AhTim.com » macbook http://www.ahtim.com Tech, Web 2.0,How To,Reviews,Downloads for Tech Guys Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:29:34 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Macbook Memory Upgrade to 8GB RAM ! http://www.ahtim.com/macbook-memory-upgrade-to-8gb-ram/ http://www.ahtim.com/macbook-memory-upgrade-to-8gb-ram/#comments Wed, 04 May 2011 16:11:43 +0000 AhTim http://ahtim.com/?p=2962 My 1½ year old Macbook running not as fast as before, because I’ve nearly 100 apps now! That is a lot ;) Don’t believe? Look at my desktop screen shot below.

I expect the number to be increase more since it is so easy to download software from App Store.

It is really not easy to run apps simultaneously with the basic 2GB memory that comes with Macbook. It slow down whole system performance when I run iPhoto, iMovie to edit movie with Safari open.

Upgrade 4GB or 8GB Memory ?

Not easy to decide 4GB or 8GB because Macbook officially support only 4GB stated at Apple website. But some Macbook users upgraded their Macbook to 8GB successfully.

After some research, Mac OS X (Snow Leopard in my case) actually running on 64-bit (including most built-in App) with 32-bit backward compatible. Theoretically, it should be able to support up to 16 EXABYTES memory! Yes, it’s true. Not 16GB but 16EB.

At last I decided upgrade to 8GB DDR3 Memory. After restart, system show 8GB detected.

After XBench memory test and some app testing, it shows running stable without any error or problem. Now my Macbook have more memory room to use :) Means better multitasking capabilities.

Need Memory upgrade kit that match your Mac? Check out Amazon offer below.

PS: There are 2 bus speed 1066Mhz and 1333Mhz. Choose the right speed to match your Macbook frontside bus.

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]]> http://www.ahtim.com/macbook-memory-upgrade-to-8gb-ram/feed/ 2 How To Make Macbook Hibernate http://www.ahtim.com/how-to-make-macbook-hibernate/ http://www.ahtim.com/how-to-make-macbook-hibernate/#comments Sat, 10 Jul 2010 12:26:01 +0000 AhTim http://ahtim.com/?p=2791

By default, Macbook put into sleep mode when you close lid. Although it wake up very quickly when open lid again, but waste battery power!

I rather wait extra few seconds to startup and save longer battery life, by set it to “hibernate” mode when close lid. Hibernate will save your memory stage into hard disk and shut off computer. It then reload back into RAM and you can continue to work on your files.

There is no GUI to switch to hibernate mode. You have to use some command. But don’t worry, just follow my simple steps:

1. Open Terminal > type “pmset -g | grep hibernate” to determine your current sleep mode. All modes are below, choose the one you want to set.

  • 0 – Legacy sleep mode. It will save everything to RAM upon sleeping but does not support “Safe Sleep”. Very fast sleep.
  • 1 – Legacy “Safe Sleep”. This is the “Safe Sleep”. Everything your laptop goes into sleep, it will save everything to harddisk. Slow on Sleep and Startup.
  • 3 – Default. As described above, when sleeping, contents are saved to RAM. When battery runs out, hibernate occurs.
  • 5 – Behaves as 1 but applicable only for modern Mac that uses “Secure virtual memory”.
  • 7 – Behaves as 3 but applicable only for modern Mac that uses “Secure virtual memory”.

2. In Terminal > type “vi /Users/Username/.bash_profile” and paste the commands below into it

alias hibernateon=”sudo pmset -a hibernatemode 5″
alias hibernateoff=”sudo pmset -a hibernatemode 0″

3. Execute “source .bash_profile” in Terminal.

4. Now you can type “hibernateon” to hibernate when close lid, or “hibernateoff” whenever you prefer it to go sleep.

My Two Cents

I’m satisfied with hibernate mode. I use company laptop on day time, only use Macbook at night. So it save quite a lot of power consumption by hibernation.

Do you have other method to save power? Please share with me, thanks :)

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]]> http://www.ahtim.com/how-to-make-macbook-hibernate/feed/ 6 New MacBook Pro 2010 http://www.ahtim.com/new-macbook-pro-2010/ http://www.ahtim.com/new-macbook-pro-2010/#comments Fri, 16 Apr 2010 04:22:58 +0000 AhTim http://ahtim.com/?p=2651 Apple just launched the new MacBook Pro 2010 at very attractive price! RM3899 ($1199USD) for entry level Macbook Pro. If you are waiting for best deal, this is the best time to purchase one.

