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I would love to one day buy a MacBook for the sole purpose of being able to have all apple products that I can link and pair together to distribute information from one device to another. I also would recommend buying it for the many features you get with it. This type of product is great for writers and artist who like to use more than physical canvases.

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Welcome to Applepartsellers!

We carry a variety of Mac or Apple parts. Our parts selections range from tiny screws to , Mac graphic cards, computer displays, hard drives, to parts that are hard to find anywhere else. Most of our products are used or refurbished, but we also carry new products such as new Apple Computers.

We want to make it easy for you to find the part(s) you need. You can search for the individual items, or browse by category or computer. We strive to give the best online shopping experience for our customers.

Why buy apple parts from us? Check out our reviews below or visit our Yelp page.

If you can't find the Mac Parts you need, don't hesitate to contact us, we respond quickly.

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AppleVTech | Apple Computer Parts, Mac Parts, Used Apple Parts

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We carry a variety of Mac or Apple parts. Our parts selections range from tiny screws to , Mac graphic cards , computer displays , hard drives , to parts that are hard to find anywhere else. Most of our products are used or refurbished, but we also carry new products such as new Apple Computers.

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About product and suppliers:

            1,252 macbook parts products are offered for sale by suppliers on Alibaba.com, of which lcd monitors accounts for 26%, other computer parts accounts for 9%, and stickers & skins accounts for 1%.

A wide variety of macbook parts options are available to you, such as 12", 13", and 15". You can also choose from laptop, desktop macbook parts, as well as from tft, ips macbook parts, and whether macbook parts is 3ms, 8ms, or 10ms.

There are 1,248 suppliers who sells macbook parts on Alibaba.com, mainly located in Asia. The top countries of suppliers are United Kingdom, China, and Hong Kong S.A.R., from which the percentage of macbook parts supply is 1%, 99%, and 1% respectively.

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Alibaba.com offers 1,252 macbook parts products. About 26% of these are LCD Monitors, 1% are Stickers & Skins, and 9% are Other Computer Parts. A wide variety of macbook parts options are available to you, such as screen size, application, and panel type.

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JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

Cracked your MacBook screen? Maybe your volume button or speakers aren't working anymore. Maybe you just need a new high capacity battery repair for your MacBook. Injured Gadgets sells the best quality parts to rebuild your MacBook and make it good as new. Along with the replacement screens, we also carry the small parts. Looking for a new wholesale parts supplier and distributor? We carry all our products in stock and ship all orders within one business day of purchase. Click on your MacBook model below and start shopping. Whether you are looking for a screen for MacBook or possibly a new battery for your MacBook, Injured Gadgets brings you all the parts and accessories for your MacBook. We carry a wide array of wholesale & DIY iPad parts all backed with our lifetime warranty and guarantee.

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JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Cracked your MacBook screen? Maybe your volume button or speakers aren't working anymore. Maybe you just need a new high capacity battery repair for your MacBook.

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Welcome to the Apple Parts section of the DV Warehouse website.

Here you will find a number of different extensive categories of Apple computer components which are designed to help you find the Mac computer part that you need.

We have worked hard to ensure that we are offering you the most complete Apple parts catalog online. If you can not find the Apple Mac computer replacement part that you are looking for, you should contact us so that we can find it for you. We have certified Mac computer technicians as well as Apple parts specialists on call so that we can help you answer any question and address any need that you may have.

** Every Apple part and used Apple Mac computer that we sell carries a 90-day warranty for parts and labor.

If you have questions or comments or require further assistance, call us toll free at 800-463-1322 during our business hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday.

Monthly Specials For March

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Apple Parts - Buy Mac Parts, Macbook Pro Parts & Apple Computer Parts, imac Replacement Parts : DV Warehouse, Your single source for your all digital video needs!

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Welcome to the Apple Parts section of the DV Warehouse website. Here you will find a number of different extensive categories of Apple computer components which are designed to help you find the Mac computer part that you need. We have worked hard to ensure that we are offering you the most complete Apple parts catalog online.

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Apple computers are great, but they're often very expensive. So what's the solution if you want a super-powerful Mac computer without paying that high price tag? Build your own, of course!

Do-it-yourself Mac computers are called 'Hackintosh' computers by the people who build them. And you can absolutely build your own.

