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Ask HN: When do you replace your Macs?

2 points by Tabular-Iceberg ↗ HN
I have a 2015 MacBook Pro whose batteries have started swelling up lately. It's not covered by the recall, so I have to pay out of pocket. I've been thinking of a few options:

1. Get a new one. The old ones is six years old, hot, noisy and struggles with external 4k monitors. I've heard good things about the M1 here on HN. But it's rather expensive and wasteful.

2. Get the batteries replaced. It's only 10% of the cost, and a lot of the other problems can be fixed with a pentalobe screwdriver and a can of computer duster.

3. Do nothing and risk burning down the house. I have no clue how big the risk is.

What are your replacement strategies?

4 comments

[ 6.8 ms ] story [ 13.2 ms ] thread
aparsons
I turn my old Macbooks into pseudo desktops as the batteries start to go. My 2012 MBP is my girlfriend’s “desktop” now.
Tabular-Iceberg
If only Apple hadn't glued the batteries to the top case in this model. Maybe it's possible to just pry them off, but for the trouble I'd rather just pay Apple for the new top case with new batteries attached.
dudul
I don't know if it helps, but according to macrumors, now is not the best time to buy a new MBP since apparently the line of products will receive significant updates some time this year.
enonevets
I try to update every 2-3 years. Last purchased in 2018 and currently waiting on the rumored M1X MBP.