I don't like the feel of the keyboards on the latest MacBooks (all versions). For that reason, I'd fix an older one or try to find a used or refurbished older model.

Anonymous wrote:Disagree with all of the above.

Just had my hard drive replaced on an OLD MacBook Pro and it runs like a charm.

The computer geeks in question did say if it goes haywire again to just buy new rather than fix again.

OP here. Interesting range of answers, and I probably should have added that I have a newer (< 5 years old) laptop already, which I primarily used to use when I had to carry a computer with me (the old one weighs a ton, especially with the power brick), or my son would use it while I used the older one. If I get it fixed, the 2010 computer would probably become my son's primary computer and I would continue using the newer one.

I'm tempted to try replacing the hard drive myself, per the other poster's suggestions. Though I'm worried that perhaps it might still not work with a new HD (I did drop it a couple of times), and then that money would be down the drain too.

If I decide to get it fixed, by someone else, which computer geek did you use for your old MacBook Pro? The Apple Store doesn't fix computers of that vintage. I found a hole-in-the-wall place that says they can do it, but I don't know how good they are. The Apple store recommended MicroCenter, but it is way out of my way and would charge $40 just to diagnose it, with no guarantee that they could then fix it, so I'm disinclined to go there.

I would download something link http://www.knopper.net/knoppix/index-en.html or http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ onto a USB stick and try and boot your computer. If your computer boots and loads the linux software environment, then it is either the hard drive or the Mac OS that is causing the problems. You can then use the linux environment to determine if it is the hard drive or OS. At that point bring it t the apple store and see what they say.

If you still have the original startup disc, you could replace the hard drive yourself for about $75 (hard drive, tool kit, shipping). It's really straightforward and there are tons of youtube videos to demonstrate. I did this when my husband's 2010 MacBook 15" hard drive went bad about 3 years ago and it's still running strong. I just went really slowly and carefully; it took maybe an hour to do and then I used the install disc to restart it.

I got the part from here: https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Mac/500-GB-5400-RPM-2-5-Inch-Hard-Drive/IF107-060-1

And here's the install guide: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2010+Hard+Drive+Replacement/4305

Apple Stores have a 14 day return policy. I guarantee after a few days of a new MacBook Air you'll NEVER go back to a 10yo laptop. New machines are so snappy, all-day battery life, crisp screen easy on eyes -- all allows you to be far more productive.

you could always go PC route. you can find a nice new laptops for less than 300 bucks at best buy

my $300 lenovo is going on ten years old. yeah its getting slow, but still chugs along.

Disagree with all of the above.

Just had my hard drive replaced on an OLD MacBook Pro and it runs like a charm.

The computer geeks in question did say if it goes haywire again to just buy new rather than fix again.

Anonymous wrote:I think I need a new hard drive, because my old Mac laptop won't boot up. That will probably cost me about $150. I'm wondering if it might be a bad investment to get it fixed though. Then again, it was working fine until it wasn't working at all. Thoughts?

And yes, $1000 for a new computer is a major expense for me.

you might find this helpful

https://www.imore.com/when-fixing-your-mac-just-throwing-good-money-after-bad

I'd recommend a refurbished MacBook Air (old version). I bet you can find one from Apple or Best Buy for around $600. It'll be a massive upgrade from a 10 year old machine.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think I need a new hard drive, because my old Mac laptop won't boot up. That will probably cost me about $150. I'm wondering if it might be a bad investment to get it fixed though. Then again, it was working fine until it wasn't working at all. Thoughts?

And yes, $1000 for a new computer is a major expense for me.

Throwing away $150 to fix it is foolish. It's a 9 year old computer...that's 5 years past its useful life. Don't waste the money trying to fix it.

Correct answer

Anonymous wrote:I think I need a new hard drive, because my old Mac laptop won't boot up. That will probably cost me about $150. I'm wondering if it might be a bad investment to get it fixed though. Then again, it was working fine until it wasn't working at all. Thoughts?

And yes, $1000 for a new computer is a major expense for me.

Throwing away $150 to fix it is foolish. It's a 9 year old computer...that's 5 years past its useful life. Don't waste the money trying to fix it.

I would not get it fixed, sorry. Do you need it to be a laptop? You could get a mini Mac (desktop). If you have an old screen and keyboard you could hook it up to it.

You can find good deals on the new MacBook Air. It seems nearly impossible to live with the battery life of even a perfectly functioning 2010 Mac (and that's looking past its slowness). The new Air gets like 10 hours on a single charge! Love mine.

My Macbook laptop is a 2012 - if something went wrong with it now, I'd first try to get it repaired. Even if you could afford a new laptop, it's a total waste to not at least give it a shot.

I think I need a new hard drive, because my old Mac laptop won't boot up. That will probably cost me about $150. I'm wondering if it might be a bad investment to get it fixed though. Then again, it was working fine until it wasn't working at all. Thoughts?

And yes, $1000 for a new computer is a major expense for me.