According to the specs for your model listed in MacTracker database, you could upgrade
the RAM to as much as 16GB, with quality RAM from reputable sources... See noted
Firmware update linked below, before attempting to upgrade the RAM memory chips.
Maximum Memory 16 GB (Actual) 8 GB (Apple)
Memory Slots 2 - 204-pin PC-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM
•MacBook Pro: How to remove or install memory - Apple Support
More than 4GB is recommended, even before Yosemite; though some suggest 4GB is
enough. But not usually if you actually run applications that put demands on the OS X
and the limited resources that worked fine in an older OS X version don't do that well
in a later OS X system. Upgrade the computer before you upgrade the OS X.
The computer you have can be upgraded in OS X to Yosemite 10.10.2, there was a
firmware update listed for it, but that may not be currently available; but yours is:
Here's the link for EFI Firmware Update 2.7 for MacBook Pro:
•MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 2.7
The computer could use an SSD upgrade or a 7200-RPM hard disk drive. Be sure
to match the physical size of the replacement drive because there are two sizes
of 2.5-inch drive, one is thicker than the other. You could look into OWC macsales
online to see what is available in the range of your expectation. Read closely.
For reference: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/powerbook-ibook-macbook/
Given the 17-inch portable has not been re-introduced to the product line and there
is no way to tell if one ever will be again, you could choose to go with it, or perhaps
look for a newer model. If you like to upgrade components, check the Late 2012
13-inch MacBook Pro with the optical drive and non-retina display. It seems OK.
Good luck & happy computing! 🙂
edited 2x