NObodE
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Received a New MacBook Pro and Have a Few Questions...

I am not as up-to-date as I should be with the MBP. I did just receive a new one that I purchased from apple.com. I noticed it did not come with any DVDs for the operating system, Pages, iLife, etc. like my last one came with.  What do I do if I need to reinstall the OS and I do not have a disk?

 

what is the latest OS version I should have on the new MBP?

 

I also got an Airport Express that is working great. I heard about Air Play. I know nothing about it.  How can I learn more about Air Play and how to use it?

 

I would like to have 16 GB of RAM, and it came with 8 GB. I beleive I will have to swap out the 8 Gb for 2, 8 GB sticks. A good company or online store someone can recommend?

 

Finally, if anybody can recommend a solid and protective MBP (neopreme type) sleeve protector to carry my MBP in please let me know.  I would prefer a recommendation rather then telling me where to find them. The most important qualitites I would like to have (for my new 15" MBP) are that it is thick or made of a thinner material that will Protect when carrying the MBP around from my office to another floor, from my office to home, etc. I also would like one that has high quality, meaning that the zipper will most likely hold up, it will last and not fall apart, simply put, it just holds up well and protects the laptop, things like this.

Posted on Jan 29, 2013 7:32 PM

by clintonfrombirmingham,Solvedanswer
clintonfrombirmingham clintonfrombirmingham
Level 7 (30,009 points)
Mac OS X
A:

Hey NObodE, good to see you back...

 

No, none of the late 2011-through 2012 models shipped with any discs. The way you recover your OS, now, is over the Internet. To simply replace the System, you'd boot to your Recovery partition, holding down the Command and R keys whilst booting. For a 'clean' install, you'd hold down the Command, option and R keys whilst booting and use the complete Internet recovery mode to erase your drive and reinstall the system anew.

 

You should be running OS X 10.8.2 - that's the latest version available. If you select Software Update from System Preferences and have it run automatically daily, you should be in good shape.

 

To take full advantage of AirPlay, you'll need an Apple TV unit - I don't have one as my receiver has AirPlay built-in and I only stream music... no video.

 

As for RAM, I prefer Crucial - go to their website and click the System Scanner tab - you can download a small app that will send information about your model to Crucial and the website will point to the upgrades that are right for your system.

 

I purchased a new neoprene case from Amazon when I got my new MBP - it's made by Case Logic: nthing fancy but the computer fits well and it has good zippers. Not a hard shell case, but then it lives in my backback when 'we' go out.

 

Good luck!

 

Clinton

Posted on Jan 29, 2013 7:46 PM

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Q: Received a New MacBook Pro and Have a Few Questions...

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  • by Kalob,

    Kalob Kalob Jan 29, 2013 9:01 PM in response to NObodE
    Level 1 (80 points)
    Jan 29, 2013 9:01 PM in response to NObodE

    Yeah, the iLife apps (iMovie, iPhoto and GarageBand) are included with your Mac. The iWork apps (Pages, Keynote and Numbers) are separate purchases in the MAS.

     

    I also looked up the backpack I carry my rMBP in, here's the link:

     

    http://www.brenthaven.com/macbook-cases/prostyle-bp-xf#viewer

     

    The handle on top is very comfortable and it has plenty of compartments.

     

    Thanks,

     

    Kalob

  • by clintonfrombirmingham,

    clintonfrombirmingham clintonfrombirmingham Jan 29, 2013 9:04 PM in response to Kalob
    Level 7 (30,009 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 29, 2013 9:04 PM in response to Kalob

    I had forgotten about Brenthaven - Apple used to carry some of their products and I had two 'briefcase' style carry-alls for my PowerBooks... looks as if the price is pretty close to the Booq...

     

    Clinton

  • by NObodE,

    NObodE NObodE Jan 29, 2013 10:57 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 29, 2013 10:57 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

    Kalob-I did order Pages, Keynote, and Numbers when I configured the cMBP.  I just got it today and I left the machine at work.  I did not look to see if they were already installed.  I did notice that the dock looked pretty empty, but maybe they are somewhere else.  I was just asking, even know I paid for these programs, if they were not sending the DVDs because one can download the programs fro the App Store.  It is amazing how much Apple has changed things since Ipurchased my last MBP.  it was only a little over 3 years old. 

     

    I just have a lot to learn and this stuff does not come easy for me.  I always struggle with technology.  I just got my first smartphone (an iPhone) about 4 months ago.  lol

     

    Clinton- So you had a booq that is more expensive than $300?  They look great on the dark website.  You said it has help up well.  would you compare the quality to like Tumi?  They remind me of a Tumi bag.  The booq products look high quality.  Not much info on what they are made from and if they keep out rain, water, but they are nice looking.

