(Part 2) Top products from r/macbook

First off, the upcoming macOS 10.14 Mojave does not support MacBooks from 2011 and older anymore. That means the last macOS the machine your wife's friend intends to give to you is going to run will be macOS 10.13 High Sierra. That being said, macOS 10.13 High Sierra is still being supported by Apple in terms of security updates for next two years. Its security support will end in mid-2020. With that in mind, you can potentially always install Windows or a Linux distribution to keep it going when it comes to security updates.

Apple no longer officially does battery replacements for MacBooks from 2010, so you'd have to resort to third party companies doing it for you or doing it yourself. There are still compatible batteries being sold on eBay.

> Will a new ssd or ram make it functional?

Inserting an SSD and more RAM will make it faster no doubt. Every SATA SSD of 2.5" form factor should work.

As for the RAM, I'd like to quote from the following link:

• https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/102131/macbook-pro-13-inch-maximum-memory
  
  > Specifically, as discovered by OWC, the 13-Inch "Mid-2010" MacBook Pro models (and only the 13-Inch models) -- the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 13" Mid-2010 and "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 13" Mid-2010 identified by MacBookPro7,1 -- can support up to 16 GB of RAM with dual 8 GB memory modules if they are running OS X 10.7.5 or higher, have been updated to use the latest EFI, and are equipped with proper specification memory modules. If running a version of Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard," these models only can use 8 GB of RAM.
  
  In order to know what macOS version the Mac is running, go to the Apple menu at the top left corner of the screen -> "About my Mac". Once there, you'll be able to see both the macOS version and the processor in use.
  
  Should the device be a white plastic MacBook 2010, as opposed to an aluminium MacBook Pro 2010, then it will support a maximum capacity of 8 GB RAM (2 x 4 GB RAM modules).
  
  The type of RAM (no matter if MacBook or MacBook Pro) you must buy is as follows:
  
  PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz SDRAM, 204-pin
  
  This RAM should work, for example:
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-CMSA8GX3M2A1066C7-Channel-204-Pin-SO-DIMM/dp/B00505EZYW
  
• https://www.amazon.com/OWC-PC8500-204-pin-Upgrade-MacBook/dp/B00BKVQFU2
  
  However, you should think long and hard about investing further money into that machine, namely in a new SSD, new RAM, and a new battery. It is pretty old and security support for it is coming to an end.

Definetely go with a SSD My MacBook Pro is almost like a new computer after installing one. But If you want the best of both worlds I’d advise you replace your optical drive with a HDD caddy and install your current HDD there, installing a SSD in It’s place. The installing process is fairly simple watch the videos of people doing it closely and watch out for the flex cable. Installing the SSD in place of the HDD is pretty easy as well. The guide says you need a T6 screwdriver for the studs of the HDD but it can be disassembled and reassembled with just pliers. Go for a 250GB SSD It’s enough for everything I currently use on a daily basis including the whole adobe lineup, my photos and videos. Good luck! Please ask if you have any other questions in your head ^^
Hard drive SSD replacement
Optical Drive replacement

Edit:
I realize I didn't answer your question the first time so I'm back haha.
Two years ago I asked an Apple store employee what they used to wipe down all Apple products because everything was so clean. Like no fingerprint stains on any of the keyboards, immaculate iPad and iPhone screens.

He told me they used "Whoosh" cleaner and microfiber cloths, both available on Amazon.
https://smile.amazon.com/WHOOSH-Award-Winning-Screen-Cleaner-Antimicrobial/dp/B00DOPW5L0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1502605520&sr=8-3&keywords=whoosh
I've used Whoosh on my own Macbook Pro and indeed it cleaned my screen effectively, but I haven't needed to use it on the keyboard since I use keyboard covers. Also, this was on the 2015 Macbook Pros. Ymmv since we're now talking about the 2017 MBPs, but if you ever stop by an Apple store, you can always ask them what they use - or if they use/ever used Whoosh.

Original post:
If you don't mind the frosty look on your keys, I'd recommend a keyboard cover. I've used one on my Macbook Pro 13 2015 since the launch week and buy a new one every half year or so for cleanliness reasons.

In my limited experience, a brand called Uppercase has pretty consistent quality. Good luck!

https://www.amazon.com/UPPERCASE-GhostCover-Premium-Keyboard-Protector/dp/B01MRKLH27/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502598784&sr=8-1&keywords=UPPERCASE+GhostCover+Premium+Ultra+Thin+Keyboard+Protector+for+MacBook+Pro+with+Touch+Bar+13%22+or+15%22+%282016+and+2017%2C+Apple+Model+Number+A1706%2C+A1707%29

Yep, I've done that on my previous MacBook but not my Pro, but it should be pretty similar, this video does a pretty good job at showing the process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWUKAUlxrkg

Here's a link to a cheap caddy; https://www.amazon.com/Optical-SuperDrive-Adapter-Unibody-Macbook/dp/B004FM4UGE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499015046&sr=8-1&keywords=macbook+hard+drive+caddy

Whatever you do make sure you get one that supports power delivery through usb c.