Jesse Guardiani from the create this YouTube channel has a pretty good walkthrough on how to make your own Hackintosh with a clear and useful step-by-step guide.

The parts Jesse used for his Hackintosh aren't necessarily the latest models or the most powerful, but the beauty of building your own Hackintosh is that you can pick the parts you want depending on how powerful you want it to be and your budget.

Just make sure that the parts are compatible with Apple's OS X operating system. Your best bet is to pick parts from previous (and recent) Hackintosh builds, which you can find all over the internet. One good place to find recent Hackintosh builds is the website tonymacx86.com.

Some of these steps and concepts might seem a bit foreign, especially if you're unfamiliar with the ins-and-outs of computer technology, but we encourage you give it a shot if you're in need of a new Mac. It might seem a bit complex, but it's a rewarding activity and the end result is a super powerful computer that's cheaper than a normal Mac, and one you can say you built yourself!

For his Mac Pro Hackintosh, Jesse used these parts bought from Amazon. He looks pretty stoked!

Here's the list of parts Jesse used:

Case: Corsair Vengeance Series Black C70 Mid Tower Computer Case (CC-9011016-WW): http://amzn.to/1Tix0gT

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97-HD3 LGA 1150 Z97 HDMI 2-Way CrossFire ATX: http://amzn.to/1NMBicO

CPU: Intel Core BX80646I74790K i7-4790K Processor (8M Cache, up to 4.40 GHz): http://amzn.to/1NMB4SU

RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB Kit (8GBx2) DDR3 1600 MT/s (PC3-12800): http://amzn.to/1Tix4gS

SSD: Samsung 850 EVO 120GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-75E120B/AM): http://amzn.to/1NMAGDY

Hard drive: Seagate 3TB Desktop HDD SATA 6Gb/s 64MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Bare Drive (ST3000DM001): http://amzn.to/1klmXeP

Power supply: Corsair RM Series 650 Watt ATX/EPS 80PLUS Gold-Certified Power Supply - CP-9020054-NA RM650: http://amzn.to/1NMBadd

Graphics card: EVGA GeForce GT 740 Superclocked Single Slot 2GB DDR3 Graphics Cards 02G-P4-2742-KR: http://amzn.to/1Tiy9oX (Jesse recommends you use the GTX 970, which you can find here).

One of the best parts of building your own Mac computer is that you can pick pretty much whatever case you want.

To add all the parts, you just pop open the case's side panel. This is where all those parts will fit.

As with most computer builds, the motherboard goes in first.

Then comes the processor (CPU), which is installed right into its designated slot on the motherboard.

Then you add the CPU cooler to keep it cool, because that thing can get HOT.

Next up, the RAM, which Jesse installed into its slots on the right of the CPU.

And now the power supply goes in.

After plugging in some cables into the motherboard, Jesse installs the SSD drive for storage. The storage is where OS X and any apps/documents/pictures/videos will be stored.

Then, Jesse installed the graphics card, which will give the Hackintosh more muscle to deliver beautiful graphics to your screen.

This particular card isn't great, but you can add your own, more powerful graphics card if you want. Just make sure it's compatible with OS X by searching online.

While Mac computers come with WiFi built in, you're going to need to add your own WiFi card. You could also buy a USB WiFi adapter dongle if you'd prefer.

And that's it for the hardware part! Now onto installing OS X!

To install the Mac OS X El Capitan operating system on your Hackintosh, you'll need a Mac computer and some sort of external hard drive with 16GB of storage, like a USB stick.

If you don't have Mac computer, maybe you can borrow one from a friend for a couple hours.

On the Mac, go to the website tonymacx86.com and click "Installation Guide."

Then, as Jesse suggests, follow the guide step-by-step as long as your computer parts are compatible with macOS. You can see all the steps in his video, which you can find at the end of this story.

After following all the instructions, you should eventually get to the OS X setup screen on your Hackintosh!

If it doesn't work, check back on the website tonymacx86.com for troubleshooting tips.

During the OS X setup process, you're going to want to disable sending diagnostic information to Apple because, as Jesse puts it, "this is a hackintosh," and Apple might not play nice.

And you have OS X on your own Hackintosh! But you're not done yet...

Keep following the step on tonymacx86.com to install the drivers for various parts and functions, like audio and the WiFi card.

And after your finished following the steps, you should be all set with your Hackintosh!

