Let's say I wanted to buy a used Mac. What is too old in terms of specs? Will a 2006 Macbook run the up to date software with plenty of power left?

Can you upgrade a Mac that is that old?

If you have a iOS device.

Mactracker - Get Info on any Mac

Will my MacBook (13-inch Late 2006) work with Lion OS? - Mac-Forums Discussions for Apple Products & Services

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I guess my question is does it really make sense to buy a macbook pro from 2006, 2007, 2008, etc...? Is a macbook pro from 2010 worth $400-600?

I am really looking for a good mac laptop that has a cracked screen, fried board, etc... that I can get fixed for free via DirecTV's new protection plan.

I would think so, I don't think that you can upgrade to Mountain Lion, probably Lion.

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2009 is about as old as I would want to go on a laptop, I think - otherwise you end up risking being unsupported on the next OS X release.

Mountain Lion supported Mac models are as follows:
iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
Xserve (Early 2009)
MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)

Thanks for all of the help!

I just missed a 2011 Mackbook Pro for $350 + $10 shipping. That really stings.

How do you get Directv to fix a busted computer?

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they have a new Premier Protection Plan that will fix any device (except cell phones) that can stream DirecTV. this includes all computer components and A/V components (wires, keyboards, monitors, routers, etc...), TVs, tablet computers, etc... It is the best protection plan/extended warranty I have ever seen. It is so good that it is almost too good to be true. If they can't fix the item on the first try (everything except for laptops and TVs smaller than 32" are repaired in your home) then they either replace it with the same thing (this will always be done if the item can still be purchased new), with another item from the same brand with like specs, or they give you the fair market value. they have already replaced my Onkyo A/V receiver because it could no longer pass-through the HDMI signal and repaired a TV because one of the HDMI ports was blown.

There is a service fee of $50 per repair, on some items, a $2000 transaction limit, and a $6000 yearly cap. The plan, in no way, says that the item has to be in your possession when the damage occurs (which opens the door for you to buy something already broken) or that you must buy the item new. There are two levels. One is just the premier protection and the 2nd adds accidental damaged protection (liquid spills, drops, etc...).

In computer years, anything over 2 years old is ancient.

That's not really the case anymore. I have a laptop from 2006 that will "run circles" around many new laptops. The only thing I've done is replace the HD with a SSD. About the only major improvements to laptops, within a 2 year period, are better screens and more advanced ports. They new fangled processors generally aren't worth an upgrade every few years and memory speed isn't a big deal unless you are gaming or have an SSD. Considering it is an Apple (they hold their value longer) and I only use it for work and Internet browsing, I can make computers last 6+ years without sacrificing performance.