Monday, June 20, 2011

RAMming It Up! (2011 Macbook Pro 13 RAM Upgrade)

With all computer systems, memory is very important.  RAM (commonly referred to simply as 'memory') is the most important upgrade you should perform on your system prior to any other upgrades.

More RAM will allow your computer to work on more programs, and work faster.  Why does it make a difference?  All your programs, applications and files are stored in your hard drive.  This is a cheaper and slower (yes, even SSDs are slower than RAM... unless you've got RAM Drives, that's another story) storage that allows you to save more stuff at a fraction of the cost.

The 2011 Macbook Pros come with 4GB of RAM.  Quite adequate for everyday computing, surfing and word processing.  But open 10 websites, or run complex programs like Photoshop or Final Cut... and you're gonna get significant performance hits.  You'll feel like your new Macbook Pro is not as fast as it should be.

With 4GB of RAM... it really isn't.  Half the time, your computer is just waiting for the tasks and information to be pulled out of the hard drive before it can begin processing the task you want it to do.

Now, upgrading the MBP 13 RAM is relatively easy:  It takes 2 modules of SODIMM DDR3 1333 memory.  So to max it out, you need 2 4GB modules.


    • Make sure you're grounded (touch a large metal object, wear a grounding strap, or invest in cleanroom footwear like Birkenstock's ESD line)






    • Make sure your MBP is off, flip it over and start unscrewing the bottom screws.  Please note, the screws are of different lengths, it's best to remember which position they were in.






    • Carefully lift the bottom cover off to expose the internal components.








    • Push the 2 retaining tabs of the original RAM outward, it should pop-up.  Just pull the ram out gently.  Try not to rock the module from side to side.  The bottom stick is a bit harder to get to but the process is the same.





    • Take your new RAM and align the notch with the one of the socket.  Insert the stick at a 45° angle and push it in gently.  Then press the stick down until you hear a click and it lies flat against the main board.  Repeat the procedure for the 2nd memory module





    • Replace the bottom cover and carefully screw it back in, making sure to use the right screws.  Do not over-tighten the screws.










    That's it!  Just start up your MBP and the system automatically configures itself for the new RAM.

    **Hallo, ich lerne Deutsch und ich kann ein paar Fragen zu beantworten.
    Je parle un peu français aussi. Je peux répondre à des questions sur mes messages.**

    Saturday, June 18, 2011

    Happy Father's Day! (Tech Trivia)

    Charles Babbage, an English Mathematician in 1860, invented the first computer. Called the Difference Engine.  He had also designed a printer for it.  He is credited to being the Father of the Computer.

    Happy Father's Day!

    Thursday, June 16, 2011

    Happy Birthday IBM!

    Happy Centennial Big Blue!

    Thank you for the ff:
    -The Personal Computer
    -RAM
    -Hard Drives
    -Lasek
    -Online shopping

    And for some of the best designed laptops ever (yes, over and above my Macbook Pro)

    *This was my first laptop, and I still consider it the best design to date!*

    Mooning...

    Did anyone else get to catch the eclipse today?  Unfortunately, I do not own a zoom lens, so I had to make do with cropping my shots from my 85mm.  It was quite fun to watch though, and I was enjoying watching it more than taking photos.  It's also part of Google's Doodle today!








    Wednesday, June 15, 2011

    Check Out C! Magazine For June!

    C! Magazine gave my article & photos a Full 3-page spread in this month's issue!

    Grab your copy today!

    Tuesday, June 14, 2011

    Travel Tech: A Pacsafe 85L Review


    I bring a lot of stuff when I travel.  A lot of hotels have in-room safes, others don't... specially when you're backpacking around a city or country.  One of the most useful travel gadgets I own is a Pacsafe 85L safety mesh bag.


    Essentially a steel cage that you can wrap around any existing bag or backpack.  The long security cable can be fastened around a post or rail to prevent snatching.

    Simply place it over your bag, tighten the securing cable lock, and padlock (it comes with a Pacsafe padlock & key, but I upgraded mine to a Pacsafe TSA combination lock instead)

    It gets you funny looks at airport security, but eventually becomes a topic of conversation with security personnel.

    It's not 100% fool-proof, anyone with wire or bolt cutters will be able to get to your bag, but it will deter a lot of pick-pockets and casual thieves, specially when traveling by train in other countries.

    Highly recommended for backpackers and adventurers that want to keep their stuff safe while on the move.



    **Hallo, ich lerne Deutsch und ich kann ein paar Fragen zu beantworten.
    Je parle un peu français aussi. Je peux répondre à des questions sur mes messages.**

    Thursday, June 9, 2011

    Happy 96th Birthday Les Paul!

    Google's latest doodle is an interactive guitar app to pay tribute to Les Paul's 96th birthday.  It's an amazing piece of code, the strings react to a mouse-over gesture, and pans in stereo based on where you pluck.  Along with a recording feature that allows you to record your composition and play it back!

    Friday, June 3, 2011

    Cupcakes, The New Anti-Terrorist Weapon

    James Bond had a new secret weapon.  Cupcakes.  Cupcake recipes to be exact.  Apparently MI6 hacked the first English Al Qaeda website and replaced some of their bomb making instructions with cupcake recipes.  Some even rumored to have "Sugar-Rush Warnings" for those health conscious members.

    It is yet unknown whether any member has actually attempted to use any of the recipes in a suicide icing attack.

    Past Tech Gospels

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