first day with new MBP: to do list

[pabmac]

Hello folks.

My 15" 2.66 matte MBP should arrive tomorrow to replace a last-gen powerbook g4.

Are there any tests I should run or things I should look out for?

I plan on installing FCP, Adobe CS4, and Aperture for work purposes and some basics:
Firefox, VLC, Onyx, XLD, Unarchiver, MacPar, Toast, etc.

Anything else I should know about?


Thanks for your input.

 

[AnotherFanBoy]

Hello folks.

My 15" 2.66 matte MBP should arrive tomorrow to replace a last-gen powerbook g4.

Are there any tests I should run or things I should look out for?

I plan on installing FCP, Adobe CS4, and Aperture for work purposes and some basics:
Firefox, VLC, Onyx, XLD, Unarchiver, MacPar, Toast, etc.

Anything else I should know about?


Thanks for your input.

Adium if you use any chat services like AIM, MSN, FaceBook, Yahoo etc.

 

[McGiord]

smcFan control
http://www.eidac.de/

 

[shambo]

Multi-clutch.

 

[NC MacGuy]

iStat menus so you can see when a process runs away on you before the fans kick to hyperspeed.

 

[sanPietro98]

I always keep a fresh copy of OmniGraffle on my Mac.

 

[stevearm]

Good thread, I'd also like to know more about a checklist of things to do/install/check.

Are there any system checks that should be done when using a macbook for the first time?

 

[sanPietro98]

Are there any system checks that should be done when using a macbook for the first time?

I don't typically do any benchmarking or anything like that. But at a minimum, I'll use System Profiler to make sure that the specs I ordered are actually in the delivered system. I look for things such as: CPU speed, RAM size, HDD size and speed, etc.

I haven't had any issues with this in the past, but it's always a good idea to check.

 

[electroshock]

Three easy steps

1. Use System Profiler to save your config to a RTF file then save a copy of it on both the MBP AND another machine so you can quickly look up detailed specs such as -- for example, DVD drive make/model/firmware even if your MBP is offline or busted.

2. Install the free AppFresh utility and use it to update every app it can find an update for, after you've got all the apps installed.

3. Profit!

 

[Tex-Twil]

Hi,
when I got my 1st MBP last year (damn already 1 year ..) I followed a nice checklist that I found in this forum. I'm sure you can find it.

Don't forget to check :
- for dead pixels.
- for scratches
- that your restore DVD are ok


and then of course enjoy

Tex

 

[Panzo]

Pray to god it works the way it should, as sadly, buying apple products is like playing the lottery.

 

[pabmac]

Thanks for the replies.

Multi-clutch in particular looks great, and reminds me of sidetrack for the powerbook which I could not have lived without.


For those interested, a lot of the apps mentioned in this thread are discussed in an article here.

Two macbook checklist threads are here and here.

I searched before posting but was lacking the magic word (checklist).

There's some debate over the merits of reinstalling OS to free a bit of space,
and there's this list here from LeonAnderson:

MB(P) Rev A Checklist

After you open the packaging box of the new MB(P):

1. Check the exterior finish for dents/imperfections/scratches
2. Check the backside to see if the battery cover fits well
3. Open up the screen and check the keyboard, make sure it is not crooked (especially the top row)
4. Check the battery indicator light on the left side
5. Check the glass cover on the screen for scratches/dents/imperfections
6. Turn it on and check Airport Extreme by connect to the Internet
7. Get the latest OS X update specifically for the unibody MBPs
8. Check for dead pixels using this link here
9. Check the trackpad clicks/gestures, as well as backlit keyboard
10. Check the internal temperatures using iStat Pro
11. Try switching GPUs and check internal temperatures using iStat Pro under both situations
12. Insert the OS X recovery disc into the SuperDrive and check the disc.
13. Insert a music CD into the SuperDrive and check for sound quality (any hissing or pops)
14. Put the MBP to sleep, check the sleep indicator light and whether there are any complications (eg. laptop remains hot)
15. Use it for a period of time and see if any of the above problems arise
16. Make sure your dvd/cd goes in straight
17. Make sure your screen doesn't flicker at different brightness levels
18. Install a game and check to see whether your macbooks shuts itself or the screen off
19. Check for any loose or missing screws along the bottom of the MacBook Pro, neer the Hinge.



cheers.

 

[sanPietro98]

That's a pretty thorough list. So for the sake of completeness, I would also add:

• Check each USB port with a flash drive
• Use your Bluetooth to scan for a cell phone or other device
• Attach the MB(P) to an external monitor to make sure it works
• Use headphones/mic to make sure those jacks work
• Test the built-in iSight camera with PhotoBooth

 

[Ace R.]

Some great suggestions in here and I can't stress this enough but definitely check for dead pixels. I had one on the left side of my screen. Thank God I spotted it because the exchange policy was set to expire the next day! Whew!

Now Im a happy camper