Want a MacBook, but don’t want to pay over $1000? You have options!
Apple laptops are popular for their smoothness, durability, and longevity, but they also carry a hefty price tag. The important thing to know is that you can have great performance without the most expensive or newest model.
Some of the best MacBooks new but some are just 2-3 years old, still fast, still sharp, and now a lot cheaper. And guess what? People are still using them for all their needs.
You can surf the web, edit photos, take notes, or even do some video editing, all without spending a fortune. These models offer incredible value, and they’re often available at great prices due to periodic discounts.
This list caters specifically to those MacBooks. We’ve curated the right balance of price, power, and quality. It’s that simple. No hype. Just the right recommendations for under $1000.
| Image | Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) |
Processor: core_i5 2.6 GHz speed Memory: 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM Storage: 256 GB |
Check Price |
|
Apple MacBook Air MJVM2LL/A – (Extremely Cheap) |
Processor: Core i5 Memory: 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM Storage: 128 GB SSD |
Check Price |
|
Apple MacBook Pro MF839LLA X2 |
Processor: 2.7 GHz Core i5 Memory: 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM Storage: 128 GB SSD |
Check Price |
On this page
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)
Specifications:
- Display: 13.3 Inches
- Processor: core_i5 2.6 GHz speed
- Memory: 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM
- Storage: 256 GB
- Wireless Type: 802.11abg, 802.11a/b/g/n, 802.11a, 802.11ac
- Average Battery Life: 9 Hours
- Series: MacBook Pro
- Weight: 3.55 pounds
Review:
If you’ve been waiting for a MacBook that has a feeling of everything being done correctly, then here it is.
This model included the new Apple M4 chip, which is just crazy fast when its size is accounted for. It has a 10-core CPU and an 8-core GPU along with Apple’s 16-core Neural Engine that handles much of the work for things like managing AI tools and helping render apps feel smoother. You won’t notice how it is working, but you will feel the results
Battery life is a big plus here. You can literally take this on an all-day trip and be fine; you’ll get between 15 to 18 hours depending on your usage. Watch videos, surf, work, take video calls, and still have charge left! It’s hard to find a laptop this thin that lasts this long.
This 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is crisp and colorful. Everything looks sharp, whether it’s movies or spreadsheets.
With 1 million possible colors, photos and videos look vibrant and lifelike.
Plus, the typing experience is pleasant. The Magic Keyboard in this MacBook Air is a very quiet keyboard without sacrificing sturdiness. You also have Touch ID for a quick log-in, and the Force Touch trackpad is unbelievably responsive.
The camera has 12MP with wonderfully good video quality. It is very clear with different lighting.
The Center Stage feature also keeps you centered when you’re on video calls, which is surprisingly handy. With the sound, the four speakers sound fuller than you’d expect from a laptop this thin.
It even supports Spatial Audio if you’re using AirPods.
For ports, you have MagSafe 3 charging, two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, and a headphone jack. That’s it. Not a ton, but enough if you live in the Apple universe. If you want extra, then a USB-C hub works.
Now, on to how it feels. It’s solid. You know the build quality you’d expect from Apple; it’s thin, but it doesn’t feel fragile.
Plus, you’ve got four beautiful colors to choose from—including Sky Blue. This is the portable MacBook Air, which means you’re prepared to do anything, anywhere.
Even for the base configuration with 16GB memory and 256GB SSD, it handles multitasking effortlessly. Safari, Adobe Photoshop, Zoom, Pages, and Calendar and Mail all at the same time and it didn’t miss a beat.
For the average user, this thing nails it. Perfect for students, remote workers, writers, photographers, videographers, engineers, and anyone else who needs a thin and light laptop without sacrificing reliability. Whether you’re replying to an email or editing photos, it’ll keep up with you.
It’s easy to justify the hype of this MacBook. It’s quick, it lasts all day, and it feels like it’s built to last. If you’re considering a jump from Windows, this is the MacBook for you. Once you take that leap, everything will sync if you have an iPhone or iPad. Messages, files, and the clipboard—all seamlessly connect.
The only downside is the limited internal storage, though this can be managed by using an external drive or enclosure for extra space.
The bottom line: This is probably one of the best laptops Apple has made, especially for under a $1000. You get performance, battery life, build quality, and one of the most beautiful displays on the market. If you’re looking for something incredibly light, smart, and durable, then this one is worth your consideration.
Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15-inch (M3)
Specifications:
- Chip: Apple M3
- Display: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina
- Memory: 8GB Unified Memory
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Keyboard: Backlit with Touch ID
- Graphics: Integrated
- Operating System: macOS
- Color: Starlight, Silver, Space Gray, Midnight
- Weight: 3.3 pounds (1.51 kg)
Review:
If you are looking for a larger display without carrying around a heavy laptop, the new 2024 MacBook Air with the M3 chip is a good option.
The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display is an added bonus, as it fulfills all the requirements for work and entertainment without being too big. With the liquid Retina display, browsing on Safari, taking Zoom calls, and even editing on Photoshop or Final Cut Pro come easily, as the device handles all tasks with the utmost efficiency and ease.
And it just weighs 1.51kg, which makes it easy to carry for as long as you want.
Additionally, it comes with 256GB of SSD storage and 8GB of RAM, which satisfies the needs of most students who need a machine for schoolwork, remote workers who perform day-to-day activities like working on CRMs and opening 20+ tabs, and even educators.
A 16GB option is also available, which is perfect for data-intensive tasks like working on large data sets and heavy multitasking.
The battery can last for as long as 18 hours, and how long it lasts depends on what you do with it. There should be plenty of battery for a full day of work or classes before a charge is needed. It is also thin, light, and easy to handle, which makes it easy to carry if you commute to work, work from home, or travel.
The keyboard is ergonomic to type on, with a clean layout, and the backlight works well for low-light use. Touch ID allows you to quickly and securely unlock the computer. Additionally, the trackpad is large and easy to use for editing or gesture control.
The video and sound are clear, thanks to the 1080p FaceTime HD camera and three mics for clear voice capture for video calls. This is an upside from many laptops in this range, having six speakers with Spatial Audio capabilities.
It also supports the latest macOS features and connects to all your other Apple devices. You can copy a photo on your iPhone and paste it on your Mac. Reply to texts, answer FaceTime calls, use AirDrop, and it doesn’t require setup.
There are just the basic ports:
- MagSafe 3 charging
- Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports
- Headphone jack
Storage seems to be adequate for most people. If your job entails working with large files, you will likely need an external drive.
The design is exceptionally neat and sleek. You can choose from four colors: Starlight, Silver, Midnight, and Space Gray. Every color appears exquisite and understated. The Starlight color has a slightly soft-gold finish, which adds a little bit of distinction.
The MacBook is well-suited to:
- College students
- Someone working remotely
- Writers and editors
- Designers doing light creative work
- Teachers and education professionals
It’s fast, light, and designed for the work that most people actually do. It powers up fast, has a decent amount of battery, runs quietly, and hardly ever slows down, even with a dozen tabs and apps all running at the same time.
If you want a machine that is simple, sharp, and takes care of business, then this is a good choice.
Apple MacBook Air 2023
Specifications:
- Chip: Apple M2
- Display: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina
- Operating System: macOS
- Memory: 8GB Unified Memory (Configurable to 16GB)
- Storage: 256GB SSD (Configurable to 512GB)
- Camera: 1080p FaceTime HD
- Graphics: Integrated (M2 GPU)
- Ports: Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, MagSafe 3 charging, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Weight: ~3.3 lbs (1.51 kg)
Brief Review
The 2023 MacBook Air with the M2 chip hits a great balance. It gives you more screen and more speed, but still stays light and easy to carry.
This display on this MacBook Air is gorgeous. It is bright and sharp and so color-rich. On a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina, watching videos or editing photos feels sharp and engaging, and having the additional screen just makes the experience pleasant when you’re working across multiple windows.
The M2 chip really has everything feeling quick under the hood. Apps open rapidly, switching between tabs is seamless, and even running heavy-duty multi-programs, it never seems sluggish.
If you have used an M1 Mac previously, you will probably notice that your M2 one seems a bit snappier and more responsive overall.
And for creatives who like to tinker with music, design, or light video editing space, this Chip can keep up. It easily runs all the creative programs like Logic Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Affinity Designer, and Pixelmator Pro with no issues.
