Best products from r/macbook

Here's what I recommend:

Physical stuffs:

• USB-C dongles (if you need them and don't have them already)
  
• Laptop sleeve/case/bag (if you don't have one already and feel like you might need it)
  
• Maybe a keyboard cover – Butterfly keyboard reliability woes. You might be a lucky one who has no problems, but are you willing to take that risk? That being said, you can always file a keyboard replacement from Apple's keyboard replacement program...
  
• A good wireless mouse – I tend to get hand cramps when I use the trackpad for an extended period of time. Maybe it's just me though...
  
• External display – even my 15-inch MacBook Pro gets cramped sometimes. Depending on your workflow, you may want to invest in an external monitor.
  
  • And a good keyboard and mouse to go with it :)
    
    Mac-specific Software:
    
    
• SMCFanControl (FREE) or MacsFanControl (FREE) – Apple likes to keep Macs, especially MacBooks as quiet as possible without much consideration to heat. If you do anything remotely intensive, you'd better get one of these to keep your machine cool.
  
• Magnet ($1.99) – Allows for Windows-like snapping features for your windows.
  
• Dozer (FREE) – Allows you to hide menu bar icons
  
• NightOwl (FREE) – Allows you to change from Light to Dark mode on a schedule
  
• Alfred (FREE) – Spotlight search but massively improved
  
• Amphetamine (FREE) – Keep your Mac awake (i.e. when file downloads, etc.)
  
• DaisyDisk ($9.99) – Manage your storage space
  
• AppCleaner (FREE) – When you uninstall apps, they leave behind hidden files which this app will delete for you.
  
  Other software:
  
  
• Todoist/Any.do (FREE) – Manage your tasks and reminders
  
• Google Keep (FREE) – Manage your notes
  
• Firefox/Opera (FREE)– Browse the web. What I've found is that Safari will give you the best battery life, but it lacks extensions. Chrome on the other hand is a huge resource (battery and RAM in particular) hog. I personally use Firefox, but Opera is also a good choice. Opera also supports installing Chrome extensions.
  
• Pocket (FREE) – Save articles for later
  
• Spark (FREE) – Best email client I've ever used
  
  That about does it for me. Thanks for reading :)

First off, the upcoming macOS 10.14 Mojave does not support MacBooks from 2011 and older anymore. That means the last macOS the machine your wife's friend intends to give to you is going to run will be macOS 10.13 High Sierra. That being said, macOS 10.13 High Sierra is still being supported by Apple in terms of security updates for next two years. Its security support will end in mid-2020. With that in mind, you can potentially always install Windows or a Linux distribution to keep it going when it comes to security updates.

Apple no longer officially does battery replacements for MacBooks from 2010, so you'd have to resort to third party companies doing it for you or doing it yourself. There are still compatible batteries being sold on eBay.

> Will a new ssd or ram make it functional?

Inserting an SSD and more RAM will make it faster no doubt. Every SATA SSD of 2.5" form factor should work.

As for the RAM, I'd like to quote from the following link:

• https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/102131/macbook-pro-13-inch-maximum-memory
  
  > Specifically, as discovered by OWC, the 13-Inch "Mid-2010" MacBook Pro models (and only the 13-Inch models) -- the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 13" Mid-2010 and "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 13" Mid-2010 identified by MacBookPro7,1 -- can support up to 16 GB of RAM with dual 8 GB memory modules if they are running OS X 10.7.5 or higher, have been updated to use the latest EFI, and are equipped with proper specification memory modules. If running a version of Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard," these models only can use 8 GB of RAM.
  
  In order to know what macOS version the Mac is running, go to the Apple menu at the top left corner of the screen -> "About my Mac". Once there, you'll be able to see both the macOS version and the processor in use.
  
  Should the device be a white plastic MacBook 2010, as opposed to an aluminium MacBook Pro 2010, then it will support a maximum capacity of 8 GB RAM (2 x 4 GB RAM modules).
  
  The type of RAM (no matter if MacBook or MacBook Pro) you must buy is as follows:
  
  PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz SDRAM, 204-pin
  
  This RAM should work, for example:
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-CMSA8GX3M2A1066C7-Channel-204-Pin-SO-DIMM/dp/B00505EZYW
  
• https://www.amazon.com/OWC-PC8500-204-pin-Upgrade-MacBook/dp/B00BKVQFU2
  
  However, you should think long and hard about investing further money into that machine, namely in a new SSD, new RAM, and a new battery. It is pretty old and security support for it is coming to an end.

