2013 MacBook Air with Linux Mint | After 1 Year Review
I salvaged a 2013 MacBook Air last year. I replace its battery and installed Linux Mint into it. I mainly use this device for writing this blog and exams preparation. I do not watch any media or do banking on the MacBook Air. The battery last about 2.5 hours and it is light weight.
I have been using this device for more than a year. Thus far, I am impressed by Apple product's hardware durability. The keys and screens are still pristine. Each keys strokes still have bounce in it.
This device does have its problem. The bottom of the device gets very warm after 15 minutes of use. Despite its stability, Linux Mint requires update on a weekly basis. There are certain days where the battery only last about 2 hours.
It is cheap to operate as I only use Open-Source software in this device. The two software that I regularly use are FireFox and Xreader. Both are preloaded into Linux Mint. I do not worry about losing this device as all my data are on the cloud. In fact, someone did point at me for using such an old device.
The short battery life is not a shortfall but a feature. It forces me to be efficient and jump straight into my work. The short battery life forces me to be efficient and ruthless with my tasks. So far, I only have few experiences where the battery died on me before I can complete my writing or studying.
I absolutely love old Apple products combo with Open-Source software. I get to enjoy good quality hardware without breaking the bank while still getting things done.