I have one with 2600 mAh if I remember correctly and I can get about a whole charge off it on my 15 inch MacBook. I can check what model it is when I get home. It costed me about 80 bucks but so far it’s been worth it.

Edit: I got this one from Ravpower. It's great because I can charge it with my macbook charger as well. It can charge my phone almost 10 times over

Definitely go with the 15". The performance difference is measurable and you want the RAM, 8GB doesn't cut it for very long in my python coding experience. I currently use the exact same 13" model you linked, only reason being my university has pretty small desks otherwise I would've gone with the 15".

As for the difference between the 2016 and 2017, there is a small spec bump and you'll get better battery life. Plus if you pair it with an external SSD then you won't have to compromise on storage either. However if that sounds like something you're averse to, the 2016 model isn't bad at all.

The model you have got has a faster SSD, 4 thunderbolt ports and a faster processor (maybe? don't have the specs).

The 2019 model is 2 thunderbolt ports and slower SSD. You can get $100 off as a student discount and ask Best Buy to price match it with Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V49JVNH/ref=twister_B07VMC6P3H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 you get a better deal.

I think the 2019 models have better processors, do more research on it.

I'm not sure if you're interested, but you might consider an enclosure like this rather than an external drive.

https://www.amazon.ca/Drive-Unibody-MacBook-SuperDrive-Replacement/dp/B0058AH2US

I know some people actually use their optical drives, but I have had an external optical drive since I bought a MacBook Air in 2011 and I've used it less than a dozen times.

As for the SSDs you listed - for all the work you are going to do, I'd definitely go with the 120GB unit. SanDisk is a reasonably good company for entry-level SSDs. As for how Mac-compatible it is, I'll have to leave answering that to someone else.

https://cdn2.techadvisor.co.uk/cmsdata/reviews/3675893/au-feature-compact--and-light-71968123.jpg

Is that too big? That’s the Samsung T5, not as small as a flash drive but still not huge, it’s one of the best external SSD’s you can get. It uses a USB-C cable so you don’t have to carry around any dongles. Just grab a 256 GB or 512 GB model and you’ll be good to go.

Samsung T5 Portable SSD - 500GB - USB 3.1 External SSD (MU-PA500B/AM) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073GZBT36/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wrJACb5R5MDYG

Another option would be the Samsung X5 but it’s larger and costs more than the T5. The upside is that it has similar performance to the SSD that’s built into your MacBook whereas even though the T5 is quick it isn’t as fast as your built in SSD.

To use the newest Chrome on Mac, you'll need OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later.

You can upgrade to 10.11 (El Capitan). Sadly, this will most probably slow down your computer in its current state. Like /u/Nera2626 said, you can upgrade the hardware as well, which will help with the speed on the newer OS versions. The maximum memory your laptop accepts is 8GB of PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz (SO-DIMM) RAM. An SSD wil further increase speed.

Edit: Not really sure where you're from, but here's a list on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Channel-204-Pin-Laptop-SO-DIMM/dp/B00505EZYW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1498659075&sr=8-2&keywords=so-dimm+ddr3+1066

https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-240GB-SDSSDA-240G-G26-Newest-Version/dp/B01F9G43WU/ref=sr_1_4?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1498659178&sr=1-4&keywords=ssd

So you could be back on track for less than $150 if you know someone that can help you install it.

A good travel case for it. I like my rooCase. An Iclear kit to keep it looking good.

The MacBook 12" is on sale on Amazon for only $900. That's like dirt cheap for an Apple laptop. Is it worth it? I really only use my laptop for Internet browsing and word processing (I'm a teacher), but I would like to have this for at least four years without it crapping out on me. I have a 6yr old Air (only 4 GB RAM) and it works but it definitely lags when I have a lot of tabs open or am Skyping someone). This is the one I'm looking at:

https://smile.amazon.com/Apple-MNYF2LL-MacBook-Processor-Version/dp/B072QGG3V7/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=apple+macbook+12+inch&qid=1556424806&s=gateway&sr=8-3

In case anyone comes to this thread via search, I got a Moshi iVisor and absolutely love it. I was hesitant because it's much more expensive than any of the other ones ($70 when I bought it), but it was effortless to install and even inside the house it's way better, and I can actually use it outside. I really hate not having matte screens and now I am happy.

U have 4 ports other than a all in one dock solution like the one from OWC if u only wanna use one port; you'll can just to buy the VGA dongle and the single usbA dongle from apple.

Or try out the maxed out hootoo dongle: USB C Hub, HooToo Shuttle 3.1 Type C Hub with Power Delivery for Charging, HDMI Output, Card Reader, 3 USB 3.0 Ports - Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019R9ILTG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qyisyb09SSZAD

Thanks!

when you say optibay frame, that's the same as the optibay caddy right?

