MacBook 12" 2017---what apps necessary?

[Dhonk]

Hey everyone, I've decided to replace the battery on this computer to keep it plugging along. Just wanted to see if there are any apps/utilities out there that people are using to help keep theirs humming along. Things to help with RAM optimization, limiting startup/background utilities, etc.

The last time I added some was when I was trying to breath some extra life into my 2011 11" MacBook Air that was limited by ram and cpu, so I'm out of the loop with best tools

 

[Apple_Robert]

In my opinion, the 12" MacBook doesn't need any optimization apps like you mentioned to keep it running well. The OS does an excellent job of controlling RAM usage and the like. One app I do suggest you get is called "AlDente Pro." It helps to keep the battery in good shape. I recommend getting that once you get the battery replaced.

Home - AppHouseKitchen

It needs AlDente.

apphousekitchen.com

 

[Macdctr]

In my opinion, the 12" MacBook doesn't need any optimization apps like you mentioned to keep it running well. The OS does an excellent job of controlling RAM usage and the like. One app I do suggest you get is called "AlDente Pro." It helps to keep the battery in good shape. I recommend getting that once you get the battery replaced.

Home - AppHouseKitchen

It needs AlDente.

apphousekitchen.com

Great recommendation! I downloaded this app to put on my MacBooks, thanks!

 

[MultiFinder17]

There's a few apps that I throw on any Mac that I get.

Charge Limiter - Lets you easily set a charge limit for your battery. Simple and effective. I usually set mine at 80% unless I'm going out for a while, then I'll let it fully charge.

Disk Inventory X - Great little app for visualizing what's on your disk and what's taking up space.

TinkerTool - Gives a nice GUI for a lot of the settings you'd normally have to dive into Terminal to tweak.

MenuMeters - System stats in your menubar.

While these aren't absolutely specific to the 12", I use all of them on my 2016 12" and enjoy them.

 

[Macdctr]

There's a few apps that I throw on any Mac that I get.

Charge Limiter - Lets you easily set a charge limit for your battery. Simple and effective. I usually set mine at 80% unless I'm going out for a while, then I'll let it fully charge.

Disk Inventory X - Great little app for visualizing what's on your disk and what's taking up space.

TinkerTool - Gives a nice GUI for a lot of the settings you'd normally have to dive into Terminal to tweak.

MenuMeters - System stats in your menubar.

While these aren't absolutely specific to the 12", I use all of them on my 2016 12" and enjoy them.

All great apps for sure! Instead of using MenuMeters I have since switched to iStat Menus for my Macs instead.

iStat Menus

The ultimate system monitor for your menu bar, with CPU, GPU, memory, network, disk usage, disk activity, temperatures, fans, battery info and more.

bjango.com

 

[racerhomie]

In my experience 3rd party batteries for these Macs aren't of good quality, and they are quite hard to take apart and put back together. I say use the official Apple Official Power Adapter and cable for the Mac as these control temperatures and wattage properly. Try to use the original batteries as long as you can. Also, keep your Mac up to date

 

[Lucas Curious]

There is a free app called Karabiner-elements

It lets you remap keys. I turned my right SHIFT key into an ENTER key because the enter key on the used MacBook 12" I got wasnt working right. I tried fixing it and even ordered a new butterfly switch but cant get it to work properly. So im using the Right SHIFT key as an enter key. SO it's a good app to have jsut in case.

If your switch on keys ever loses good function, Id say buy a whole MacBook 12 2017 top case ($30 on eBay) and either take the switch and key out of that or replace the whole thing cause the ones you order individually may not be a perfect fit and wont work as it may be from a different butterfly MacBook.

I also like having iStat Menus. You can buy a 5 computer license and on the MacBook 12" it lets you monitor CPU use, battery health, memory... I like it on the MacBook because it lets me see how much memory pressure im hitting and if my CPU is clocking hard.