Make sure to check out Jesse's videos to see exactly what he did in detail, it'll help you along the way. Here's the installation guide for the computer parts:

And this is for installing the Mac OS X operating system onto the Hackintosh:
This article was originally published by Tech Insider. More from TechInsider:

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Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Own Apple Computer on The Cheap

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Apple computers are great, but they're often very expensive. So what's the solution if you want a super-powerful Mac computer without paying that high price tag? Build your own, of course! Do-it-yourself Mac computers are called 'Hackintosh' computers by the people who build them. And you can absolutely build your own.

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21 things you need to check before buying Apple MacBooks | Gadgets Now

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With lucrative discounts on e-commerce websites, buyers in India are automatically attracted to buying Apple MacBooks online. Whether opting for a brand new MacBook or any refurbished model, it is imperative that you check the condition of the device that you are going to buy.

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Apple computers are great, but they're often very expensive.

So what's the solution if you want a super-powerful Mac computer without paying that high price tag? Build your own, of course!

Do-it-yourself Mac computers are called "Hackintosh" computers by the people who build them. And you can absolutely build your own.

Jesse Guardiani from the createthis YouTube channel has a pretty good walkthrough on how to make your own Hackintosh with a clear and useful step-by-step guide.

Some of these steps and concepts might seem a bit foreign, especially if you're unfamiliar with the ins-and-outs of computer technology, but we encourage you give it a shot if you're in need of a new Mac. It might seem a bit complex, but it's a rewarding activity and the end result is a super powerful computer that's cheaper than a normal Mac, and one you can say you built yourself!

Check out how Jesse Guardiani built his Hackintosh.

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Apple computers are expensive - here's how to build your own superfast Mac at a fraction of the price

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Apple computers are great, but they're often very expensive. So what's the solution if you want a super-powerful Mac computer without paying that high price tag? Build your own, of course! Do-it-yourself Mac computers are called "Hackintosh" computers by the people who build them. And you can absolutely build your own.

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Apple's laptops have long been held up as a gold standard for portable computers. Though quality has slipped of late (see: butterfly keyboards), MacBooks were the first to bring technologies like aluminum unibody construction, super-sharp IPS screens, backlit keyboards, and multitouch trackpads to the mainstream.

Which Mac portable should you spend your hard-earned money on? Given that you'll likely pay more for a MacBook than a competing model from HP, Dell, or even Microsoft, it's important to weigh your options.

Be sure to also check out our latest buying guides, especially our picks for Best iPhone, Best iPad, and Best Laptops.
Updated February 2020: We've updated our picks, pricing, and recommendations. When you buy something using the links in our stories, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Here's how it works. You can also support our reporting and reviewing by purchasing a 1-year print + digital WIRED subscription for $5 (Discount).

Apple MacBook Air (13-inch)

The Best All-Arounder
The MacBook Air remains the Mac to get. Apple upgraded the MacBook Air last year, adding the company's True Tone tech to the Retina display and dropping the price to $1,099.

The new Air is a lot like the MacBook Pro models, with a sharp 13-inch Retina display, a responsive trackpad, an improved butterfly keyboard (with a dust shield), surprisingly potent speakers, and two USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports for charging and hooking up peripherals. It also comes in gold, if that's your jam.

On the inside is a 1.6 GHz dual-core eighth-generation Intel Core i5 processor and a 128-gigabyte solid state drive, along with up to 16 GB of RAM. Having only two USB-C ports can feel limiting. You'll need to buy multiport adapters like this one to plug stuff in and stay charged at the same time.

There are a few things you might miss from higher-end MacBook Pros. Those pricier machines sport extra USB-C ports, as well as more robust capabilities.
MacBook Air costs $1,099 from Apple or $1,000 from Amazon Small Upgrade: If you have a lot of locally stored photos or files, get the 256 GB MacBook Air for $200 more ($1,231 from Amazon).

Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch)

The Best for Power Users

The 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro ( 9/10 WIRED Recommends) is a return to form for Apple. It's familiar in a good way and more importantly, reliable. That's a big deal, considering the problems with MacBooks of the past few years.

The keyboard problems are gone thanks to a new mechanism (and Escape is a physical key again). Even better are the improvements to the thermal architecture-while it gets hot, and the fans may be loud, it won't affect performance. The ninth-generation Intel Core i7 processor (upgradable to Core i9) is no slouch either. Whether you're editing video or gaming, this machine won't let you down, though the battery does deplete quickly when running intensive tasks.

