Are old iMacs still good?

Don’t buy anything older than the 2012 models, as the current macOS 10.14 Mojave and the upcoming macOS

10.15 Catalina

10.15 Catalina
macOS Catalina (version 10.15) is the sixteenth major release of macOS, Apple Inc.’s desktop operating system for Macintosh computers. It is the successor to macOS Mojave and was announced at WWDC 2019 on June 3, 2019 and released to the public on October 7, 2019.
https://en.wikipedia.org

› wiki › MacOS_Catalina

only support iMacs 2012 and newer. As a general advice, it is a good idea to go for a 27″ model if you have the chance to.

Is a 10 year old iMac obsolete?

The OS released in 2028 would receive support from Apple until 2031, and most third-party tools would work until at least 2033. This means that in general, you can expect about 10 years of life from a Mac, barring any unforeseen hardware issues.

Is a 2009 iMac still good?

Apple considers 2009 iMacs as “Obsolete” and so should you. Many newer applications won’t even load or run on an 11 year old computer. This would include modern web browsers and that would make your computer and personal data at risk.


What is the average lifespan of an iMac?

iMacs typically last between 3 to 8 years depending on how they are configured.

What can I do with an old iMac?

What to do with your old Mac
  • When is your Mac “too old”? …
  • Recycle your old Mac with the Apple Trade In program. …
  • Clean your Mac and get it up to speed. …
  • Turn your Mac into a network-attached storage system. …
  • Create an emergency Wi-Fi hotspot. …
  • Install Linux on your Mac. …
  • Back up your Mac. …
  • Deauthorize and sign out of your accounts.

What can I do with my old iMac 2010?

If the Mac is no longer functional, or if it’s too old, you can recycle it. Apple’s recycling program will take any of your devices and recycle them. They may even give you a gift card if the computer still has some value. You won’t get a lot, and lately Apple’s prices for Mac trade-ins have been very low.

Is my 2011 iMac obsolete?

Apple considers the 2011 iMac a vintage product in the United States and Turkey, and obsolete in the rest of the world.

Is iMac late 2009 still supported?

Apple said that would run happily on a late 2009 or later MacBook or iMac, or a 2010 or later MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini or Mac Pro. … This means that if your Mac is older than 2012 it won’t officially be able to run Catalina or Mojave.

Can I use a 2010 iMac?

1 Answer. Yes an iMac will work as a screen for a regular PC, but only with 27″ models of Late 2009, 2010 iMacs. If those conditions are met then the iMac supports what is called Target Display Mode, aka using your iMac as a display.

Can you use a 2009 iMac?

Yes, you can as a target display mode assuming your iMac is running an older OSX. Thanks. The iMac is running High Sierra 10.13. 6 and iMac would be Big Sur.

When should I replace my iMac?

When do I need to replace my Mac?
  • Apple no longer supports the latest version of the software it runs (which could leave you vulnerable)
  • The apps you need to use no longer run on it.
  • The Mac struggles to perform the tasks you need it to – especially if you can’t update the RAM or any other components.

Do Macs slow down over time?

Macs will slow down when performing complex tasks, or a number of tasks at any one time. This is perfectly normal, as the Mac divvies up tasks through its processors. … Slow load times, extended start times for applications, and unresponsive windows are all signs that your Mac may be slowing down over time.

Can a computer last 10 years?

A desktop computer should last at least three years, especially when properly maintained with routine software updates. However, most can survive an average of five to eight years. Generally, when a desktop fails, all you need to do is fix or replace the problematic component, and it’s good to go.

Do Apple stores recycle old Macs?

close Does Apple offer recycling? Yes. If your device has no trade‑in value, Apple Trade In lets you recycle any Apple device, and devices from Apple-owned brands, at any Apple Store and online.

Can I completely wipe my Mac?

You can wipe your Mac computer — or, in other words, factory reset it — through the macOS Utilities menu. This is a good plan if your Mac is malfunctioning, or you’re looking to sell it. Doing this will wipe all of your personal data and applications. It’ll be like you just turned on your Mac for the first time.

Can I use Mac Mini with old iMac?

If you have one of the iMacs with Target Display Mode, your Mac mini or another Mac can make use of your old 27-inch iMac as a display. Target Display Mode is only available on specific iMacs made between late 2009 and 2013.

What can I do with an old iMac 2007?

Unless you want to turn it into a home decor item, you could use at least these 7 creative ways to turn it into something new.
  1. Install Linux on your old Mac. …
  2. Make your old Apple laptop a Chromebook. …
  3. Make a network-attached system out of your old Mac. …
  4. Create an emergency Wi-Fi hotspot. …
  5. Sell or recycle your old Mac.

Can an old iMac be upgraded?

