Could someone please list the exact model # of the build-in hard drive (the one that come with the laptop) in the new MacBook? Also, if you also have the part # for the memory it would be much appreciated too. Thanks.

I have the Macbook unibody and can't stand the screen - does anyone know if I can just buy the 13" MacBook Pro top panel and replace the screen? (i.e. same dimensions, connector etc??)

Citazione da KMCK:

Can I just interchange my 500GB hard-drive in the old machine to this new machine ? Will both still function ?

I swapped in a 500GiB drive with 10.5.7 from another MacBook, and it booted fine - but as Dave said, the iPhone-style combo audio port wasn't available. I archived-and-reinstalled the OS from the DVD that came with the MBP and have had no problems since.

The built-in speakers are really nice, btw.

Citazione da mather:

Could someone please list the exact model # of the build-in hard drive (the one that come with the laptop) in the new MacBook?

The drive is labeled: Hitachi 5K500.B-160, HTS545016B9SA02, type TS5SAA160. In smaller print it also has the following label: D33373 HTB-TS5SAA500(B). 5V, 700mA. May-09.

Below, Apple labels it: HDD Firmware 2008, 160GB, 2.5inch, AT 9.5mm, P/N: 0A70461, MLC DA3031 A845221.

Citazione da KMCK:

Hi, need some advise from you experts.

I have the older MacBook Unibody 13" and waiting for the arrival of this MacBook Pro 13".

1) Can I just interchange my 500GB hard-drive in the old machine to this new machine ? Will both still function ?

You will have to do an archive and install. I lost the sound on my 13" MBP when I used the old OS in the new Mac.

2) Both Mac OS is the same 10.5.7 ?

No exactly, which is why step one above is necessary.

3) When will iFixIt sell 4GB RAM for this new Unibody ? Apple upgrade is really expensive.

Thanks guys.

Citazione da 22yrmacuser:

I have the Macbook unibody and can't stand the screen - does anyone know if I can just buy the 13" MacBook Pro top panel and replace the screen? (i.e. same dimensions, connector etc??)

Apparently not. I called Apple and they will not replace the screen even if you pay for it. I also called several top Mac shops and the cost was prohibitive. In the end I sold my 2 month old 2.4/4 UMB for $975. In the end it cost me $300 to upgrade to a 2.26/4 MBP. I lost .14 GHz but gained firewire, a much nice screen, an SD card slot and new batter technology, so the cost was worth it to me.

What kind of Ram and hard drive can you recommend from newegg?

I'm buying the lowing end 13inch MBP and want to upgrade the ram from 2 to 4gb, and the hard drive from the 160gb to a 500gb. Any recommendations? Links to newegg maybe?

散热管太水了

Citazione da mather:

Could someone please list the exact model # of the build-in hard drive (the one that come with the laptop) in the new MacBook? Also, if you also have the part # for the memory it would be much appreciated too. Thanks.

The 160GB Hitachi Drive show "HTS545016B9SA02" for the model number.

I may or may not have spilled some tomato soup near my trackpad of my unibody MacBook Pro...and though it is still functioning properly, seems like it could use a little cleaning along the clicking edges. Can anyone point me in the direction of a trackpad removal tutorial so I can give it a once over and get it back to un-gunked satus? Cheers

Scott

FEaddict@gmail.com

Can I use the PC standard 4G DDR3 Ram install into the empty slot? Coz I have one 4G DDR3 ram spare.

Thanks

Citazione da mcifix:

I hadn't noted the loss of the microphone port. Arghhh. Tradeoff to get firewire back is worth it, but still very unfortunate for some folks.

Actually, I think the mic port is still there... it's just integrated into the same port as the headphones, like the iPhone's is.

Will this battery work in the 13 inch macbook?

Citazione da mostlydave:

Will this battery work in the 13 inch macbook?

The battery will not be of same specification. That is why now it is only accessible by taking apart the entire outer enclosure, that way allowing for an increase in overall battery life.

