New MBP - What to do first?

Hi All,
Not sure if there is already a thread on this, if there is please let me know...
I am new to the MAC system and have just ordered the MBP 15' 2.16, 2gig RAM, 7200HDD.
I have been reading this forum fo rthe last week and trying to keep track of all the possible issues I may encounter and what the fixes are, this is giving me a headache
So, is there anything that I need to do as soon as I get my MAC? any updates, patches, tests etc...
Just trying to get a list together so I can do everything available before posting my issues on this forum
Cheers.

Welcome to the world of macs.
People here are really helpful.
When you get it, turn it on and it will guide you through the setup process.
When it asks to set up your user account - it will use your name. Change this to a different name that you will use as your administrator account. You can then set up a standard account in your name for general use - it's a good idea to separate your day to day from your admin account.
Other than that, assuming you call the original account admin or some such, when you get to the desktop, before you do anything else, click on the blue Apple - top left and run software update. Keep running software update until there are no more updates (some depend on others so you don't get them all in one hit).
When there are no more updates install any software you might want to add and update that.
Then Go to applications/utilities /disc utility/ and click on the first aid tab and run repair permissions.
Then click on system preferences, accounts (under system) and click the padlock in the bottom left (if shut )- and then the + in the bottom left to add another Standard user account for daily use. Once you create that select login options to decide how to log in.
Lastly - repair permissions again, then restart and go into your standard user account and set up the dock etc as you like it.
Come back for more advice and tips once that's done
Cheers.
Sorry it's a bit long.

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New MBP - what games should I get?

I haven't played a single game on my new MBP since buying it - most apple games seem quite dated. Are there any good recommendations out there? I'm open to pretty much all genres.

whats wrong with "dated" games... just cuz a game is newer doesn't mean its more fun.... most of mine... if not all, are "old" to someone
lets seem what games I have on mine
Age of Empires 2
Age of Mythology
Alchemy
Armagetron
Bejeweled
City of Heroes
Civilization 4
Jedi Knight: Jedi Outcast
Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy (Windows version ran in Wine)
Knights of the Old Republic 1 (Windows version ran in Wine)
Knights of the Old Republic 2 (Windows version ran in Wine)
Lords of the Realm 2 (Windows version ran in Wine)
Master of Orion 3
Monopoly
Neverputt
Neverwinter Nights 2 (Windows version ran in Wine)
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Swapping HDs with new MBP: What to do with OS X?

I purchased a new MacBook Pro 2.3GHz i7 quad-core from the Apple Store Thursday morning with the 750GB 5400RPM hard drive. I now have time to set up the new machine but I am hung up on how best to deal with swapping hard drives. My current MBP has a 640GB 7200RPM hard drive with OS X 10.6.6 installed. I am a photographer so the faster drive makes a big difference with large photo catalogs. I had planned on swapping out the new 750GB 5400RPM drive for my current 640GB 7200RPM hard drive and then get back to work, however, I am concerned that the OS X installed on the 640GB 7200RPM hard drive will not be compatible with the new machine's processor. Should I do the swap and then boot up from the new laptop's OS X install disks and do a OS X only install? I have never done a OS X only install/update, will any other data be altered, any suggestions on how to proceed? Should I just swap, start up and then run Apple Software Update?
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Thanks for your input,
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I found this discussing looking to do the same thing-ish.
I just bought a new i7 quad MacBook Pro (delivered today). Less than 4 weeks ago, I had picked up an i5 MacBook Pro. Since I'm still in my return window, I decided the buy the new one, do the hard drive shuffle and return the less new one.
I have a 500gb 7200rpm drive AND a 120gb SSD in the drive bay. I really never considered just swapping the drives into the new machine, but I thought I'd search and see if anyone had any success.
I had a couple thoughts on how I'm going to do the shuffle:
1) Superduper clone the SSD back onto my 500gb. I the system as it is now started life on the 500gb. Superduper (registered) will do a backup only updating the changed files which shouldn't be too bad. I have my user directories (separate from the startup disk) on the 500gb so SD won't have to copy any of those files. Then I figured I could use the migration software to copy all my 'stuff' (minus user directory) back onto the newly reformatted SSD with 10.6 installed onto the new MBP.
2) I was noticing that migration assistant can work from Time Machine, so I'll probably do that since my SSD time machine backup doesn't contain my gigantic user directory. I'll still do a SuperDuper backup just to be safe.
I'm tempted to throw my hard drive into an external usb to see if it boots just for the heck of it.

