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Refurbish mid-2010 MacBook Pro?

I have a MacBook Pro that I got in December 2010. It worked great for many years (7+ years) before slowing down tremendously. The only problems with it currently are an expanded battery (which I intend to replace myself), and I’m going to replace the trackpad as well because it was pushed out when the battery expanded, although it is still operational. While I’m at it, I was going to upgrade my hard drive to a SSD. I only use it for web surfing or running my craft machine programs. Is it worth spending the money on the battery and hard drive?

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Jun 5, 2021 3:06 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 5, 2021 3:37 PM

Welcome!


I love keeping old Macs in service but even I question those level for repairs and upgrades for one that can run no higher than macOS 10.13.X and whose hard drive bus is 1/2 the speed of the 2011 models, cutting SSD performance gain in half compared to the 2011 and 2012 MBP 13-inch models.


Also concerning is the battery. If it cracked the trackpad, it likely bent the entire deck, an expensive replacement, and potentially compromised other internal parts and structures.


If money is not an issue and you want to do this for a learning experiences—knowing it may still have issues after all that work and expense—you have my blessing. That is how I learned. Otherwise, it is probably best to put the money you will have spent to a new computer.

6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 5, 2021 3:37 PM in response to Jenn4Roux

Welcome!


I love keeping old Macs in service but even I question those level for repairs and upgrades for one that can run no higher than macOS 10.13.X and whose hard drive bus is 1/2 the speed of the 2011 models, cutting SSD performance gain in half compared to the 2011 and 2012 MBP 13-inch models.


Also concerning is the battery. If it cracked the trackpad, it likely bent the entire deck, an expensive replacement, and potentially compromised other internal parts and structures.


If money is not an issue and you want to do this for a learning experiences—knowing it may still have issues after all that work and expense—you have my blessing. That is how I learned. Otherwise, it is probably best to put the money you will have spent to a new computer.

Jun 5, 2021 3:37 PM in response to Jenn4Roux

Jenn4Roux wrote:

I have a MacBook Pro that I got in December 2010. It worked great for many years (7+ years) before slowing down tremendously. The only problems with it currently are an expanded battery (which I intend to replace myself), and I’m going to replace the trackpad as well because it was pushed out when the battery expanded, although it is still operational. While I’m at it, I was going to upgrade my hard drive to a SSD. I only use it for web surfing or running my craft machine programs. Is it worth spending the money on the battery and hard drive?


What is the alternative?

Jun 5, 2021 4:08 PM in response to Jenn4Roux

Jenn4Roux Said:

"Refurbish mid-2010 MacBook Pro?: [...]Is it worth spending the money on the battery and hard drive?

———-


Time to Upgrade:

I see this as a good reason to upgrade. Your Mac is obsolete. So, the most recent fixes are not offered, thereby making your Mac more prone to failures. Considering getting a new Mac

seems the best way to go from here.

Jun 6, 2021 1:51 PM in response to Allan Jones

Thanks! I don’t know much about refurbishment and/or what is capable of what. I didn’t know that I couldn’t run anything past a certain system (I was running snow leopard for the longest and then upgraded to Sierra about 2 years ago. I just got a notice today that it wants to update to high Sierra.) I thought if I just replaced the failing parts, I would be able to keep chugging along. I guess I just need to break down and get a new one, especially with my daughter about to start school. Thanks for the information!

Refurbish mid-2010 MacBook Pro?

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