I have always enjoyed tinkering with stuff since I was a kid. The term may not be used as frequently today, what’s funny is that it is still very relevant, the definition of tinkering is: “The attempt to repair or improve something in a casual or desultory way, often to no useful effect.” The end of this definition is not always true. As I, along with many of my other “tinkering” cohorts, also known as DIY – Do It Yourself(ers), have learned from one another that we can overcome and not have to pay an arm and a leg to do some simple tasks, including opening up the once forbidden Mac/Apple products.
I’ve changed the battery on my iPod, which is not for those who still live in the time of “do not remove the label” from their pillows. We are often intimidated by the warning labels on our electronic toys that you will invalidate the warranty, yet when your device has been out of warranty for many years, what does it matter?
Some say that they will make things worse if they try to do fix something on their own, others say go ahead and chance it. I say, “Look it up online, watch several videos, read instructions, research until you are comfortable, and then go for it.”
Increasing the Memory Chips on the Black MacBook
The first step in fixing the speed in my old MacBook 13 inch was to upgrade the memory. This was long overdue as I purchased (2006) it as a backup to my ever crashing PC (which came with Windows Vista and I had to downgrade, wipe the hard drive and reinstall Windows XP).
My black, 13″ MacBook only had 512 MB; it has been so slow in everything as time went on that I stopped using it, knowing it would always be there should my PC crash again.
I looked up some videos and found this easy to follow guide on YouTube on “How to Install Memory into the Apple MacBook.” Next to changing the battery in your MacBook, this is the simplest thing you can do on your own.
I ordered the memory for about 30 bucks, one of the things I noticed the video didn’t talk about was making sure you didn’t have any static on your hands, since I tend to get shocked touching mental every now and again.
Tools Needed to Upgrade Memory
The only tools I needed were a small screwdriver set, which you could probably find at any store for a couple of dollars in the hardware section, the same type that you use on tightening the screws on your eyeglasses. I didn’t need to configure anything; I just popped them in and fired it up and poof!
The main thing I needed to research was how much memory my 13 inch MacBook model and year would be able to go up to. Since I have an older model I found that I could only go up to 2 GB, I found this information by searching on Mac forums. I knew from the info on my computer, which you can find by clicking on the Apple icon on your Mac, in the top left hand corner and then clicking on “About this Mac”. My particular model took two 1 GB, DDR2 SDRAM, yours maybe different.
You’ll find all the information that you’ll need also in the “more info…” button, when you order your memory chips. I have a MacBook 1, 1, Intel Core Duo.
Upgrading OS X to OS Leopard
The second step to speed up my MacBook was to upgrade the OS (Operating System). I needed to increase the RAM on my MacBook in order to upgrade from Mac OS X to the newer version operating system, the OS X Lion. However, while doing research on various Mac forums, I read that I couldn’t upgrade my present OS X without more memory and that my MacBook, even with an increase of Memory to 2 GB can only upgrade the OS to Leopard.
The Leopard CD is on its way in the mail as we speak. What is surprising to me is that I can’t download the OS Leopard online and that the local Apple stores don’t carry it. I realize it’s an older OS but in this day and age, why can’t I at least download it? Sadly, Apple is very slow in mailing this out, it took them over a week to just send a notice after I paid that they are mailing it. OS upgrades are only $29, but with shipping it was several dollars more.
Hard drive – Increasing Speed by Making Room
I could also increase my little 75 GB hard drive and get a larger one which can help increase speed, but the cost is prohibitive and since this is my backup laptop and I can easily use an external hard drive to make space on my MacBook, I won’t need to spend additional money on this part of my plan to increase speed.
Continue Tinkering
My conclusion is that Apple wants its users to buy their new electronics so for those who have money to throw away or want the latest and greatest, they will do just that – upgrade to the newest release computer, iPod, iPad, iPhone etc. For me, I may sell my MacBook or donate it someday, but right now, I’ll continue to ‘tinker’ with my black 13″ MacBook.