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MacBook Pro 13-inch questions

doubledee

doubledee

macrumors 6502
Original poster
May 14, 2012
496
0
Arizona
I want to get a replacement laptop for my circa 2008, white MacBook and am looking at the current MacBook Pro 13-inch laptop.


Some questions:
1.) Some pimply kid at an Apple Store told me last night that I could NOT put a 750GB 7200RPM HDD in it, because it would overheat (and blowup)!

True or not?

(I have been running a 500GB 7200RPM Seagate in my white MacBook for the last few years with no noticeable issues...)


2.) How hard would it be to change the HDD in this MacBook Pro?

The same kid tried to scare me away, saying it would take "special" tools...


Unfortunately, Apple's website says virtually nothing about the MacBook Pro... :confused:


3.) Is it true that the body is now Aluminum?

Is that good or bad or neither?


4.) Does it come with a DVD RW so I can still burn CDs/DVDs for backup or whatever?


5.) I assume it has basic things like...

- USB ports?
- Slot for Cable Lock?
- Jack for 1/8" Headphones?


6.) Is there anything else I should know about the MacBook Pro - either Hardware or Software related - that might change my decision to buy it??

(This kids REALLY was trying to get me to buy a "modern" Retina, SSD Mac instead...) :cool:

Thanks,


Debbie
 
doubledee said:
I want to get a replacement laptop for my circa 2008, white MacBook and am looking at the current MacBook Pro 13-inch laptop.


Some questions:
1.) Some pimply kid at an Apple Store told me last night that I could NOT put a 750GB 7200RPM HDD in it, because it would overheat (and blowup)!

True or not?

(I have been running a 500GB 7200RPM Seagate in my white MacBook for the last few years with no noticeable issues...)
Click to expand...
Not true, you can put any 2.5" S-ATA HDD with a maximum height of 12.5 mm in it, currently there are 1 TB HDDs fulfilling that requirement, probably even 1.5 TB HDDs.

2.) How hard would it be to change the HDD in this MacBook Pro?

The same kid tried to scare me away, saying it would take "special" tools...
Click to expand...
Special tools like normal screwdrivers.
MacBook, MacBook Pro: Replacing the Hard Disk Drive, transferring data to the new HDD

the guide includes:
  • 0. Identify your MacBook or MacBook Pro
  • 1. Getting a new HDD
  • 2. Guides to replace the internal HDD with a newer one
  • 3. Transferring data from the old HDD to the new HDD
  • 4. Using the optical disk drive (ODD) slot for placing an SSD or HDD inside the MB/P (OPTIBAY)
​


Unfortunately, Apple's website says virtually nothing about the MacBook Pro... :confused:
Click to expand...
Specs are listed here: http://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs/

3.) Is it true that the body is now Aluminum?
Click to expand...
Since late 2008, the 13" Unibody MacBook and since 2009 the 13" Unibody MacBook Pro is made of aluminium.

Is that good or bad or neither?
Click to expand...
Better at conducting heat, which makes many people think, the MBP is overheating.
Those Macs in their heat - a sine of over-heating? - a short story by Mister GGJstudios
Worse at not getting scratches, but more than okay, unless you handle it without care.

4.) Does it come with a DVD RW so I can still burn CDs/DVDs for backup or whatever?
Click to expand...
The specs list an optical disk drive (ODD) with DVD and CD read and write capabilities.

5.) I assume it has basic things like...

- USB ports?
- Slot for Cable Lock?
- Jack for 1/8" Headphones?
Click to expand...
The specs list two USB 3.0 ports, a Kensington lock slot and a headphone port, amongst other ports.

6.) Is there anything else I should know about the MacBook Pro - either Hardware or Software related - that might change my decision to buy it??
Click to expand...
An update is expected in late summer, early autumn.

______________________________________________________
This should answer most, if not all, of your battery questions:
Apple Notebook Battery FAQ by GGJstudios
The F.A.Q. includes the following topics:
  • BATTERY INFORMATION
  • BATTERY LIFE FROM A CHARGE
  • AC POWER
  • CALIBRATION
  • BATTERY LIFESPAN
  • CHECKING STATUS AND HEALTH
  • CHARGING
  • WHAT IS A CYCLE?
  • BATTERIES ARE NOT COVERED
  • BULGING OR SWELLING BATTERY

______________________________________________________​
 
If you are considering the normal (non-retina) 13" MBP I have one piece of advice for you:

Don't.