I don't really get the issue with the SD card sticking out -- seems like a normal design to me. You want to be able to have enough sticking out to grab onto to pull it out! If you had a flush mount you would need some sort of spring mechanism with a catch (like my digicam internals) or a spring and release button (kind of like the old pcmcia card slots). More mechanics/moving parts == more things that can break down IMHO.

Even my plugin USB SD card reader has this exact same clearance and I've never had an issue with it. Not like you would (should) be porting around your mac in your laptop case while you had an SD card plugged in. (although I know people who leave CD's in all the time but I think that's kind of dumb too.)

Citazione da alecmv:

The battery will not be of same specification. That is why now it is only accessible by taking apart the entire outer enclosure, that way allowing for an increase in overall battery life.

Ok but if the aluminun botton cover could be replaced as well... would´t it be a solution to replace the old battery to the new MBP 13 battery?

Citazione da mostlydave:

Will this battery work in the 13 inch macbook?

What? No, definitely not.

By the way: you will loose your waranty by taking out the battery of the new MacBook Pro 13". There is label inside stating this.

---

solomo gutschein http://solomo-gutschein.blogspot.com/

Citazione da mcifix:

I hadn't noted the loss of the microphone port. Arghhh. Tradeoff to get firewire back is worth it, but still very unfortunate for some folks.

It's not just a mic port, really. It's a generic audio in-port, for any audio source.

Yeah, having the SD card stick out isn't a bad design. If it inserted flush, then you have to use a fingernail to push it in to activate the eject mechanism (and sometimes it's not easy to push it in far enough). And anyone who has dealt with SD cards knows, they can jam inside the slot, and become difficult to remove without tools.

With it sticking out, a firm grasp will remove it. The only issue I see is RS-MMC cards which if the adapter fails to catch the RS-MMC card, you can be stuck with it inside the slot.

Citazione da mcifix:

I hadn't noted the loss of the microphone port. Arghhh. Tradeoff to get firewire back is worth it, but still very unfortunate for some folks.

RTFM. The Tech Specs on the product page clearly indicate that it is a combination input/output that is user selectable. It is also worth noting that it supports the Apple stereo headset with microphone.

Citazione da JoeSomeone:

I don't really get the issue with the SD card sticking out -- seems like a normal design to me. You want to be able to have enough sticking out to grab onto to pull it out! If you had a flush mount you would need some sort of spring mechanism with a catch (like my digicam internals) or a spring and release button (kind of like the old pcmcia card slots). More mechanics/moving parts == more things that can break down IMHO.

Even my plugin USB SD card reader has this exact same clearance and I've never had an issue with it. Not like you would (should) be porting around your mac in your laptop case while you had an SD card plugged in. (although I know people who leave CD's in all the time but I think that's kind of dumb too.)

Agree, agree, agree.

My 15" MBP has had an SD ExpressCard adapter in since day one.

It works the same way. Very durable. Cards go in and out multiple times daily.

My Lexar "Professional" USB SD/CF reader hooked to my Mac Pro works the same way.

Good riddance to spring-loaded card slots.

[quote|solomo] By the way: you will loose your waranty by taking out the battery of the new MacBook Pro 13". There is label inside stating this.

Any ideas how to change the harddisk ("still considered user-replaceable by Apple") without voiding the warranty?

I would need to disconnect the battery before replacing the harddisk, right?

Citazione da palmin:

By the way: you will loose your waranty by taking out the battery of the new MacBook Pro 13". There is label inside stating this.

Citazione da solomo:

Any ideas how to change the harddisk ("still considered user-replaceable by Apple") without voiding the warranty?

I would need to disconnect the battery before replacing the harddisk, right?

The label does not indicate that your warranty will be void by removing the battery. However, you don't need to remove the battery to replace the hard drive -- you can just unplug the battery.

You will not void your warranty unless you break something.

good grief, a sticky-out sd-card...

Even my eee-pc does better than that..

