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.**

Fresh Fruit : A 2011 Apple Macbook Pro Overview

Fresh out of the Apple farms comes the new line of Macbook Pros running the i5 and i7 chips with Thunderbolt. I'm not going to compare new Apples to old ones. That's a bit pointless. But I will give a general overview of the advantages of the i5/i7 chips over the Core 2 Duos, aside from performance.

First up, temperature. The new i5/i7 chips run cooler, so your laptop generates far less leg-warming heat. This will, in practice, allow far more stable performance from your laptop in the field...away from the normal office airconditioning.

Next up, is Thunderbolt.  The fastest interface for external devices yet.  I'm glad that the new MBP still has Firewire 800 in it for legacy devices, but disappointed that USB 3.0 is nowhere to be found.  Not a biggie, since I still prefer FW800 over USB3.  Having FW and TB will allow better device management for professional applications such as audio recording and video editing.

Lastly, battery life.  Although the older Core 2 Duos boasted similar battery life, the i5/i7 have way better power management.  A solid 7 hours on wifi with multiple tabs and YouTube videos streaming in, it stretches to a little over 10 hours with very light surfing or offline work.  Will give a Photoshop/FinalCut battery review next week.