     

    Was your booq a backpack or a bag?  Like the Boa Squeeze Black XL?

  • by clintonfrombirmingham,

    clintonfrombirmingham clintonfrombirmingham Jan 29, 2013 11:29 PM in response to NObodE
    Level 7 (30,009 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 29, 2013 11:29 PM in response to NObodE

    I don't have - and never have had and will probably never have - a smartphone (but I help my neighbors out frequently with their iPhones). I'll eventually buy an iPad, I'm sure - but I've no need for a smartphone!

     

    The Booq backpack that I pointed to is only $199, I think, but it's the 'most similar' to the one that I purchased over 7 years ago. It has held up remarkably well... I carry MacBook Pro accessories, two cameras, all manner of files, etc., in it. I could not ask for anything better and I'm sure that the straps take more of a beating being slung over the back of my wheelchair than they would normally. It goes everywhere with me - both inside and when I'm out of the house. It's where I keep my Swiss army knife, my pens, etc. It's just a terrific on-the-go, always-with-you office. If it ever does wear out (unlikely) I'll replace it with another Booq - I like it just that much - and, yes, click the link, it's a backpack!

     

    Clinton

  • by NObodE,

    NObodE NObodE Jan 30, 2013 7:19 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 30, 2013 7:19 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

    Clinton, I did click the link and appreciate it.  I had heard of this brand before and even looked at purchasing one a long time ago when I had purchased my 2nd MBP.  I think the link took me to a webpage when I read your post yesterday, but I will try again.  The backpack on the webpage your link took me to had a backpack called the Boa Squeeze, one is XL and one is M.

     

    I think you are the only person I have chatted with other then myself who does not have a smartphone.  it is so rare (but I did finally about 4 months ago get an iPhone, and this is my first).  Went from my flip phone to the iPhone and I am still lost trying to figure out all the settings.  I had gone to a couple conferences that I had to attend and everything was online so I was out on a limb because this was before I purchased the iphone.  I could not even look at any of the handouts.  The other conference even had its own app and all the electronic documents were obtained through the app.  I did not have a smartphone then too and I was lost.  These recent expereinces made me realize I better get a iPhone or smartphone.  Now I wish I wold have gone with the Samsung..  after hearing about Apple recently I am not so sure this MBP purchase was the best thing.  I upgraded it with the SDD  which I think is what makes the MBP thicker than my previous one.

  • by NObodE,

    NObodE NObodE Jan 30, 2013 7:26 PM in response to Kalob
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 30, 2013 7:26 PM in response to Kalob

    Kalob-

     

    I paid for Pages, Numbers, Keynote when I configured the MBP.

     

    thanks for the link to the brenthaven.  It looks like a nice backpack.  what size is your rMBP?  do you think a smaller bag would have been a better choice, if this compnay has a smaller backpack or are you satisfied with the size?

  • by Kalob,

    Kalob Kalob Jan 30, 2013 8:44 PM in response to NObodE
    Level 1 (80 points)
    Jan 30, 2013 8:44 PM in response to NObodE

    I've never dealt with the iWork apps when they're purchased with the MBP. I would imagine they would appear similar to the iLife apps? Otherwise, Apple has no idea which Apple ID to attach them to (unless they use the Apple ID that you may have used during the ordering process). Hopefully you don't have more than one ;)

     

    For the backpack, I was fortunate and bought it off an old coworker for $50. It's my favorite pack I've ever owned. I have the 15-inch rMBP. It has a tiny bit of extra room. I used to have a 17-inch MBP that fit perfectly. You might consider a slightly smaller bag if they offer one.

  • by NObodE,

    NObodE NObodE Jan 30, 2013 9:30 PM in response to Kalob
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 30, 2013 9:30 PM in response to Kalob

    I was confused because in your earlier post you said all you had was a clear covering for your rMBP and then you sent this link.  I love the backpacks on the site you sent me, but it is one that you said you currently use.  You are satisfied with the quality?  since the one you said in the link is the one you have and on the website it says it is for MBPs up to 17" I was wondering if you felt it was to big and if you think a small er backpack in this line would better.  I really like the bags, but kowing which one to get for travel but not have it be too big so I can carry it onboard and not have to deal with an oversize packpack is my goal.

     

    I was looking for something I could put some cloths and my toiletries for short trips.  Kind of like these backpacks.

     

    http://www.brenthaven.com/macbook-cases/expandable-trek-bp-blue

     

    http://www.brenthaven.com/landing-page/kona-project-2-backpack-black

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