It performs surprisingly well with light gaming, as long as you’re not expecting to play any high-performance titles at ultra settings, but for casual games, Apple Arcade games, or some Steam games (with some adjustments), it accomplishes more than you would think. It won’t replace a gaming rig, but it performs better than expected for casual gaming.
Battery life is as good as Apple claims, and this is actually not just marketing hype for once. Most people are able to get through a full day of use, and often more.
Whether you are writing, on a video call or conference, or binge-watching something in the background, you won’t be scrambling for your charger.
We also appreciate the fanless design, especially when you are pushing the limits on your workload, and it still runs cool and quiet.
In terms of configuration, it is now offered in two RAM options: 8GB, which is adequate for most everyday tasks, versus 16GB, if you need more room for demanding software or multiple open tabs.
With storage, you can select from 256GB or 512GB SSDs, both offered under $1000. If you rely on some cloud storage or external drives, then the entry-level storage is adequate, but if you want everything stored locally, it may be worth it to upgrade it.
What you are actually getting is just a larger, updated version of what already works. It’s a MacBook Air that does what the Pros do but without the bulk or the high price.
Perfect for students, creators, and anyone who just needs a fast, reliable laptop that gets things done without slowing down.
Apple MacBook Air 2022
Specifications:
- Chip: Apple M2
- Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina (2560 × 1664 resolution)
- Memory: 8GB Unified RAM
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Camera: 1080p FaceTime HD
- Keyboard: Backlit Magic Keyboard
- Graphics: Integrated (Apple M2 GPU)
- Operating System: macOS
Review:
It is difficult to find a laptop that comes close to checking almost every box, but the 2022 MacBook Air M2 gets surprisingly close.
Thin, sharp, and driven by the M2 chip, it is a great choice for anyone who wants something quick and reliable but isn’t ready for the higher cost of the Pro models.
A few main reasons? Well, for starters, it’s fast, quiet, and light. It weighs only 2.7 lbs but feels rugged in your hands. The aluminum material feels solid, the design is modern, and it screams professionalism with the Space Gray finish.
When you open it up, the 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is immediately compelling. It’s bright (more than 500 nits brightness), crisp, and colorful. It’s able to manage documents and videos and even edit in Canva and Lightroom pretty effortlessly. Most users characterize the display as “clear and vibrant,” and that’s hard to argue with.
Now for performance. The Apple M2 chip (8-core CPU, up to 10-core GPU) is speedy and has a low-noise profile. You can run apps like Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Office, Notion, and Photoshop without issues or any speed slowdowns.
As for light creative work or multitasking, like maybe 15 tabs open, a Zoom call at once, and some image editing, it never stuttered.
If you are a student, remote worker, or any other person who appreciates just getting a laptop up and running that works very well, this is a great option. This is also a good choice for people already using Apple products, as the entire ecosystem works and syncs seamlessly. AirDrop, Handoff, and Universal Clipboard all work right away and without effort.
The battery performance is very much as expected. Apple claims you can get 18 hours out of this MacBook, and in the real world, usage for many users is between 14-17 hours, depending on how you’re using it. For typical day-to-day use, you could not plug it in for a full day and have a good amount of charge left, particularly if you’re working on web-based platforms or Office.
Moving on to the FaceTime HD camera. It is a nice upgrade from previous MacBook versions that were stuck with 720p. It’s no DSLR camera, but it does its job and is clear, well-lit, and good enough for the typical Zoom or Teams meeting.
As for typing and navigation:
- The Magic Keyboard is responsive, comfortable and quiet
- The Touch ID sensor is quick and uninterrupted
- The Force Touch trackpad is big and smooth
That said, not everything is flawless. The base model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage is fine for most, and for power users, I would recommend looking at the 16GB/512GB configuration.
Another thing to keep in mind is that this MacBook doesn’t have a fan. That means it’s silent without a whir of the fan, but if you put it through heavy tasks like 4k video editing or rendering, you may risk performance throttling.
Still, for typical use like web browsing, note-taking, streaming, emails, calls, presentations, and light creative work, this model has more than enough processing power. I would also say it is one of the few laptops that people regularly call reliable and worth every dollar!
Here are some of the most recurring comments that we’ve seen from real users on their experience with the MacBook Air M2:
“It’s fast and never lags.”
“Super light and easy to travel with.”
“Batter lasts all day.”
