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Q: I am going to get a used 2008-2009 macbook pro, I am wondering if I can update it to work like a brand new macboook?

I currently have a Dell computer that I have had for a few years and I don't like it.  I want to get the macbook pro 15" but they are out of my budget.  I think the best option would be a used one probably from 2008-2009.  I'm hoping that I can update the software so it works like a brand new macbook.  And in the fall, will I be able to update it to Yosemite? Please let me know if you know of any other ways to get a macbook cheaper.

MacBook Pro

Posted on Jul 30, 2014 6:32 PM

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askaquestionandanswer

Q: I am going to get a used 2008-2009 macbook pro, I am wondering if I can update it to work like a brand new macboook?

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  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Jul 30, 2014 6:54 PM in response to askaquestionandanswer
    Level 10 (271,794 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 30, 2014 6:54 PM in response to askaquestionandanswer

    Upgrading to Mavericks

     

    To upgrade to Mavericks you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.8 or Lion installed. Download Mavericks from the App Store. Sign in using your Apple ID. Mavericks is free. The file is quite large, over 5 GBs, so allow some time to download. It would be preferable to use Ethernet because it is nearly four times faster than wireless.

     

        OS X Mavericks- System Requirements

     

          Macs that can be upgraded to OS X Mavericks

     

             1. iMac (Mid 2007 or newer) - Model Identifier 7,1 or later

             2. MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer) - Model Identifier 5,1 or later

             3. MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later

             4. MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer) - Model Identifier 2,1 or later

             5. Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later

             6. Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later

             7. Xserve (Early 2009) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later

     

    To find the model identifier open System Profiler in the Utilities folder. It's displayed in the panel on the right.

     

         Are my applications compatible?

     

             See App Compatibility Table - RoaringApps.

     

    See the above for what you need if you want to run Mavericks or Yosemite. I would recommend sticking with a 2009 model. Avoid the 2010 models because they have had awful GPU failure issues. Late 2011 is a pretty reliable model. Stick with models that will accept at least up to 8 GBs of RAM. This should include all that I have suggested.

     

    You can upgrade the HDDs and/or add an SSD, but you can't change the CPUs or GPUs, so they will not be as fast as a new model.