Worth to buy a new Mac?

[amanacer]

So I am asking for a friend about a macbook pro. (I dont know anything about laptops)
She has a 2012 macOS running on catalina
2.9 ghz dual core intel core i7
Memory 8fb
Graphics: inte HD graphics 4000

She does banking, emails and occasional videos.

Was i correct in suggesting she get a new laptop, and that what she has is not secure?

Where is the best place to buy malware bytes, is this necessary for a laptop.

Which laptop can u suggest, she would like a light one, and u think her budget is no more than $1700. Thank you i appreciate guidance as i am an ipad and iphone gal!

 

[Cougurr]

You did not indicate how large the screen is and also how much storage she is needing to match, based on her current computer?

A Macbook Pro 13" today starts at the top of her budget ($1699) before taxes so not really an option and probably too much computer based on what you say she is needing it for.

Sounds like a new MacBook Air 13" would be a solution to consider in even the M1 version ($1299) leaving a little room to cover a Memory increase &/or Storage beyond the 256 GB it comes with and then AppleCare added after that with taxes and her budget is almost more than used. This would be way more computer for speed and lighter than her current one (again based on what size she has now?)
Going up to the M2 chip MacBook Air 13" jumps to $1499 (or significantly more for larger screen one) and with taxes + AppleCare is over her budget and the M2 is probably way way more speed/processing capability than she needs.

Malware Bytes is definitely needed on the laptop, just like any other Mac computer. London Drugs often has sales as do other location like Staples. Single copies are also available from Alan Perry I believe and possibly thru Charles Martin also? .... if none are in stock at the common locations.

Hope this helps a little with your questions. A bit more information is really needed from your friend to be sure this suggestion is matched for the physical screen size and storage (and how much she is using currently) to be sure first before making a decision.

Regards
Colin

 

[amanacer]

You did not indicate how large the screen is and also how much storage she is needing to match, based on her current computer?

A Macbook Pro 13" today starts at the top of her budget ($1699) before taxes so not really an option and probably too much computer based on what you say she is needing it for.

Sounds like a new MacBook Air 13" would be a solution to consider in even the M1 version ($1299) leaving a little room to cover a Memory increase &/or Storage beyond the 256 GB it comes with and then AppleCare added after that with taxes and her budget is almost more than used. This would be way more computer for speed and lighter than her current one (again based on what size she has now?)
Going up to the M2 chip MacBook Air 13" jumps to $1499 (or significantly more for larger screen one) and with taxes + AppleCare is over her budget and the M2 is probably way way more speed/processing capability than she needs.

Malware Bytes is definitely needed on the laptop, just like any other Mac computer. London Drugs often has sales as do other location like Staples. Single copies are also available from Alan Perry I believe and possibly thru Charles Martin also? .... if none are in stock at the common locations.

Hope this helps a little with your questions. A bit more information is really needed from your friend to be sure this suggestion is matched for the physical screen size and storage (and how much she is using currently) to be sure first before making a decision.

Regards
Colin

Hi colin, I’m so grateful for your reply, thank you.

With reply to your questions.
Her screen size is 13.3 and she has only used 61 of the 256 storage capacity. Her focus is on something light.
She said she saw at Best Buy Max 2022 that are $100 off ($1399). Is the 2022 a good choice or would it be best to pay alittle more for 2023? She has also considered an iPad, however I feel then, she would need an external keyboard.

So for my own curiosity, I believe Catalina is an older operating system. Is that still safe and secure if one does banking.
I guess i best start paying attention in the meetings when there is Mac conversations!

 

[Cougurr]

Sorry for delay in checking back in here, busy grandchildren weekend.
Good news is the size and capacity will fit right in with the suggestions I had made for the MacBook Air fitting within the budget you noted.

Transition for some to only an iPad is difficult as there are differences in how you do things as well as size.. Yes a Keyboard would be necessary to keep the feeling similar. She would really need to visit a London Drugs or Apple seller with inventory on display to try using an iPad first to be sure she is OK with the function and operation of one. Screen size is smaller except with the largest of the iPads which might be a concern. Going to the iPad Pro for screen size of 12,9" starts at $1499 plus tax and then Keyboard option so over the budget to get the similar screen size and its an M2 so as the name suggests its the Professional level, more capability that she needs to pay for..

A sale on the iPad Air is worth looking at for sure, but be sure its still the M1 version and not an earlier one. Charles could give you better guidance on this than I can. Another location to consider is the Apple web Site for "Refurbished" a MacBook Air. Same full warranty and good savings with security of a purchase directly from Apple. Again be sure the model of the refurbished one being looked at is current with the new M1 prices before going down that road.

You're question of Catalina would again require an answer from Charles for its level of security or another person fully versed in the versions going back for security. On the list it is no longer showing as a supported one aa far as I can determine, so best to err on the safe side and consider any banking using the banks app as the best level of security and not a browser and only the most current OS is best. I believe Big Sur is as far back as security updates go. I defer to Charles and others on this statement.

 

[BilBo]

The last Security Update for Catalina was on July 20th of 2022. The last Safari update for Catalina was August 18, 2022 and is Safari v. 15.6.1. The latest Safari (with all the latest security updates) is v. 16.4.1, but it's only available if you're running Big Sur, Monterey or Ventura.

I have a soft spot for the 2012 Macs. I have two (Mac Mini, MacBook Air) but I use them for other things and they've long been cut off from the Internet. The latest potential malware threat, Atomic macOS Stealer (AMOS) looks like it could wipe a Mac (and its' owners' digital life) out if it ever managed to get its hooks into their Mac. That said I would never use any of my 2012 Macs for on-line banking or commerce.

The latest M1 or M2 MacBook Air will run crop circles around your friends' old MacBook Pro…

Best…
Bill

 

[chas_m]

Cougrr has done his usual excellent job of providing some guidance, so I’ll just add these things:

1. Catalina will not be receiving any further security updates, so YES now is a good time to replace that machine.

2. His suggestion of a MacBook Air is an excellent replacement for a light-duty user as your friend seems to be.

3. An iPad Air paired with a keyboard could be sufficient replacement for many casual-use people – I’m typing this on my Magic Keyboard and iPad Pro 11-inch — but as noted there’s a (slight) learning curve and not all Mac programs are available for the iPads (though all the basics and more are, of course, covered). There’s no need for MalwareBytes on an iPad (not that such a version exists anyway) as there would be on a Mac.

4. I also have a 2012 MacBook Pro that is no longer online or in active use, but now used for old games primarily. Great machines that were ahead of their time.