The current air is about the same price and performs at the same quality with faster storage speeds (Granted, it is less.)

I would strongly recommend looking at the 13" rMBP first if you can afford it and if not the 13" air.
 
I think a 13" non-retina MBP is a fabulous deal for upgraders.

I got a 2012 base model for $1019, then added 16GB RAM for $125 and 256GB Crucial M4 for about $200.

$1344 for more performance *and* I can burn discs. I strongly recommend that choice over an Air or Retina for anyone that can use a screwdriver.
 
wonderspark said:
I think a 13" non-retina MBP is a fabulous deal for upgraders.

I got a 2012 base model for $1019, then added 16GB RAM for $125 and 256GB Crucial M4 for about $200.

$1344 for more performance *and* I can burn discs. I strongly recommend that choice over an Air or Retina for anyone that can use a screwdriver.
Click to expand...

I agree completely.

The way you've upgraded yours makes it an excellent laptop. Very fast, quiet & durable, it'll remain relevant & highly enjoyable for years. Not to mention that you've kept the price very modest in relation to its superb performance.
 
A Hebrew said:
If you are considering the normal (non-retina) 13" MBP I have one piece of advice for you:

Don't.


The current air is about the same price and performs at the same quality with faster storage speeds (Granted, it is less.)

I would strongly recommend looking at the 13" rMBP first if you can afford it and if not the 13" air.
Click to expand...

Except for the fact that the SSD is *soldered* onto the motherboard!!

Until forced to, I would NEVER, own a computer where I cannot easily remove the HDD myself.


Debbie

----------
wonderspark said:
I think a 13" non-retina MBP is a fabulous deal for upgraders.

I got a 2012 base model for $1019, then added 16GB RAM for $125
Click to expand...

I thought that the MacBook Pro - see link in OP - had a limitation of 8GB of RAM??


and 256GB Crucial M4 for about $200.
Click to expand...

That must be a SSD?


$1344 for more performance *and* I can burn discs. I strongly recommend that choice over an Air or Retina for anyone that can use a screwdriver.
Click to expand...


Debbie
 
doubledee said:
Except for the fact that the SSD is *soldered* onto the motherboard!!

Until forced to, I would NEVER, own a computer where I cannot easily remove the HDD myself.


Debbie
Click to expand...
No, it is not. It is simply in a proprietary form and OWC sells replacements. The only *soldered* part of a rMBP is the RAM.
 
doubledee said:
I thought that the MacBook Pro - see link in OP - had a limitation of 8GB of RAM??
Click to expand...

Apple only sells it that way. It, and even the two generations before it, support 16gb.

If you don't really need an internal ODD, I'd recommend replacing the ODD with a SSD.

The retina is nice and I know many people really like their MBA, but the limited storage options and soldered memory of "only" 8gb is a deal breaker for me.
 
doubledee said:
Except for the fact that the SSD is *soldered* onto the motherboard!!

Until forced to, I would NEVER, own a computer where I cannot easily remove the HDD myself.

Debbie
----------

I thought that the MacBook Pro - see link in OP - had a limitation of 8GB of RAM??

That must be a SSD?

Debbie
Click to expand...

16GB works fine. I bought Crucial's 1600MHz kit and (yes) SSD direct from their website. :)
 
Wow, THANKS for all of the information!! :)


simsaladimbamba said:
Not true, you can put any 2.5" S-ATA HDD with a maximum height of 12.5 mm in it, currently there are 1 TB HDDs fulfilling that requirement, probably even 1.5 TB HDDs.
Click to expand...

I bought a Seagate 750GB drive, which I believe is just 9.5mm, so I should be okay. (I looked on NewEgg but couldn't find the "height" for any of the 1TB HDD...)


Special tools like normal screwdrivers.
Click to expand...

So the kid was wrong when he said that I needed some special Torx or whatever screwdriver?

Sincerely,


Debbie
 
doubledee said:
Wow, THANKS for all of the information!! :)




I bought a Seagate 750GB drive, which I believe is just 9.5mm, so I should be okay. (I looked on NewEgg but couldn't find the "height" for any of the 1TB HDD...)




So the kid was wrong when he said that I needed some special Torx or whatever screwdriver?

Sincerely,


Debbie
Click to expand...

