Can I update an older Macbook?

[rayygee66]

Hi,

I am very new to anything to do with Mac's. I know absolutely nothing about them, I can hardly find where the browser is located. However, I am pretty good with computers (Windows) I'd say. I have my entire life been the person who "fixes" computers whether in grade school or in the work place (just to give you a general idea of my capability of understanding computer functions).
ANYWAYS, I bought an older model Macbook (around 2007?) because it was $70 and my fiance happened to have the exact model I could use for parts. I start University in February and figured I could save a few hundred dollars.
So far, google chrome doesn't seem to be supported (other sites on any browser will often be displayed as a capitol A [I'm assuming a font I don't have? or support issues.]). I downloaded it and tried to use it but the screen will display lines that flicker. I tried to login to my hotmail account but it doesn't display any actual e-mails but it will load everything else. I went to the apple drop down to software update. There is an update that says its successful until the second process to restart pops up and then it says it cannot be updated due to a GUID or RAID issue.
So basucally, all I want to know is, can I update this to a functioning laptop? Or does Apple keep producing new laptops and forget about people with older versions that cant afford to buy a brand new Macbook?
All I really need is the capability of using multiple browser windows and to check my e-mail.

If anyone can actually help me, please try to dumb it down as much as possible lol
Info:
MAC OS X
version 10.5.8
Processor: 2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory: 1 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM

If anymore info is needed I can post, just let me know where to find it please lol

Thanks!

 

[EugW]

Click on Apple in top left corner.
Choose "About This Mac"
Click button for "System Report"
Look for the specs and the model identifier. The latter should be something like "MacBook4,1".

I'm guessing you have MacBook4,1 from early 2008.

Personally, I would not upgrade that machine unless you have the parts lying around already. It can take 4-6 GB RAM and SSD, but it would be a waste of money IMO, because if it is indeed MacBook4,1, it can only be upgraded to OS X 10.7.5, which is already obsolete because a lot of software doesn't support it. In fact, I have a 2.4 GHz MacBook4,1 that I just retired for this reason, and I already had 4 GB RAM and SSD in it.

I'd recommend picking up a used polycarbonate 2009 MacBook6,1 or later, preferably with 4-8 GB RAM and SSD. Or else get a bare bones used one and upgrade that. Check my sig, but I bought an aluminum 2008 MacBook5,1 and upgraded that to 8 GB RAM and SSD and am currently typing on it. Works really well with modern Mac OSes. It officially supports up to 10.11, but I'm currently running 10.13 on it, and expect to get another good 4 years of use out of it..

Bare bones MacBook6,1 goes for around $150-200. To add 4 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD would set you back another $100-120 US.

 

[Kierikka]

I would install Neverwares CloudReady on that computer and turn it to a ”Chromebook” and try how it operates before buying another old computer. The computer is old and as EugW wrote you will not be able to upgrade the computer to newer OS versions to be able to run secure browsers. I think you will need to buy/install more RAM but you will find that for almost free. It will not be a fast machine but for surfing, writing and email I think it will be good enough for.

 

[EugW]

I would install Neverwares CloudReady on that computer and turn it to a ”Chromebook”

Why specifically Neverwares? Is there a free trial version? I didn't see one.

 

[Kierikka]

Why specifically Neverwares? Is there a free trial version? I didn't see one.

The Home version is free. It is tested and should work without problems on the hardware in the Macbook.
I tested it on an older macbook pro last year and it worked fine for me.

If you click on the Home version in the menu you will find the download.

As rayygee66 wanted to save some money and has bought a macbook that is not longer supported by newer versions of MacOS I wanted to give him an option that will not cost him more money and is simple to install/try. I guess there is more options but that is one that has worked for me and the best is that the home version is free

 

[EugW]

The Home version is free. It is tested and should work without problems on the hardware in the Macbook.
I tested it on an older macbook pro last year and it worked fine for me.

If you click on the Home version in the menu you will find the download.

As rayygee66 wanted to save some money and has bought a macbook that is not longer supported by newer versions of MacOS I wanted to give him an option that will not cost him more money and is simple to install/try. I guess there is more options but that is one that has worked for me and the best is that the home version is free

I'll give that a shot too on my MacBook4,1.

I've always wanted to give a Chromebook a real trial run, but never actually wanted to buy one, since I already have three High Sierra laptops, with two of them just for myself.

 

[Kierikka]

Haha I know that feeling. My daughter has a Chromebook from school and it is perfect for her needs at the moment.
Me like you have always wanted to try it but not buy one myself as I have several laptops already.
Give a reply when you have tried it, it is always interesting to hear other peoples thoughts about it.

 

[EugW]

I installed Neverware CloudReady / Chromium OS 60 on my 2008 2.4 GHz MacBook4,1 and it’s pretty decent. Even using it with a hard drive and 4 GB RAM.

https://guide.neverware.com/supported-devices/

The camera and microphone are not supported and the OS is pretty restrictive, but for what it is, it is otherwise not half bad. I can run a free version of (legit) Microsoft Office with my OneDrive account via Chrome, and the Chrome browser is up to date (unlike what is available for OS X 10.7.5). Netflix does work but is a bit glitchy. Sometimes it doesn’t seem to find the codecs or something like that so I have to restart the browser. But when it works, it’s as expected. However, it will ramp up the fan and eat the battery with 720p.

The 2008 MacBook5,1 with macOS 10.13, SSD, and 8 GB RAM is a much better experience, but at least Chrome OS converts the older and lower spec’d MacBook4,1 (4 GB RAM, HDD) from a doorstop to a functional machine. I’m therefore keeping Chromium on this machine.

 

[darngooddesign]

You might not be able to afford a new computer, but what about a three or four year old MacBook Air? Those are pretty cheap and should feel a lot snappier than your older computer.

I have OSX 10.12 running on my 2008 MacBook Pro and it runs, albeit slowly. I think you will find that your paltry 1GB of RAM is going to be the most limiting factor. IMO you need at least 4GB to have a satisfactory experience.