Four Thunderbolt 3 ports mean you'll have plenty of places to plug in the rest of your devices too. The base model now comes with 512 GB SSD, but Apple will gladly upgrade this MacBook Pro all the way to 8 terabytes if you can pony up the $2,400 upgrade fee. Video editors will be happy to know that you can get up to 64 GB of RAM.

The biggest downsides are the device's size and weight. If you need a laptop you can take anywhere without much hindrance, look elsewhere.
MacBook Pro (16-inch) costs $2,399 from Apple or $2,200 from Amazon

Apple MacBook Pro (13-Inch)

The Goldilocks Book
If the new MacBook Air isn't powerful enough and the 16-inch MacBook Pro seems too much, consider the 13-inch MacBook Pro. It might be just right.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro straddles the power and weight divide between the Air and the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Offering powerful quad-core processors and all-day battery life in a reasonably portable 3-pound package, the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro will be the best of both worlds for many people. You get the Touch Bar and a faster chip than the Air, but avoid the extra weight and bulk of the 16-inch model.

MacOS Catalina's Sidebar feature works a treat here if you do need a little extra screen space: pair your iPad for an extra screen (or drawing pad) on the go.

That said, we suggest holding off on this one right now. When Apple updated the 16-inch model, it did not touch the 13-inch model, which means this model will likely soon receive a similar upgrade with the new keyboard, thermal architecture, and possibly upgraded chips.

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 128 GB) costs $1,299 from Apple or $1,225 from Amazon

Quirks and Issues to Be Aware Of

Unlike previous generations of MacBook, there are eccentricities and problems with Apple's laptops that you should know about before you buy.

Bland Touch Bar: When Apple debuted the Touch Bar in late 2016, it touted the thin touchscreen strip above the keyboard as the next-generation of user input. Unfortunately, this hasn't panned out. There seems to be little interest from third-party software designers in doing anything innovative with the tiny display. Those Touch Bar-packing laptops have Touch ID, which lets you log in and access sensitive data with your fingerprint, but what's been swapped out for that is something you'll miss: a physical Esc key (barring the 16-inch MacBook Pro). To get around this you can always map CapsLock to Esc.

Palmy Trackpad: Apple's trackpads are among the best in the computer business, but with the newest MacBooks, these input devices have been blown up to unbelievable proportions and crammed right up against the bottom of the keyboard, right where you rest your palms while typing. Although there's supposed to be intelligent palm rejection software at work, the trackpads are susceptible to accidental input. Your mileage may vary.

Keyboard Killer: The flat style of Apple's 3rd-generation "butterfly switch" keyboards might not be to everyone's liking, but widespread stories of nonresponsive keys are worrying. Perhaps the most famous screed on the subject is Casey Johnston's post detailing her keyboard woes for the Outline. WIRED editor Jeffrey Van Camp and senior writer Lauren Goode also have had multiple issues with the 2017 Pro keyboard. Apple now replaces the keyboards for free and has added extra dust guards in the newer models. Apple has detailed instructions on how to clean the keyboard if yours gets flaky, which is a decent first line of defense against busted keys. Apple also recently extended its keyboard repair program to cover repairs on all Macs that have been purchased within the past four years, regardless of warranty status. The new 16-inch MacBook Pro shouldn't have any of these problems as it does away with the old Butterfly switch style for a new one.

Parched for Ports: Then there's the port situation. All of Apple's current MacBooks feature one port type: USB-C. It's a newer port that might not work with some of the devices you own. You'll want to invest in a few adapters ( like this Aukey adapter) if you plan on hooking your computer up to a projector, or want to use things like USB keys or SD cards. Plan to buy some dongles.

The Old MacBook Air: This slim laptop was groundbreaking when it debuted in 2010. Unfortunately, the MacBook Air didn't change much until 2018. It rocks a dowdy-looking, non-Retina screen and weak Intel chips that are years old. It might not require the dongles that a newer MacBook might, but the newer laptops will undoubtedly feel faster for longer. Don't let its price tag tempt you-there are way better laptops you can nab for that kind of cash. How to spot it: The older Air has a thick silver border (bezel) around its screen, instead of black glass like the new models.

