MacBook Pro 11,1 Late 2013 - odd things.

[vindassius]

Recently been given a 13" MacBook Pro 11,1 i5 4gb ram 128gb ssd Retina display.

its currently on Catalina 10.15.3 and I'm just noticing its struggling loading, spinning rainbow wheel etc when just tying to open anything simple, and also the keyboard can't keep up with my typing speed.

its complaining about needing a new battery, which is fine...can handle that.

just want to know if its worth dropping it back to Mojave or if its something more sinister & where do I look?

thanks in advance.

 

[4sallypat]

OS switchover may not help much as the newer OS uses APFS formatting and predominantly 64 bit apps which has caused an issue with legacy programs.

Your 4GB RAM is the big chokepoint and since it can't be upgraded, it might be better served by downgrading the OS to Yosemite or Sierra where it can comfortably live in the 32 bit app world with 4GB RAM...

 

[vindassius]

Think dropping to Mojave won't make any difference?

looks like I can delete the full Mojave installer and try Sierra then

 

[4sallypat]

Mojave uses APFS file system - same as Catalina.
High Sierra you have the option to use Journaled Mac HPFS instead of APFS if you choose the partition.

 

[adrianlondon]

Try a clean re-install of the OS.

Make sure you're plugged in; these laptops grind to an almost halt to try and save battery once the level gets below around 5% charge.

 

[infernoguy]

When you get the battery replaced, have the technician reinstall Catalina for you. With a new battery and fresh OS reinstall you will have a decent machine on your hands. Treat it like a Chromebook in terms of usage - browsing in Safari or Chrome, watching videos, etc. and you'll be fine.