Buying a 2011 MBP 13", (bought, although not impressed with customer service @ apple)

[Solo]

Hello all,

I have been a life long user of windows computers and this weekend I am planning on buying the basic 2011 Mac Book Pro 13". I am wondering if any current users of this Mac (or other Mac Books) would recommend any upgrades or accessories to purchase with it to enhance performance and usability. I will be using it for school work, music creation and editing, image editing and movie making along with light gaming and movie viewing. I currently have around 70GB of music photos and files etc to transfer to it and am hoping to make this a long term investment due to it's high price.

Are the following worth doing?:
320GB to 500GB HDD upgrade
Windows seven Boot Camp
4GB to 8GB RAM upgrade

Also what else would be recommended?
Thanks in advance
Niall

 

[F1GTR]

Upgrade the ram yourself, Apple charge way too much for it.

 

[bergauk]

Do the RAM yourself, see if it's possible to do the HDD upgrade yourself, I'm not sure of any sort of formatting issues with Apple computers, but it might be better to not do it yourself if there is.

Windows 7 should actually be able to be a second boot option if you do it right. Bootcamp is like emulation software right?

 

[E28]

Bootcamp is software that helps you install and dual boot windows.

 

[Solo]

Upgrade the ram yourself, Apple charge way too much for it.

Alrighty thanks yeah the prices do seem very high

Do the RAM yourself, see if it's possible to do the HDD upgrade yourself, I'm not sure of any sort of formatting issues with Apple computers, but it might be better to not do it yourself if there is.

Windows 7 should actually be able to be a second boot option if you do it right. Bootcamp is like emulation software right?

HDD upgrades are possible by your self but at a similar price to apples own one. I shall do the RAM myself then boot camp just allows you to run Windows as a second operating system on the mac alongside OS X so you can use Windows only programmes.

Bootcamp is software that helps you install and dual boot windows.

Indeed it does 👍

 

[NissanSkylineN1]

Traitor.

 

[Lain]

You should definitely get the hard drive upgrade if you're planning on using Boot Camp to install Windows 7 on there.

Upgrading to 8 GB of RAM can be nice, but 4 GB is acceptable. If you decide to go with 8 GB, definitely don't buy it from Apple. You can get 8 GB of RAM for $50, whereas Apple charges $200 for it.

Keep in mind that if you're planning on installing Windows 7, you obviously need a copy of it. Buy the OEM "system builder" version instead of the regular version. It's the exact same operating system, and it's nearly $100 cheaper. And make sure you're getting the 64-bit version too. 👍

 

[Solo]

Traitor.

Maybe still have a windows desktop though.... not that I will be using it really due to the iPad and my new Mac Book that will be in my house

You should definitely get the hard drive upgrade if you're planning on using Boot Camp to install Windows 7 on there.

Upgrading to 8 GB of RAM can be nice, but 4 GB is acceptable. If you decide to go with 8 GB, definitely don't buy it from Apple. You can get 8 GB of RAM for $50, whereas Apple charges $200 for it.

Keep in mind that if you're planning on installing Windows 7, you obviously need a copy of it. Buy the OEM "system builder" version instead of the regular version. It's the exact same operating system, and it's nearly $100 cheaper. And make sure you're getting the 64-bit version too. 👍

Alright thanks for that info DIY RAM upgrade definitely seems to be the way to go. Ah yes I had realised I would need a copy of Windows but no idea how I would afford it! Thanks for the tip about the 'system builder' version, very helpful. And yes I shall make sure I do get the 64-bit version 👍

 

[Crash]

As others have said, do the RAM yourself.

I think you're still allowed to swap out the hard drive by yourself without voiding the warranty for the rest of the stuff. The only thing is that if anything goes wrong with your hard drive, and you installed it yourself, Apple won't touch it. If you install a different hard drive yourself, just make sure to format the drive to HFS+ using Disk Utility on the OS X disc that came with the computer, other than that, any 9.5mm laptop drive should work.