Going to buy a new MBP 17, but questions first

Hi all, looking to buy a custom build new Feb'11 refresh MBP 17 as soon as possible, but have a number of questions.
(As background, Im a freelance IT software developer and professional music producer/DJ/performer - need the laptop to support both activities - Mac OS for music, Windows 7/64 for IT work).
1. Intel support chipset flaw - does anyone know EXACTLY what Apple have done regarding this?
I am guess one of:
1. Waited for replacement from intel - shipping seems too soon.
2. Only use the 3Gbps ports and not using the 6Gbps ports (Net contains suggestions that Apple made a 'logic tweak' to get aorund the issue, which sounds to me like they intended to use the 6Gbps ports and downgraded back to the 3Gbps ports - if so will postpone purchase, but I need to know one way or the other)
2. I am tempted by 256GB SSD rather than a mechanical HD as the laptop is likely to be used near very loud PA systems. Should I go with Apple or just take the cheapest mechanical HD and sort out an SSD myself?
3. Because I also need to have alot of online storage, then I am also tempted by an OptiBay mod to replace the otical drive with an additional SSD in the future (160GB sample library, music files etc).
4. Is Apple care worthwhile and is apple care support impacted by swapping out the HD or optical drive and going with an Optibay etc?
5. I need to also run windows 7/64 via bootcamp as a second and heavily used OS as I still make much of my living from IT work as well as music. Pre-refresh MBPs were not exactly perfect for running windows - power management etc. Does anyone know if this situation has improved post refresh? Is the situation likely to be even worse with thunderbolt / display etc?
Thanks all for any answer anyone might be able to give
A
Message was edited by: Khazul

You can read my initial view of the i7 17" Quad Core here: http://www.markc.me.uk/MarkC/Blog/Entries/2011/2/25Early_2011_MacbookPro.html
The unit supports SATA 3 & SATA 6: http://grab.by/9adG
I have a 240Gb SSD and a 1Tb normal hard drive in place of the SuperDrive. It's a great solution - personally I'd sort an SSD myself rather than buy Apple's.
Swapping out the SuperDrive does void you warranty as far as I know.
I run virtualised Win7 x64 all day every day and it's ace.

New Macbook: What's the first step?

Hey everyone. First of all I would like to say that I have read a lot of the posts and really been able to gain a lot of knowledge about all kinds of stuff, so thanks.
My question is pretty simple for those who have opened their macbooks, hah. I am getting a new macbook really soon and i was wondering what the first thing i should do is. Do i turn it on, use it till about 40 percent then charge it up, or start fully charging it right away and calibrating it. I've read a lot of the info on battery care and all those links posted of that sort, but i was just curious as to what i should do first.
Thanks a lot for your time!
I appreciate the help

Below are some good links for you. Discharging your battery to 40% will do nothing for your battery. That is a long term storage number that is bandied about on the forum and in my opinion used incorrectly by some people. Follow the instruction in the calibration link I gave you. Be sure to not miss letting the battery chemistry resettle after charging and discharging. I am referring to step 2 and 5 in the procedure. Those are steps some people miss and the reading on the monitor is not accurate.
These are good things to know about the MacBook and it's battery.
MacBook reduces processor speed when battery is removed while operating from an A/C adaptor
Apple portable computer's battery does not show a full charge in Mac OS X
You should calibrate your battery at least every month or two. I do mine every other month and have had no problems.
Look here and here for some good tips about battery care.

