Ask HN: Macbook average lifespan?

2 pointsmitm2mitm2 comments

I need an old macbook for doing some tests and also allow my son to learn a little about development (I want to give him a slower machine on purpose).

If I replace the HDD for a SSD and the battery, do you think a model from 2008/2009 (A1181 IIRC) can still last a few more years? Like, what's the average life span of such beasts?

I might install Linux on it!

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I had a 2006 Macbook just give up the ghost - but it was used (and abused) daily. I have a 2008 Macbook that I just upgraded to an SDD, a new battery, and maxed out it's memory for my daughter in a similar effort to what you're wanting to do for your son. I've already gotten 1 year out of it since doing the upgrades and I'm expecting to get at least 2 more. All told you can expect to get roughly 10 years out of a Macbook.

nice!

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