“Perfect for work, school, and my day-to-day life.”
Apple MacBook Air (2020, M1)
Specifications:
- Chip: Apple M1 (8-core CPU, 7-core GPU)
- Display: 13.3-inch Retina
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Graphics: Integrated Apple 7-core GPU
- Operating System: macOS
- Color: Space Gray
- CPU Speed: Up to 3.2 GHz
Brief Review
Apple’s 2020 MacBook Air with the M1 chip is not a new release, but it still does pretty well, considering you don’t expect it to do everything at once!
First, the M1 chip.
This was Apple’s first attempt at making their own chip for the Mac and quite honestly, it does a pretty good job at it. If you aren’t pushing it, it runs really well.
It’s not for serious 3D design or extensive editing workflows by any means, but for most activities—browsing, emails, documents, a few photos, and occasional short video edits—it breezes through them all.
And it is silent with no fans as well as fast and smooth to do all the simple things. Just don’t count on it for editing big 4K videos or any serious creative software.
In the areas of RAM and storage, you have options available to you.
The MacBook displays a standard configuration at either 8GB or 16GB of RAM, while storage varies from 128GB at the low end to 512GB and beyond.
If your primary use cases for the MacBook involve school assignments, writing, light photo or video editing, or just basic business tasks, then 8GB of RAM and the 256GB SSD will suit you just fine.
If, however, you are someone who likes to keep a lot of files on hand or often runs multiple apps at the same time, you would be better off going with the 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD configuration long-term.
The design is phenomenal; it is sleek, simple, and lightweight. At 13.3 inches, this can easily be transported anywhere. Moreover, the keyboard is easy to type on, and the trackpad is large and responsive, while the Retina display, to be honest, is not as large or as fancy as other newer models but is still crisp and bright.
In terms of functionality, this MacBook hits all the essentials and does it well.
Students will appreciate the manageable weight, and the battery life is going to be impressive. Small business owners can use everyday applications such as Google Workspace, Zoom, Slack, and QuickBooks, and even get into creative applications like Canva, iMovie, Photoshop, SketchUp, and Lightroom.
It is great for writing, project management, research, video calls, you name it. It is not designed for heavy creative workloads; however, for most people doing just kind of regular daily stuff, it does more than you need.
MacBook Pro 14″ 2021
Specifications:
- Chip: Apple M1 Pro (10-core CPU, 16-core GPU)
- Memory: 16GB Unified RAM
- Storage: 512 GB SSD
- Display: 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR (3024 × 1964)
- Graphics: Integrated 16-core GPU
- Camera: 1080p FaceTime HD
- Ports: Thunderbolt 4 ×3, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3, 3.5mm jack
- Audio: 6-speaker system, Spatial Audio, studio mics
- Keyboard: Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
- OS: macOS
- Weight: ~3.5 lbs
Review:
It is hard to beat the performance of the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro chip. It’s equipped with a 10-core CPU and a 16-core GPU, so it’s a great laptop, especially for photo and video editing, coding, music production, 3D, and other resource-intensive workloads.
What I like is that all of the apps, like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve, Logic Pro, Xcode, and Parallels Desktop, work smoothly and relentlessly, even under load.
16 GB of unified RAM is perfectly capable of maintaining the above necessary workloads, including multitasking when you have heavy software with dozens of browser tabs open.
Finally, 512 GB of ultra-fast SSD storage means that even large files, large media libraries, and large project folders can be accessed quickly.
Moreover, the 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is gorgeous. The colors are accurate, it is extremely sharp, and it is the type of screen that you can work on all day without feeling any strain.
HDR content looks amazing on it, and if you’re doing any color-sensitive work, you’ll immediately notice how well-calibrated it is out of the box.
Battery performance is quite impressive and usually enough for an entire workday.
Even after 2+ years of use, many users claim their batteries still perform at a high level, and the fan barely activates.
The trackpad and keyboard are just as refined.
Typing feels solid and responsive, and the large trackpad feels as smooth and trustworthy as ever.
Now, if you are wondering whether the M1 Pro is still worth it in 2025, the answer is yes.
It’s not just capable, it is still ahead of most mid-tier Windows laptops being sold brand new.
It is cool and quiet (you’ll hardly ever hear a fan) and will never stutter, even with demanding software.
