I am debating whether i should replace my macbook pro 15 inch touch bar, i7 laptop or just fix it. I feel it is getting old and been having software issues lately with the new macbook updates. Maybe i can trade it in for some money? Any advice
If you are already on the fence about repairing it, then go with your gut and put the money towards a new laptop. I would not put any money into an Intel Mac at this point since even a 2020 Intel model is not at least three years old. I also don't have much faith in the 2018-2020 Logic Boards of the T2 Intel models since they seem to have a higher rate of failure than other models. The 2016 & 2017 models have lots of known design & manufacturing issues, plus they are now considered "Vintage", so it is not a wise choice to repair for multiple reasons.
My organization hasn't been using Apple Silicon M-series laptops long enough to get a feel for how the hardware holds up compared to the older Intel models. I can say I do like the keyboards found on the 2023+ models compared to the ones found on the 2016-2021 models.
Make sure to get a computer with more than enough memory & SSD storage that you will need for the life of the laptop since neither can be upgraded after purchase. These days 16GB of RAM and 250GB SSD are considered the bare minimum for the average user. Depending on your workloads, you may need more of one or both items. Also, if you need more than one external display, then make sure to carefully check how many displays a particular Mac can operate. Generally a standard M1/M2/M3 CPU can only handle one external display, while a M2/M3 Pro CPU can handle two external displays, while a M2/M3 Max can handle up to four external displays. However, the new MBAir M3 (2024) model Apple just announced is able to turn off the internal display and allow two external displays to be used....this is something new where before it only supported a single external display so hopefully we see this with other newer M-series Macs later on.
Here is an Apple article, but it doesn't seem to have been updated yet to mention the new M3 MBAir 2024 capabiities:
How many displays can be connected to MacBook Pro - Apple Support
Just make sure to always have frequent and regular backups since there are so many new ways to permanently lose access to your data on the 2016+ Macs due to all the hardware, software, and security changes.
If you are already on the fence about repairing it, then go with your gut and put the money towards a new laptop. I would not put any money into an Intel Mac at this point since even a 2020 Intel model is not at least three years old. I also don't have much faith in the 2018-2020 Logic Boards of the T2 Intel models since they seem to have a higher rate of failure than other models. The 2016 & 2017 models have lots of known design & manufacturing issues, plus they are now considered "Vintage", so it is not a wise choice to repair for multiple reasons.
My organization hasn't been using Apple Silicon M-series laptops long enough to get a feel for how the hardware holds up compared to the older Intel models. I can say I do like the keyboards found on the 2023+ models compared to the ones found on the 2016-2021 models.
Make sure to get a computer with more than enough memory & SSD storage that you will need for the life of the laptop since neither can be upgraded after purchase. These days 16GB of RAM and 250GB SSD are considered the bare minimum for the average user. Depending on your workloads, you may need more of one or both items. Also, if you need more than one external display, then make sure to carefully check how many displays a particular Mac can operate. Generally a standard M1/M2/M3 CPU can only handle one external display, while a M2/M3 Pro CPU can handle two external displays, while a M2/M3 Max can handle up to four external displays. However, the new MBAir M3 (2024) model Apple just announced is able to turn off the internal display and allow two external displays to be used....this is something new where before it only supported a single external display so hopefully we see this with other newer M-series Macs later on.
Here is an Apple article, but it doesn't seem to have been updated yet to mention the new M3 MBAir 2024 capabiities:
How many displays can be connected to MacBook Pro - Apple Support
Just make sure to always have frequent and regular backups since there are so many new ways to permanently lose access to your data on the 2016+ Macs due to all the hardware, software, and security changes.
The newer M-series is really good.
I have an M1 Pro MacBook Pro 💻 for a few years now and it’s insanely fast, runs quiet (no noisy fans) and the battery runs for several days between charging. 🔋
Now, we have the M3-series and it keeps getting better. 😉
Some options:
Smacbookpro7 wrote:
I am debating whether i should replace my macbook pro 15 inch touch bar, i7 laptop or just fix it. I feel it is getting old and been having software issues lately with the new macbook updates. Maybe i can trade it in for some money? Any advice
plug in your information here—
I was think of getting a pc brand laptop. I have had too many issues with this laptop. It even wiped my computer out
Hi Smilin Brian
Nice to see you back! 😊
PS. Your reply was really helpful. Thank you for the info
What is the best way to backup
Oh, I just help out when I have some free time.
I’m not as active as I used to be.
I deleted all of my notes, so now I simply look up all of my answers.
Thanks for asking! 🙂↔️
I have a G-Drive I’ve been using since 2017 and I love it. 😉
See for yourself ▶︎ SanDisk Professional 1TB G-Drive ArmorATD™.
Smacbookpro7 wrote:
What is the best way to backup
The easiest method is to use Time Machine which Apple provides for free with macOS.
Replace or fix macbook pro