The 15-inch MacBook Pro: This time-tested design seems like it'd be a great buy ... until you see the $2,200 price tag. It's not that it's a bad machine, but your risk of problems is considerably higher than it should be for a $2,000 computer. This 15-inch model is a poor value for money. How to spot it: Use caution when buying from Amazon, we've seen several of these labeled 16-inch in Amazon ads, but then when you click through you land on a page selling the 15-inch model.

The 12-Inch MacBook: This model was canceled in July 2019. If you find one of the final models and get a good bargain (well under $1,000), it may be worth a look, but we generally recommend you opt for a current model for longevity and better customer support. This one will not work with Sidecar.

Is It a Good Time to Buy?

It depends which model you're going to get. Apple updated the its top-line MacBook Pro in October 2019 and refreshed the Air in July. We suspect a major update is coming for the 13-inch model at some point in spring 2020. That said, there's always a newer, better model around the corner

None of Apple's MacBooks are cheap, and replacement parts are nightmarishly expensive. Since the entire computer is fully integrated into Apple's tightly designed aluminum chassis, you're one coffee spill away from a shockingly large repair bill. This is why Apple's AppleCare+ is worth it-starting at $249, AppleCare extends your factory warranty to three years, gives you matching telephone support, and throws in two accidental damage repairs as well. A minimum $99 service fee later and when whatever you did to kill your shiny new Mac is undone, you'll be back to hammering away on your keyboard.
Shop for AppleCare+

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Apple's laptops have long been held up as a gold standard for portable computers. Though quality has slipped of late (see: butterfly keyboards), MacBooks were the first to bring technologies like aluminum unibody construction, super-sharp IPS screens, backlit keyboards, and multitouch trackpads to the mainstream. Which Mac portable should you spend your hard-earned money on?

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I recently got a request from a reader. His kid is going to college for media production and needs to get a Mac. He wanted to know what to buy and how to configure a Mac to best suit his child's needs. I get questions like this a lot, so in this article I'm going to answer the more general question: what should you think about when buying a Mac?

Let's get the whole platform choice issue out of the way first. This isn't about whether you should buy a Mac or a Windows machine. That's a whole different debate and there are good answers for both approaches. In this article, we'll assume you've decided to get a Mac and are now trying to decide what, exactly, to buy.
Also: Do you really need an eGPU with a 2018 Mac mini?
There are a number of choice vectors you'll need to balance. The first is cost. New Macs range from $799 up to over $13,000. There are also used Macs, and while I won't discuss them here, most of the configuration factors I'll be discussing apply to them as well.

Cost is a big factor in Mac purchases because Macs can be so expensive. Apple also tends to charge a premium for incremental features like more RAM and more storage. Most Macs are also not upgradeable, so what you decide on now has to last you a long time.

My Macs have lasted quite a long time. I gave away a ten year old iMac that was still running when I moved. Up until last month, my main machine was a still very functional four year old iMac. Our fleet of older Mac minis are six and seven years old. They'll probably only go out of service when Apple stops issuing OS updates for them, and then relied upon applications also stop doing updates.
Also: Apple Mac mini (2018) review: The little Mac that could
You should expect that the Mac you're buying today will be in active use for at least three years, and possibly five and six years. As such, you'll need to think hard on what you're going to need to do, not just today, but into the future.

Desktop vs. mobile

Your first decision is going to be desktop vs. mobile. The vast majority of Mac buyers buy notebooks. This makes a lot of sense because modern Mac notebooks can also be used as desktops, merely by adding a dock, a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Until 2018, the other big reason to buy desktop machines was more memory. MacBooks and MacBook Pros did not support as much memory as the higher end desktop Macs, so if you needed RAM, you were forced to get a desktop. Today, while that's true for huge RAM footprints, the 2018 MacBook Pro models support a good amount of RAM. We'll talk more about RAM later.

There are three desktop form factors available: the iMac, the Mac mini, and the trash can-shaped Mac Pro. Let's start with the easy one. Do not, do not, DO NOT buy a Mac Pro. The Mac Pro, while still being sold, is woefully obsolete and will most likely be replaced this year. It's not even lower in price. It's just obsolete.