And for those who care about longevity, this MacBook is not only good but, in my opinion, a valuable return on investment.
For productivity, a bit of creative work, and even Running Windows with virtual machines? It is really hard to beat.
In short, the MacBook Pro 14” with M1 Pro, released in 2021, does not feel like an outdated machine.
It feels like a current, mature, extremely competent machine, standing its ground in every real-world scenario.
If you are someone who wants power, reliability, and a display you’ll want to stare at for hours and hours, this could become your next favorite tool.
Apple MacBook Pro 13″ (Renewed) Under $500
Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i5, 1.4GHz (8th Gen)
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 13-inch Retina with True Tone
- Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 (Integrated)
- Features: Touch Bar, Touch ID, Force Touch trackpad
- Operating System: macOS
- Color: Space Gray (also available in Silver)
- Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), headphone jack
- Model Number: MUHP2LL/A
Brief Review
The 2019 MacBook Pro with the i5 from Intel is still a capable machine, especially if you’re looking for macOS in a compact, well-designed laptop.
It is powered by an Intel 8th Gen i5 processor, with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, which is a reasonable entry-level configuration for basic computing tasks such as web browsing, office productivity, video calls, and streaming.
Apps that work well with this configuration include Safari, Chrome, Microsoft Office, Zoom, iMovie, and Google Workspace.
The design still holds up. It’s lightweight, great looking, and made with the same attention to detail as anything else Apple produces.
The True Tone Retina display is bright and crisp; it’s not going to tire your eyes if you binge-watch your favorite content or if you’re working for hours.
The Touch Bar and Touch ID fit nicely into the workflow and feel like more than just a cosmetic addition.
For students, everyday users, or if you want something portable to be productive, this ticks a lot of boxes.
It’s reasonably priced, looks fantastic, and does what it needs to do without an issue.
That being said, this is an Intel-based MacBook, and there are actually some noticeable limitations.
It heats up, sometimes quite a bit, especially if you’re running several browser tabs, video calling, or updating. The fan can get loud when under pressure, and the chassis can feel warm around the keyboard area.
Battery life is hit or miss, depending on the condition of the unit and what you’re really doing. Under light use, there are several hours of time but once you start using heavier tasks, you may find it drains quicker than newer MacBooks with M-series chips.
Also, keep in mind that some units will come with an Apple-brand charger, and others will have third-party replacements, and not all third-party chargers are great. So it’s wise to check out whatever comes with the device right when you get it.
As an everyday computer, there is still a lot of value in this MacBook Pro 13″. Performance is still good enough for what most people would use it for (not heavy software), and everything feels premium.
This MacBook Pro 13″ isn’t for creative professionals or high-performance workflows, but for everyday use, it is a capable, cost-effective option, especially if you are getting it at a discount or a renewed price. Just make sure it comes with a charger and check the battery early on.
Apple MacBook Pro 15” (2019, Intel i7)
‘Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i7 (9th Gen) 2.6 GHz
- Display: 15.4-inch Retina Display
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 555X (Dedicated)
- Operating System: macOS
Review:
Apple’s long-standing partnership with Intel powered some of the most powerful MacBooks on the market for over 10 years.
The 2019 MacBook Pro 15” is among the last of those Intel-powered flagship devices before Apple shifted to its own silicon.
It was the culmination of multimedia laptop power between Intel and macOS, mixing old-school Mac design with the power of modern processing.
This model has a 9th-gen Intel Core i7 processor with 6 cores that can handle multitasking and professional software. You can compile code, have multiple browser tabs open, edit high-resolution photos, or cut 4K video; it’s built to keep pace.
It has 16GB of RAM, so you’ll have enough memory to run apps like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro X, AutoCAD, or Adobe Premiere Pro without a hiccup. With a 256GB SSD, the system boots quickly, and applications launch promptly.
The greatest thing about this MacBook is the graphics. The MacBook is equipped with a dedicated AMD Radeon Pro 555X GPU, which is much more capable at running demanding creative software, light 3D work, and casual gaming than most older MacBooks.
The 15.4-inch Retina display is still amazing in 2025. Bright, color accurate, and sharp, it works great for design or video editing or just juggling multiple windows.
