I'd like to max out/update my wife's macbook pro. It's running slow and the Nerd Herd at the Apple store can't do diddly about it.
Anyone have a good site that can take me through the process? Hardware req, Newest OS for hardware, etc. I'm adept at windows machine updates, Linux boots, just never fooled around with her macbook because I haven't needed too.
Thanks! Bruce
First, how much RAM does it have and does it have an SSD?
What's the OS that's currently installed?
2Gb 1067 DDR3 and no SSD but both are part of the plan.
2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Snow Leopard
Do memory first, for some reason Macs seem to be really sensitive to memory.
You should be able to find out via the Mac App Store what the latest version of OS X it can run is, although if it's only 4 years old it should be able to run the current one.
That said, I do have a 2008 MacBook (not pro) with a slightly slower processor and it's not what I'd can quick. I'd check in "About this Mac" for the exact version MacBook Pro version you have.
And yes, an SSD will help.
Thanks Tim
I believe you have this one? http://lowendmac.com/2009/13-macbook-pro-mid-2009/
Pair of 4gb RAM DIMMs will max this model out on memory. Look around at SSD options; my 2008 MB Pro was nicely improved by a Samsung 840 EVO SSD... then I found out later that over time the performance of this model degrades. And I've yet to find an OSX based tool to fix this like what exists for Windows. So, you know, avoid that. I'm happy with the Crucial SSD in my desktop computer but there's a lot of options out there.
I believe the hard drive was held into mine with safety torx screws. There's probably an iFixIt article on swapping the drive on your laptop.
I don't know what version of OSX to recommend really. I'm happy with 10.7 on mine. 10.10 should run on it but I'm not that excited about the added iOS-ness that's been tossed into OSX more and more with each release.
The problem with older OSXen is that Apple will not provide security updates for them. That's why we ended up retiring my old MacBook.
If you end up with a non-Apple SSD, keep in mind that OS X will not automatically enable the ATA TRIM command (which has a huge effect on the lifespan of the disk). I use Trim Enabler on my Mac Pro that has a non-Apple SSD in it.
Installing an SSD into my MacBook Pro totally transformed it: more storage (duh) but also faster, quieter operation and longer battery life. Plus it makes breakfast. (Okay, no breakfast.)
How many keyboards have you guys gone thru? I'm getting ready to install a 3rd. E button keeps popping off and naturally, the button is lost.
www.ubuntu.com
Seriously... I got a free iMac (i3, 4GB, 1TB) a while back. OSX ran soooo slow once updated, so I tried ubuntu. Its like a new computer now, even with a slow spinning disc. The only issue is that it seems to run hot, or at least the fan runs a lot and is loud.
As others said though, RAM and a good SSD (Samsung 850 Evo).
I've been preaching Unbuntu for years. I can't get the wife to go for it since it "looks different." Same with Open Office. If there were an eye roll smiley I'd insert it here.
VWguyBruce wrote: I've been preaching Unbuntu for years. I can't get the wife to go for it since it "looks different." Same with Open Office. If there were an eye roll smiley I'd insert it here.
Use a Mac style skin for Ubuntu (Note: OSX is essentially IX underneath).
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