should I upgrade 2012 MacBook OS or look at new Computer?

First, your MacBook Pro is a 64 bit operating system that will run some 32 bit apps and programs. You can go to Catalina, but if you use 32 bit apps or programs, they will not run in Catalina. Mojave was the last OS able to do so. This will not affect iTunes,Photos or Numbers.How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support You should be using time machine as a backup.

If you still have the default hard drive that one came with, you will not be too happy upgrading the OS without he hardware. It so happens that yours is the last model where you actually can add more RAM and put in an SSD. I had the same model and did just that - very fast to respond. That would mean spending money and, although that model is/was an excellent one, spending money on a 10 year old device may be foolish because it is no longer supported.

So, personally, I would probably not spend any money and start saving for a new computer. You would not have to go for the latest M1 - Apple has a good refurbished section and they come with the same warranty as new ones. Offerings change constantly:

https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac

Remember: you want a minimum 8 (16 is much better) GB RAM and a minimum 512 GB SSD (1 TB is better if you can afford it).

..elizabeth mast:

Perhaps a bit late, some added details have been available and posted

to ASC about 32-bit vs 64-bit software; and locating some to replace the

older superseded 32-bit on upgrade to newer modern macOS.

There is a free helpful tool and appears to do what is says, without grief.

• Go64 : Check Your Apps and Prepare for a 64-bit World

https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/

"Quickly scan your disk for applications, see which ones are 32-bit,

and find upgrade information with the click of a button."

• How do I find the 32-bit apps on my system?

Apple's support article explains how to use the built-in macOS 'System

Report' to identify 32-bit apps on your system.

[Go64 also works to help 'new M1 Apple silicon' software update/upgrade.]

..elizabeth mast:

While the model in question certainly has/had fair service life;

may be even past its retirement age. There's some update/up-

grades; that at least for awhile longer could give it a boost.

The bottom comes off easily enough; to remember where the

screw/lengths came from, so they can go back, is a footnote.

Most replacement & upgrade parts are here for your MacBook Pro 2012:

https://eshop.macsales.com/upgrades/macbook-pro-13-inch-mid-2012-2.5-ghz

One I've here, was upgraded to 16GB from 4GB. Later when I checked

the storage drive capacity; found someone put in 240GB "blade" SSD

from SanDisk, with special adapter. Kinda small. That runs Mojave OK.

[In order to run, say TurboTax; given they stick close to the upgrade cycle

~ I'd be hard pressed to use this, even if I upgrade to Catalina for 2021.]

..elizabeth:

Some items could be set to view in "Today" view, in desktop 'notifications' side panel.

Dashboard was convenient; my older Macs still use it adequately, except the Weather.

[A third-party support for the failed Wx does OK; but cities may not all show or work.]

In a desktop Mac, the upper-right menu bar icon, can be clicked on to reveal 'Today.'

With little experience my MacBook Pro (mid 2012 13-inch) here, I have no reference.

Widgets? options may include a $11. app from the mac App store; it may or not be OK.

[perhaps the only widget option for Catalina.. seems like it should have a free-trial!?]

I've a few older Macs still. Had dozens (72 in the same room; out of near 600+ total)

several years ago. When my 'fix it learning curve' started w/ 1 failed Mac, given me.

..and my internet access was Zero in Kenai Mts area, most of those years.

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¿what do you want to accomplish by upgrading?