I Bought a $100 MacBook Pro in 2025 — Here's What Actually Happened

Facebook Marketplace can be a goldmine for tech deals, but it can also be a minefield of broken promises and overpriced junk. 

When I spotted a 2017 MacBook Pro 13-inch listed for $100, I knew it was either an incredible deal or a complete disaster waiting to happen.

The listing was honest: "Broken camera, some wear, line on screen sometimes." Most sellers try to hide problems, so this transparency was actually encouraging. For the price of a decent dinner, I figured it was worth the gamble.

What I Actually Got for $100

The MacBook Pro that I got was exactly as advertised — which is rare in the world of online marketplace deals. 

Here's what I was working with:

The Good:

• MacBook Pro 13-inch from Mid 2017
• Intel Core i5 dual-core processor at 3.1GHz
• 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD
• Four Thunderbolt 3 ports (more on this later)
• Running macOS Ventura smoothly
• Trackpad and keyboard in excellent condition
• Original charger included

The Not-So-Good:

• FaceTime camera completely dead
• Some cosmetic scratches on the lid
• The mysterious "screen line" that I honestly still can't see

For context, this same model sold for $1,799 when it launched in 2017. Even accounting for depreciation, finding one under $200 in working condition is unusual.

Performance Reality Check: It's 2025, Not 2017

Let's be honest… dual-core processors feel ancient in 2025. 

When Apple's M-series chips are running circles around Intel, and even budget laptops come with quad-core processors, how does an 8-year-old MacBook hold up?

Better than I expected, actually.

For basic productivity tasks… web browsing with multiple tabs, document editing, email, and streaming video… this MacBook Pro feels perfectly adequate. The SSD keeps everything snappy, and macOS Ventura runs without the sluggishness you might expect from aging hardware.

I threw my typical workflow at it: twenty Chrome tabs, Spotify streaming, a Pages document with embedded photos, and even some light photo editing in Photoshop. While it's not blazing fast, it handled everything without major frustrations.

Where it struggles:

• Video editing above 1080p makes the fans work overtime
• Gaming is basically off the table
• Heavy multitasking will bog things down
• Modern web apps can feel sluggish compared to M1 MacBooks

Where it excels:

• Basic productivity remains smooth
• Battery life is surprisingly decent at 4-5 hours
• The display still looks great (mysterious line aside)
• Build quality feels as solid as day one

The Port Situation: Sometimes Older is Better

Here's something funny about tech progress… this 2017 MacBook Pro has more useful ports than many current MacBooks. Four Thunderbolt 3 ports means I can connect my external monitor, charge the laptop, plug in an external drive, and still have a port free. No dongles required.

While Apple has slowly been adding ports back to newer MacBooks, there's something satisfying about having true connectivity freedom. If you're someone who uses multiple accessories, this older design might actually be more practical than spending $2,000+ on a current model.

The Software Support Question

This is where things get tricky for long-term viability. 

The 2017 MacBook Pro is running macOS Ventura, but it's unlikely to receive many more major updates. Apple typically provides about 7-8 years of software support, which means this machine is approaching the end of its official lifespan.

For security updates and basic functionality, you're probably looking at another 2-3 years of support. After that, it's not that the laptop stops working… it just won't receive the latest security patches or new features.

Should You Hunt for a Similar Deal?

The short answer: it depends on your needs and expectations.

Buy a cheap 2017 MacBook Pro if:

• You need a secondary/travel laptop
• Your tasks are primarily web-based and light productivity
• You appreciate having multiple ports
• You're comfortable with limited future software support
• You can find one under $150 in good condition

Skip it if:

• You need your laptop for creative work or heavy multitasking
• You want something that'll last 5+ more years
• You rely heavily on video calls (remember, broken camera)
• You can afford to spend $500+ on something more current

The Bottom Line: Context Matters

My $100 MacBook Pro purchase worked out because I went in with realistic expectations. This isn't replacing my main laptop, but it's perfect as a travel machine or secondary device for basic tasks.

The key to successful marketplace tech buying is being honest about your needs. 

If you're a student who primarily needs web browsing and document editing, a deal like this could be fantastic. If you're a video editor or developer, save your money for something more capable.

The best part? 

Even if this laptop completely dies tomorrow, I'm only out $100. 

That's less than many people spend on a phone case, and I've already gotten weeks of useful productivity from it.

Sometimes the best tech deals aren't about getting the latest and greatest — they're about finding something that does exactly what you need for a price that makes sense.

 In that regard, this beat-up old MacBook Pro is a complete success.

Have you found any great tech deals on Facebook Marketplace?

Share your wins in the comments below.

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