Is a 2011 MacBook Pro still usable in 2022?

"Upgraded to max" has no meaning unless you have the details. The latest OS it can run is 10.13, which is two full version behind. That means two full versions behind in security as well as modern features. You'll be limited in software among other things.

It could be ok as a second/backup computer. It would take a fairly long time for me to trust it; 11 years old makes it obsolete. You have to decide if it's worth the cost as being obsolete means it's unsupported by Apple and repair parts, if available, will be at the very least a hassle to find.

... is it still usable in 2022?

An eleven year old Mac is still usable, but you are very likely to quickly conclude it has become impracticable to use. For example, many websites are going to insist upon using more recent browser versions than will work on that Mac.

Also bear in mind that eBay sellers who properly prepare a used Mac for sale are extremely rare. Almost no one does that, leading to misery for both buyers and sellers. For example, if the seller is advertising that Mac with a full suite of Adobe and Microsoft Office products already installed, run away.

The need for a new battery is nearly certain, and that Mac is too old for Apple to perform that service.

At least eBay's return policy is good.

I wouldn't purchase it, thats for sure. No matter how good the price, it's very old, no longer supported and ultimately will be a disappointment when you try to run modern software.

Your money though..........

Probably you need to consider learning how to be sure a second or third-hand Mac

has no big issues; such as Activation Lock. And a previous owner has cleared his/her

personal information off the system, and prepared it for a new owner user account.

• Activation Lock for Mac - Apple Support

//support.apple.com/en-us/HT208987

"With Activation Lock, your Apple ID password or device passcode is required

before anyone can turn off Find My, erase your Mac, or reactivate and use your

Mac. Even if you erase your Mac remotely, Activation Lock can continue to deter

others from reactivating your Mac without your permission."

All the problems that accompany a pawnshop mac; stolen locked mac (or iphone)

then are on you; be sure those things are avoided. Don't take any wooden nickels.

You cannot tell by looking if the MacBook or iPhone you're thinking about buying

has a pending activation lock, ready to engage and lock it up. That feature is not

readily undone, once it shuts down. "How it works: If your Mac is lost or stolen"

The following is good to use as reverse guide for someone, who wants to sell an

old Mac should follow, before venturing to dispose of it. ~ If not done, the Mac

for the most part, worthless. And it can cost you, having bought from someone

you do not know; and cannot get in contact with. (By then, they have your $$)

• What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac - Apple Support

//support.apple.com/en-us/HT201065

No point in buying a machine you cannot load a new (even if older) macOS in it.

One of the first things, when you do try to personalize and use 'your mac' online:

You then cannot change the Apple ID, since the previous owner failed to erase &

leave it ready for a new owner. Then it gets worse. After several failed attempts to

change Passwords (as original owner left it securely in his own PW,) It's locked up.

An 'Activation Lock' may be death knell for a second-wannabe owner, since Password

is required, as part of Apple ID. Or it just sits there, locked. (Tah Daw! It's a Brick.)

Don’t let people scare you off, it depends on what model you are getting and the processor in it. And if you are comfortable upgrading the memory and hard drive yourself.

I have a 2012 MacBook Pro I bought brand new and it still works great, no lagging, speed issues. In fact my son refuses to play games on his PC low end gaming. and plays on my Mac all the time.

I will never buy another PC . It doesn’t matter if it’s a 3k one, In 6 or 7 months it’s worthless.

PS:

"Additional Support - Activation Lock" - Apple

//al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support

Some direct information in case 'other facts' were omitted.

This form is to Apply to Remove an activation lock. Peruse.

It is a gamble on what you will get though depending on the seller. Refurbished to most sellers means barely wiped down with a rag. I bought my wife a MacBook Air for Christmas, 3 years old with a good processor and I only paid $400, luckily the battery is great and it looks and runs like brand new.