The build is solid and familiar: Space Gray aluminum, a backlit keyboard, and a Touch Bar with Touch ID. The typing feels good, and the trackpad is still one of the best out there.
As for sound, it has it covered too. The internal speakers are surprisingly loud and clear and outperform a lot of laptops in this category. That means you can watch videos and join Zoom calls without needing to use external audio equipment.
If you’re someone who is looking for a capable MacBook with a big screen, pro specs, and a good display without spending a lot, then this 2019 MacBook Pro represents fantastic value.
It’s especially good for designers, developers, music producers, freelancers, and college students using programs that are heavy on media.
Apple MacBook Air (Late 2018, Renewed) (Just Under $300)
Specifications:
- Model: MacBook Air (Late 2018)
- Display: 13-inch Retina
- Processor: Intel Core i5 (Dual-Core, 1.6GHz)
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 617
- Operating System: macOS
Brief Review
The 2018 MacBook Air (renewed) makes a great entry for anyone who is new to the Apple ecosystem. It has 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, giving you everything required to accomplish the day-to-day things you may do, like web browsing, watching shows, taking class notes, using Microsoft 365, or using Google Workspace.
The 13″ Retina display is sharp and clear, and adds value to what you do and the Intel Core i5 processor will keep everything running effortlessly. And, since it is in good, renewed condition, you get the desirable premium Apple experience and price.
The performance also has held up well for everyday use too since apps open quickly, multitasking is also seamless most of the time, and the access to storage feels almost instantaneous thanks to the SSD.
This model isn’t made for demanding creative work or professional-grade software, but it has managed to handle some basic photo and light video editing without issue.
It has 8 GB of RAM, which is adequate for most standard uses—think school, office work, web browsing, or perhaps some basic design tools. The 256GB SSD is adequate for storing your apps and some media, but if you want more storage, you can find models that have 512GB or even 1TB SSDs.
Typically, battery life on this general model would be between 5 and 8 hours of power, depending on usage. The device would be adequate for a normal work or school day.
Charging time is fairly average, although if the listed charger is like most renewed listings, it may be generic, which could slightly affect charging compatibility or speed.
The MacBook Air is available in Colors: Gold, Silver, and Space Gray. Gold is more like a very light rose gold, but all have the same aluminum body that is very light and portable.
When it comes to condition, most renewed units are clean and working and may show some minimal wear. You may notice a cosmetic defect like minor scratches or light wear on edges.
The screens are usually great; they are bright, clear, and vibrant. There is some variation when it comes to quality control in renewals.
Keys on a keyboard can sometimes present heavy use, and sometimes an individual key will feel sticky or unresponsive.
As a final remark, I think this MacBook Air is an excellent option for schoolwork, business documents, media consumption, and productivity.
It is also well-made and reasonably priced for those on a budget. Just keep in mind that it’s common to have some variance in condition for a renewed computer and average battery life, as these are standard characteristics of a refurbished device.
MacBook Pro ME294LL/A (Renewed)
Specifications
- Display: 13.3 Inches
- Rear Webcam Resolution: 5 MP
- Processor: 1.8 GHz core_i5_family
- Memory: 8 GB LPDDR3
- Storage: 128 GB SSD
- Wireless Type: 802.11abg
- Average Battery Life: 12 Hours
- Item Weight: 2.96 pounds
Brief Review
For those looking for a cheap MacBook at $400, the Apple MacBook Air MQD32LL/A has some very appealing features.
The first appealing thing is its 5MP rear camera.
It must catch your eye if you spend most of your time on meetings, video calls, online classes, or somehow you use a webcam for your routine work.
The reason is that it has a very decent camera, a lovely memory, and a solid-state drive. All this makes it the best computer for Zoom and other meetings.
MacBook Air i7 with 500GB under $500
Specifications
- Display: 15.4-inch Retina Display
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M (Dedicated)
- Operating System: macOS
- Ports: Thunderbolt, USB 3.0, HDMI, SDXC card slot
- Weight: Approx. 4.5 lbs (2.04 kg)
Review:
If you want a Mac that has a really big display, lots of power, and all the ports you could want, this older MacBook Pro is still a remarkably viable option.
Supplied with a 15.4-inch Retina display, an Intel Core i7, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M graphics card allows for light video editing and easy creative work and can even run older games.
