Advice on Most Recent MPB OR MB with Optical?

[SteveO]

Howdy folks. Aunty wants a new-used ride - I seen this one here:

https://eshop.macsales.com/configure-my-...=READERSPC&Source=Blast18Aug16&utm_source=bm23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=13%22+Apple+MacBook+Pro+%E2%80%93+Fully+User-Upgradeable+Model+%E2%80%93+Dual-Core+i5+Processor+%E2%80%93+500GB+HDD+(Configurable+to+2.0TB+SSD)+%E2%80%93+4GB+Memory+(Configurable+to+16GB)+%E2%80%93+1GB+GPU+%E2%80%93+Optical+Drive+%E2%80%93+(1)+Thunderbolt+Port+%E2%80%93+SD+card+slot+Originally+$1,199.00+Only+$579.00+You+save+$620+/+51%25+%2B+Parallels+$79.95+FREE&utm_content=Blast18+Aug16+Used+Macs&utm_campaign=08/16/2018&_bta_tid=10279859231401967289013406080205180463176208539767218449665494609954027991987339418185279488236952270659099&_bta_c=avggs5cwy030khp76yoj4kmee2jee

And it looks like it fits her needs but is a bit spendy ($700+ for a 2012 with 16gb RAM)...wondering what her other options might be. Doesn't need to run the very latest OS (dubious distinction that is), she uses an older iPhone and is happy with late-mode or older tech...she just wants her CD/DVD drive and ease of use/connectivity...and not be locked out of web browsing. I'd say Mavs-capable is okay for her. She is on a pretty tight budget, 500ish on top end if at all possible.

I actually prefer the white MB's over the MBPs for comfort of use - the white plastic is just easier on the arms/wrists vs the metal of my own mid-'10 MBP. Looking for model (year is fine, I can dig up the specs) and a reputable seller that offers them with something like a 90-day warranty and stands behind it -- best executed by hopefully never needing to use it!

TIA for any suggestions.

[Gareth]

You're on the right track. 2012 13" MBP is probably the best option in terms of future compatibility. USB 3 and still current on the OS's. Personally, I wouldn't go older than that. And you'd be better off with the 128GB SSD for $609 than 16GB of RAM.

I'd rather go eBay than go for an older machine myself, then again, I pretty much always go eBay, so I'm comfortable with that decision.

[Gareth]

Are these people reputable, I don't know, but you can get a 2012 13 MBP with 120GB SSD for $498 and 90-day warranty: https://www.macofalltrades.com/apple-mac...md101ll-a/

[btfc]

Yes, $500 is a good ballpark figure for the Mid 2012 MBP and they are great machines.

[Speedy]

Are you sure aunty might not appreciate the 15" display?

[SDGuy]

Speedy wrote:
Are you sure aunty might not appreciate the 15" display?

Also, "the entry-level 15-Inch model -- the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.3 15-Inch -- is roughly 39% faster than the higher-end 13-Inch model"

[Racer X]

Gareth wrote:
Are these people reputable, I don't know, but you can get a 2012 13 MBP with 120GB SSD for $498 and 90-day warranty: https://www.macofalltrades.com/apple-mac...md101ll-a/

miley-laughing001:

I don't even know where to begin...........

[SteveO]

Speedy wrote:
Are you sure aunty might not appreciate the 15" display?

Actually, yeah, good point, she might well appreciate the 15" display more than the 13. She's coming from a circa '08 15" Mac laptop - not sure if it's a PB or MBP.

She's not real comfortable with eBay, but that may also be something to look into.

Thanks, all.

[mrlynn]

The optical drive on my mid-2010 13" MBP just stopped accepting CDs. I bought an external from Amazon for $22. Works great for playing and burning.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FB6...00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Going external will increase your universe of options.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FB6...00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

/Mr Lynn