I would like to upgrade to OS XX Lion. I have an iMac, Intel Core 2 Duo with 1 GB of Memory. I guess I need 2 GB of Memory to upgrade. So I guess I cannot take advantage of iCloud? Is there anything I can do short of purchasing a new computer? Not really what I want to do.
OS X Lion-OTHER, Mac OS X (10.6.7)
Never mind! I found that I need to upgrade the memory. I guess I am off to the Apple Store. I am not going to mess with that.
Installing memory is extremely easy to install and: Apple charges several times more than anyone else. And, to add another thought: 2 GB RAM is the absolute minimum to run Lion - and only if you are running only basics (no graphics or video editing), otherwise a minimum of 4 GB RAM is recommended.
So, I'd think about ordering the memory elsewhere, e.g. at OWC (macsales.com) - just pick your model Mac and it will tell you what's available. They also have install videos on their site.
Thank you so much for your reply. I will check out macsales and see if this will be doable for me. Thanks for the hint about really needing 4 GB of memory. My, My what have I gotten myself into?
I have routinely installed more memory in every Mac I've owned - that is because they sell it to you with a minimum installed. As I said, it'll run with it - just not very speedy or well. Memory is cheap right now, so it wouldn't hurt to do it. Also, you will need to buy Lion (29.95 I think at the Mac App Store).
On the other hand, how old is your Mac? And do you have any other iDevices to use iCloud with (iPhone, iPad, other Macs, eetc)? If not, iCloud will not be of much use to you - it'll only be helpful if you buy lots of music for instance (or movies, etc) and then you can listen to/watch them on all your devices. I'd suggest reading up on iCloud as well before making a decision:
I sure appreciate all of your input and helping me to make a decision. I do need more memory to upgrade to OS X Lion. And I need OS X Lion to take advantage of iCloud. I do have an iPhone which I am attached to for music, photo, calendar etc, etc. So I feel I need the memory. I guess my hesitation is purchasing the correct memory(my model ID is iMac 7,1) and then installing it. I purchased my computer in Feb. 2008 so I don't feel it is that old, but maybe so in a computers lifespan. It's kind of like a car-I just get in and drive it and don't really care what makes it work. I have viewed the video about installing the memory and I don't think that will be a problem-looks pretty forward. It's Murphy's Law - if something is going to go wrong it will. It seems whenever I upgrade, install or do anything with the computer something goes wrong. I know after OS X Lion is intalled I will have a problem with my printer, but I have solved that before. Anyway thanks so much and I will continue to work on this.
Okay, so here is the page for the memory for your model:
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/apple/memory/iMac/Intel_Core_2_Duo
You'd want the 2 x 2 GB kit for 57.99 (for OWC brand) or pay more for either of the other brands..... You will need a tiny screwdriver to loosen the screws of the little door. And push in the new modules HARD until you hear it click. The worst that can happen: the Mac won't boot - that means either you didn't put it in right or the RAM is defective (slim chance), so just do it again. When I did my Macbook, for some reason it just did not want to latch in there right and I had to do it several times before it worked.
As for Lion: make sure you have a full backup (bootable preferred, but Time machine is fine) just in case. Then unplug any peripherals except keyboard and mouse and go for it. When done, repair permissions first. Restart. Run Software Update to see if there is anything. If there is, install. Repair Permissions and restart again. Then see if/which apps do not work with Lion.
Well, I have placed my order and looking forward to getting this all accomplished.
Thank you sooooo much for your directions and help. I have printed your instructions and I am sure all will work out with such a good tutorial.
Great - post back if you have more questions.....
I just want to let you know that I have installed more RAM, installed OS X, switched from me.com to iCloud and all seems to be going well so far. Several Apps are not compatible, but that is okay they were old and needed to be removed.
Thanks so much for the push and the help.
You're very welcome and I'm glad to hear it all worked out!
Not enough memory to upgrade to OS X Lion