You can also navigate Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, Lightroom, GarageBand, and Sims 4 comfortably, but you will want to stay plugged in, as the battery typically lasts only about 1 to 2 hours.
For most day-to-day tasks and heavier software, this MacBook Pro is remarkably powerful with a good processor and lots of RAM.
You can boot quickly and multitask seamlessly, and the Retina display still looks great. If you find yourself doing design work, audio work, or creative or school projects, this machine will be totally adequate.
The build quality is of the familiar design you expect with Apple: durable, premium, and good-looking. The ports include USB-A, HDMI, an SD card reader, and MagSafe, which is still many people’s preference.
However, keep in mind that battery life is hit or miss depending on the unit and so many purchasers are replacing the charger or the battery itself.
Additionally, the fan noise can ramp up with heavy programs and the unit can run warm. Most models arrive clean and operational; a few may show signs of wear or need a little internal cleaning.
Taking into account all factors, you get a loaded MacBook device that could be used for work, media, and some editing, without feeling outdated. Just keep the charger handy if working for an extended period of time.
MacBook buying guide (Brief)
If you have no idea how to buy a MacBook for whatever you do, this MacBook buying guide can help you buy the perfect machine according to your needs.
Whatever you do, the primary buying approach behind any gadget is that it should be compatible with all your jobs and durable. Isn’t it so?
But how can we be sure that any laptop you buy will be perfect for you? Unfortunately, we can only ensure that you are buying it for what purpose once we are clear.
Let’s say you Googled the query “best MacBooks under 1000 dollars”; you didn’t mention what need you will use.
In all such cases, no one can guide you other than yourself. This guide will help you with what specifications you should focus on, which will influence your work.
Let’s go to the MacBook buying guide now.
Screen size
The display has excellent significance in productivity. Whatever you do, you are looking at the gadget. And if its display doesn’t suit you, let’s say it’s so tiny that you can’t easily read quickly; it will slow you down.
So it’s better to buy a gadget with at least 13 inches display. However, when purchasing for kids, it can be 11 inches display because they can hold it easily.
Processor
In a processor, you should have two things in mind: which generation it is and how fast it is.
The higher the generation, the better you can expect outstanding performance, and the higher in speed, the better it will be at processing data.
Let’s say a processor with 1.7 GB will be slower than a 2.2GB. If you are looking for a MacBook for light gaming, then it should have at least 2.6GB.
RAM
Memory (RAM) is the gadget’s short-term workspace where it keeps the apps and browser tabs you’re actively using right now; everything there disappears when you shut the machine off.
RAM is important for multitasking. Those who have to open too many tabs and applications simultaneously need more memory (RAM).
Here is what has been tested on MacBooks with different chips and memory.
- 8 GB → comfortable with 40–50 Safari tabs or 30–40 Chrome tabs.
- 16 GB → comfortable with 100+ Safari tabs or 80–100 Chrome tabs, even when multitasking.
Storage:
Storage is the long-term space inside (or attached to) your gadget where you keep all your data—documents, photos, apps, movies, and everything else you save.
If you have a lot of data, you need more storage, but it’s hard to say how much exactly you need. However, for your understanding, here is a rough estimate of how much data you can store on different storages.
- 256 GB SSD
– 60–70 k high-resolution photos (≈ 3.5 MB each)
– 55–60 hours of 4K HEVC video (≈ 4 GB per hour)
– 230–240 standard-definition movies (≈ 1 GB each)
– 60–70 modern iOS games (≈ 3–4 GB each) + the rest of your documents - 512 GB SSD
– 140 k photos
– 120 hours of 4K HEVC
– 480 SD movies
– 120–150 AAA games or pro apps - 1 TB SSD
– 280 k photos
– 240 hours of 4K HEVC
– 970 SD movies
– 250+ AAA games or a full Final Cut Pro library with multiple 4K projects
GPU
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is the specialized chip inside your gadget that quickly draws everything you see on screen—images, videos, animations, games, and even the macOS interface—by performing thousands of tiny math operations at once.
You need powerful chips for heavy tasks.
What is the lowest price of Macbook pro?
The lowest price of MacBook Pro can be under $500 but those will be renewed laptops.
Is a Renewed MacBook Good?
Renewed or refurbished MacBooks are good to buy to save money and you can expect them to last up to 5 years.