New ssd install in MBP 5,3 (mid 2009 model)

Hello,
New to ssd installing and terminology used in some of the discussion forums I have been reading!
About to install my new ssd and have a few questions before starting. (ssd is a crucial M500 480gb)
I'll try to be a blunt as I can because I tend to ramble on.......
1. Do I upgrade/downgrade efi? (Read in other discussions)
2. Do I enable/disable trim? (Read in other discussions)
3. I am currently running 10.6.8 and wanted to purchase the newest OS possible to install. I've read of a few issues of ML and the battery drain issues. Is it best to just stay with my 10.6.8 for now?
4. I also purchased an 8gb ram upgrade over the current 4gb ram to do at the same time. Don't I have to reset something once I power the MBP back up to recognize the ram?
5. I purchased an external case to put the (currently in the computer) hdd in once I take it out. I planned on installing the ssd, putting the current hdd in the case, and migrating only my contacts, iTunes library, iPhoto library, and my flip videos from it. I have the original install disc from my MBP-can't I just install it onto the ssd from the DVD drive? (I hear of people installing the OS from USB-is there any disadvantage/advantage to this over my install disc?). I'm just wondering if it will give me the option of installing from the DVD drive once the ssd is installed and blank. ??
6. Is there anything else I should consider migrating to my new ssd?
I think that's it. Thanks!!

This maybe too late, but here it goes:
1. Do I upgrade/downgrade efi?
- do not mess about with that. I have a mid 2009 MacBook Pro and am running 2x SSD drives inside without a problem. Only look in to EFI upgrading if the Negotiated Link Speed in System Information (Under Sata) is not reported as 3 Gigabit but rather as 1.5, once you install the SSD
2. Do I enable/disable trim? (Read in other discussions)
- some people report advantage from trim being enabled. I've personally noticed lockups during shutdown so keep it off. Typical SSD these days have grabage collection, but it is up to you in the end of the day.
3. I am currently running 10.6.8 and wanted to purchase the newest OS possible to install.
- don't purchase anything and download Mavericks for free, battery life will improve
4. I also purchased an 8gb ram upgrade over the current 4gb ram to do at the same time. Don't I have to reset something once I power the MBP back up to recognize the ram?
- the mac will recognise the ram anyway. You should however rest SMC see: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
5. I purchased an external case to put the (currently in the computer) hdd in once I take it out. I planned on installing the ssd, putting the current hdd in the case, and migrating only my contacts, iTunes library, iPhoto library, and my flip videos from it. I have the original install disc from my MBP-can't I just install it onto the ssd from the DVD drive? (I hear of people installing the OS from USB-is there any disadvantage/advantage to this over my install disc?). I'm just wondering if it will give me the option of installing from the DVD drive once the ssd is installed and blank. ??
- yes by inserting the Disk in to the optical drive and holding 'C' during startup wil take you to the boot options, where you can format the SSD drive and install the OS
- advantage of OS on USB is faster install (quicker read speed) and for those people like me who substituted the optical drive for another HDD or SSD.
6. Is there anything else I should consider migrating to my new ssd?
- depending on your previous HDD size (and file sizes - looks like you have lots of photos and videos), make sure you watch what files you are bringing over as you can quickly run out of space on the SSD. You can use OmniDiskSweeper for example, to tell you wat files on your disk use the most space etc.
Hope this helps. And I am sure someone else will come up withh more suggestions

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Csound1 wrote:
Shootist007 wrote:
Csound1 wrote:
Shootist007 wrote:
On NEW Macbook Pro's to boot from the Online Recovery HD system you hold down Command+Option+r.
I believe that it is cmd-r, no option key.
On new MBPs, late 2011 models (At least on mine) to access the Online recovery system you have to hold down Command+Option+r. Of course this was with Lion installed and a real Lion Recovery HD partition on the hard drive.
I can't find documentation anywhere for that, and my 2011 iMac goes to recovery using cmd-r and ignores cmd-opt-r, may I ask you to post the documentation?
Right there is none. As stated on my Late 2011 MBP 15" with hard drive installed with Lion and recovery HD partition in place to boot from the Online recovery system I must hold down Command+Option+r.
Now if I had no recovery HD partition maybe Command+r would work. I don't remember if I tried that, although I think I have and as far as I can recall it is the same.
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