Transport request failed; recollected with new TR;what happens to first one

Hi,
I released a transport request and requested that the request be transported to the testing environment.
I received a message from Basis that the transport failed. I suspected that it might fail because I say many duplications in se09.
To fix this problem, I basically recollected the objects carefully and under a new transport request number; and released it.
I have requested that the Basis team move the new request to the testing environment.
1. What is wrong with what I did?
2. If the second request successfully gets moved to the testing environment, what becomes of the first request which was released, therefore no more available in development for me to delete? I tried to delete it under the "Released" section in se09 but got a message that it is not available to delete.
3. Could I have used the same Transport Request number the second time around, although the first number had been previously released?
Thanks

1. What is wrong with what I did?
It depends, did you check the Log.
Log should tell you why it failed or atleast give you some hints.
Ex : Missing objects ..might have been locked in an other request.
2. If the second request successfully gets moved to the testing environment, what becomes of the first request which was released, therefore no more available in development for me to delete? I tried to delete it under the "Released" section in se09 but got a message that it is not available to delete.
If the second request contains similar objects to the ones in first, everything will get overwritten in the target system.
TR1 - 10 Objects
If TR1 returns RC=8 due to one object, 9 objects will be successfully transported. You may only transport the failed one in the next request with its corrections.
3. Could I have used the same Transport Request number the second time around, although the first number had been previously released?
Yes, same released request can still be imported more than once but it may result in the same.
Try to find the reason the request failed, accordingly add objects in the next corrected request.
You can also copy requests into an other.
RClick on the request - Include Objects ( Ctrl + F11 ) - Enter Request Name.

New MBP will not log on with Apple ID

Trying to set up my new MBP Retina for the first time (using WiFi), but it will not log on with my Apple ID due to some server error.
This is certainly not the first time I've set up a new Mac, but it's certainly the very first time I have encountered a problem while doing so.
Suggestions greatly appreciated.

Just skip this step. It is most likely due to an issue on Apple's end, not yours. You can set up iCloud and iTunes later by following these steps:
https://www.apple.com/icloud/setup/mac.html
I hope I helped.

Transfering Mail, Addressbook etc from backup to new MBP

I am planning on buying a new MBP to replace my iMac G5 which i have sold , before i sold it i made a full backup of the hard disk using SuperDuper to an external drive.
My question is, when i get the new MBP what is the best way to transfer Mail, Addressbook, calendar and iTunes etc to the new MBP from the external drive. Is it as simple as copying my home directory over? Or is there some other recommended way.
Thanks in advance for the help.

The simplest way to transfer your data is to use the Migration assistant which will transfer from the clone of your original drive or -from your powerbook (pjasso-) to the new 'book.
If one has backed up their databases as provided in the apps, then you can simply transfer those as:
If you just want to transfer the ICal and Addressbook databases, then you can use the "import" options or the "revert to to database backup" options in the applications themselves. You can "revert" to any backup on any disk you choose.
Simply copying the home folder is not always a good option since your new preferences for the macbook would differ from those for any g4 or g5. The migration asst does not replace intel with ppc when inappropriate whereas copying would.
You can copy your data or use the import options in each app; importing being the better option there.
Message was edited by: Rhyd

What's the first thing you do with a new computer?

I'm getting a new MBP in a couple of weeks. I've been in the Mac family since my first Performa years and years ago. In the past, I've just opened up the box and started. This time I want to take a different approach and I'm wondering what sort of things you do to/with your computers when they are new and before you start loading them up with "all your stuff." Example: I've thought of using "Color Label" to code everything that originally comes with the computer in one color. Maybe what you do isn't "serious" but it's just about personalizing your Mac.
This will be the first computer I won't have to share with anyone else in the family! It will be mine, all mine. Mine, mine, mine!
Chip

First off, connect to AC and charge the battery fully. Within the first couple of days, calibrate the battery using these instructions:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1490
Otherwise, you really can just open the box and start.
Personally, though, I usually reinstall the OS from the Install DVDs that come with the MBP. I do an Erase & Install and I customize the installation to save space (for example, I don't use GarageBand so I omit that, along with limiting the language(s) and selecting only the printer driver families I'll need. Doing that saved me ~4 GB with Leopard (even large HDDs fill up eventually...).

New MBP,..Should I install Bootcamp first,..then Parallels to the Bootcamp partition?, New MBP,..Should I install Bootcamp first,..then Parallels to the Bootcamp partition?

