Just got my first MacBook (early '08) but...

[Speeding Wheels]

Ok..

So I bought a 2008 black MacBook from Cowboom last week and it just arrived today. Just as I feared, there is no OS installed so I have to take care of that...

However, the question I have is this...
How do I check out the actual specs of the machine to verify it will in fact run Lion before I run out to the Apple store and drop $70 on the USB key installer thingie?

All I get when I boot it up is a grey screen with a folder with a question mark in it that flashes and apparently there is no BIOS on these things to see whats been detected.

Is there something I can do to get the actual specs of whats in the machine without an OS installed or do I have to take the risk and drop $70 blindly?


Thanks in advance

 

[GGJstudios]

You can find specs on all Apple products:

• By visiting EveryMac.com: Actual Maximum RAM
• By using Mactracker
• By entering your serial number here to find specs for your model.

 

[soco]

Wow that's odd. I guess you would have to try to install a copy and return it if it fails.

 

[Speeding Wheels]

GGJ,

Thanks for the response.
I know what is supposed to be in the machine, thats not an issue.
My question is how to I find what is actually in there without pulling the battery and physically pulling the RAM and HDD?
Is there a utility that I can burn to CD which is bootable that will allow this?
Or maybe Knoppix Live CD is a good way to go.. if that'll boot on a MacBook?

 

[GGJstudios]

GGJ,

Thanks for the response.
I know what is supposed to be in the machine, thats not an issue.
My question is how to I find what is actually in there without pulling the battery and physically pulling the RAM and HDD?
Is there a utility that I can burn to CD which is bootable that will allow this?
Or maybe Knoppix Live CD is a good way to go.. if that'll boot on a MacBook?

You could try accessing the hard drive via Target Disk Mode.

 

[logana]

You can boot from any Linux live CD without any problem (assuming the optical drive works).

If you start up in single user mode does it not identify the model - should be MacBook 3,1 ?

Specs and serial number are also on a grey label in the battery compartment...

 

[Speeding Wheels]

just got back from the Apple store.
what a disaster that place is today. LOL

dude didnt even know they had the USB sticks in stock, thought they had to be ordered online until I showed him on the website it says AVAILABLE NOW!


needless to say my MB is installing Lion right now.. I'll post back later to give more feedback.. my first Mac and this is my introduction! OY!

 

[Nameci]

Congratulations on Macbook. Enjoy it as much as you can.