Used MacBook Air - Is this a good machine?

those are great MacBooks!

I am using a MacBook from late 2010 everyday and love the overall experience.

BUT

test run the macbook they are offering for 15-30 minutes

make sure everything types, no dots on the screen and cpu failures for basic computing.

are we buying this from a physical person?

make sure they look ya in the eye!

There are reputable vendors with older & newer models online.

One that I'd noted, but have not bought Macs from, is OWC.

Examples of their macs new/used are among quality goods.

Generally a good bet would be to buy from Apple Refurbished

online, [& budget for the extended AppleCare+ plan.] These are

a percentage lower than similar new stock Macs. The MB/Pro

is better bet. I've a mid-2012 13-inch (non-retina) that does OK

that cost me about $700. locally; 2.5GHz CPU, 16GB RAM, SSD.

A variety of actual long standing resellers with good reputation

are regionally located; some are authorized Apple resellers with

repair facilities. Others may offer a much older and newer mix.

• Apple - Find Locations: (sales, service/support, training, consult)

https://locate.apple.com/

Most newer portable models may not have 'end-user' upgrade path

so hardware IS the path; buy more than you need for later expansion..

• About Mac notebook batteries - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204054

Also be aware of older Macs w/ failing batteries, this affects hardware.

Be aware of this: Foresee the need & buy into that, ahead of time.

Last fully upgradeable MacBook Pro 13" model was about mid-2012.

Mine runs Mojave 10.14.6; & have older systems in three other Macs.

(Also I use first-edition MacBook1.1 Early 2006 w/ 10.5.8 & TenFourFox.)

Good luck & happy computing!🌞🎣

I’d caution you to not necessarily trust anything any ebay seller claims. For instance, a good 90% of software sold there is pirated. I’d also not spend a lot on any computer that is 7 years old. I’d only buy a used Mac from reputable sites such as Apple, OWC, Mac of all Trades, etc. The best way is to check Apple’s refurb site - you save money and get a regular warranty plus are able to buy the Applecare+.