Oh, also, don't go with a 5400RPM drive, go with a 7200RPM drive.

 

[12thgear]

Yes, Apple's RAM prices are high. You can buy name brand RAM elsewhere. If you can afford 8GB, do it. 4GB is plenty for most things, but let's say you want to mess with virtualization rather than Boot Camp down the line. You'll be glad you had the extra RAM.

The hard drive is also pretty easy to replace yourself, so you can get yourself a 7200RPM drive, or maybe an SSD.

Getting into the machine isn't too tough. You need a high quality (Wiha is great) 0 Phillips screwdriver to remove all the screws on the bottom panel. Then you carefully pry around (ideally you'd have a nylon spudger) the edges and it pops off. Note that there are some retaining clips that hold the panel in place. When you replace it make sure the clips are still aligned properly before snapping it back together. Also, before messing with the electronics, you want to disconnect the internal battery.

I think the hard drive also uses some retaining pins that you can remove using a Torx (T6 or T8 - can't remember).

As for the warranty: you break it, you void it. If you are competent and careful, you're fine.

 

[Solo]

(double post by my clever phone, this can be deleted)

 

[Solo]

As others have said, do the RAM yourself.

I think you're still allowed to swap out the hard drive by yourself without voiding the warranty for the rest of the stuff. The only thing is that if anything goes wrong with your hard drive, and you installed it yourself, Apple won't touch it. If you install a different hard drive yourself, just make sure to format the drive to HFS+ using Disk Utility on the OS X disc that came with the computer, other than that, any 9.5mm laptop drive should work.

Oh, also, don't go with a 5400RPM drive, go with a 7200RPM drive.

Alrighty I shall look out for those specs on a HDD. I shall have to look into the warranty details as I don't really want to void it thanks

Yes, Apple's RAM prices are high. You can buy name brand RAM elsewhere. If you can afford 8GB, do it. 4GB is plenty for most things, but let's say you want to mess with virtualization rather than Boot Camp down the line. You'll be glad you had the extra RAM.

The hard drive is also pretty easy to replace yourself, so you can get yourself a 7200RPM drive, or maybe an SSD.

Getting into the machine isn't too tough. You need a high quality (Wiha is great) 0 Phillips screwdriver to remove all the screws on the bottom panel. Then you carefully pry around (ideally you'd have a nylon spudger) the edges and it pops off. Note that there are some retaining clips that hold the panel in place. When you replace it make sure the clips are still aligned properly before snapping it back together. Also, before messing with the electronics, you want to disconnect the internal battery.

I think the hard drive also uses some retaining pins that you can remove using a Torx (T6 or T8 - can't remember).

As for the warranty: you break it, you void it. If you are competent and careful, you're fine.

Okay, are there any RAM brands that you would recommend? I was looking at SSD's but they are very expensive, are they worth the much higher prices? Thanks for the tool guide, I think I have all of those although I'm not sure about the Torx tools.

Edit: Erm dunno why its double posted, silly phone. Sorry about that

 

[Sage]

Just curious, why the MBP 13"? It's sort of an oddball in Apple's current lineup, and in fact I was surprised when Apple didn't kill it at the same time they killed the plastic MB. If you're serious about performance you should probably be considering the 15" (especially since it has a discrete video card), and if not then I'd be looking at a 13" MBA instead. Also, don't forget the refurb store - I've yet to hear anybody ever complain about a refurb Apple product.

 

[12thgear]

Okay, are there any RAM brands that you would recommend? I was looking at SSD's but they are very expensive, are they worth the much higher prices? Thanks for the tool guide, I think I have all of those although I'm not sure about the Torx tools. :cheers;

For my non-overclocking applications I've often gone with Crucial just because it's decent, name-brand RAM and their customer service/warranty support has been very consistent. I've never had to RMA any of my purchases. A couple of my clients have, but those cases have been rare.

