Archive for Macbook pro

Hey IT Nerd! Should I Get 8GB Or 16GB For My Mac?

Posted in Tips with tags on December 6, 2013 by itnerd

Here’s a question that just hit my inbox:

I love reading your blog! Thanks for taking the time to do it! I have a question. I’m going to get a new MacBook Pro and I was wondering if I should get it with 8GB or 16GB. I know that I can’t upgrade it later, but I’m afraid that going to 16GB is overkill. What do you think?

Thanks for reading my blog. It’s much appreciated.

You’re right, the MacBook Pros with Retina displays cannot be upgraded. Thus you have to make the right decision at the time of purchase. Now you could always go with what I’ve always told people which is put as much RAM as you possibly afford into it. But the reality is that this decision can be made based on how you will use the MacBook:

  • If you’re using it to browse the web and check email then it’s absolutely overkill to put 16GB of RAM. In that use case, there’s no benefit.
  • If you’re editing video, running virtual machines using VMWare Fusion or Parallels Desktop, or editing high resolution photos in Photoshop, or anything of the sort, then 16GB is not overkill. You’ll need it.

Another thing to consider: If you’re starting out as the former, but you’ll be doing the latter at some point, get 16GB.

Hopefully that helps and thanks again for your support.

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Hey IT Nerd! How Do I Keep My New MacBook Pro Looking Like New?

Posted in Commentary with tags , on April 28, 2013 by itnerd

That’s a very good question as there is a rather healthy market for used Apple products. Thus keeping your MacBook Pro looking good is important to ensure you maximize the value of your investment. Here’s what I do:

  1. I clean my MacBook Pro with a micro-fibre cloth and a product called iKlear Apple Polish. It’s available at the Apple Store and you can get it with the micro-fibre cloths included. It works quite well. It’s a safe and effective way of keeping your Mac clean. In terms of frequency, I clean my MacBook Pro once a month.
  2. I have a matte screen protector on my MacBook Pro. It’s partially because there was no matte screen option when I bought my MacBook, but it also takes the hits so my screen doesn’t have to. I don’t have a specific recommendation in terms of screen protector. So I’ll point you towards GearZap.com so you can see what your options are.
  3. I use a case, two actually, to protect it from bumps and bruises. One is an sleeve which goes into a well padded case. In terms of a sleeve, I recently reviewed the ZeroShock IV Advanced Laptop Case which provides a fair amount of protection. That would be a good choice. From there you need a case, I’ll point you towards GearZap.com as they have a large selection of cases which allow you to choose what works for you. But if you want to know what I use, I’ve relied on the Tucano Figura Medium Case for years. It provides a good amount of protection as well as easily accessible pockets for things like airline tickets and other documents. Not to mention the ability to hold my MacBook related items. Plus I can slide the case through the handle of my carry on bag so that I have nothing on my shoulder. It’s also easy to pull out the notebook at TSA checkpoints. Given how much I travel, that’s important to me.

All three of these things help to keep my MacBook pro looking like new. They should help you to do the same as well.

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Spotted: Twelve South BookBook MacBook Pro 13 with Retina Leather Case

Posted in Commentary with tags , on April 20, 2013 by itnerd

If you’ve got yourself a new 13″ MacBook Pro with a Retina display, you might want to protect it with a quality case. I’ve come across the  Twelve South BookBook MacBook Pro 13 with Retina Leather Case. This new case will give your MacBook great protection and you peace of mind, it will stop your device from being accidently knocked or scratched. Your MacBook sits in the case perfectly and can be unzipped and opened to use the device without removing it, making it very functional. The case is designed to make it look like an old style book, which is a very unique design meaning your new MacBook will stand out nicely. The case is made from high quality leather so you know you have a high class product. A bonus feature of this case is you have full access to all ports when using the MacBook and you have peace of mind they are covered when not.

So if you’re in the market for a high quality case, you can pick one up at Gearzap.com.

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Nvidia Reports Issue With Notebooks Graphic Chipsets… Takes $150 – $200 Million Charge… Ouch!

Posted in Commentary with tags , , on July 4, 2008 by itnerd

Graphics chipset company Nvidia announced that it had a problem with the graphic chipsets that are used in notebooks. The problem appears to be widespread, or as Nvidia put it, it is in “significant quantities” of their chips. Nvidia will take a $150 to $200 million charge against their Q2 earnings which won’t delight shareholders. They do have a fix though:

“To tackle the problem, the company is releasing a software driver that will cause system fans to start operating sooner and reduce the “thermal stress” on the chips. The driver has been provided to laptop makers directly, said Derek Perez, an Nvidia spokesman.”

This has sent Macbook Pro users into a tizzy as Nvida has been the graphic chipsets of choice in the last two revisions of the Macbook Pro. If Macbook Pro users are affected, expect a patch to hit the streets soon.

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