Definetely go with a SSD My MacBook Pro is almost like a new computer after installing one. But If you want the best of both worlds I’d advise you replace your optical drive with a HDD caddy and install your current HDD there, installing a SSD in It’s place. The installing process is fairly simple watch the videos of people doing it closely and watch out for the flex cable. Installing the SSD in place of the HDD is pretty easy as well. The guide says you need a T6 screwdriver for the studs of the HDD but it can be disassembled and reassembled with just pliers. Go for a 250GB SSD It’s enough for everything I currently use on a daily basis including the whole adobe lineup, my photos and videos. Good luck! Please ask if you have any other questions in your head ^^
Hard drive SSD replacement
Optical Drive replacement

Edit:
I realize I didn't answer your question the first time so I'm back haha.
Two years ago I asked an Apple store employee what they used to wipe down all Apple products because everything was so clean. Like no fingerprint stains on any of the keyboards, immaculate iPad and iPhone screens.

He told me they used "Whoosh" cleaner and microfiber cloths, both available on Amazon.
https://smile.amazon.com/WHOOSH-Award-Winning-Screen-Cleaner-Antimicrobial/dp/B00DOPW5L0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1502605520&sr=8-3&keywords=whoosh
I've used Whoosh on my own Macbook Pro and indeed it cleaned my screen effectively, but I haven't needed to use it on the keyboard since I use keyboard covers. Also, this was on the 2015 Macbook Pros. Ymmv since we're now talking about the 2017 MBPs, but if you ever stop by an Apple store, you can always ask them what they use - or if they use/ever used Whoosh.

Original post:
If you don't mind the frosty look on your keys, I'd recommend a keyboard cover. I've used one on my Macbook Pro 13 2015 since the launch week and buy a new one every half year or so for cleanliness reasons.

In my limited experience, a brand called Uppercase has pretty consistent quality. Good luck!

https://www.amazon.com/UPPERCASE-GhostCover-Premium-Keyboard-Protector/dp/B01MRKLH27/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502598784&sr=8-1&keywords=UPPERCASE+GhostCover+Premium+Ultra+Thin+Keyboard+Protector+for+MacBook+Pro+with+Touch+Bar+13%22+or+15%22+%282016+and+2017%2C+Apple+Model+Number+A1706%2C+A1707%29

Yep, I've done that on my previous MacBook but not my Pro, but it should be pretty similar, this video does a pretty good job at showing the process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWUKAUlxrkg

Here's a link to a cheap caddy; https://www.amazon.com/Optical-SuperDrive-Adapter-Unibody-Macbook/dp/B004FM4UGE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499015046&sr=8-1&keywords=macbook+hard+drive+caddy

Definitely go with the 15". The performance difference is measurable and you want the RAM, 8GB doesn't cut it for very long in my python coding experience. I currently use the exact same 13" model you linked, only reason being my university has pretty small desks otherwise I would've gone with the 15".

As for the difference between the 2016 and 2017, there is a small spec bump and you'll get better battery life. Plus if you pair it with an external SSD then you won't have to compromise on storage either. However if that sounds like something you're averse to, the 2016 model isn't bad at all.

The model you have got has a faster SSD, 4 thunderbolt ports and a faster processor (maybe? don't have the specs).

The 2019 model is 2 thunderbolt ports and slower SSD. You can get $100 off as a student discount and ask Best Buy to price match it with Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V49JVNH/ref=twister_B07VMC6P3H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 you get a better deal.

I think the 2019 models have better processors, do more research on it.

On amazon: works with both mac OS (plug and play) and windows.

​

Card: Needs to be a vega 56 or 64. 56 OC is enough honestly.

MSI Video Card Radeon RX Vega 56 Air Boost 8G OC


Razer Core X: Thunderbolt: (also, pick up a 6 foot thunderbolt cable) 6 foot is the max for best performance.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CQG2K5K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm not sure if you're interested, but you might consider an enclosure like this rather than an external drive.

https://www.amazon.ca/Drive-Unibody-MacBook-SuperDrive-Replacement/dp/B0058AH2US

I know some people actually use their optical drives, but I have had an external optical drive since I bought a MacBook Air in 2011 and I've used it less than a dozen times.

As for the SSDs you listed - for all the work you are going to do, I'd definitely go with the 120GB unit. SanDisk is a reasonably good company for entry-level SSDs. As for how Mac-compatible it is, I'll have to leave answering that to someone else.

You can connect your headphones - they all have a headphone jack. If money is not an issue, you don't care about portability and you wan't a reliable long-lasting machine, go for the 2017 15" model (the first link you provided).

