I already have m2 MBA but I'm trying to buy a throwaway laptop so I can take it to places without much worrying about getting it stolen or getting it broken (my daughter, nephews and nieces, RIP iPad air lol). I plan on using it for casual web browsing/YouTube. I know people hate butterfly keyboard, but for casual media consumption, it should work fine? I think I can get used or refurbished ones for little over $200. My other option is Chromebook. Any inputs?
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How's Macbook 2015 M like in 2022?
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I’d say go for a Chromebook. All the things you describe would be perfect on one. Some of the cheaper Chromebooks can be pretty tough because they’re lightweight and all plastic.
If you want to stick with an Apple device, go for a standard iPad. I don’t know about where you live but Walmart here sells them for $299 and I’ve seen them on Amazon for that price. if you want cheaper, then consider a used or refurbished iPad.
Throwaway is relative because if you’re losing or destroying a $200 iPad or Chromebook once a week it’s going to get expensive.
If you want to stick with an Apple device, go for a standard iPad. I don’t know about where you live but Walmart here sells them for $299 and I’ve seen them on Amazon for that price. if you want cheaper, then consider a used or refurbished iPad.
Throwaway is relative because if you’re losing or destroying a $200 iPad or Chromebook once a week it’s going to get expensive.
Get a base iPad for media consumption, +/- Smart Keyboard. It will be significantly faster than the 2015 MacBook, and handles media consumption better too. For example, Macs are not allowed to locally download media files from Netflix (to watch on the train or plane or whatever), but this is allowed on iPads.
BTW, I own an iPad Pro 2017 with Smart Keyboard and Core m3 MacBook 2017 (which is much faster with better keyboard than the 2015). For pleasure trips I take only the iPad Pro, partially because of the better media handling. When I used to take business trips and needed specific macOS applications, I would take BOTH the MacBook and the iPad Pro, the latter for its media handling and also to double as a secondary monitor for the MacBook via Sidecar. (BTW, the 2015 MacBook doesn't support Sidecar.)
Low end Chromebooks generally are junk. They will often be fast enough but the feel plus fit and finish just aren't great. Often the trackpads aren't very good either, and here in Canada they often come with multi-lingual keyboards, which suck. Well-constructed higher end Chromebooks do exist, but they can be costly.
BTW, I own an iPad Pro 2017 with Smart Keyboard and Core m3 MacBook 2017 (which is much faster with better keyboard than the 2015). For pleasure trips I take only the iPad Pro, partially because of the better media handling. When I used to take business trips and needed specific macOS applications, I would take BOTH the MacBook and the iPad Pro, the latter for its media handling and also to double as a secondary monitor for the MacBook via Sidecar. (BTW, the 2015 MacBook doesn't support Sidecar.)
Low end Chromebooks generally are junk. They will often be fast enough but the feel plus fit and finish just aren't great. Often the trackpads aren't very good either, and here in Canada they often come with multi-lingual keyboards, which suck. Well-constructed higher end Chromebooks do exist, but they can be costly.
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I have the 2016 Macbook, and it is horribly slow. Even the low end iPad runs circles around it, and you'll be annoyed at how slow websites or media apps load and how slow they are to interact with. It can also lag on some 1080p videos on Youtube. The keyboard is not really an issue (If you've had it upgraded to the 3. generation one).
I really suggest an iPad for media consumption instead.
I really suggest an iPad for media consumption instead.
I have a Macbook 2017 and is good for media consumption, Netflix, Youtube, web browsing. Also, im using it for work with some excels and Quickbooks (through google chrome).
With Safari works really fine and no sound due to no fans.
You should think if an iPad works better for you. Will you need to write something in that Macbook? If not an iPad will work really fine since the battery will be better, the performance will be better in one and another ways, etc.
I also have an iPad 9th and is love but sometimes I use the Macbook to watch Netflix and Youtube and the iPad stays there without use but sometime the iPad works perfect to watch something in Netflix.
Also, you can play games in the iPad (Roller Coaster Classic is love), in the Macbook just forget it
With Safari works really fine and no sound due to no fans.
You should think if an iPad works better for you. Will you need to write something in that Macbook? If not an iPad will work really fine since the battery will be better, the performance will be better in one and another ways, etc.
I also have an iPad 9th and is love but sometimes I use the Macbook to watch Netflix and Youtube and the iPad stays there without use but sometime the iPad works perfect to watch something in Netflix.
Also, you can play games in the iPad (Roller Coaster Classic is love), in the Macbook just forget it
Have a Macbook 2015 and still like it. I use it as the extra laptop doing basic things. That is what it is really for. It still has its usage in 2022. On Big Sur. I would not say it is REALLY slow, but of course not like the M1. Takes a second or two to open things, but that does not bother me. I like the looks and the general feel of it.
If you can get a good price, I would go for it. I picked it up second hand and everything works. It looked to me the keyboard was replaced so I made out. I don't mind the butterfly keyboard. Battery will need replacing, but still has a decent charge to use for awhile.
I would say it really depends if you like the 12" form factor and don't want to spend the cash on the new. It is very light and small, excellent if you want a small laptop to cart around.
If you can get a good price, I would go for it. I picked it up second hand and everything works. It looked to me the keyboard was replaced so I made out. I don't mind the butterfly keyboard. Battery will need replacing, but still has a decent charge to use for awhile.
I would say it really depends if you like the 12" form factor and don't want to spend the cash on the new. It is very light and small, excellent if you want a small laptop to cart around.