(Part 3) 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.

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

I went through this same dilemma, and finally settled on a medium sized Everki backpack. Not really because of the size of my MacBook, but more so the other stuff I always end up taking with me on business trips. The Everki Atlas could easily fit my MacBook and all my gadgets I end up taking on business trips, so I went with that one. I picked up a used like new one from Amazon and couldn't be happier.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ERJG842/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Alright, so I’ll pick up a 16GB kit from Amazon next week. Then a couple weeks later, the SSD. Which RAM upgrade do you think would be better between this one and this one? I’m totally new to macs, so all help is appreciated!

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

An SSD did wonders for my daughters 2009 MacBook. Made a huge difference. I am planning on getting her a new MacBook in a year or so. This SSD will diffidently hold her over till then. I guess if you can afford to upgrade to a newer Macbook now, do it. But the SSD will give you more life in your current one if you want to wait.

This is what I got. Inexpensive and works great.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S9Q9VS4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mine is maxed out too except for Storage. It’s my first time using mac so i couldn’t really provide much help comparing to other model using non Intel m processor series. I don’t code but use photoshop at most and I don’t see lag very often. Having many tabs doesn’t seem to be any issue. Hitting 95c is normal and make sure to invest in a good aluminum surface notebook cooler such as Deepcool N9 to prevent cpu throttling https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RZ8DTL2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xHd2AbR03F3FW

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.

If you're really trying to save, I bought this about a week ago for $35 and it seems totally adequate, so far. ;-)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BHDX6XM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So this is definitely what you want. With your model it will only go as far as El Capitan in terms of OS, and with the performance of your machine and with the assumption you wouldn't be using it for video editing, 4GB should be plenty.

https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-PC2-6400-200-Pin-Notebook-CT2KIT25664AC800/dp/B0013441J8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1498957569&sr=8-5&keywords=800+MHz+PC2-6400

Also is your's a unibody 2009 MacBook? or the non unibody?

EDIT: A better question would be is your Mac Early, Mid, or Late 2009?

It's a hard disk with solid-state storage in it. I would go for the SSD. The Samgsung 850 EVO 500gb (or 250gb) SSD is the best bang for your buck. A reputable brand and an affordable price.

I think 2009 and 2012 models have different RAM.

This is the RAM you will need. http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/macbook-pro-%2813-inch%2C-mid-2009%29/CT3309352


2012's use DDR3 1600 MHz

I just put a 240GB SanDisk SSD in my mid-2012 MBP.

Runs like a dream.

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

Would something like this help / work?

https://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Thunderbolt-Transfer-Compatible-F4U085tt/dp/B00NAWCU7G

There seems to be several non-apple solutions: https://www.amazon.com/USB-C-DisplayPort-Adapter-Aluminium-Macbook/dp/B00ZU1TXHA is one.

There's loads of hard shell cases with flip out legs that probably do exactly what you want. Just some amazon example:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Macbook-Bidear-Cooling-Transparent-Keyboard/dp/B01FFC48TQ

https://www.amazon.com/iPearl-mCover-Keyboard-13-3-inch-MacBook/dp/B00SNN51YQ

Native USB-C hard disks, such as LaCie Porsche Design 2TB ($16) is expensive.

I would just get a well received 2.5" bus powered external hard disk such as Seagate Backup Plus Portable 4TB ($125) or Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim 2TB ($100) and get USB-C to Micro-B cable from a reliable vendor.

Any microfiber cloth will do.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Microfiber-Cleaning-Cloth-Pack/dp/B009FUF6DM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1494313077&sr=8-3&keywords=microfiber+cloth

https://www.amazon.com/Pack-MagicFiber-Microfiber-Cleaning-Cloths/dp/B0050R67U0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1494313077&sr=8-4&keywords=microfiber+cloth

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.