How to install OS X 10.8 without an old drive

Question

Hi, I bought an used MacBook Pro 13 late-2011 (MD313LL/A, A1278 (EMC 2555*)) without HDD on eBay (seller removed HDD for security reason). I am new to Mac world. So how do I install the OS X 10.8 on a new SSD drive? Would it be the same like install Windows 7 from a DVD. I know how to install Windows 7. Where can I get a DVD copy of OS X 10.8?  Thanks.

Answer 1

No. On that model you install as follows. You will need a good Internet connection, and I recommend using Ethernet.
Install OS X Using Internet Recovery
Be sure you backup your files to an external drive or second internal drive because the following procedure will remove everything from the hard drive.
Boot to the Internet Recovery HD:
Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND-OPTION- R keys until a globe appears on the screen. Wait patiently - 15-20 minutes - until the Recovery main menu appears.
Partition and Format the hard drive:
Select Disk Utility from the main menu and click on the Continue button.
After DU loads select your newly installed SSD (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed. Quit DU and return to the main menu.
Reinstall OS X: Select Reinstall OS X and click on the Install button. Be sure to select the correct drive to use if you have more than one.
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.
This should restore the version of OS X originally pre-installed on the computer. If you have already purchased Mountain Lion from the App Store, then you can re-download it from your Purchases page in App Store.