What is the install process for Bootcamp/Parallels?
I have a new MBP being delivered today and need to install Windows for one program. What is the process to install a VM?
I heard that I should install Bootcamp first, then install Parallels to the Bootcamp partition. Any advice? Thx.

I guess I shold explain more about what I am doing.
I will be running a CRM program (Windows Based), and a Order Entrry program (Windows Based) (Memory Hog) all the time. Along with this, I will have Lotus Notes for Mac and Mac Mail open all the time.
Is there any harm, comcern, issues, hesitation,....to using Bootcamp to Parallels/Windows?
I just want to get this configuration correct the first time.
Also,...Am I able to drag files between Mac/PC ???

My new MBP is really messed up and I am wondering what I should do.

(sorry for the mess of a post. I just had the good news of having brain cancer and they put this dressing all over my entire head I can barely see, but I want to post this, so I am going to give it a shot.)
I went to see a genius at the local apple store. After spending 1 hour trying to fix all the software and hardware issues, he went to the back of the store, came back and said we are getting you a new MBP with all the equivalant upgrades you had with the other one (the one that had all the problems). I received the new MBP, the same genius said if I leave my old MBP with him he will transfer all the data over and call me when it is done. I got the new MBP, have had it for about 3 weeks and there are more problems than ever. I have no idea what this would do to a new computer but the genius transfered all my data/files/settings over to my new MBP and he did this before or without fixing all the software problems I was having on the computer he transfered my date from.
Now my software updates... is not working. I read the article, trashed 3 apple.softwareupdates.com preferences wit no help. I find out that he said after I asked about iLife; "yes you will get iLife, all Apple computers come with iLife. There is no iLife 09 just my old iLife 08. When I spotlight iLife 09, no iLife comes up only in emails. It does not even pick up my old 08iLife that is in a folder which was transfered over from my old computer.
The manager at the apple store said to install iLife09 from the gray disk. However, for some reason the new updates my computer needs are not triggering the software updater telling me there are new updates. It looks like the genius did an update before I picked it up and it updated one security issue, but no iTunes 9/1/1 or any other updates I should have received when I look at all the recent MBP update (Apple updates only) list.
When I do go to look at the current updates for this computer it brings me to an Apple website that has all my old updates from the old MBP and in a Finder file it shows all the updates from the old computer and just the one that the genius updated for me.
Does any body have any idea what I should do? It is frustrating. I would like to just start from the beginning with the new computer, wipe everything off and install it all new and get rid of all the stuff from my old MBP that was transfered to my new MBP.
Thank for any help.

I would wipe the hard drive and start from scratch. The only thing I would save from the old comp are documents, movies and music also make sure you have any passwords or mail that you need to keep. I would avoid Time Machine and just do a normal backup. Boot from the installer and go to disk utilities in the menu and erase the hard drive. When that is done do a custom install and avoid any demos and software you don't use. Install QuickTime 7 from the optional installs.
Then manually download and install the OS updates before installing any third party apps avoiding the combos. Depending on your install OS version you may not need all those below.
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/apple/macosx_updates/macosxv1061update.htm l
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/apple/macosx_updates/macosxv1062update.htm l
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1018
When you are done run software update and install the security updates only. When you are done with those you can install whatever application updaters there are and then move on to installing your third party apps.
Hope everything works out for you.

What is the best way to connect my new MBP to monitor - DVI, VGA or HDMI

What is the best way to connect my new MBP to a computer monitor? DVI, VGA or HDMI? Thanks

I recommend the Apple MiniDisplay Port to DVI adaptor. I would avoid VGA. MiniDisplay Port to HDMI will work as well (3rd party).
http://www.apple.com/search/?q=dvi%20adaptor&section=mac&geo=us

What kind of Intel chips does new MBP have?

...or even an iMac for that matter.
I tried to look at Intel website to try to identify both the codename and the processor type.
For example the best MBP processor you can get is the 2.8 GHz one and that might be either the Penryn 2.8 GHZ with L2 cache of 6144KB or the Merom one with the same frequency but with L2 cache of 4096 KB.
Also If that is the case both of the procs are rated Intel Core 2 Extreme (one is X7900 and the other is X9000). So if that's the case can we assume that the new MBPs can be fitted with intel core 2 extreme mobile procs?
Also the same story applies to the new iMac Intel 3.06 GHz...what kind of processor is that? best guess is that it is an E8400?
Thanks.