Starting with Mojave Apple did not allow older Macs to upgrade to newer macOS versions. With every new macOS release the minimum year of Mac hardware increases. While most pre-2012 officially cannot be upgraded, there are unofficial workarounds for older Macs.

Can a 2010 iMac be upgraded?

5 on my iMac (27-inch, Mid2010) Processor 2.8 GHz Intel Core i5 Memory 4GB. Answer: A: Answer: A: A Mid 2010 iMac can be upgraded to macOS 10.13 High Sierra.

Can a mid 2011 iMac be upgraded?

Maximum Apple supported macOS for your 2011 iMac is High Sierra (10.13. 6), but minimum OS to upgrade is 10.8. You will need a 2 step process to get to High Sierra.

Can I update my 2012 iMac?

Apple differentiates updates from upgrades. Upgrades are separate downloads, and separate installs. iMac Late 2012 is supported on macOS 10.14 Mojave, and which is the current version of macOS.

What Apple products are no longer supported?

The last time Apple culled the list of supported devices was with its iOS 13 update, which nixed support for the iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, six-generation iPod touch, the first-generation iPad Air, and third-generation iPad mini.

Can I update my early 2009 iMac?

Answer: A: There’s no more update for a iMac from early 2009. El Capitan is the highest you can update to with that iMac. You need a newer iMac model if you want to update macOS.

Can I upgrade my 2009 iMac processor?

Officially, Apple does not intend for the processor in any Intel-based iMac models to be upgraded. … More precisely, the Core 2 Duo-based “Late 2009” iMac models — the iMac “Core 2 Duo” 3.06 21.5″ and “Core 2 Duo” 3.06 27″ — use an LGA 775 Socket T and the iMac “Core i5″ 2.66 27” uses an LGA 1156 Socket H.

Can a 2009 iMac be upgraded to High Sierra?

Mac Hardware Requirements

These Mac models are compatible with macOS High Sierra: MacBook (Late 2009 or newer) … iMac (Late 2009 or newer) Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)

Can early 2009 iMac be used as a monitor?

Can my early 2009 iMac be used as a monitor for a new Mac Mini? Answer: A: Answer: A: Nope’ you need to have a Late 2009 27″ or better.

Can I use my 2012 iMac as a monitor?

iMac models introduced in 2011, 2012, 2013, and mid 2014

To use any of these iMac models as an external display: The iMac used as a display must have macOS High Sierra or earlier installed.

Can you use an older iMac as a monitor?

You need an old version of macOS. A limited range of iMacs from 2009 to 2014 can be used as external monitors, but only when running certain versions of macOS.

How do I wipe my late 2009 iMac?

I am unable to erase hard drive using the following instructions: Restart iMac Holding down command and R key. Disk Utility (should be on screen) Check continue, choose start up disk,click erase button, choose Mac OS Extended, Click Erase.

Are iMacs worth the money?

If you’re set on sticking with Mac and want an even bigger display, Apple’s 27-inch iMac from last year is also worth considering. This Mac gets you significantly more screen space and an even richer 5K resolution, which may be useful for those who multitask heavily and do lots of visual work.

How do I know if my iMac hard drive is failing?

There are more possible symptoms of a failing hard drive.
  1. Your Mac or external drive is making a strange noise. It’s usually quite loud and could be a clicking sound or a loud whirring, or both. …
  2. You have difficulty accessing files. …
  3. Files are corrupt.

Will Intel Macs become obsolete?

Intel Macs will continue to receive at least some new macOS features “for years to come,” and they won’t suddenly become bad now that Apple is changing processors. If you have an Intel Mac you’re happy with, especially one released in 2018 or later, you don’t need to run out and upgrade.

Why do old Macs get so slow?

If you find your Mac is running slowly, there are a number of potential causes that you can check. Your computer’s startup disk may not have enough free disk space. … Quit any app that isn’t compatible with your Mac. For example, an app may require a different processor or graphics card.

Why is my old IMAC so slow?

Slow performance may mean you’re about to reach the storage limit on your Mac. Solution: Check your hard drive space by clicking the the Apple icon in the top-left corner and then selecting “About this Mac.” Next, toggle over to the “Storage” section and wait for it to calculate how much space you’re using.

How can I speed up my old imac?

How to speed up your Mac in 9 steps
  1. Clean up system files and documents. A clean Mac is a fast Mac. …
  2. Detect &amp, Kill Demanding Processes. …
  3. Speed up startup time: Manage startup programs. …
  4. Remove unused apps. …
  5. Run a macOS system update. …
  6. Upgrade your RAM. …
  7. Swap your HDD for an SSD. …
  8. Reduce Visual Effects.

Is a 7 year old computer worth fixing?

On the other hand, it could make sense for a company to replace a high-spec machine that is only a few months old if time is extremely valuable, as it can be in financial organisations. However, your second question is easy. Windows 7 was launched in 2009, and reaches the end of its supported life in January 2020.

