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I bought the same type of MacBook Pro three months ago for $355 at auction with the charger included, after watching several of Luke's videos. So far, it has been very good and I especially like the bright screen. My first MacBook it is!
You can remove the screen de lamination as pristine using acetone applied to a cloth. It comes off almost like wiping chalk off a board. I used it on my late 2013 15” mbp which came up great. Isopropyl is good for internal electrical parts, but acetone is one of the best cleaners and diluters for many applications you can use. Just finish the screen off with a light wet damp cloth then polish it up.
Like it! Looking forward to part 2. What do you think about IOS upgrade patches allowing older units with the most recent IOS. I hate that the older models get left behind specially when the specs will handle it no problem.
These types of videos are very helpful. Also knowing which models can be upgraded would be very important to some folks. Excited to see part 2, keep up the great work 👌
My late 2012 MacBook is starting to slow down a lot, I’ve got it running Catalina at the moment. I’m probably gonna revert it to mountain lion to keep it as a digital museum of sorts, in the mean time I’m looking for another user macbook, your channel helps a lot as you cover used macs, I really appreciate the videos.
Just bought a refurb 15” MacBook Pro (mid-2015) - 0 cycles - 2.5 GPU - 16 GB - half terabyte of storage - with Monterey OS installed - all in $300 with tax (Dec. 2023) - It’s beautiful (not a scratch or delam anywhere) and crazy fast. Identical to the one chosen here on this video except mine doesn’t have the AMD chip - has Intel i7 - so a year after this video was made, it’s possible to find these MB Pros in near mint for even less.
The 2015 MacBook Pro on eBay is a steal. If you can deal with using a cooling pad and possible 4hrs max battery, it works without lag. The keyboard is also straight amazing, I wish they brought that key travel back. Got one for $280 with 700 cycles and works like a charm after a couple battery cycles and clean os reinstall.
I check eBay from time to time for used MacBooks but this was a great intro as to what to look out for. As the owner of a late 2013 15” MBP, I’d like to see a video on anything that can be done to keep this kind of machine in top top condition; battery, thermals, storage - that sort of thing. Keep the content coming Luke!
I've been wanting to buy that macbook for 2 years, exactly the same, 15 inches 2015 retina with dedicated graphics and 16gb ram (in the best case with 1tb of storage). But unfortunately due to economic problems to this day it is impossible for me to achieve it. In my country (Argentina) these macbooks are priced twice what they really cost. and buying it in the USA and bringing it here costs me up to $200 more. It is incredible to see that in just 10 minutes and a few days of waiting, you were able to buy the computer that you wanted so much.
I’d love to see the part 2 to this video, but I (like others) need a bit of help too. Could you put together a list of Macs covering what processor and video card came in what year and model? You use this all the time to search, but many of us just don’t know this information and it would be great to have a kind of reference guide. Thanks for all the knowledge you share.
I would use this site: everymac.com/systems/apple/index-apple-specs-applespec.html It breaks down every single model and gives you most of the spec info you would need to know!
If you can try to get the 2015 15inch with the dedicated graphics card if you plan on doing any light editing. Got one like he showed with 16gb for $280 and works like a charm. The keyboard is also amazing. Just watch out for the screen film.
A few days ago I got a base M1 Macbook Air for £620 here in the UK, and I think it was a great deal. Now I have to say that it was through a bidding and I just got lucky, but nonetheless, I think I did well. Can't wait for part 2!
Unfortunately on our tiny little island we get absolutely rinsed on prices for almost everything. An I picked up an old thinkpad (2013) In the lockdown and I'm too embarrassed to say what I paid knowing now they are half the price if i'd have waited...
I have always felt the 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro was the best laptop Apple had ever made (not including M1 which I have never owned). I had one for work for several years. A 2015 MBP would still make a very capable laptop and I can't think of a better new machine you could get for under $500.
Yes, I would love to see part 2 after buying. Thermal paste seems very hard. SSD goes without saying. Removing dust is probably worthwhile for a 7 years old laptop. I am definitely looking forward for that one. An other one I need is: the battery replacement for the very cheap iPhone 8 and iPad 5.