Also: 2018: The year Apple finally remembered its extreme pro users

That leaves you with the iMac vs. Mac mini choice for desktops. I've had a couple of iMacs and really liked them, but I'm not a big fan of being forced to use a provided screen. The iMac is an all-in-one, so you either have to like that screen or not. That can be inconvenient.

Here's a quick example: I recently stopped using my 2013 iMac as my main machine. It would make a great media center machine because it's still very highly equipped and powerful. But it's huge and heavy. It's not something I can practically put under our living room TV without it being an eyesore.

Choosing desktop
Also: Yes, I bought a 2018 Mac mini (and here's how I spec'd it out)
Today, your desktop choices are quite capable iMacs, the very expensive but insanely powerful iMac Pro, and the new 2018 Mac Mini, which can be equipped to be almost as powerful as the iMac Pro for about two thirds the price.

One advantage of the desktop models Apple now ships is that you can upgrade the RAM (although it can be a challenging process and may void the warranty). Even so, if you want RAM upgradeability, you want a desktop.

If you want to biggest RAM footprint, you'll get it with desktop machines. If absolutely maxing out RAM footprint isn't that important (and it's hugely expensive), you may not need a desktop.

Finally, the 5K display Apple includes with the iMac and iMac Pro is beautiful. If you like that display, you might want to get a desktop.

Choosing a notebook
Also: Apple MacBook Air (2018) review: The MacBook Air reboots as a thinner, lighter, more expensive laptop CNET
Most folks, though, will choose a notebook. You have four choices: the base MacBook, the new 2018 MacBook Air, and the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro.

Again, we'll make this somewhat easy. Don't buy the base MacBook. It's obsolete. If you're looking for similar weight, price, and sleekness, the new 2018 MacBook Air is a far better choice. Be careful here, though. Apple still sells a MacBook Air model without the Retina display. Don't buy that. You will definitely benefit from the higher-quality more modern display.
Also: I went to buy a MacBook Air and Apple tried to sell me a MacBook Pro
The big decision here is going to be size and weight. A lot of folks love the MacBook Air because it's just so light and portable. The new model for 2018 is really quite nice.

Other people choose the MacBook Pros because of performance and screen size. Back when the MacBook Pros had a ton of ports, it was an easier decision. I bought my 2015 MacBook Pro in large part because it had so many ports, and so was quite flexible. Today, if you want ports, you'll be buying a dongle, no matter which machine you buy.

It's actually quite a tough decision whether to buy a 13-inch MacBook Pro or a 13-inch MacBook Air. They're very similar. The MacBook Pros have the Touch Bar, which is silly and probably not worth making a buying decision over.

The mid-level MacBook Pro is very, very similar to the MacBook Air, so if you're buying the i5 processor model, your choice is really going to be whether you want two or four Thunderbolt 3 ports. If you want two, and a little bit lighter machine, get the Air. If you want four, get the Pro.

Don't forget to factor in RAM. The MacBook Pro goes up to 32GB, while the Air still maxes at 16GB. If you need 32GB, you'll want the Pro.

The 15-inch MacBook Pro is different. First, there's a bigger display and for some of us, that's all we need to know. But the 15-inch MacBook Pro also comes with a GPU that can increase graphics performance. That's helpful, but as I'll explain in a bit, not as critical as you might think.

Features to maximize on your Mac

Where the rubber meets the road in buying a Mac is really in how you spec it out. This falls into four main categories: RAM, storage, processor, and video processor. This is a huge decision because some of these things can't be changed after you buy the machine and they're insanely, almost obscenely expensive.

Let's start with processor. You absolutely can't upgrade your processor after you make the purchase. The price difference between processor levels on a Mac is actually not that big, about $200 per bump. I made the mistake of buying an i5 for my MacBook Pro, and that meant that it couldn't do some things I later found myself needing to do. I've regretted cheaping out on that processor purchase ever since making it.

TIP: Buy as much processor as you can afford. Try to get at least an i7.

RAM is the second big factor. While you can (with effort) upgrade RAM on the desktop models, you can't on the notebook models. For me, RAM is a huge factor. I run very big apps, lots of them, and use a ton of RAM. I actually can't get my work done on less than 32GB RAM. But because RAM is so expensive, I didn't opt to go to 64GB on my last purchase.

My rule of thumb is, after processor, max out your RAM based on your budget. Try to avoid buying only 8GB RAM. It's really too little to run most Mac environments, especially as your usage goes up.

