this.
Many factors impact processor performance in a used Mac, but, in general, you should pay the most attention to a processor's core count.
A dual-core processor is fine for basic, day-to-day tasks. A quad-core processor can handle most tasks, though the most demanding may still run poorly. A six-core or eight-core processor is best for users with demanding needs.
As is true of the processor, the graphics options you'll find on old, used Macs are difficult to summarize. Still, we can put them in two groups.
Used Macs with integrated graphics (often from Intel) are acceptable for basic use but will struggle in 3D games and content.
Used Mac with dedicated graphics (often from AMD or Nvidia) will handle some 3D games and content.
Be warned, however, even dedicated graphics in Macs more than five years old may not be able to handle modern apps.
Apple releases a new version of macOS (formerly known as Mac OS X) every year.
Over time, Apple drops support for older Macs. Those lacking support can't upgrade to the new OS.
Here's the official list of supported Macs for the latest version of macOS, macOS Monterey.
Older, unsupported Macs continue to function but won't receive the latest feature updates.
Macs have a reputation for reliability, but they're not perfect.
Apple Service Programs often address widespread defects. It's wise to avoid Macs that are not part of a Service Program.
An old, used iMac or MacBook will have a built-in display. The display is expensive to repair, so it's important to check it's working.
The Eizo Monitor Test, available online, is an easy way to check. Open it and select the Defective Pixels and Uniformity tests. They will help you spot significant issues like stuck pixels or a failed backlight.
All batteries degrade with age, but you want to avoid a battery on its last legs.
Please read our guide on checking your MacBook's Battery health for more information.
Also, visually inspect the MacBook's bottom and rear for any signs of a bulge or lump. It's a sign the battery is expanding and needs replacing.
An expanding battery can damage a MacBook and, in the worst case, burst free of its casing. That's a problem you'll want to avoid.
- Matthew S. Smith
Feb 15, 2022 · An iMac from 2015 is still a decent enough computer. You can still get the 27-inch (diagonal) Retina display with IPS technology, a 3.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.7GHz, and a 1 TB hard drive. These specs aren’t entirely different from what you get on a 2021 iMac. Is it worth buying a 2017 iMac? The 2017 iMac ...
Apr 5, 2017 · 7,809. Apple Campus, Cupertino CA. Apr 5, 2017. #5. godzillinois said: So I have my eye on a used 2011 i5 21.5" Imac. I can get it for around $300 and will install a SSD in addition to the 500GB HD and probably max the RAM, so the computer will cost a total of $500-$600 when all is said and done. I was wondering if an old iMac was still worth ...
A good place to look is the local marketplace(FB marketplace, Craigslist, etc.) if you know what you're looking for. For these computers you have to be careful about dust seeping into the display on bottom corners and pinkish banding around the edges of the display, mine has these issues that I am okay so I was able to bring the price down to $200.
Nov 3, 2023 · Yes. The M1 iMac is still a very good desktop computer. The 2021 iMac’s stylish design, solid performance, quality display and improving value still make it a recommended buy in 2023. It hits a sweet spot amongst entry-level models for casual users who don’t require the highest-end iMac hardware.
People also ask
Are used iMacs bad computers?
Is a 2015 iMac a good computer?
Are older iMacs bad?
Should you buy a used iMac?
Should you buy a 2017 iMac?
Is the 2017 iMac a good laptop?
May 13, 2023 · Best 5% Interest Savings Accounts of September 2023. It’s not all doom and gloom, though. My favorite web browser, Vivaldi, installed without fuss, as did Spotify. When it comes to getting work ...
