Can You Still Use an 8-Year-Old Laptop in 2020? - My Experience with the MacBook Pro Mid 2012

The MacBook Pro mid 2012 is often considered an aging device, but it's still perfectly usable if you adjust your expectations. I used this laptop for a few years and found that, despite its limitations, it was still a reliable machine. After upgrading the RAM to 16GB and replacing the thermal paste, I can confidently say that this laptop has plenty of life left in it.

One of the key issues with the MacBook Pro mid 2012 is performance. Running a Windows VM for certain applications can be acceptable, but it's not ideal. Sometimes, the Windows VM would update without my consent, which would slow down the entire system. However, other tasks like browsing the web without an adblocker or editing 1080p videos in iMovie were still manageable.

The trackpad and keyboard on this laptop are exceptional, even compared to newer Windows laptops I've owned. The display is still usable, but only when scaled to a higher resolution. While it can make text appear slightly blurry, the scaling apps available for the Mac help to mitigate this issue.

One of the standout features of this laptop is its user-upgradability. I was able to upgrade my RAM and SSD with relative ease, making it a great option for those who like to tinker with their devices. Additionally, the all-metal chassis still looks premium and feels sturdy in hand.

My MacBook Pro mid 2012 has been fully updated to OS X El Capitan, but I've read that downgrading to Yosemite might help improve performance. I've also considered swapping out one of my original RAM chips for an upgraded chip, which would give me a total of 10GB of RAM – much better than the original 4GB.

Unfortunately, after upgrading my RAM to 16GB using 2x 8GB ATech DDR3 12800 1600MHz, I started experiencing some issues. The laptop would occasionally restart itself, even when I wasn't actively using it. This has only happened since installing the new RAM. However, I'm still hoping to find a solution and get my MacBook Pro mid 2012 running smoothly again.

In conclusion, while the MacBook Pro mid 2012 may not be the most powerful laptop on the market today, it's still a viable option for those who are willing to adjust their expectations. With its user-upgradability, excellent trackpad and keyboard, and premium design, this laptop is definitely worth considering if you're in the market for an affordable and reliable machine.

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