It was a pretty good deal. Two years ago I received a 2013 15inch MacBook Pro with less than 10 charge cycles on it from my friend that passed away, he literally bought it and put it in a drawer and forgot about it. Is it possible that you could do a video installing Open Core legacy on an older Mac and bring it up to macOS Ventura? I would love to see your thoughts on how well it performs, what features are not supported, etc.
@@emilsecker7881 I guess you’re not understanding what I’m saying, currently, my old machine does run big sir but with “legacy you can install macOS Ventura on it.
@@emilsecker7881 that wasn’t the point of his video, Luke shows a lot of instances where are using an older Mac, and keeping them going as long as possible makes more sense, that’s why I asked him to do it.
I got the Battery Health app you used and it frankly surprised me with the data as I know I had bought this with the original battery. Yes, I would like to see you upgrade the MacBook AND the results and cost total for the whole project! 👍🏽
I'm looking forward to seeing a part 2 to this video! One thing I would like to see done to this MacBook would be the use of OpenCore Legacy Patcher to install macOS Ventura!
I bought an M1 MacBook Air with 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, & 8 core GPU in good condition on eBay for $836 ($900 after tax). Saved $400 compared to the Apple refurbished store price.
Luke, good idea for the 2nd part. Gives me also an idea: I have bought my MacBook Pro in 2012. I am the first owner. Are there things I could consider to do? Replace the battery, paste etc? In other words, what can a long time user of the same device do to keep his/her Mac fresh and usable?
Great video as Always,Luke.Looking forward for part 2.Another video about buying an M1 chip machine would be Extremely interesting,too,especially for us,windows usersmaking the transition to Apple!Keep making those Great videos and Greetings from Greece!
Bought a MacBook Pro 2015 16gb 15inch for $280. It runs docker, parallels, safari and end Visio ms 365 on browser no problem. I just need to use a cooling pad as it get very hot. But It did have case damage that bent part the side of the screen but the screen works fine. The battery showed need to be serviced and lasted 30min. After a clean rest by apple that went away and after a few weeks I am getting 4hrs. But for $300 it’s runs perfect like a new computer. I haven’t used adobe products but anything cpu it works. I use it with a old Apple Cinema Display port to usbc. And for 350 I have a MacBook Pro plus studio display but not for $3000.
I just got an early 2015 MacBook pro 13" for a little over 200 usd. It was on sale, original price is closer to 300, very happy with it best laptop I have ever owned.
The magic of these 2015 15in is the battery recall. If the serial number qualifies you can get it replaced under the recall for free. You’ll also get a new keyboard/bottom chassis. I once got a really cheap one that ended up having the motherboard and speakers replaced for free because Genius Bar broke something
its too late for that correct? I have a 2015 macbook pro but mines a 13 in - i know they had a recall for the screens with the blemishes but thought it was many years overdue
in what world is the apple product lineup "difficult"? there computers are more streamlined and they have fewer of them than literally every other computer manufacturer.
For the general user, the M1 or M2 MacBook Air is a pretty straightforward choice and good value. For the iPad, the M1 iPad Air is also a good choice. Go for a Pro if you really need more horsepower / features.
Just bought a mid-2015 MacBook Pro Retina with the 2.5 GHz i7, 16GB of RAM, 500GB SSD, and Radeon 370X for $345 plus tax. I knew what to look for after watching a lot of your videos!
@Emil Secker Yeah, that's a fair consideration, but for my use case it was the right move. I only need a Mac for GarageBand, and it gave me a "new" laptop too. Once I have more experience producing music I can decide to upgrade to something like Logic, FL Studio, or Ableton, and then I can buy a newer MacBook if I need to. I also didn't have the money for a MacBook with Apple silicon
I would love to see a video about your cleaning routine and products! I love to shop used devices (iPads, Nintendo handhelds,…) but I always struggle to decide what product will work and won’t damage it.
I know it sounds crazy, but if you put mouthwash on a microfiber cloth and rub it on the screen, those stains come out (these stains are caused by the anti-reflective layer of the screen, using the mouthwash removes the anti-reflective layer completely) I tested it here at home and it worked, you can try without fear.