You will need a #00 philips to remove the bottom and a standard T6 torx screwdriver to take out the HD cage, but it doesn't take the special screws the rMBP and iPhone require.

iFixIt of course has great guides with MJ!
 
B... said:
No, it is not. It is simply in a proprietary form and OWC sells replacements. The only *soldered* part of a rMBP is the RAM.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the response.

I started a new thread called Questions about Soldered SSD's..., as to not detract from this thread.

Sincerely,


Debbie

----------
azentropy said:
Apple only sells it that way. It, and even the two generations before it, support 16gb.
Click to expand...

Oh, I was looking at all those links by simsaladimbamba, and I was sure I saw something that said 8GB was the system limit for RAM?

Regardless, why would anyone need that much RAM?! :eek:

(I have a measly 2GB on my old white MacBook, and it still does pretty good.)


If you don't really need an internal ODD, I'd recommend replacing the ODD with a SSD.
Click to expand...

Maybe next week I'll start another thread on this whole SSD thingy. Stay tuned... ;)


The retina is nice and I know many people really like their MBA, but the limited storage options and soldered memory of "only" 8gb is a deal breaker for me.
Click to expand...

What is "MBA"??

Sincerely,


Debbie
 
azentropy said:
You will need a #00 philips to remove the bottom and a standard T6 torx screwdriver to take out the HD cage, but it doesn't take the special screws the rMBP and iPhone require.
Click to expand...

Not that it applies here, but can you buy the special screws and screwdriver that are need for iPhones and Retina MacBook Pros?


Debbie
 
doubledee said:
Oh, I was looking at all those links by simsaladimbamba, and I was sure I saw something that said 8GB was the system limit for RAM?
Click to expand...
The RAM guide I linked to mentions, that the 2011 MBP model supports 16 GB RAM (and thus the newer models should too, but I will update the guide soon), it might even support 32 GB RAM, but no 16 GB chips in that form factor exist to try it out.

Regardless, why would anyone need that much RAM?!
Click to expand...
I have 8 GB of RAM in my MBP and it is not enough. Sadly it is a 2009 MBP, thus 8 GB is the limit.
My new Mac supports 32 GB RAM and currently has 16 GB RAM, and I will probably get another 16 GB RAM next week, as I use that much RAM quite easily.

Anyway, there are many RAM hungry applications, most often Adobe After Effects and similar Digital Content Creation (DCC) applications are mentioned, but also many other scientific applications can use RAM quite easily.
Access to RAM is hundreds of times faster than access to the HDD, thus temporary data gets stored in the RAM if needed and can be accessed much faster when needed.
 
simsaladimbamba said:
The RAM guide I linked to mentions, that the 2011 MBP model supports 16 GB RAM (and thus the newer models should too, but I will update the guide soon), it might even support 32 GB RAM, but no 16 GB chips in that form factor exist to try it out.
Click to expand...

If I bought a 13" MacBook Pro today - either online or in the store - would it be safe to assume that it is either a 2012 or 2013 model?

And about how much would it cost me to upgrade from 8GB to 16GB of RAM?

Could I just add an additional 8GB, or is there maybe only one bay, thus forcing me to buy a 16GB card?

Lastly, is it correct that changing the RAM in a MacBook Pro is on about the same level as changing the HDD?


I have 8 GB of RAM in my MBP and it is not enough. Sadly it is a 2009 MBP, thus 8 GB is the limit.

My new Mac supports 32 GB RAM and currently has 16 GB RAM, and I will probably get another 16 GB RAM next week, as I use that much RAM quite easily.

Anyway, there are many RAM hungry applications, most often Adobe After Effects and similar Digital Content Creation (DCC) applications are mentioned, but also many other scientific applications can use RAM quite easily.

Access to RAM is hundreds of times faster than access to the HDD, thus temporary data gets stored in the RAM if needed and can be accessed much faster when needed.
Click to expand...

Interesting!


Debbie
 
doubledee said:
If I bought a 13" MacBook Pro today - either online or in the store - would it be safe to assume that it is either a 2012 or 2013 model?
Click to expand...
As you probably mean the cMBP (classic MBP with SuperDrive and without Retina Display), then you get a 2012 model, since there is no 2013 model yet, those will (if) be released in late summer, early autumn.

And about how much would it cost me to upgrade from 8GB to 16GB of RAM?
Click to expand...
80 USD.