New Macbook Pro 2010 Features

What you get in Macbook Pro 2010? Intel Core2Duo 2.4Ghz, 4GB Memory, 250GB HDD, 13-inch screen. And more attractive features: faster NVidia 320M, 10 hours battery life and aluminum unibody enclosure.

Of course you can get better graphic 15-inch HD graphics, and Core i5 / Core i7 fastest processor if you have much money to spend.

My Two Cents

I have bought Macbook White 4 months ago at RM3699. Macbook Pro at that time cost at least RM4500. The good pricing strategy should convert more PC user into Mac. I should wait and get this Macbook Pro :(

Or I should give Macbook white to wife and go get a Macbook Pro?! hehe…

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]]> http://www.ahtim.com/new-macbook-pro-2010/feed/ 4 How To Protect Macbook from Theft? http://www.ahtim.com/how-to-protect-macbook-from-theft/ http://www.ahtim.com/how-to-protect-macbook-from-theft/#comments Fri, 22 Jan 2010 06:48:16 +0000 AhTim http://ahtim.com/?p=2486

An unique classic case for your Macbook – BookBook could protect your Macbook from theft. The hardback leather case looks like an old novel from ages library.

It is designed exclusively for 13-inch Macbook and 15-inch Macbook Pro. Available in 2 colors only: Classic Black and Vibrant Red. It should protect your Macbook in two ways, the hard case protect from drop or crushing while the outer appearance of a book hide your Macbook from theft eyes. But how about the theft is reading this post? :) I shouldn’t post this article, so that the theft won’t know huh?

I think the main selling point is NO two cases are exactly same. It is handmade product. That’s why the price is not cheap, $80 USD per piece. Will you buy the BookBook cover for your beloved Macbook?

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]]> http://www.ahtim.com/how-to-protect-macbook-from-theft/feed/ 0 Unbox Apple MacBook White 2009 http://www.ahtim.com/unbox-apple-macbook-white-2009/ http://www.ahtim.com/unbox-apple-macbook-white-2009/#comments Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:39:45 +0000 AhTim http://ahtim.com/?p=2228 The MacBook White 2009 arrived at home yesterday morning, right before I head to work. Without wait a second more, unbox it and bring along to work. :)

I placed order on Saturday > order confirmed on Monday > MacBook shipped out (from Singapore) on Tuesday > Received on Thursday. Whole process took 4 business days. Overall I’m satisfied with the delivery speed since it include air shipment.

Basically it is a tiny thin box. Items included are MacBook White, MagSafe Power Adapter, Plug Extension, Installation DVD and Manual. That’s it. Don’t ask for free bag or extra free gifts ok. :)

Why I Love MacBook?

Performance: It took me half a day to download and install all software I need. Didn’t feel any lag after feed with tons of apps. Boot up takes 33 seconds, shutdown time only 5 seconds. The Intel Core 2 Duo 2.26 processor with 3MB cache and 2GB DD3 RAM make it perform at tip-top condition. (Full specs see here) Launch app and Internet browsing are extremely fast!

Design: If you are not MAC user, sure you don’t know how innovative Apple Macbook. It’s a pleasure to touch the super White Unibody cover, whole laptop in once piece. The MagSafe power adapter with magnet make charging battery a pleasure too. And won’t forget the big Apple logo with light (while in working mode) on its cover. Even the bottom fill up with rubber case to stand firm.

Display: The 13.3-inch glossy LED-backlit display with 1280×800 pixels widescreen brings photos, movies looks brilliant!

Battery: Up to 7 hours! Definitely not every laptop with just 2.13kg can do it. Perfect for a presentation or outing event without a need of power source.

My Two Cents

The HUGE Multi-Touch Trackpad is awesome but not used to it. Feel more comfortable with a mouse. Overall, it’s a perfect laptop for computer intermediate user.

MacBook make me use it like a handicap. :( I was a Windows hotkey user, and now have to learn Mac OS X hotkey from ZERO. If you know any useful shortcut, please tell me in the comment below. ;)

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