I'd look for an old Macbook that you can actually upgrade (many you cannot). I'm still loving my 2008 Macbook 4.1. It's got a 2.4 Ghz processor, upgraded to SSD

I'd look for an old Macbook that you can actually upgrade (many you cannot). I'm still loving my 2008 Macbook 4.1. It's got a 2.4 Ghz processor, upgraded to SSD and 6GB of RAM and new battery (~4hrs runtime). Check for refurbs and upgrade via Other World Computing. Not saying to go back as far as I am (for instance, my machine can't run Mountain Lion.) I've run this computer hard - my first Mac after decades of PCs and I wouldn't go back. But do watch out for newer Mac models that can't be upgraded.