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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Reader Recommendations => Topic started by: dizzy on January 09, 2021, 09:26:20 PM

Title: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: dizzy on January 09, 2021, 09:26:20 PM
I have a decade old macbook.  I replaced the battery once, it's really been slowing down a lot even with minimal usage (only program running is a few browser windows), battery dies very quickly when not connected to power, and the case is bulging.  OK, I may or may not have spilled coffee on it a few months ago and it might not have turned on for a few days, whoops (yes, I didn't try to turn it on right away- took it apart and let it dry for a week first before even tried- still took a few more days).  Status is fine on the battery, IDK if just replacing the battery again would fix it.

I was outside considering to upgrade since the tax software I use no longer supports it, I don't like to keep the records online and in messing with the online version it's not as good as the download one.  Then I've had to do more recording projects all of a sudden- I've been using this ancient program called Audacity, but they really want me to start using Pro Tools at minimum (they are using Ableton for most of the stuff but maybe my head will explode, and I don't think there's a free version).

I use my computer for my day job as well- mandatory- I do my patient notes on it through a web-based app.

So I've been researching this.  I almost always go used but in this case it seems there is a big difference between the new M1 processor and old intel ones?  The best deal I can find is to try to get open box from Best Buy and go through a cashback shopping portal.  I have a sign up bonus to meet on a card that I probably shouldn't buy discounted gift cards with otherwise I'd throw that in too.  Got the price down to ~$800 if I buy in the next state over with no sales tax.

Also how do I deal with the hesitation to buy an expensive thing, even if it's a biz write off? 
Title: Re: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: dang1 on January 09, 2021, 09:57:32 PM
$800 is way overpriced for a laptop. get something cheaper, not a mac
Title: Re: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: AccidentialMustache on January 09, 2021, 10:15:00 PM
If the battery is causing the case to bulge, you have a fire waiting to happen. If you don't *have* to be mobile, I would pull the battery tomorrow and turn it in to recycling (home depot will take them, not in the bins, but hand it to the service desk). You now have a luggable with a cord, but it won't light your house on fire at an inconvenient time and take your data with it when it does so.
Title: Re: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: FiveSigmas on January 09, 2021, 10:18:42 PM
I have a decade old macbook.  I replaced the battery once, it's really been slowing down a lot even with minimal usage (only program running is a few browser windows), battery dies very quickly when not connected to power, and the case is bulging.  OK, I may or may not have spilled coffee on it a few months ago and it might not have turned on for a few days, whoops (yes, I didn't try to turn it on right away- took it apart and let it dry for a week first before even tried- still took a few more days).  Status is fine on the battery, IDK if just replacing the battery again would fix it.

A bulging case is a possible indication of battery failure, which is a fire hazard (https://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib011819.html). Replacing the battery won’t speed up your system, but it may save your life/property.

Edit: AM beat me to it with the correct response. Two similar responses in a matter of minutes should tell you something, though. Get rid of it.
Title: Re: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: Metalcat on January 10, 2021, 03:28:08 AM
K, you've got a lot going on here.

First: it's a 10 year old laptop that could be a fire risk, it makes no sense that you are trying to hold on to it. Things die, it's not the end of the world.

Second: if you are only running tax software and a web based patient records program, why do you need a MacBook? Cheap laptops are a dime a dozen.

Third: why would you feel guilt about this? It's your money, do with it as you please. This is either a priority for you or if isn't. It's black and white. You need a computer for your work, so it's not a question of whether or not you should buy a computer. Agonizing over this is a huge waste of psychological energy. I would do some introspection on why you don't trust yourself to make set your own priorities and make your own financial decisions.
Title: Re: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: Plina on January 10, 2021, 04:12:30 AM
You obviously need a new computer. Stop thinking about it and buy one. I would buy a new MacBook instead of a cheaper non Mac computer. My MacBook is 7-8 years old and during that period my father had bought 3-4 of the cheaper laptops for as much as my more expensive costs. They seem to last 2-3 years before they start go get a lot of error messages. I have zero interests in computers and no knowledge on how to fix problems. I have always some kind of problems with my work PC laptop, but amazingly not with my personal Mac. Only that is worth the higher price tag for me.

At least here, it has become quite popular to buy refurbished laptops. Maybe that is an option for you
Title: Re: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: Blackeagle on January 10, 2021, 05:01:51 AM
I’ll second Plina that Macs are quite good if you want to keep a machine for a long time.  Apple recently switched from using Intel chips to their own M1 chips.  If you go the Mac route, I’d recommend one of the new M1 powered MacBook Airs, since they’re likely to be supported for longer than even a recent Intel powered machine. 
Title: Re: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: dizzy on January 14, 2021, 03:23:33 PM
So I ended up finding one that was open box.  A friend recommended I check Best Buy- I stalked the site for a few days and learned when the new ones get put on there (around store closing time each day).  Scored a new M1 macbook air for $650.  It was priced $1k new.  I feel ok about this.  Yay.
Title: Re: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: FiveSigmas on January 16, 2021, 02:00:59 PM
Thanks for following up with us. I’m glad you got rid of the safety hazard, and it sounds like you scored quite a deal on your new machine. May it last you another 10 years!
Title: Re: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: Accrual on January 23, 2021, 02:23:22 PM
Like you, I was going back and forth trying to decide on splurging and getting a Macbook. After months (literally) I decided on the Macbook and rationalized I saved myself more money (in time) by just purchasing the item I wanted, rather than wasting time do $/utility calculations in my head.
Title: Re: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: trygeek on February 26, 2021, 02:49:53 PM
You have a decade old MacBook. It's 800 dollars for a new one. That's 80 dollars a year if this one lasts as long as the old one. Go get a new MacBook. Congratulations hope you like your new computer.
Title: Re: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: FINate on February 26, 2021, 03:22:29 PM
That's a pretty good deal for the M1. Congrats!