Are old computers still useful?

Whether it’s a desktop computer or a laptop, whether or not it’s broken, and no matter how old it is, it can still be useful to you or someone else.

What is considered old for a computer?

If it’s over 5 years old, replace it. Technology ages faster now than ever so unless it’s an easy fix, you’ll probably want to put your money towards a new computer.

What should I do with my old iPad?

10 Ways to Reuse an Old iPad
  1. Turn your Old iPad into a Dashcam. …
  2. Turn it into a Security Camera. …
  3. Make a Digital Picture Frame. …
  4. Extend Your Mac or PC Monitor. …
  5. Run a Dedicated Media Server. …
  6. Play with Your Pets. …
  7. Install the Old iPad in Your Kitchen. …
  8. Create a Dedicated Smart Home Controller.

How do I destroy my imac hard drive?

Just disconnect hard drive and unbolt. Not much of any tools required, and easy to do. Then you can just recycle the rest of the unit if you don’t want, and destroy hard drive by opening it and removing the disk platens (that look like silver CDs. Just lightly sand and scratch them up, and no one will ever read them.

Does Best Buy take old computers to recycle?

Take Them to Best Buy. … If you have old electronics, or batteries, or old devices with built-in batteries, check out Best Buy’s Electronics Recycling Program web page to see which items are accepted at your local store.

How do I wipe an old iMac?

Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. Release the keys after about 20 seconds. This clears user settings from memory and restores certain security features that might have been altered.

How do I restore my iMac to factory settings without CD?

In this video I’m going to show you how to reset. And restore your Mac back to its factory settings

How do I reformat my iMac?

How to Erase and Reset Your Mac
  1. Click the Apple () symbol in the top left corner of your Mac’s screen and select Restart….
  2. Click Restart.
  3. Hold down the Command and R keys as soon as you hear the Mac tone indicating a reboot.
  4. Wait for the macOS Utilities screen to appear, then click Disk Utility.

Is a 2009 iMac still good?

Apple considers 2009 iMacs as “Obsolete” and so should you. Many newer applications won’t even load or run on an 11 year old computer. This would include modern web browsers and that would make your computer and personal data at risk.

How long do iMacs last on average?

iMacs typically last between 3 to 8 years depending on how they are configured. Most iMacs will come with larger hard drives as a standard configuration.

Is it worth buying a 2007 iMac?

macrumors member

My parents still have a 2007 iMac and it works fine for them. It has been a particularly good model for longevity. It actually still runs the latest version of OSX, which is pretty remarkable. It can do the things you mention, however it is slower than a more modern computer.

CAN 2007 iMac be upgraded?

Disasembling the computer is not simple, but the hard drive in these models also can be swapped out with a faster 3 Gb/s SATA-equipped SSD, and the swap is no more difficult than upgrading the hard drive. All of the 20-Inch and 24-Inch Aluminum iMac models have the same hard drive support.

Is a 10 year old iMac obsolete?

The OS released in 2028 would receive support from Apple until 2031, and most third-party tools would work until at least 2033. This means that in general, you can expect about 10 years of life from a Mac, barring any unforeseen hardware issues.

What can I do with an old iMac 2012?

If the Mac is no longer functional, or if it’s too old, you can recycle it. Apple’s recycling program will take any of your devices and recycle them. They may even give you a gift card if the computer still has some value.

Is my 2011 iMac obsolete?

Apple considers the 2011 iMac a vintage product in the United States and Turkey, and obsolete in the rest of the world.

How do I update my iMac late 2009?

Question: Q: how do i update iMac late 2009

Any updates will be found if available via the App Store Update page. then your 2009 iMac tops out at Mac OS X El Capitan. Go to Section 4 and click on Get OS X El Capitan. If that is what you are going to do then you can ask me for further instructions.

CAN 2010 iMac run Catalina?

Apple said that would run happily on a late 2009 or later MacBook or iMac, or a 2010 or later MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini or Mac Pro. … This means that if your Mac is older than 2012 it won’t officially be able to run Catalina or Mojave.

CAN 2011 iMac run Catalina?

No sorry, a Mid 2011 iMac can only be updated to 10.11 High Sierra. If you need or want to run Mojave, Catalina or Big Sur when it is released, then you will need to buy a new or newer Mac.

When should I replace my iMac?

When do I need to replace my Mac?
  • Apple no longer supports the latest version of the software it runs (which could leave you vulnerable)
  • The apps you need to use no longer run on it.
  • The Mac struggles to perform the tasks you need it to – especially if you can’t update the RAM or any other components.

Can a mid 2011 iMac run Mojave?

Yes, Apple does not support Mojave on your mid-2011 iMac. If you must try out Mojave on your iMac, DosDude can help you with that. The dosdude patcher will set up your system to allow you to upgrade to Mojave.