Using a Mid 2009 Macbook Pro, how do I give it new life?

[sfyn]

I'm on Version 10.6.8,
Processor 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo
4GB 1067MHz DDR3

Is there anything I can do to make it feel like a brand new laptop? Sometimes it loads up very slow.. and the reason I never updated is because things always get inconvenient after updates e.g some features lost or difficulty navigating settings. But alas I am unable to view YouTube videos on Safari. I think it might be time for me to take the dive.

 

[snaky69]

I'm on Version 10.6.8,
Processor 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo
4GB 1067MHz DDR3

Is there anything I can do to make it feel like a brand new laptop? Sometimes it loads up very slow.. and the reason I never updated is because things always get inconvenient after updates e.g some features lost or difficulty navigating settings. But alas I am unable to view YouTube videos on Safari. I think it might be time for me to take the dive.

Pop a SSD in there.

If you're on the original hard drive, it's bound to die soon enough seeing how old it is. I hope you keep a good backup handy. Hard drives tend to slow to a crawl before croaking.

 

[T5BRICK]

I'm on Version 10.6.8,
Processor 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo
4GB 1067MHz DDR3

Is there anything I can do to make it feel like a brand new laptop?

As someone else already suggested, remove the HDD and install a SSD.

I'd also look into upgrading to a newer version of OS X.

 

[Spink10]

SSD will change your world.

 

[Shaaun]

I have an SSD installed on my

I'm on Version 10.6.8,
Processor 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo
4GB 1067MHz DDR3

Is there anything I can do to make it feel like a brand new laptop? Sometimes it loads up very slow.. and the reason I never updated is because things always get inconvenient after updates e.g some features lost or difficulty navigating settings. But alas I am unable to view YouTube videos on Safari. I think it might be time for me to take the dive.

I have a MBP Mid 2009 the same spec as you and I have 4GB RAM and an SSD it runs great with Mavericks 10.9.5 and for the extra £30-40 or $50 it would be a great upgrade to an old system or even upgrade the RAM for an extra £40 or $60.

 

[Sickly Grin]

Get a SSD. It'll change everything. That's what I did with my mid-2010 MBP. Runs Yosemite perfectly now. I also updated the RAM to 8GB, but that's not exactly necessary.

 

[Fishrrman]

This is just a repeat of what folks wrote above, but...
Put an SSD into it.

A 240gb SSD will run you about $70.
It will completely change the "feel" of the computer.

I have a 2010 MB Pro, and installation was VERY easy -- 15 minute job.
ANYONE can do it.
Look up the "how to" guide on ifixit.com

One proviso:
BE SURE YOU USE THE RIGHT TOOLS!

You may not need to upgrade the RAM -- this depends on what programs you use.
My 2010 MB Pro still runs fine with 4gb.

Final advice:
You don't really need to "compare" SSD's, "speed wise".
That's because your MacBook has a SATA 2 bus, and all current SSD's are SATA 3.
What that means is ANY one you buy will run at the fastest speed that the MacBook can handle.
I'd suggest Crucial or Sandisk as good choices.
If you spend extra $$$ for something like Samsung Pro, you're just wasting it.