Is it worth changing the battery and ssd of a MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015) or completely buying a new laptop?

[MarcusBeatitudes]

I use the laptop for school. Mostly typing up documents, watching youtube, light editing and gaming. The battery has become a big problem so is it worth buying an entirely new laptop or sticking with this MacBook and replacing the battery and ssd? Will this machine last another 3 more years?

[Chris Pratt]

The latest Mac OS version removes compatibility for everything before 2015. You just made it under the wire. I would imagine this might be your last. That more than anything would motivate me to move on.

[dizmo]

It's not an expensive upgrade, so I'd go for it. As for it lasting, sure. I was still using a 2013 laptop last year without issue (aside from RAM, but it came with 4GB that wasn't upgradable and I use a LOT of tabs).

[MarcusBeatitudes]

14 minutes ago, Chris Pratt said:

The latest Mac OS version removes compatibility for everything before 2015. You just made it under the wire. I would imagine this might be your last. That more than anything would motivate me to move on.

Since i'm in Australia and have limited money, laptops cost a lot more here than in US so i'm more incentive to just replace the battery and hard drive.

 

6 minutes ago, dizmo said:

It's not an expensive upgrade, so I'd go for it. As for it lasting, sure. I was still using a 2013 laptop last year without issue (aside from RAM, but it came with 4GB that wasn't upgradable and I use a LOT of tabs).

I've got 8gb version so i'm alright on ram. Is there a linux OS? that l can squeeze more performance out of that is similar to Windows or Mac or is sticking to Big Surr the best option? 

[The_russian]

24 minutes ago, Chris Pratt said:

The latest Mac OS version removes compatibility for everything before 2015. You just made it under the wire. I would imagine this might be your last. That more than anything would motivate me to move on.

MacOS Big Sur is compatible with MacBooks back to 2013, so a 2015 model will most likely get another year or two of updates.

 

@MarcusBeatitudes If you are choosing between replacing the battery and buying a whole new laptop, I would go with the battery replacement. If that is the only problem you have it doesn’t make much sense to get a whole new laptop, and batteries are not too expensive. You are also lucky in that the battery is only held in with a few screws and is really easy to replace, the MacBook Pro batteries are held in with adhesive and you have to use acetone or adhesive remover to loosen the glue, not a fun job with those.

Edited April 2, 2021 by The_russian

[Jumballi]

Ssd + battery upgrade is much cheaper than a new laptop, and a lot better for the environment. If you can justify using it long enough for the price to be worth it, then go for it.

[SupaKomputa]

I still use a macbook white from 2008, with around 6 replacement batteries and ssd upgrade.

Install windows 10 only to extend its life, since it only supports up to ice lion or something.

I am fortunate to get my hands on 2x4gb DDR2 sodim memory, which is still enough.

still feels like a new cheap celeron, which is okay for browsing.

[dizmo]

Just now, MarcusBeatitudes said:

I've got 8gb version so i'm alright on ram. Is there a linux OS? that l can squeeze more performance out of that is similar to Windows or Mac or is sticking to Big Surr the best option? 

No idea, I'd just stick with what it's meant to have. A lot of the time Apple uses custom CPUs and I don't know how they'd play with Linux. Apple's software is generally pretty light anyway.

[arnavvr]

35 minutes ago, dizmo said:

It's not an expensive upgrade, so I'd go for it. As for it lasting, sure. I was still using a 2013 laptop last year without issue (aside from RAM, but it came with 4GB that wasn't upgradable and I use a LOT of tabs).

I'm thinking about upgrading my laptop to 32GB of RAM because I hit 90% RAM utilization with 16GB...

 

I need to cure this habit lmao.

[MarcusBeatitudes]

27 minutes ago, Jumballi said:

Ssd + battery upgrade is much cheaper than a new laptop, and a lot better for the environment. If you can justify using it long enough for the price to be worth it, then go for it.

28 minutes ago, The_russian said:

MacOS Big Sur is compatible with MacBooks back to 2013, so a 2015 model will most likely get another year or two of updates.

 

@MarcusBeatitudes If you are choosing between replacing the battery and buying a whole new laptop, I would go with the battery replacement. If that is the only problem you have it doesn’t make much sense to get a whole new laptop, and batteries are not too expensive. You are also lucky in that the battery is only held in with a few screws and is really easy to replace, the MacBook Pro batteries are held in with adhesive and you have to use acetone or adhesive remover to loosen the glue, not a fun job with those.

 

25 minutes ago, SupaKomputa said:

I still use a macbook white from 2008, with around 6 replacement batteries and ssd upgrade.

Install windows 10 only to extend its life, since it only supports up to ice lion or something.

I am fortunate to get my hands on 2x4gb DDR2 sodim memory, which is still enough.

still feels like a new cheap celeron, which is okay for browsing.

 

12 minutes ago, dizmo said:

No idea, I'd just stick with what it's meant to have. A lot of the time Apple uses custom CPUs and I don't know how they'd play with Linux. Apple's software is generally pretty light anyway.

Okkk, cool thanks.

[MarcusBeatitudes]

4 minutes ago, arnavvr said:

I'm thinking about upgrading my laptop to 32GB of RAM because I hit 90% RAM utilization with 16GB...

 

I need to cure this habit lmao.

Lol, go for it.

[dizmo]

On 4/1/2021 at 11:26 PM, arnavvr said:

I'm thinking about upgrading my laptop to 32GB of RAM because I hit 90% RAM utilization with 16GB...

 

I need to cure this habit lmao.

My next proper PC refresh is definitely getting 32GB of RAM.