Whats the oldest MacBook Pro that supports MacOS 11 at least, preferably higher than that, because I use a 2011 13in MacBook Pro

I currently use a 2011 MacBook Pro with 8GB RAM and a 128 SSD, and many of the things I want to download I either don't have space for or my Mac is too old, as I'm running MacOS 10 or X. Therefore, I want to get a really good Mac as I'm a rising freshman in college, and college starts in exactly a week, so I want to upgrade my computer as a Mechanical Engineering Major. Preferably I want one with at least 16GB RAM and 256 SSD and low cycles because my battery only lasts for about 3 hours at a time with no cable charging it.


Thanks for the help!

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Aug 18, 2024 11:59 PM

Reply
9 replies

Aug 19, 2024 3:19 PM in response to Joshua_510

If you want a used or older Mac, I would recommend purchasing one from 2018 or newer. You will still get security updates for these models. If you get one with a decent or new battery, it should last all day without a charge. I would however recommend getting an Apple Silicon model though because my M2 MBA is way better than my old intel 2020 MBA.


It may also be beneficial to get a windows laptop if you’re looking to into engineering but definitely check with your college requirements before making that decision.

I hope that helps.

Aug 19, 2024 9:41 PM in response to Joshua_510

Joshua_510 Said:

"Whats the oldest MacBook Pro that supports MacOS 11 at least, preferably higher than that, because I use a 2011 13in MacBook Pro: I currently use a 2011 MacBook Pro with 8GB RAM and a 128 SSD, and many of the things I want to download I either don't have space for or my Mac is too old, as I'm running MacOS 10 or X.[...]"

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Tips on Clearing Mac storage:


Clear [lots of] Space. Read the following...


Clearing Space on a Mac:

 

Mac Storage:

Try clearing internal storage. Do so, though use of the following:

 

What Space to Clear:

A. Clear Temporary Internet Files:

Clear your Temporary Internet Files(Cookies & Cache) of Safari:

  • Cookies perform remembrance of certain site-entered data.
  • Cache keeps a snapshot of the last time you visited a site.

Go Here: Manage Cookies and Website Data in Safari on Mac - Apple Support

 

Also...



B. Clean TV and Music Libraries:

Remove all unneeded files from your TV and Music Libraries. Full-Movies take up 2-4GB typically, and a bunch of those would take up a load of storage, ideally. So, if you have any movies that are not needed, then delete them.

 

Also...



C.See these Links:

 

 

Aug 19, 2024 9:44 PM in response to Joshua_510

Joshua_510 Said:

"Whats the oldest MacBook Pro that supports MacOS 11 at least, preferably higher than that, because I use a 2011 13in MacBook Pro"

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Determining which Update(s) will Install:

I. Verify Compatibility:

A. Start Here: Learn About Compatibility and how to Identify your Specific Mac Model - Apple Support


B. How to Verify:

II. Reveal your Model:

What is the Model of your Mac? To find out...

  1. Go to: Apple menu
  2. Click: About this Mac
  3. View: Second Line-Down

then...


II. Compare the Results:


III. If Compatible:

Aug 19, 2024 9:25 PM in response to Josh_-

Ok thanks, yeah I don't need a computer, but my old one is starting to die on me, so I would looking for an investment to support me for the next 4 years throughout college while getting my bachelors, and I checked it and they heavily recommend having a computer that run windows with 16GB RAM and 256 SSD, but my school only gives out really low end cheaper windows or chrome books, plus I have a budget of $2,000 so I was thinking of getting the M2 MacBook Pro and buy parallels so I can still run the windows apps.

Aug 19, 2024 10:05 PM in response to Joshua_510

Apple Silicon Macs cannot run Intel versions of Windows. You would need to run Windows 11 for ARM in that Parallels virtual machine. Windows 11 for ARM can run some off-the-shelf Windows/Intel applications, but there is overhead and there are limitations. See the Microsoft and Parallels sites for details.


If your college heavily recommends Windows laptops, but only gives out low-end Windows laptops and ChromeBooks, you might want to put your money towards buying a high-end Windows laptop that is better than the ones they give out.

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Whats the oldest MacBook Pro that supports MacOS 11 at least, preferably higher than that, because I use a 2011 13in MacBook Pro

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