Hi Andrei,
Stefan...you're implying that the iMac uses a notebook proc? And yes i couldn't find the 3.06 GHz proc anywhere on Intel's website.
Follow the link I provided to the X9100.
The Intel iMacs were always based on Notebook technology ever since they came out.
Only exception is the usage of a 3.5" harddisk.
Mainly because of the integrated design of the iMacs and the need to have a decent cooling of the CPU and GPU made it a neccessity for Apple.
Andrei
PS: Come to think of it, i think it's the PC side of me still talking and asking useless question like what core 2 duo quad extreme blah blah proc does it have... Still new to Mac world.
No need for explanations of your intentions to ask.
This is the place to ask and as you can see you usually get answers.
Stefan

Any Bootcamp issues with the new MBP? What about right clicking?

Tried out the new MBP at the Apple store... was wondering how Bootcamp would work with it. I use Bootcamp all the time for work so I'm interested to here the pro's and con's for the new models. Seems like the new trackpad clicking would be cause issues with the "two-finger click" in Bootcamp.

Right clicking issues galore!
(at least in the windows side of things...)
The 64bit windows worked fine....
The 32bit windows had many issues, even after 2 attempts. (via boot camp)
The main issue: the functions keys are locked on. Normally, I would hold down "fn" and push "f10" to mute but that doesn't work. All I have to do is hit "f10" and its muted. That is all good until I have to right-click using the "shift+f10" method since the bottom-right-of-trackpad and two-finger-clicking doesn't work whatsover. The "shift+f10" method won't work now since the fn keys are locked on. We have NO IDEA what the problem is. Could it be a driver issue...though it works fine with x64bit and OS X side of things.
Oh, and mac doesn't give support if one installs Vista and Microsoft won't give support since it isn't on a 'native' pc, so we are screwed. They have both protected themselves and blamed it on the other and the customer is left out to dry.

Bought the new MBP today, but don't know what to do now! Imperfect machine

Ok. I ran down to my campus computer store today and bought a base model MacBook Pro. Then, I returned home with lots of excitement. But after I opened up the laptop, all my excitement disappear shortly after I found 3 imperfections on the new MBP.
1.there is a dent on the edge of the front end (see pictures please). I'm so so disappointed and continued setting up the machine.
2.After all the noisy installation from an external hard drive. I realized that the fan is making a unpleasant noise which can only be heard in a quite environment. (I assume they have no way to hear it in store)
3.The speakers' wholes look very strange and looks like it's been used and covered with dust. -see in pictures
So I'm wondering what are my options. Is it possible to get a exchange or refund at the store or through Apple support?
Please help... I'm so screwed and don't know what to do now....
see pictures here:
http://gallery.me.com/epeng#100114
Thanks for any input

Hmmm, someone's "right" to be upset - and - the content over which they are upset, are two different things. I never questioned the Op's right to be upset - he/she can be as upset as they want to be, that is their right.
I'm just saying that my perspective of aesthetic complaints around here has shifted - and they no longer cause me to call into question Apple's quality standards. I can understand wanting something to be perfect - but implicit in the complaint was the statement that Apple committed some harsh violation, which now I think they did not.
So again, I was reading the board and getting quite upset (internally) with Apple - because I love them as a company and I want them to do well - because it's not often that you get "truly" innovative corporate entities in this world - most corporations just want to "homogenize" existence - distilling it down to a few basic variations which are easy to reproduce; all for the sake of the bottom line. The fact that Apple is forcing innovation into the market - causes a corporate strata that doesn't tolerate vanilla design ethics - and I think that is a good thing.
I don't want to live in a neighborhood where the only choices I have for food are, McDonalds, Starbucks, Olive Garden, etc. anymore than I want to use the same old square black laptop with Windows on it.
So now I see that there are imperfections in the manufacturing - but they aren't indicative of serious neglect on Apple's part, which is why said "whew..."

New MBP - What to do first?

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