LAPTOP MAC. 2016-

2016-2017: The Controversial Transition

MacBook Pro (2016-2017)

• Key Features:
  • First-gen Butterfly Keyboard (prone to failure)
  • Touch Bar (polarizing OLED strip)
  • Thinner design, USB-C only
• Performance: Dual/Quad-core Intel CPUs, mediocre battery life
• 2024 Verdict:  Avoid due to keyboard issues and outdated Intel chips.

iMac (2017)

• Key Features:
  • 5K Retina display (still gorgeous)
  • 7th-gen Intel CPUs, Fusion Drives (slow by today’s standards)
• 2024 Verdict:  Only for light tasks; replace HDD with SSD.

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2018-2019: Refinements, But Still Intel

MacBook Air (2018-2019)

• Key Features:
  • Retina display, 2nd-gen Butterfly Keyboard (slightly improved)
  • Dual-core Intel i5 (underpowered)
• 2024 Verdict:  Decent for basics if keyboard was replaced under warranty.

Mac mini (2018)

• Key Features:
  • 6-core Intel i7 option, upgradable RAM
  • T2 security chip
• 2024 Verdict:  Still usable for light server/desktop tasks.

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2020: The Turning Point

MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020)

• Key Features:
  • First Apple Silicon (M1) – revolutionary performance/battery
  • Scissor Keyboard (fixed Butterfly issues)
• 2024 Verdict:  Still a great budget Mac (updates until ~2026).

MacBook Pro 13″ (M1, Late 2020)

• Key Features:
  • M1 chip, 20-hour battery, Touch Bar retained
• 2024 Verdict:  Excellent for most users; avoid Intel 2020 models.

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2021: Apple Silicon Matures

iMac 24″ (M1, 2021)

• Key Features:
  • M1 chip, 4.5K Retina, colorful design
  • No fan (silent operation)
• 2024 Verdict:  Great for home/office use but limited to 8GB RAM base.

MacBook Pro 14″/16″ (M1 Pro/Max, Late 2021)

• Key Features:
  • M1 Pro/Max chips (10-core CPU, 32-core GPU options)
  • MagSafe, HDMI, SD card slot (ports return!)
  • 120Hz Mini-LED display
• 2024 Verdict:  Overkill for most, but future-proof for pros.

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Should You Buy a 2016-2021 Mac in 2024?

• Buy:
  • M1 Macs (2020-2021) – Still powerful with years of support.
  • M1 Pro/Max MacBook Pros – Beastly performance.
• Caution:
  • Intel Macs (2016-2019) – Only if dirt-cheap and for light use.
• Avoid:
  • Butterfly Keyboard Macs – Reliability nightmare.

Price Guide (Used, 2024)

• M1 MacBook Air: $500-$700
• M1 Pro 14″ MacBook Pro: $1,000-$1,400
• Intel Macs: Under $400 (only if desperate).