I was going to get this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058AH2US/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?smid=A3Q4G302TLNJTB&psc=1

If you have DisplayPort on the monitor you should buy a USB-C - DisplayPort cable that support DP alt mode.

Choetech

Plugable

Edit: These cables are not active adapters. They send the DisplayPort signal straight from the computer to the monitor without the need of converting the signal.

I haven't had any issues yet. Although I still have 60 days to buy AppleCare and I probably will eventually within the 60 days....just because it's a new design and I don't want any issues down the road.

I bought this hootoo hub from amazon and its been working really well for me.

USB C Hub, HooToo USB C Adapter 3.1 with Type C Charging Port, HDMI Output, Card Reader, 3 USB 3.0 Ports for MacBook Pro 2015/2016, Google Chromebook 2016 and more USB C Devices – Space Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K7C53K2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_jVyxzbNFQ502T

If you're plugging it into a macbook there are easier ways to do it.

Thanks!

I have a question for people who own the macbook with the Intel core m3. Does it feel too sluggish?

This macbook https://www.amazon.com/Apple-MNYF2LL-MacBook-Processor-Version/dp/B072QGG3V7/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=macbook&qid=1558961207&s=gateway&sr=8-4 "Apple MacBook (12", 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Core m3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)"

Assuming you mean the 12 inch Macbook, you want something with USB C PD for at least 30W of output. This will charge at the same rate as your macbook AC adapter. you can use this: https://www.amazon.com/Portable-RAVPower-26800mAh-Recharged-Included/dp/B01LRQDAEI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1494815923&sr=8-2&keywords=anker+usb+pd

or this:

https://www.amazon.com/myCharge-RZ13V-RazorPlatinum/dp/B01KG23GWK

I currently connect to two relatively older Dell 1080p monitors that only have DisplayPort and VGA out. So I've got two DP to USB-C cables into my MBP + another USB-C for power.

You'll need an adapter, or a cable that specifically goes from the USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port to the HDMI/DisplayPort/Thunderbolt 2.

I use this cable for my desk at work, and then I bought a pair of them for use at home. https://www.amazon.com/uni-Thunderbolt-Compatible-MacBook-Pixelbook/dp/B075V5JK36/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1543236448&sr=8-3&keywords=uni+usbc+to+hdmi

I use this.

https://www.amazon.com/HooToo-Shuttle-Delivery-Charging-Output/dp/B019R9ILTG

I had a Satechi which I ended up returning after getting a HooToo. It worked well but I preferred a dongle vs a dock that attached to the side of the machine.

I didn't care much for the charging speeds which is why I never paid attention to it. But I opened up CoconutBattery and measured when the adapter was connected directly and when it was connected via the hub.

86w direct connect and 55w when plugged in to the HooToo with no other accessories connected.

This would bother me if I cared and now I'm wondering about data transfer speeds via USB and SD, but ultimately I am a casual user and don't rely on it for a career so I just need it to connect properly and that's it.

But the HooToo shown here is 55w.

USB-C to HDMI is the one that I have been using for like 2 months no problem at all

[I’m just using this cable](USB C to DisplayPort Cable 4K@60Hz, CHOETECH USB 3.1 Type C to DP Cable Thunderbolt 3 Port Compatible with 2017 iMac,MacBook Pro,Dell XPS 15/13,ChromeBook Pixel,Samsung Galaxy S9/Note 8/S8(4ft/1.2m) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N11K30W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_YFoMBb71A5C8E). I run a Dell S24716DG and haven’t experienced any slow down or lag. The fans don’t turn on any more or less than usual. I typically just plug it in and use the monitor only and it’s just moving to a bigger screen. I’ve ran two monitors and the laptop screen without any issue either using a cheap hub from Amazon that has since been broken.

And you will need a hub or a seperate power cable connected to the other port to charge it. DisplayPort doesn’t have power delivery

Shit you need:

One of these, $7:

http://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-2-5-Inch-External-Aluminum-Enclosure/dp/B00E362W9O/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1458633307&sr=1-2&keywords=2.5%22+enclosure

This:

https://bombich.com/

Or this (both free for your purpose):

http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html

Here's a video showing you how. There are 9 million of them if you don't like this one:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3iitv0

Let me know how you go.

If you have bitcoins, I'll let you buy me a beer.

it's probably just dirt. get yourself some of this stuff. and a good microfibre cloth and spray it on the cloth and wipe clean it. don't ever spray anything directly on your machine, you can liquid damage it, and don't clean the computer w/ anything other than this stuff. (this is just my professional opinion, i'm sure that there are other cleaning products out there, but i will only use iKlear)

harsh chemicals in commercial cleaning products will damage the finish. you can use iKlear to clean the outside and the screen, but again, spray the cloth, not the machine.

https://www.amazon.com/iKlear-8-oz-Spray-Bottle/dp/B0018CPCT8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538346259&sr=8-3&keywords=iklear