Citazione da mcifix:

I hadn't noted the loss of the microphone port. Arghhh. Tradeoff to get firewire back is worth it, but still very unfortunate for some folks.

I'd just use a USB microphone. The rockband one's are actually pretty nice.

What size tri-wing to remove the battery in the 13 inch MacBook Pro? The WiHa tool site lists sizes from 0 to 5.

Citazione da autnagrag:

What size tri-wing to remove the battery in the 13 inch MacBook Pro? The WiHa tool site lists sizes from 0 to 5.

Duh. Sorry. Just found the answer in step 3 of the 15 inch MBP teardown. It is tri-wing size zero.

Could you PLEASE tell me the dimensions of this battery, as well as the one for the 17" model? I was thinking of modding my pre-unibody 15" to accept one of these batteries, but I need to know the proper dimensions first. Thank you!

> When working on all machines that have internal batteries, disconnect the battery first to cut off power to the entire device.

Do you mean I have to remove the battery before to unplug the magsafe plug, cutting out power?

This means I had to remove the back cover with MacBook shutted off but powered.

Has the MacBook Pro 13.3" a backup battery?

Ps: nice teardown!

How many hours the battery last up to while using ? because my mac book pro only gives me 30 mins without charger

This should probably give a little more detail on how to pull the connector. It's a pain in the butt to figure out if you're not used to working on this stuff.

Citazione da blyccy:

I want to change the HD only, do i need the tri-wing screw driver to remove the battery? Or i can simply to unplug the power to cut the power?

You don't have to remove the battery. You can just unplug it before removing the hard drive.

Citazione da shoebox:

I second Raaza's question; and I'll add my own. I want to upgrade the HD (I Think) to the 500GB 7200 Drive you linked to, but I'm concerned about heat and noise issues. is there a huge performance boost between the offered 500 GB 5400 Drive? I am planing on buying the 1400 version so I get the 4GB RAM and the faster processor to start with. Is that worth the price?

To answer both your and Raaza's questions:

1. Replacing the RAM and HD does not void your warranty.

2. 5400 vs. 7200 RPM is debatable. The upgraded performance will be most noticeable on disk-intensive processes, but you probably won't notice much improvement by just normally using the MacBook.

Wait a second, so what screwdrivers do I need to upgrade my HDD and RAM again? It seems like Philips through and through but I keep hearing about T6 as well.

Does the hard drive removal require a #6 Torx like earlier MBPs? Or is it a Phillips screw?

Citazione da opt1m4l:

Wait a second, so what screwdrivers do I need to upgrade my HDD and RAM again? It seems like Philips through and through but I keep hearing about T6 as well.

Citazione da dennya:

Does the hard drive removal require a #6 Torx like earlier MBPs? Or is it a Phillips screw?

You need a #00 Phillips screwdriver to upgrade the RAM, and you need both the Phillips screwdriver and a T6 Torx to upgrade the HD.

A spudger may also come in handy to unplug the battery, but is not absolutely necessary.

Quick question: Does it look like there might be enough room for 12.5 mm drive in the 13" MBP?

FYI.. here is the Official Apple Hard Drive Replacement Manual: http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/MBPR...

Also, its a PH #00 screwdriver, not a #0. You also don't need to disconnect the power to replace the hard drive. I wish I would had known the screwdriver was in fact #00.. glad I took it easy on the &!&$ screws.

I would like to get myself a macbook pro 13", but i would like to have a 7200 rpm harddrive. In the apple-store it is not possible to configure this and i would like to know if there is a technical reason for this? Is it because the 7200rpm hd gets to hot and the and macbook pro can´t handlethanks it? - I wouldn´t want to put the hd in it if it´s going to break down :-) then i´d rather go for the 15". Thanks...

Citazione da pcmike:

FYI.. here is the Official Apple Hard Drive Replacement Manual: http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/MBPR...

Also, its a PH #00 screwdriver, not a #0. You also don't need to disconnect the power to replace the hard drive. I wish I would had known the screwdriver was in fact #00.. glad I took it easy on the &!&$ screws.