I think an SSD is absolutely worth the money up to about the 200GB range. Beyond that the $/GB seems to increase sharply. I have a 120GB OCZ Vertex 2 and it transformed my machine. That may not be big enough for your needs though.

Perhaps replace the optical drive with a small SSD, and use a second, conventional HD for data storage?

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DDAMBS0GB/

 

[Solo]

Just curious, why the MBP 13"? It's sort of an oddball in Apple's current lineup, and in fact I was surprised when Apple didn't kill it at the same time they killed the plastic MB. If you're serious about performance you should probably be considering the 15" (especially since it has a discrete video card), and if not then I'd be looking at a 13" MBA instead. Also, don't forget the refurb store - I've yet to hear anybody ever complain about a refurb Apple product.

Well I wouldn't go for the MBA as I do require the use of a disc drive for music and games. I had forgetten about the refurb store, however I am able to get the back to college discount and free £65 voucher (which will cover the cost of pages, numbers and keynote pretty much) along with a further 15% discount with my student union card so the pricing then goes down to around £850 for the laptop. I had considered the 15" as you mentioned however I cannot afford the much higher price, it's 50% more Which therefore made my decision for me as I would like to have money also to learn to drive which I shall be starting soon.

For my non-overclocking applications I've often gone with Crucial just because it's decent, name-brand RAM and their customer service/warranty support has been very consistent. I've never had to RMA any of my purchases. A couple of my clients have, but those cases have been rare.

I think an SSD is absolutely worth the money up to about the 200GB range. Beyond that the $/GB seems to increase sharply. I have a 120GB OCZ Vertex 2 and it transformed my machine. That may not be big enough for your needs though.

Perhaps replace the optical drive with a small SSD, and use a second, conventional HD for data storage?

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/DDAMBS0GB/

alright thanks I shall look into that brand over here in the UK. Yeah I don't think the 200GB SSD would be large enough really. I may consider though a SSD external hard drive in the future. Thanks

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

I may consider though a SSD external hard drive in the future. Thanks

You would want to go the other way around: SSD internal and HDD external. The main advantage is the quicker load times for the OS and applications on the drive. Storage and file storing would be for the HDD.

 

[Lain]

Or you could consider replacing the optical drive with a hard drive via a data doubler so you can have SSD and HDD both be internal.

Then you could get an external Blu-ray drive for $100.

 

[Crash]

Okay, are there any RAM brands that you would recommend?

The big name brand ones you see are all generally pretty good. Kingston, Crucial, Corsair, OCZ, Patriot, etc are all fine. (I've run Corsair RAM on all my computers for the past 6 years and have never had an issue).

Also, good call on the Torx screwdrivers, Apple likes to use Torx screws.

Just curious, why the MBP 13"? It's sort of an oddball in Apple's current lineup, and in fact I was surprised when Apple didn't kill it at the same time they killed the plastic MB. If you're serious about performance you should probably be considering the 15" (especially since it has a discrete video card), and if not then I'd be looking at a 13" MBA instead.

Well, I think the 13" MBP still makes sense, albeit that it needs a little bit of a spec bump to help differentiate it from a 13" MBA . Some people still want the better power of the MBP without it being too bulky. I think the low end 15" MBP have integrated graphics anyways, only the high end 15" MBPs have discreet graphics.

 

[Solo]

You would want to go the other way around: SSD internal and HDD external. The main advantage is the quicker load times for the OS and applications on the drive. Storage and file storing would be for the HDD.

Alrighty. I Think that is something I will look into when I have some more money in the future for sure. Do you know if I would be cable to convert the HDD I take out into a portable USB drive? Then I wouldn't have to transfer all my files. 👍

Or you could consider replacing the optical drive with a hard drive via a data doubler so you can have SSD and HDD both be internal.

Then you could get an external Blu-ray drive for $100.

Hmm that may be something I do however I don't use blu-ray that much at the moment, if I begin to use blu-ray alot more that may well be something I do. However I would prefer to keep the optical disc drive four now.

