How low can I go

[Pho3nix]

I am pretty sure that the 2012 (non-retina) macbook pro will still be supported for many many years going forward. If you look at the current support for the new OS X launching they support the macbook as far back as 2007.

Apple has also shown previously (iPhones, MacBooks etc) that they support older generations for quite some time more so with MacBooks.

Really on the fence about this laptop. Dying to get it but know I don't have an actual use for it

 

[PostmanPot]

Might have a Mid 2012 13" for sale soon...

 

[SauRoNZA]

If you have a mouse and keyboard with a screen I would just buy a Mac Mini.

Brand new if you can or second hand, more versatile and lower cost with less question marks.

 

[Sherbang]

If you have a mouse and keyboard with a screen I would just buy a Mac Mini.

Brand new if you can or second hand, more versatile and lower cost with less question marks.

I didn't think of that, I presume you have to have an Apple mouse, Apple keyboard and Apple screen?

 

[Space_Chief]

Major problem with the aforesaid, is longevity. It will run El Capo – and might still run the next version – but it's bound to get dropped very soon, and then who knows where the support will end.

Apple is still supporting security updates and Safari updates for Mountain Lion (2012). I suppose El Capitan will be supported for the next 3-4 years then and by that time a 2012 machine will be ancient anyway.

 

[Cassady]

I didn't think of that, I presume you have to have an Apple mouse, Apple keyboard and Apple screen?

Nope. It's basically a headless unit - so you either plug it into your flatscreen tv, or desktop it and have it share your pc monitor. Any bluetooth keyboard would probably do the trick with a bit of a hack, but it is far more convenient to use a Mac specific keyboard (for layout) - but certainly doesn't have to be an Apple keyboard.

Again, you could probably get away using a standard usb mouse (a standard wireless one should work ok as well) IF they support OSX drives. BUT - and trust me on this - OSX is a whole new ballgame using Apple's Magic Trackpad or Magic Mouse. I only know the former - it's identical to their standard laptop trackpads, and it is - easily - the best trackpad out there. Easily. Almost makes up for the price premium on its own...

 

[Sonic2k]

I disagree... using a normal Logitech mouse on my Mac. As for the keyboard, all you need to remember is the Command Key needs to be mapped, I usually map it to the Windows button.

OS X supports the USB HID class, so even my old iMac G3 supported my cheap Logitech keyboard and mouse combo.

 

[SauRoNZA]

I didn't think of that, I presume you have to have an Apple mouse, Apple keyboard and Apple screen?

You don't need it but I would highly recommend the Magic Mouse at the very least because it adds a lot to the general OSX workflow experience.