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?