The big name brand ones you see are all generally pretty good. Kingston, Crucial, Corsair, OCZ, Patriot, etc are all fine. (I've run Corsair RAM on all my computers for the past 6 years and have never had an issue).

Also, good call on the Torx screwdrivers, Apple likes to use Torx screws.

Alright thanks four those brands 👍 I shall look into the best price I can get out of those. Do the Torx screwdrivers come with the replacement HDD? In apples manual on changing the HDD it says you just need a Phillips head. I'm not that sure what a Torx screwdriver is :dance:

 

[NLxAROSA]

The big name brand ones you see are all generally pretty good. Kingston, Crucial, Corsair, OCZ, Patriot, etc are all fine. (I've run Corsair RAM on all my computers for the past 6 years and have never had an issue).

Note that not all RAM of certain manufacturers will work in a MBP. Kingston ValueRAM for instance has been known to cause issues (e.g. boot failures). So look up the type you need first. I have installed Kingston KTA memory in my MBP and that is what's recommended by most memory stores for Apple products. Dirt cheap too.

 

[Solo]

Ah right, I had not thought about RAM compatibility. Thanks for pointing it out good to hear from your experience too 👍 cheers. I shall look into the Kingston kta RAM.

 

[Lain]

I recently bought and installed this RAM from Crucial:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003DZJQQI/?tag=gtplanet-20

Works like a charm in my 2011 15" MacBook Pro, and I'd imagine it'd work just as well for the 13".

 

[Solo]

I recently bought and installed this RAM from Crucial:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003DZJQQI/?tag=gtplanet-20

Works like a charm in my 2011 15" MacBook Pro, and I'd imagine it'd work just as well for the 13".

Its the same price here in the UK it should be cheaper than the $ price Good to know that it works well though 👍 thanks

 

[Solo]

Macbook now bought, the Apple customer service wasn't great at the Apple store, I got told the wrong info when I rang before and they didn't have my upgrade so I've got the bog standard MBP and if I change it myself I void the warranty, even though Apple advertise how to do it yourself and don't mention that it voids your warranty. So a little frustrated but very pleased overall with my new purchase

 

[AOS-]

I don't see why you'd want a 13" MBP.... you may as well just go with the white MB if it must be 13".. it's cheaper and you won't burn your lap

 

[Solo]

I don't see why you'd want a 13" MBP.... you may as well just go with the white MB if it must be 13".. it's cheaper and you won't burn your lap

They don't sell any white MB's anymore 👎

 

[NLxAROSA]

I have a 15" MBP and my wife has a 13" MBP and I think the 13" is enough, unless you're into photo editing or video editing or things like that. Since I use mine for software development, I'll stick with at least 15".

 

[Solo]

I have a 15" MBP and my wife has a 13" MBP and I think the 13" is enough, unless you're into photo editing or video editing or things like that. Since I use mine for software development, I'll stick with at least 15".

First post from it So far its really good so far, set up was super easy as is the apple way and everything is really comfy I think that this size will be just fine for me, the screen size does not seem small at all (weirdly it seems larger than other 13" laptops I have previously used. I will just be using it for light photo editing and light gaming along with school work so it will be fine 👍

 

[mattythedog]

First post from it So far its really good so far, set up was super easy as is the apple way and everything is really comfy I think that this size will be just fine for me, the screen size does not seem small at all (weirdly it seems larger than other 13" laptops I have previously used. I will just be using it for light photo editing and light gaming along with school work so it will be fine 👍

Lucky 🤬. Im looking at laptops and Mac Books, but i worked out that with the pocket money i get it would take me 3-4 years to save up for a MBP

 

[Solo]

Lucky 🤬. Im looking at laptops and Mac Books, but i worked out that with the pocket money i get it would take me 3-4 years to save up for a MBP

Aw man that sucks, so far id recommend you get one. I have been given money for exam results and my bday along with a lot of savings to pay for this! Hope you manage to get one 👍