System Information / System Profiler is the place to find out specifics about the Mac hardware You should see a display similar to this: If you have “hands” on the machine, turn it on, go to the Apple Menu, and select About This Mac. Even honest people have a tendency to forget exactly when they purchased a computer, and knowing the model and year it was produced is important - especially if you want to run the latest operating system on that Mac.įortunately, it’s pretty easy to check. Whether you’re buying your Mac from a reputable dealer or from someone in your neighborhood, the first thing you should do is check the model number and year of manufacture. Check the Model Number and Year of Manufacture

In this short buyer’s guide, we’ll give you some tips on what to watch out for and how to make that vintage Mac keep up with the newer models.

Not to worry - since Macs usually have a nice long lifetime, your chances of finding a used Mac that’s affordable and able to run most of the latest operating systems and apps are quite good. You or the kid needs a new Mac, but money’s a bit tight.