What would be the best Mac to buy in my situation?

HecFam · 8 Feb 2013 at 14:46

Hey guys,

Basically, my company is going to send me on a course to learn more about macs. Its for the in-depth side of things.

I just have no idea about the models really. I want to spend around £250-£300 at most to buy a Macbook or something. But i have no idea of the models or what i should expect for that money. I've had a look on the bay and it was a mish mash of different models that i have no idea about.

What sort of model should i be looking for? Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Alpherah · 8 Feb 2013 at 17:11

Mac mini of some description most likely for £300 ish budget

PaulyD · 8 Feb 2013 at 17:30

I would agree on that as well. £300 won't get a lot of macbook for that much but sure a Mac mini will be better. Hook it up to your PC monitor, KB+mouse cheap etc

HecFam · 8 Feb 2013 at 17:44

They seem pretty decent actually, cheers for that.

would there be any kind of laptop one within that price range, i would like the portability, but its not too much of a big thing. Any that fit?

I can probably get an OS for it, so just the basic hardware alone would be perfect for me

explicit4u · 8 Feb 2013 at 23:48

Nothing close to that price range brand new and you'd be hard pressed to find a used MacBook for that price unless you get a really dated/worn one.

HecFam · 9 Feb 2013 at 23:47

Ok thanks, i was definitely not expecting anything new, i just wondered if there was a specific model that goes in that price range.

dav3evans · 9 Feb 2013 at 23:54

The older black and white macbooks have been sold in that region before now. Have a look for those.

HecFam · 10 Feb 2013 at 11:58

Will do, cheers for the suggestions.

GeX · 11 Feb 2013 at 14:07

Might not be worth bothering with though, they'll be running older versions of OSX and will be different to what you're going to see on this course and in general use afterwards.

HecFam · 11 Feb 2013 at 14:08

I take it i can always upgrade the OS can i not, im sure i can get the latest version for little to nothing.

Alpherah · 11 Feb 2013 at 15:05

the 2006 core 2 duo macbooks can go up to OSX Lion, but not Mountain Lion

theheyes · 11 Feb 2013 at 15:51

Yep, double check the hardware support for the latest OS because Apple don't support some of the slightly older models.

HecFam · 11 Feb 2013 at 15:54

Are there any work arounds so that you can get the latest OSX on them? I have no idea what the latest OSX is to be fair.

Would i be possible in anyway to buy an older macbook and do some trickery to get it to the latest OSX. I would prefer a work around to spending more money.

But if its the case that it cannot be done, i guess i'll have to splash out more.

Alpherah · 11 Feb 2013 at 16:03

http://www.apple.com/osx/specs/

supported models on that page

GeX · 11 Feb 2013 at 16:22

HecFam said:
Are there any work arounds so that you can get the latest OSX on them? I have no idea what the latest OSX is to be fair.

Would i be possible in anyway to buy an older macbook and do some trickery to get it to the latest OSX. I would prefer a work around to spending more money.

But if its the case that it cannot be done, i guess i'll have to splash out more.

What are you wanting to get out of using a Mac? Is it for troublshooting / support or development? If it is, then you don't want a hacked about system. You'll need something that is like the platform that you'll be using at work.

FreeStream · 11 Feb 2013 at 17:17

You should be able to get a mid 2007 15" for £300.

Runs ML.

HecFam · 12 Feb 2013 at 09:39

GeX said:
What are you wanting to get out of using a Mac? Is it for troublshooting / support or development? If it is, then you don't want a hacked about system. You'll need something that is like the platform that you'll be using at work.

It is for support i guess, yes. But i wouldn't say its a hacked system as such, if i can get ML then fine, perfect. If i cannot i wondered if there was a simple work around to get an older macbook to a newer OSX. I doubt it would impact on how i can assist people. But if i can get a ML Mac then thats fine, i was just looking for the best option within my price range.

As for the 2007 model, if i can find one, im sure it will do the job. Cheers!