MacBooks for everyday use

Despite their age, MacBooks from this era can still handle many everyday tasks quite well. They're great for browsing the web, writing, emailing, streaming videos, working with office tools like Word or Google Docs, and even light image editing. These devices are especially suitable for students, writers, telecommuters, or anyone who doesn't need the latest technology but wants a reliable and affordable Mac.

When purchasing one of these older MacBooks, you usually have the option of keeping the original used battery or upgrading to a new one. A used battery will still work and be tested for basic performance, but it may show signs of aging and hold a charge for less time—typically, they'll still be around 80% good. So, if you plan on using your MacBook frequently without AC power, an upgrade is worth it.

Some models still receive the latest updates, while others no longer receive official support. Generally, MacBooks from 2019, 2018, and even 2017 still receive macOS updates, including new features and security patches. Models from 2016 may no longer receive major updates, but may still receive limited security fixes. Apple no longer provides updates for MacBooks from 2015 and earlier. This means they won't receive new features or security patches, but they can still run stable older macOS versions or alternative software.

There are a few things to keep in mind. Without updates, Macs can become more vulnerable to online threats over time, and some apps may no longer work on older systems. However, many users continue to use these devices safely for offline work, light internet use, media playback, or even development work that doesn't rely on the latest software. Some people also install privacy-focused browsers or lightweight operating systems to extend their Mac life.

Even without updates, these older MacBooks can be useful in many ways. They're often used as dedicated writing laptops, media players, travel computers, or as secondary devices for light tasks. If you don't need the latest features or software, they can still provide a smooth and enjoyable experience, especially when combined with a new battery or a clean software setup.