TIP: 16GB RAM is the sweet spot. Buy as much more as you can afford. Don't buy 8GB.

Graphics purchase decision

All modern Macs now come with Thunderbolt 3, which provides nearly bus-speed data transfers. For video and storage, this means you can externalize much of what you're using. That means you can upgrade later, as your needs grow.

When it comes to video processor, adding an external GPU will run about $700 and up. But you don't need to get one unless you truly need one. The only reason you'd buy a GPU in the 15-inch MacBook Pro is because you need the larger screen capability and you know you'll need graphics powerhouse capability on the go.

If, for example, you're going to be on-location and producing videos away from home, you'll want as much internal video capability as possible. Otherwise, get an eGPU when you need one.

TIP: If you know for sure you need mobile graphics power, get as much built-in GPU as you can afford. Otherwise, wait and get an eGPU when you're sure you need it.

Buying storage

Shockingly, you can still buy Macs that come with hard drives instead of SSDs. Let's kick this off with a very simple tip:

TIP: Never, ever buy a hard drive Mac again. Always get SSD.

1. If you need an iMac Pro, you already know it. Nothing I'm telling you here is news to you.

2. Do not buy the Mac Pro, the base MacBook, or the non-Retina MacBook Air.

3. Most people buy notebooks. Unless you're very enamored by the all-in-one iMac or the highly flexible Mac mini, you're going to get either a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air.

4. If you want a computer you can tuck just about anywhere, but don't need to take it on the road, get a Mac mini.

5. If you need a bigger screen on the road, get a 15-inch MacBook Pro.

6. If you need a smaller notebook, you're going to need to choose between the very similar MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro. Get the MacBook Pro if you need more power. Get the MacBook Air to save money or weight.

7. Buy as much processor as you can afford. Try not to get anything less than an i7 or you may regret it.

8. Buy as much RAM as you can afford. Try not to get anything less than 16GB or you may regret it.

9. You can always expand storage later, because Thunderbolt 3 is just that fast.

10. Never buy a Mac with a hard drive. That time is past.

Yes, Apple sells a tiered storage option it calls Fusion Drive. And yes, a big Fusion Drive is less expensive than the equivalent SSD. But it's a bad idea in the long run. All the Fusion Drive does is offload your most commonly used requests to a small SSD, and leaves most of your data on the hard drive. Hard drives are ten to twenty times slower than SSDs.

Apple's internal flash SSD storage is exceptional. It's ludicrously fast. But it's also expensive. Ideally, what you'll do is buy as much internal flash SSD storage as you can afford, and then add external Thunderbolt 3 SSD storage as an add-on later. Because Thunderbolt 3 is so fast, you'll see almost no speed hit (especially if you get an M.2-based SSD) in an external drive.

TIP: Get 256 to 512GB internal flash SSD. Add more external flash storage as needed.

Don't get the 128GB SSD option. It's really too small to grow with, especially as the OS upgrades over time. But 256GB is a workable size, if a bit small. Given that you can add very fast external storage, that's the way to go. External storage is much less expensive than Apple's own storage, so this is where you can save a few bucks and still have all the performance you need.

10 things

Now that you know that you need to think about a Mac purchase by deciding between desktop and notebook, top-end RAM and regular RAM, and Thunderbolt 3-expandable or not, you have the basic framework for buying a Mac. With that, then, let's look at ten considerations to use when making your decision.

There you go. If you follow the advice in this guide, you'll get the most Mac bang for your buck. Let me know what you chose. Feel free to chat in the TalkBacks below.

You can follow my day-to-day project updates on social media. Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @DavidGewirtz, on Facebook at Facebook.com/DavidGewirtz, on Instagram at Instagram.com/DavidGewirtz, and on YouTube at YouTube.com/DavidGewirtzTV.

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Which Mac to buy? 10 tips to help you decide | ZDNet

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I recently got a request from a reader. His kid is going to college for media production and needs to get a Mac. He wanted to know what to buy and how to configure a Mac to best suit his child's needs.

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Are you a Windows-to-Mac switcher with a limited budget? Then buying a refurbished Mac with warranty and tech support included sounds like the best option. Alternatively, you can save extra money by purchasing a used Mac. We'll walk you through all necessary steps you should take to ensure the Mac you are purchasing won't crash the very next day.