Could I just add an additional 8GB, or is there maybe only one bay, thus forcing me to buy a 16GB card?
Click to expand...
The MBP has two slots for RAM, both slots are occupied by two 2 GB or by two 4 GB modules, thus you have to get two 8 GB modules.
No 16 GB modules exist yet.

Lastly, is it correct that changing the RAM in a MacBook Pro is on about the same level as changing the HDD?
Click to expand...
Easier, since no TORX screwdriver is needed.

Plenty of guides on how to do that can be found on YouTube or the guide I linked to.
 
(Sorry for all of the questions!!!) :eek:

Yes, I am interested in the 13" classic MacBook Pro.

I heard in the past that you no longer get the operating on disk?! :eek:

If I drop $1,500 on a new cMBP, then how do I get something on a CD/DVD so WHEN I need to rebuild my laptop, I have something?

The Apple Tech I spoke to said, "Oh, you just download it!"

(Yeah, that would really help if my HDD crashed... ) :rolleyes:


Also, can you explain a little more about this whole "cloning" thingy?

Honestly, I'm a weenie, and I have always just built machines from the ground up when I install a new HDD. (This is probably due to year of experience with Windows, where you were safer to start from scratch!!)

If I install my 7200RPM 750GB Seagate HDD, should I strongly consider CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper?

Or to be safer, should I just start from scratch? (Assuming there is a way to get a "Install DVD" for Mountain Lion?!)

Sincerely,


Debbie
 
doubledee said:
(Sorry for all of the questions!!!) :eek:

Yes, I am interested in the 13" classic MacBook Pro.

I heard in the past that you no longer get the operating on disk?! :eek:

If I drop $1,500 on a new cMBP, then how do I get something on a CD/DVD so WHEN I need to rebuild my laptop, I have something?

The Apple Tech I spoke to said, "Oh, you just download it!"

(Yeah, that would really help if my HDD crashed... ) :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

You don't need a disk, if you were to install a new harddrive and boot the machine it would take you to either "Internet Recovery" which installs Mountain Lion from Apple's servers.

Or you can use a USB stick that you put ML onto using the Assistant that you then boot from by holding "Option" after the bing noise on startup.


Also, can you explain a little more about this whole "cloning" thingy?

Honestly, I'm a weenie, and I have always just built machines from the ground up when I install a new HDD. (This is probably due to year of experience with Windows, where you were safer to start from scratch!!)

If I install my 7200RPM 750GB Seagate HDD, should I strongly consider CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper?
Click to expand...

You only need to clone if you have information on the old one. If the drive (that came with the computer) is brand new it will only have ML on it so you wouldn't have any reason to clone it. Just install the new one and install the OS and you're good to go.
 
johnnnw said:
You don't need a disk, if you were to install a new harddrive and boot the machine it would take you to either "Internet Recovery" which installs Mountain Lion from Apple's servers.
Click to expand...

And when I have no Internet access, then what?!

Sorry, but I always want a PHYSICAL COPY of the Operating System - especially after spending $1,500!!


Or you can use a USB stick that you put ML onto using the Assistant that you then boot from by holding "Option" after the bing noise on startup.
Click to expand...

If I buy a new 13" MacBook Pro with Lountain Lion on it, and I open the box and turn it on for the first time, then what steps do I need to do to create a bootable "Recovery DVD" like there aways was in the past?

In other words, is there some application that will help me in making such a DVD?


You only need to clone if you have information on the old one. If the drive (that came with the computer) is brand new it will only have ML on it so you wouldn't have any reason to clone it. Just install the new one and install the OS and you're good to go.
Click to expand...

Right, and if I don't have Internet access, then I'd need a "Recovery DVD"...


Debbie
 
doubledee said:
And when I have no Internet access, then what?!

Sorry, but I always want a PHYSICAL COPY of the Operating System - especially after spending $1,500!!




If I buy a new 13" MacBook Pro with Lountain Lion on it, and I open the box and turn it on for the first time, then what steps do I need to do to create a bootable "Recovery DVD" like there aways was in the past?

In other words, is there some application that will help me in making such a DVD?




Right, and if I don't have Internet access, then I'd need a "Recovery DVD"...


Debbie
Click to expand...


No Mac coming with Mac OS X 10.7 Lion or OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion has physical restore media included.

