Upgrade components or replace

[8.33]

Currently got a 2010 15in MBP, with 2.66 i7, 4GB RAM, Hi-res screen and it is starting to get noticeably slow - spinning beach balls, not opening up software apps etc.

I'm a student so the usual web browsing, bit of photo editing, programming, writing essays etc. In my room I use an external monitor and I occasionally need to take it into lectures/libraries. So I think I have three options and I would like your opinions please:

1) Live with it and try and eke out a bit more life. Reformat hard drive and re-install OS? (Had a logic board replacement recently so most of it is new)

2) Install more RAM & SSD, fresh install. Cost: £200

3) Sell current MBP: I think I could get around £700-800 and buy a new 13in MBA/MBP for only £200 more than upgrading the components. I'd also get the education discount and 3 year warranty.


So thoughts on:
Is my selling price realistic?
Which would be better performance wise?
Would I get the same longevity out of a new MBA/P with 'lower' specs?

 

[Bear]

Of those options, I think option (2) is best and do it in 2 phases. First upgrade the memory and see how it performs after that. That might be enough of an improvement that you won't care about not having an SSD.

 

[glenthompson]

I agree with Bear. 4 gb is borderline for memory these days. See if the memory upgrade helps things. Then if you need more speed, go for the SSD.

 

[boomdog]

Doubling the RAM will of course make a difference but if you really want to see drastic improvements that bring it closer to the latest gen and SSD is a must. Cut my boot time from well over a minute to under 30 seconds. Apps start almost instantly when previously they'd take 10+ seconds.

For me it's SSD, RAM will help to eke out another year but an SSD will make it feel so much better.

 

[trevm999]

Go with SSD before RAM. You hard drive could be failing and that could be slowing things down. Download SMART Utility to check to see if it is having any problems (Disk Utility doesn't test it physically, just logically)