It will last you for a while and it can easily do everything you throw at it. Performance wise, the 13" inch with lower specs would most likely be enough for you but if you are determined to make an investment, go for the 2017 15". The 2015 model is a good laptop as well but it has old and not so powerful specs and no USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 which will be a bing thing in the (near) future.

And about the USB-C hubs, I will copy a generic message that I post to every USB-C hub thread on this subreddit:

Check this out:

https://www.owcdigital.com/products/usb-c-dock

or

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/hyperdrive-thunderbolt-3-usb-c-hub-for-macbook-pro#/

Also, you can get another smaller USB-C hub if you needed to plug in things on the go, such as:

http://www.satechi.net/index.php/type-c-usb-hub-gunmetal

And there are plenty of USB-C + USB-A flash drives if you need that for school/work as well:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kingston-DataTraveler-Micro-Flash-Drive/dp/B010HWCFDA

https://cdn2.techadvisor.co.uk/cmsdata/reviews/3675893/au-feature-compact--and-light-71968123.jpg

Is that too big? That’s the Samsung T5, not as small as a flash drive but still not huge, it’s one of the best external SSD’s you can get. It uses a USB-C cable so you don’t have to carry around any dongles. Just grab a 256 GB or 512 GB model and you’ll be good to go.

Samsung T5 Portable SSD - 500GB - USB 3.1 External SSD (MU-PA500B/AM) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073GZBT36/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wrJACb5R5MDYG

Another option would be the Samsung X5 but it’s larger and costs more than the T5. The upside is that it has similar performance to the SSD that’s built into your MacBook whereas even though the T5 is quick it isn’t as fast as your built in SSD.

here you go quick sample on amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Transcend-JetDrive-Storage-Expansion-TS256GJDL360/dp/B00WGARJGU/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1539664291&sr=8-7&keywords=macbook+air+sd+drive

​

or

https://www.amazon.com/FBA_iSDA504ASV-aluminum-microSD-Adapter-MacBook/dp/B012F8ALBC/ref=pd_sbs_147_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B012F8ALBC&pd_rd_r=611b1244-d0fc-11e8-9fea-e722222b4194&pd_rd_w=8iqGL&pd_rd_wg=zqpYE&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=7d5d9c3c-5e01-44ac-97fd-261afd40b865&pf_rd_r=ZH9CF4CA231WH7MG0MA8&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=ZH9CF4CA231WH7MG0MA8

​

lots of alternatives just search for Macbook Air SD Drive Adaptor

​

The one i used was completely flush and allowed my to add my own SD card

​

Just make sure its for your modle (to get flush), also some report issues with sleep , never had the issue but i only used it to store movies, dropbox (or what ever i was using at the time .. this was 2013), games (Steam I think) and iTunes

​

advantage is that you always have it with you, also u might be able to encrypt it so that data protection can be taken care off

​

YMMV

​

​

​

​

To use the newest Chrome on Mac, you'll need OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later.

You can upgrade to 10.11 (El Capitan). Sadly, this will most probably slow down your computer in its current state. Like /u/Nera2626 said, you can upgrade the hardware as well, which will help with the speed on the newer OS versions. The maximum memory your laptop accepts is 8GB of PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz (SO-DIMM) RAM. An SSD wil further increase speed.

Edit: Not really sure where you're from, but here's a list on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Channel-204-Pin-Laptop-SO-DIMM/dp/B00505EZYW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1498659075&sr=8-2&keywords=so-dimm+ddr3+1066

https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-240GB-SDSSDA-240G-G26-Newest-Version/dp/B01F9G43WU/ref=sr_1_4?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1498659178&sr=1-4&keywords=ssd

So you could be back on track for less than $150 if you know someone that can help you install it.

Amazon has Crucial compatible ram in 16 gig as well. Works great (at least it has for over a year for me). Don't worry about brand, worry about it being listed as mac compatible, any that are should work just fine. (also, ones that aren't listed as mac compatible may still work, it's just not worth the time to go through and test which ones do)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LTBJFW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Cheers,

Alright, so I’ll pick up a 16GB kit from Amazon next week. Then a couple weeks later, the SSD. Which RAM upgrade do you think would be better between this one and this one? I’m totally new to macs, so all help is appreciated!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PVKHZLJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have this one and it's pretty good, haven't had problems with it.

something like this is an affordable option:

https://www.amazon.com/HP-23-8-inch-Adjustment-Speakers-VH240a/dp/B072M34RQC/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=monitor+hd&qid=1557848666&s=gateway&sr=8-6

​

or this one if you want the higher resolution similar to the retina display:

​

https://www.amazon.com/VP28UQG-3840x2160-Adaptive-FreeSync-Monitor/dp/B074PK4R2H/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=monitor+4k&qid=1557848709&s=gateway&sr=8-6

​

Either one doesn't make a difference for normal use, in the end its nice just having a larger larger screen to watch videos and such.