Recently bought similar machine. Paid a little more but came with the charger and a 1yr warranty..so there's that. I would love to see a tear down and clean for future reference...maybe a battery replacement on one of these.
I'd love to see some cooling mods, maybe fabricating new heat pipes with better materials or improved flow. that would be interesting to see, specially on that very model, those intel leave some performance on the table due to heating
If you're not going to go Apple Silicon, I think the best bang for buck is a 2012 non-Retina 15" (or 13" if very budget constrained) with user installed 16GB ram and SSD. Easy DIY upgrades and you can remove optical drive for a second drive if you want. I have a quad i7 2012 15" with 16GB 2TB as my main laptop still, Open Core Legacy Patcher runs Ventura like a champ, can play Apple Arcade games even... so that's my portable, alongside an M1 Ultra Mac Studio as my desktop for when I need the grunt.
Love this video!! I do own a mid-2015 MacBook Pro Retina with same specs. Would love to see in part two an upgrade of the SSD and opening up the laptop to clean the internals. Maybe in the future if you can make a video on upgrading the old MacBooks to new IOS via IOS Pacthers?
Literally yesterday I checked my battery, which was at 241 cycles and less than 30% charge. It is now fully charged, and you know ehere that puts the cycle count... Some coincidence, eh? My current MBP (13/2012/i7; replacement for a 13/2012/i5) was $125; power management is a bit dodgy, but the speed bump is well worth the aggravation. (Watched the 32-MB marathon yesterday. Epic. How long did the whole process take, from unboxing to completion?)
Yes pls do a part 2...I love watching these...I haven't opened or used my 2012 mbp much due to not having spudgers to do the maintenence like re thermal pasting, buy still love these vids
😂 I really don’t see me buying a computer on EBay. I just don’t have the knowledge you have 😂 But it’s a video. Am sure a lot of EBay sellers know you. So you are probably getting the best deal. I have an EBay account that is 100% positive. It’s 12 years old. Been on EBay since 2010. I buy stuff, but it’s something I know.
M2 Air $1049. at Best Buy. It’s really small. Think I like the Samsung Galaxy Pro better at . Had one and returned it to Amazon. Like the M1 Pro but $$.
It still comes back to that you know to look for specific Macs based on processor/GPU or other factors; most of us don't. You've made videos about Macs to avoid. There needs to be a table somewhere, by year/processor/GPU/display (or whatever factors matter) of machines that are great, OK or to be avoided. Otherwise, I risk shelling out $400 for something that's in good shape but who's GPU or keyboard is minutes away from dying.
Hi Luke, I did not made a 10Minutes Challenge, but I did a "one Month-Challange", to buy a "cheap" useable MacBook Pro and nice parts, to get a snappy working Mac in good condition. I´ve bought a 15" 2015 Base Model MacBook Pro for 280Euro. Some weeks later I found on eBay Germany a working i7-4870HQ Mainboard with Dual Graphic for 80 Euro, without iCloud lock. After I got the Mainboard, I've cleaned it up and repasted the CPU and GPU and swapped the Mainboards. After I installed macOS Monterey on the old 256GB Apple SSD, I ordered the SINTECH-Adapter and a short used Samsung 980 Pro 2TB for 150 Euro. I even sold the Base-Model Mainboard for 100€ on eBay. Now I have a 2nd-Hand MacBook Pro Mid-Spec Dual Graphic MacBook Pro 15" in very good condition, with 275 Batterycycles, without Staingate and big SSD for 410€ 😎. Nice Idea with the 10 Minutes buying challenge 👍🏻. Kind regards from Germany Chris
I would like to see someone marry an m1 Mini to a cheese grater mac and enable the expansion possibilities. These old Macs are cheaper than Nas drives and with SoftRaid Pro they make great storage devices,
Hey Luke, Great video as always 👍 I saw you avoiding Mac's with delamination issues, I can assure you that it is not an issue at all. On my old MacBook Pro 2015 I got delamination issues but I managed to get it resolved with a simple £1 hack. And it got amazing looks just like a new latest gen screen... Apple wanted to charge me £400 to get it sorted because it was a few months outside the cover.