The Apple Tax is real, I feel your pain. I'm eagerly anticipating the repairable Framework Laptops (https://frame.work/) in a noOS option, though will probably have to wait a bit longer for some decent reviews and Linux support.

Other than the outrageous prices, I'm also tired of the planned obsolescence for my Apple products. I have a 2013 iMac that's perfectly functional and plenty fast (loads of RAM), yet it won't be supported much longer.  Guessing I'll eventually throw Linux on it, replace the HDD with a SSD, and get another 10 years out of it.
Title: Re: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: bacchi on February 27, 2021, 10:53:18 AM
I'm eagerly anticipating the repairable Framework Laptops (https://frame.work/) in a noOS option, though will probably have to wait a bit longer for some decent reviews and Linux support.

This looks awesome and I hope they can pull it off. It looks like a possible Frankenmac candidate too.
Title: Re: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: WhiteTrashCash on February 27, 2021, 11:26:37 AM
That was a good idea to purchase an M1 MacBook. Apple is probably only going to support their Intel-based MacBooks for a few more years and then they won't be able to run new OS anymore even with a patch.
Title: Re: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: Kris on February 28, 2021, 05:32:10 AM
You obviously need a new computer. Stop thinking about it and buy one. I would buy a new MacBook instead of a cheaper non Mac computer. My MacBook is 7-8 years old and during that period my father had bought 3-4 of the cheaper laptops for as much as my more expensive costs. They seem to last 2-3 years before they start go get a lot of error messages. I have zero interests in computers and no knowledge on how to fix problems. I have always some kind of problems with my work PC laptop, but amazingly not with my personal Mac. Only that is worth the higher price tag for me.

At least here, it has become quite popular to buy refurbished laptops. Maybe that is an option for you

I agree with this. In the time I have owned one Mac, my husband has bought 3 PC laptops. Get a replacement Mac.
Title: Re: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: valaraukar on March 20, 2021, 10:16:32 AM
I also agree that paying $800 for a MacBook that will last much longer than a $499 BestMartStapleMax budget PC is a wise move.  My wife had two budget PCs die in the 5 years I had my previous MBP.

The only caution I have is that if you need to run Win10 in a virtual machine on your MacBook for specialized software, it's my understanding that there aren't yet any VMs that will do that on the M1 chip.   Parallels is working on a version of their VM for the M1 chips.
Title: Re: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: fraylock on March 23, 2021, 01:29:28 PM
I splurged for an M1 macbook air and have no regrets.  If you file a 1099 and use it for work, you can save a few tax $$ by claiming it as a work expense.
Title: Re: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: aetheldrea on June 16, 2021, 01:07:31 PM
I splurged for an M1 macbook air and have no regrets.  If you file a 1099 and use it for work, you can save a few tax $$ by claiming it as a work expense.
Very unprofessional opinion here, but I think to claim it as a business expense, it would have to be used more than 50% for business, and then you would have to depreciate the value of that business percentage over 7 years. You might be able to save several dollars in taxes each year using this strategy, but you are increasing your accounting headaches and might also increase your chances of being audited.
For me, claiming small items like this as a business expense is not worth it.
Title: Re: How to save on macbook/guilt over spending on this
Post by: darknight on June 18, 2021, 03:40:18 PM
You have a decade old MacBook. It's 800 dollars for a new one. That's 80 dollars a year if this one lasts as long as the old one. Go get a new MacBook. Congratulations hope you like your new computer.

Amen.

I know the OP bought a new computer but when someone in the future is reading this thread, consider how much you use a computer and phone DAILY. I used to hate Macs for their price.. Until I saw the useable life and fluidity of operations. Being self employed we use macs for graphic design etc and when we retired the last one it had over 4 hrs use daily, for 6 years (you can read screen time total hours). Lots of editing, design work, movie player. Maybe I'm jaded but compare a 6 year old HP, Dell whatever with that kind of use (including a LOT of travel and multiple falls). The macbooks are awesome.

Same for cell phones. We have computer grade processors, insanely good cameras, instant connectivity, GPS's, and thousands of other valid applications. They are stupid fast, used all day long.. Sure no one likes spending $1k on a phone.. but what benefit do they bring at what cost? I have an $850 iphone that's 3.5 yrs old. It's going to get replaced soon (battery is starting to have issues) but I can't complain on price when I look at what i've used it for. Don't think I'm anti mustachian at all.. My iphone cost more than my car lol.