The MacBook 12" is on sale on Amazon for only $900. That's like dirt cheap for an Apple laptop. Is it worth it? I really only use my laptop for Internet browsing and word processing (I'm a teacher), but I would like to have this for at least four years without it crapping out on me. I have a 6yr old Air (only 4 GB RAM) and it works but it definitely lags when I have a lot of tabs open or am Skyping someone). This is the one I'm looking at:

https://smile.amazon.com/Apple-MNYF2LL-MacBook-Processor-Version/dp/B072QGG3V7/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=apple+macbook+12+inch&qid=1556424806&s=gateway&sr=8-3

The legacy Airs have easy to replace batteries if you have the proper screwdriver bits.

This one should fit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0796QX9LK/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_MZvRCbHN9YE3M

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B072L4R2DY/ref=twister_B071RQ7LHY

---

^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

If someone is looking for 4k@60hz hdmi here is the cable i bought and works perfectly


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MYUCWOK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

...it's more a very small bag than a sleeve, but I have the 15" version for my MBP and really like it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072L4R2DY/ref=twister_B071RQ7LHY?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks!

when you say optibay frame, that's the same as the optibay caddy right?

I was going to get this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058AH2US/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?smid=A3Q4G302TLNJTB&psc=1

Whatever you do, steer clear of Mosiso. Worse case maker ever.

I would suggest you try something like Moshi iGlaze cases. And use adaptors like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015Z7XE0A/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1524063774&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=usb+c+adapter&dpPl=1&dpID=31Q57GvJiSL&ref=plSrch

I got this one:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LTBJFW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Along with his screwdriver kit:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K1PHXJE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They both worked perfectly. Took longer to take the screws out than install the ram. Simplicity itself. The ram makes such a big difference it's hard to describe.

I don't want a cable. Cables are messy & cumbersome.

I want a dongle, so I ordered this from Amazon, instead.

It even lights-up to show it's active. But thanks anyway!

Currently rocking a new refurb 2017 15" 2.8/16/512 and I love it. USB drives - https://www.amazon.com/nonda-Adapter-Aluminum-Indicator-Macbook/dp/B015Z7XE0A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1518804323&sr=8-4&keywords=usb-c+to+usb
I have a few of these knocking about, problem solved.

Touch Bar - has its uses and I have reprogrammed for my particular uses. It get used EVERY FEW MINUTES.

Keyboard - you will type faster on this after 1 day than any other keyboard.

Don't forget the new massive trackpad. Seems ridiculous at first, then you will wonder how people manage on anything smaller.

Amazon

It seems it is pretty specific but above is the 16GB kit i bought for mine. 16GB may be overkill since it doesn’t seem that MacOS uses above 8GB in my use case.

Thanks!

I have a question for people who own the macbook with the Intel core m3. Does it feel too sluggish?

This macbook https://www.amazon.com/Apple-MNYF2LL-MacBook-Processor-Version/dp/B072QGG3V7/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=macbook&qid=1558961207&s=gateway&sr=8-4 "Apple MacBook (12", 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Core m3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)"

This one is $30 but I have had no problems with:

[Travel Inspira USB-C HDMI Hub, USB-C to HDMI Hub with USB 3.0 Port and USB-C Recharging Port for MacBook, Chromebook Pixel and More Type C Devices] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GKSPMCQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_GSzl5EWR9hdvf)

This one I got for $10 and is also great for quick USB port usage, including charging:

[nonda USB-C to USB 3.0 Mini Adapter [World's Smallest] Aluminum Body with Indicator LED for Macbook Pro 2016, MacBook 12-inch and other Type-C Devices (Space Gray)] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015Z7XE0A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_whK6yb7G1D16G)

I don't know if they'll power your external HDD but they do suffice for charging my S7 Edge so I don't see why they wouldn't charge an iPhone.

This is the RAM I bought.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LTBJFW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have a microSD adapter in mine for additional/slower internal storage, similar to this one:

https://www.amazon.com/FBA_iSDA504ASV-aluminum-microSD-Adapter-MacBook/dp/B012F8ALBC

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MRKLH27/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Crucial 16GB Kit (2 x 8GB) DDR3L-1600 1600 MT/S SODIMM Memory for Mac (CT2K8G3S160BM)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008LTBJFW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MAQjzbZE377Z6

I got this when it was on sale https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LTBJFW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

just ordered this

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PVKHZLJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1