Note: It's a great idea to perform some basic diagnostics when you meet your seller. So, remember to take an external USB drive with macOS preinstalled, and headphones.
Step 1: Check for damages
Start diagnostics by carefully examining the body of the used Mac for any physical damages. Pay attention to visible scratches-if you find any, you could use it to bargain. Next, check all the screws. Any loose screws can be a sign that the Mac has been serviced by a non-authorized repair service. Finally, make sure the screen and case aren't bent.
Step 2: Check how old is that Mac
Does the current Mac owner claim the Mac is in like-new condition? That may be true, but that doesn't mean it's actually new. You can check the actual age of the Mac with its serial number. Turn the Mac over and you'll find the serial number next to the regulatory markings. Use these resources to identify Mac model and its age:
Step 3: Boot this Mac
Time to give this Mac a whirl. Make sure the machine you want to buy starts and macOS loads all the way to the desktop picture. If macOS is not installed on this machine, use the bootable drive you brought with you (the one with macOS on board). Hold down the Option/Alt key once you hear the startup chime and select the external startup drive.
Step 4: Disable firmware password
Mac users set up various passwords for their devices, but one of them can be a real headache for new the Mac owner. Bad news if the seller set up a firmware password on their device - you won't be able to start your Mac from the USB drive. When booting a Mac and hearing a startup chime, hold down the Option/Alt key. If you're prompted to type in the firmware password, ask the Mac owner to turn it off.
Step 5: Check the display condition
To spot "dead" pixels on the display, use pictures with a mono-color background (red, green, blue, white). Simply open these images on the used Mac. If any pixels are damaged, you'll notice small spots on the display.
Step 6: Run a keyboard test
Use the macOS built-in Text Edit app to make sure the keyboard is not malfunctioning. Open it and type every keyboard character. Works fine? Now try the Caps Lock button and functional keys. Works perfectly? Great!

Alternatively, you may use Keyboard Viewer. Start up the Mac, clicking the language menu at the top menu bar, and select Show Keyboard Viewer. Now every key you hit is displayed in the new keyboard-like window.

Step 7: Check the optical drive
If the Mac you're about to buy has the optical drive, insert a DVD or CD disk to check if it reads information.
Step 8: Check all ports
It's easy to do. Just connect your external drive to the USB port. Do the same with the headphones. Works? Amazing!
Step 9: Run webcam diagnostics
Launch the Facetime app to test the iSight camera. Can you see your face in the app window? That means your webcam works perfectly!
Step 10: Check the S.M.A.R.T. status
This step is for advanced Mac users. S.M.A.R.T. stands for Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology, and scans your hard drive for errors.

Navigate to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility and check the S.M.A.R.T. status at the bottom of the screen. Verified means the disk will serve you well. A MacBook with Failing status can be a big headache, so never buy a Mac that has this status. On the screenshot below the disk is in good condition with the Verified status.

Step 11: Check the battery
MacBooks are known for their outstanding battery performance, so you want to make sure the Mac you buy won't drain after just an hour or so of use. Click the Apple Logo, hold down the Option/Alt key, and select System Information from the drop-down menu. Next, open the Power section in the left sidebar menu.

Pay attention to the Health Information section. Cycle count and Condition will help you diagnose the Mac's battery health. Here you can find more information regarding battery cycle counts for each laptop: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201585
Step 12: Apple Hardware Test
The final step we recommend is an Apple Hardware Test. It detects issues with the logic board, memory, and other hardware components. Before you run it, disconnect all external devices and turn off the Mac. Then, turn it back on and hold the D key once you hear the startup chime. Select the language you need and press the arrow button to run the test. You can find more info about this troubleshooting step here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201257.

That's it. Enjoy your 'new' Mac. We hope your second-hand laptop will serve you well.

Know someone who's buying a used Mac? Feel free to share this post and help save them from some serious headaches.

By the way, even with a second-hand Mac, you'll be able to enjoy the new macOS Catalina. Just make sure your computer meets Catalina's hardware requirements.

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12 Things to Check Before Buying Second-hand MacBook

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Are you a Windows-to-Mac switcher with a limited budget? Then buying a refurbished Mac with warranty and tech support included sounds like the best option. Alternatively, you can save extra money by purchasing a used Mac. We'll walk you through all necessary steps you should take to ensure the Mac you are purchasing won't crash the very next day.