I'm thinking of buying a new MacBook to replace my mid-2010 MacBook pro, which still runs but is getting slow. I'm told the current MacBook pro without retina display (which I don't think I need) is an older system and may be obsolete soon--true?

barbara cfrompa wrote:

but I was told that the MacBook Pro without retina display was an old system that Apple might not support much longer. Is this true?

Only Apple can answer such a question and the Terms of Use for these forums discourage us from discussing what Apple plans on doing.

I too have a 2010 MBP. I installed a SSD and that increased the performance significantly. Consider that as an option.

You may be experiencing other problems that is slowing down your MBP. Before you commit the significant cash for a new MBP, look into potential software issues that may be responsible for poor performance. With the SSD, my 2010 runs better than the day it came out of the box.

Ciao.

The MacBook Pro, since mid 2012 have retina displays. Currently models as early as early 2011 are considered "Supported" by Apple. Chances are these earlier models, as you suspect, will have their support status changed to "Vintage." That is, they will have very limited support, if none at all, from Apple.

If your goal is to save some money, you may want to consider that Apple also offers refurbished models with limited warranties.

The non-retina MacBook Pro that is currently being sold in the Apple store is model MD101xx/A and it is a "mid-2012" model. The following link has more information on models: How to identify MacBook Pro models - Apple Support

I won't win any friends at Apple for this post, but you should wait a bit on whatever you choose to buy. According to the MacRumors Buyer's Guide, the entire MacBook product line is due for a refresh, with the exception of the 12" MacBook, which is mid-product cycle. There are numerous rumors circulating about a large product line update coming in the Fall.

Ultimately, it's not entirely Apple's fault for the long delay, as Intel has had problems shipping the appropriate chips for the next generation line.

FWIW,

MB

Yes, those are rumors and and the first item in my initial response in this discussion are what we are not to engage in per the Terms of Use for these forums:

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-5952

You may wish to review them.

Ciao.

I have the same, the 5400rpm hard drives are definitely the biggest bottleneck. Upgrading to an SSD and 8gb Ram will get you back in the fast lane. Fairly easy to do yourself and costs under $300.

Installing a Hard Drive in a MBP is quite easy. Select the video that is appropriate for your MBP and see for yourself:

https://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/

Ciao.