I'd think the next gen of MBP will mostly like go optic-less or at least available as an option.

But if you are comfortable with the size of the 13", I'd say get a data-doubler and install a second HDD in place of your optical drive. :)

Have you guys personally used MacKeeper? There are a few variations out there including a free one that has pop-ups and ad-ware issues...

Like I've said, I've had this program for several years, have and currently own just over half a dozen Apple computers and have yet to have a single issue with pop-ups or other malware on my computers.

If you download the program from one of those ad's on the internet or a pop-up, then of course you're going to have a virus-run program. If you download the legit full-version, then you'll be a useful program like I do.

Once again, been using it for years and when I had my 160GB hdd on my first Macbook; Mackeeper kept it running smoothly and helped me prioritize and delete files/folders that I did not need.

Why is it that I have yet to have a single pop-up from the program?

no brainer. if you don't use it for cpu intensive tasks, drop the ssd in there to prolong its life/use. i held out for a bit because i want at least 180gb+, 1/2 for OSX, 1/2 for windows, plus the optibay.

I like using iMovie/FCPX to edit movies from my 7D SLR... so much easier to deal with than Adobe Premiere. I also use Adobe Lightroom occassionally, though I usually use my desktop with the 24" monitor for that most of the time.

Gah! If I do a refresh, I'd need to do a battery swap too to regain the battery life. So many things to do, it just all adds up! @_@

well the ssd is salvaged from your desktop and can be used again in something else later on. battery .... haha suck it up. i see that you use the laptop much more than i do, my gf and i take notes on it and occasionally i use LR or DxO when i'm on a trip. the mbp is due for a refresh, but even then, along with the new ultrabooks, it's still a lot more $$ than any sort of upgrade you can do.

Yeah, my MBP is sort of my "work" computer - I use it for school, light photo and video editing, etc. Desktop is for gaming and marathon photo editing sessions. I tried using a tablet but I can't deal with the crappy multi-tasking and limited functionality.

Well, there's some deals for SSD's for the desktop side, Mushkin Chronos Deluxe or Crucial M4 etc. - I would really like to stick with Intel if possible, my 320 has been absolutely rock solid with no issues. Thinking of the Intel 520 but man that's $$... I am very leery of SF-2281 drives because of the issues people have had. Especially OCZ... no OCZ for me. :heckno:

Anyone have experience with the Amazon.com cheap opti-bay adapters compared to the real deal though? It's $25 vs $99, both including the USB casing for the optical drive.

Intel 520 uses the very same Sandforce SF-2281 you're leery of.

Been using my OCZ with SF-2281 for months everyday now with 0 problems. The latest firmware fixes everything.

the issue is with fitment and the sata ports. i've installed two non-optibay ones and my friend's drive disconnects once in a while. i can't think of any other reason ... this was in a pre-pre gen mbp tho.

What about the new Intel 330 series?

I've been using a first gen Seagate XT hybrid drive and like it. Notice a difference compared to a Hitachi 7200rpm drive.

Definitely get the Pro if you have the Dough. A Pro will last for 5 years easy. Otherwise, the regular MacBook is getting old after 3 years.

Been a Maccer for a long long time. Need Mac advice? Message me

You don't need MacKeeper. It's just selling you a bunch of overrated junk because you came from a PC and PC people think they need that stuff. Apple's Safari (Safari \ Preferences) already has built-in pop-up blocker. And Mac's don't get viruses. Just don't.

Intel has exclusive firmware on the 520 that makes the controller rock-solid. I trust Intel the most out of any memory/SSD provider.

AnandTech - Intel SSD 520 Review: Cherryville Brings Reliability to SandForce

The way I see it:

Mac = Superior OS and User Friendly
PC = Superior Gaming and modding

^and solid build quality for macs.

anyone know if there's an ad blocker program for safari? i know theres a chrome one that blocks all youtube ads and stuff

Ok, I'm overly paranoid right now ever since I got hacked on D3. One reason may be that I've contracted malware/keyloggers and I have a quite a few accounts that I cannot risk losing ie email/paypal.

What is a very good program to sniff out any suspicious activity on a mac? Any anti-virus programs?

Norton

Scan and Protect your Mac with Norton AntiVirus for Mac

lifehacker.com suggested some good programs for that, might wanna take a look

Well D3 is kinda isolated in that they found ways to hack the system itself and not your computer. But in general make sure you have an antivirus/malware installed and don't click any suspcious links.

Probably a dumb question, but what is the cable adapter called where I can connect my macbook to my computer monitor?

Where would be the cheapest place to get one of these?

If your monitor has HDMI get a mini hdmi to HDMI cable from ncix.
If your monitor has dvi get a mini hdmi to DVI cable from ncix.

Or memory express, whichever is cheaper.

HDMI? if you monitior have the HDMI port. Not sure if Mac uses special connectors for it but for my desktop I need one of thie Mini HDMI head for my video card.

My monitor has a VGA, can a DVI fit into a VGA and work?

How old is your MacBook? If its 2009 or newer you will need mini display port to HDMI/VGA/DVI cable or adapter

I thought it was a mini HDMI cable that was on the side of my macbook? I swear thats what my cable said, either way it works great.

It's not going to give you a good picture if you use VGA although they do make adaptors to connect your macbook to your monitor via VGA.

You'd basically need this:

Apple Mini DVI to VGA Adapter - Apple Store (Canada)