Mac computers are synonymous with quality, durability and performance in the world of technology. However, even the best devices have a useful lifespan and reach a point where their performance no longer meets the user's expectations or needs and it is time to change Mac.
Deciding when is the right time to switch Macs can be a difficult decision, especially given the cost of the devices, but there are several key signs and factors that can help you make an informed decision.
Throughout this post we explore these signs in greater detail to help you determine the perfect time to upgrade your Mac. Let's go there!
Slowness in using your Mac
One of the first signs that your Mac might need a replacement is noticeably slower performance. And we do not mean that it is especially slow at any specific moment, but that you see a marked slowness in everything. Specifically, this can manifest itself in long boot times, applications that take a long time to open or close, and an overall slow system response.
Although sometimes these issues can be resolved with software updates, cleaning unnecessary files, or even increasing RAM, If these solutions don't significantly improve performance, it might be time to consider a new Mac.
Let's give you an example: Imagine that you use your Mac for professional tasks that require intensive software, such as video editing or graphic design. If your Mac is slow to render files or freezes frequently during these tasks, your workflow is interrupted, affecting your productivity, so it is not unreasonable to invest money in a new computer that will make your work come out faster and better. .
Software updates: obsolescence is not only caused by hardware
Keeping your operating system up to date is essential for the security and optimal performance of your Mac and to this end, Apple regularly releases macOS updates that not only bring new features but also important security patches. If your Mac is no longer compatible with the latest versions of macOS, you will be missing out on these crucial improvements in both security and performance.
A clear example of this is Macs with Intel chips, which are beginning to fall behind in terms of compatibility with the latest updates, losing features that will be released exclusively for Macs based on Apple Silicon processors.
Insufficient storage space
Over time, files, apps, and system updates can take up a significant amount of space on your Mac's hard drive. If you find yourself constantly struggling to free up space and turning to workarounds like external hard drives or cloud services, It's a clear sign that you need more storage.
And although this is solved changing the hard drive, well it is true that A new Mac with more storage can provide you with the space you need for your files and applications, avoiding the frustration of having to constantly manage available space.
Hardware problems due to component wear and degradation
Hardware components such as the battery, screen, and keyboard can wear out over time. And the bad thing about this is that Repairs can be expensive, not so much because of the components themselves, but because of the labor and that, in some cases, do not guarantee a long-term solution.
As a solution, changing your Mac in the long run, weighing the cost/benefit, is often the most profitable option, especially if you see other symptoms of obsolescence on your equipment.
software malfunction
As applications and programs evolve, their hardware requirements also increase. And this is a present reality although it is quite annoying: Your 2015 Mac may have been a cucumber in its time, but now it falls short to run the latest versions.
If the apps you use regularly start to crash or not work optimally, it could be because your Mac doesn't meet the minimum requirements.
This is especially true for older models like the MacBook Air with only 4GB of RAM, which may not be able to handle the demands of modern applications, negatively affecting your productivity.
Your external devices start to be incompatible
If your Mac has difficulty connecting to modern peripheral devices, such as mice, keyboards, printers, or external displays, this may be a sign that your hardware is outdated.
The lack of USB-C ports, for example, can be a significant limitation if most of your devices use this standard and it is a more than reasonable reason to change your Mac for a new one.
Your Mac battery “asks for earth”
We have already talked about it in other posts, but the MacBook battery has a limited lifespan and its capacity decreases with time and use. Specifically, Apple estimates that most MacBook batteries have a lifespan of around 1000 charge cycles, after which their capacity can be significantly reduced.
Many times, if you start to calculate what the replacement costs, always considering using quality options and not “china batteries”, repairing it is not the best option knowing that you are investing money in an outdated computer.
When to change our Mac?: Our final considerations
Switching Macs may seem like a significant investment and requires spending a lot of money at once, but the long-term benefits of a new device are obvious: A new Mac will not only provide better performance, but it will also be compatible with the latest technologies and applications, improving your productivity and overall experience. And all that saving time and trouble has a value, and It can make you earn more money if you use your Mac to work.
Additionally, new Mac models, especially those with the M3 chip, offer significant improvements in terms of performance and energy efficiency, so if you have a fairly outdated Intel computer We encourage you to change it if you think that your time has come, and donate it to someone who wants to continue extending life in other ways.