3 Reasons Why I’m NOT buying the new macbook pro

Apples and something from a mac box.  
My computer is back from the 2nd repair.  My logic board went out last month and I got it repaired.  It lasted a week before it went out again so I had to send it back again.  

During that time, Apple announced its new line of computers.  
The 15” macbook pro with Retnia display has been announced.  
I am currently using a 15” macbook pro from 2008.  Here’s why I’m NOT upgrading.  

1.  Computers DEPRECIATE in value SO FAST!
When I was learning about getting out of debt and reading a lot about finances, a lot of people told you never to buy a NEW car because they depreciate so fast.  

I bought this computer in 2008 for around $4,000!  It is now currently worth about $400 only 4 years later.  In 4 year it has dropped to 10% of its worth.  That is HORRIBLE.  

So to “get my moneys worth” out of this thing I need to make it last as LONG as possible from a financial standpoint.  It’s working just fine now that the logic board is replaced.  I just bought my third battery and could stand to throw a bit more ram in here BUT those are minor upgrades instead of buying a brand new computer.  

2.  CONTENTMENT!  I won’t play into CONSUMERISM.  
Do the new macbook pros look AMAZING?!  Yes they really do, they are slimmer and the new displays are suppose to be amazing too.  Although I don’t think I could tell a huge difference unless I was comparing side by side… and even then, who knows. 


But I need to learn to be content.  Does this computer FUNCTION and do everything that I need it to do?  Yup.  

I also wouldn’t be able to pay cash for a new computer right now and I’m not going back into debt ever.  

3.  IF I were to upgrade I would upgrade to a 13” macbook air.
Surprising huh?   I honestly don’t do photography that much anymore, so I don’t need a 15” screen.  I travel a TON and I would just love having a much SMALLER lighter thinner computer.  

I could upgrade the macbook air to 8 gigs or ram (which is 2x what I currently have) and upgrade to a 512 solid state harddrive which would also be 2x what I currently have and it would probably be blazing fast in comparison to what I’m using now.  I’m not doing any video editing and I actually like having a smaller hard drive because it FORCES me to back up often.  

The new macbook pros look a bit like overkill to me.  But people buy them because they are the “best” which is exactly what businesses want.  

I would have NEVER considered an air until two professional photographers that I know and respect have said that they handle their photography workflow with no problem.  


Engage:  How often do you upgrade to a new computer?  Let us know in the comments.  
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Lhanson09July 12, 2012 - 12:00 am

i will have had mine 6 years in August. it has it’s bugs. my headphone jack only plays through one side (or one side of my speakers), but sine I use my ipod for almost everything, it doesn’t matter much. my question mark key hasn’t worked since like 4 weeks after i got it (spilled mt. dew. college. yeah…), so I copy and paste mine. ha. it works. i had my hd replaced twice back when i had apple care and replaced it once myself. i really need a newer operating system, but not sure how to go about that. but since i mainly use my computer to see pics larger and type longer emails, I’m okay for now :-)

AshleyAJuly 12, 2012 - 2:35 am

I’ve had mine since 2009 I think, and I’m hoping to be able to hang onto it for a few more years! The only reason I would want to upgrade before this one bites the dust is to get a bigger screen.. And that’s not worth replacing a perfectly good computer for me right now. 

KatJuly 12, 2012 - 2:47 am

Stellar. Part of me is ashamed to admit that I run a graphic design business on a PC bought in 2005 running CS2, but it’s true! I have no problems and my workflow is great (now that I have my many many graphics files on an external hard drive).

The professional world of creatives have turned their noses up at anyone who uses something other than a Mac.

laurenJuly 12, 2012 - 6:40 am

I have had mine since 2005! I haven’t upgraded due to the whole not going into debt thing.  Your posts are inspiring Jim! Hope all is well :)

Jeff StanfordJuly 13, 2012 - 6:15 am

I’ve had my tablet pc since August 2007.  Soon will be time to change it in…thinking about a 13″ macbook pro or air, once I have the money for it!  Maybe get a refurb/used model from last year for less?  

jimjessbakerJuly 13, 2012 - 3:39 pm

how big is your screen?  13″?  save up and get a giant 27″ monitor to hook up to your laptop :)  

jimjessbakerJuly 13, 2012 - 3:40 pm

yeah… there is that stigma… i’m a total mac guy though… but your design work is awesome!  so its about the skill not what you made it on!  My photo instructor told a funny story about how the guests all complimented a chef after the meal and all said man you must have really nice pots and pans!  

jimjessbakerJuly 13, 2012 - 3:40 pm

glad they are inspiring!  hows your blog going?  and yay for not going into debt!

jimjessbakerJuly 13, 2012 - 3:41 pm

6 years!  thats awesome!!!  what OS are you running?  

jimjessbakerJuly 13, 2012 - 3:41 pm

find someone with a mac family and friends discount.. its about the same as buying refurb only you get the new product!  

VirgilAugust 9, 2012 - 4:15 am

my little acer, 11.5 inch, $325 does all i need. it is a little slow but for email, and word processing it is fine, and carrying it around the world is easy
I have to up grade to new computers about every 4 or 5 years, i generally give my old one away  if it still works.
Valories HP 17 inch is real nice, great screen and somewhat faster but to carry it around becomes a chore. it cost about $600 two yrs ago.
the cheap stuff works great for me. I wish someone would give me a Mac pro, i would like to have one but will not pay the price they ask.

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