OS X: About OS X Recovery

If you want to make a bootable installation medium, you can follow these steps:
​
 
As I understand it, new Macs can use the built-in wifi to download the installation software from Apple's servers without even booting up to an internal disk, which is why you don't need a recovery disc. However, if you have no wifi available, then you'd need at least a bootable thumb drive installer.

Apple assumes the world has wifi in order for their system to work like this.
 
simsaladimbamba,

Thanks for the links, but I feel like this is still a problem for me...

1.) I am on the road a long ways from home and not returning. The only place I can do downloading is somewhere like McDonalds.

Downloading 8GB on McDonalds Free Wi-Fi would never work.


2.) I just got my first ever Mobile Hotspot from AT&T, but I am also paying about $70 with taxes for 6GB for the month.

So downloading 8GB is not my first choice!!!!


3.) I just don't see how anyone could download 8GB unless they are at home and can leave their Internet connection on for a day or two?!


You mean to tell me that is my *only* option?!

What are people supposed to do when their HDD crashes?!

Really confused here... :confused:


Debbie
 
doubledee said:
Also, can you explain a little more about this whole "cloning" thingy?

If I install my 7200RPM 750GB Seagate HDD, should I strongly consider CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper?
Click to expand...
About cloning:

I've been cloning my original, Apple-installed boot disk since I got it from Apple in 2009, using both Carbon Copy Cloner and SuperDuper! It was 10.6.2 if I recall, and I've since updated it to 10.6.8. Just recently, I took one of my clone boot backups and did a clean install from my thumb drive installer, just to verify it works, but then I re-cloned it back to my original boot clone. Since my boot is running perfectly with all my many, many programs installed, there is no reason to do a clean install, but knowing I can if I want is wonderful.

I also cloned my 13" MBP 500GB HDD to an SSD and installed it in the laptop, rather than go through a fresh install. That's using Mountain Lion, so I can confirm that CCC and SuperDuper! work on that system as well. I use the original 500GB HDD (slow and painful as it is) as a backup clone, should the SSD have problems. For now, I'm keeping the CD/DVD Superdrive in the 13" laptop, as I do need to burn discs for people pretty often.

Tuesday, I get my second laptop, a new 15" MBP. For that one, I'll be installing two SSDs, one of which will be the new M500... 960GB! I'm pretty excited about that.

----------

Just keep a clone handy. Given your situation on the road, it's the best option. That way, you never have to reinstall any of your software in case of disk failure. It works.
 
doubledee said:
simsaladimbamba,

Thanks for the links, but I feel like this is still a problem for me...

1.) I am on the road a long ways from home and not returning. The only place I can do downloading is somewhere like McDonalds.

Downloading 8GB on McDonalds Free Wi-Fi would never work.


2.) I just got my first ever Mobile Hotspot from AT&T, but I am also paying about $70 with taxes for 6GB for the month.

So downloading 8GB is not my first choice!!!!
Click to expand...
What about using an Apple Store? Ask an employee for help, they offer this service and they probably have an updated version already lying around. It will only work for your new MBP though or if you provide prove of a previous purchase of OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, or they let you purchase it via one of the Macs there, though as a new MBP already has OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion on it, you do not have to pay for the download.

3.) I just don't see how anyone could download 8GB unless they are at home and can leave their Internet connection on for a day or two?!
Click to expand...
It depends on the internet connection, I have a dial up service via wired modem and can download 8 GB, though the OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion installer DMG it is more like 4.44 GB, in under three hours (I have 1.2 MB/s download speeds, which are average, many have higher and even higher).

You mean to tell me that is my *only* option?!
Click to expand...
For the installer, yes.

What are people supposed to do when their HDD crashes?!
Click to expand...
Have a backup. I currently have a new Mac (Hackintosh), which has a 256 GB SSD for the OS and several HDDs in it. One HDD does have two partitions for cloning the SSD to it via CarbonCopyCloner (version 3.4.7 is still free and available for download here and works with Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, Mac OS X 10.7 Lion and OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion), and in the case of SSD failure, I can easily boot into one of those backups in a matter of minutes and go on working and restore to a new SSD in a matter of an hour.
As for using a mobile MBP, you can always get a USB 3.0 HDD to clone and backup your primary HDD to, as backing up is vital anyways.

(I backup my five HDDs inside the new Mac via a USB 3.0 dock and several bare HDDs).
 
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