Thanks for the link that is really useful. But why do Apple forget (again) to say you need a T6 Torx for the guide screws on the drive?

Which makes/sizes of solid state drive (SSD) are compatible with the new 13' MBP unibody, and are the steps for replacing the HDD the same to swap in a SSD?

So, to install a hard drive on the new 13 Inch macbook Pro I will need a #00 Phillips Screwdriver and a T6 Torx, is that right?

Citazione da iv26:

So, to install a hard drive on the new 13 Inch macbook Pro I will need a #00 Phillips Screwdriver and a T6 Torx, is that right?

You are correct sir!

Citazione da lenlo:

Quick question: Does it look like there might be enough room for 12.5 mm drive in the 13" MBP?

To answer my own question: Yes, you can! I just tried it and it worked quite well. :-)

Citazione da macdoofus:

Firewire Chipset - Can you tell me what brand is being used here? I am hoping for T.I. for external f.w. recording device. Thank you.

Has anything been said about the chip used for the firewire? I was told on RME forum that the new chip works well with their sound card. Just wondered if you had any more good news. D

Do you have anymore info on the Audio system?

Can you tell what devices they are using to drive the speakers?

Any info on the speakers, or headphone Amplifier?

Are they using a wolfson or cirrus codec? Any info you have along that line would be awesome.

Thanks

you know what? be extra careful to remind to attach that micro-little piece of scotch tape to the superdrive connector… if you forget it the back cover of the mac will short circuit the Logic Board and result in a crash of the system…. Crazy but true!

Yes you can replace track pad and you don't need the whole unibody as I just took my track pad out with 4 little screws, just leave the the 2 in the middle of each little clip. You will see what im talking about!!

You mentioned the harddrive is user replaceable. Is the Ram also ? I just want to make sure that neither of these two changes will void the warrenty. Although I know that Apple will no longer warrenty either of the replaced parts.

Citazione da nswien:

You mentioned the harddrive is user replaceable. Is the Ram also ? I just want to make sure that neither of these two changes will void the warrenty. Although I know that Apple will no longer warrenty either of the replaced parts.

Yes. My wife's MP13" arrived 2 days ago and I upgraded from 2 GB to 4 GB. Its very easy. You need a jewelers/eyeglass type Phillips screwdriver (very small tip) to remove the back cover screws. Just keep remember to keep the 10 screws in the same order as the hole they came out of because they are different lengths. The manual that comes with the notebook explains how to do it.

Awesome job on the tear-down. I purchased my 13" MacBook Pro about two weeks ago and already replaced the HD and Ram...very easy. Small phillips and torx, both of which I bought from Home Depot. What I didn't see in the tear-down is the wireless card. Is it soldered on-board or did I miss it as a mini-pci card?

Citazione da newmacuser:

What I didn't see in the tear-down is the wireless card. Is it soldered on-board or did I miss it as a mini-pci card?

The AirPort card on these machines is attached to the display, underneath the black plastic "clutch cover."

which screwdriver will I need to take out the Hard Drive Bracket?

Citazione da iv26:

which screwdriver will I need to take out the Hard Drive Bracket?

You'll need a Phillips #00 screwdriver for the bracket, and then a T6 Torx driver to remove the hard drive's side screws (if you're planning on replacing the drive).

Citazione da kafrilos:

Could you please post some pictures of the empty unibody frame?

I have pictures of completely stripped frame, don't know how to post them though

Is the wireless and bluetooth hardware still in the base of the display? I know the iSight is still in the display. Are all cables coming out of the display combined or are they separated by function (display and wireless/bluetooth/iSight)? Have you tried operating the MBP with these devices unplugged (if possible)? Thanks. (yes, I'm asking about it again)

Citazione da notu:

Is the wireless and bluetooth hardware still in the base of the display? I know the iSight is still in the display. Are all cables coming out of the display combined or are they separated by function (display and wireless/bluetooth/iSight)? Have you tried operating the MBP with these devices unplugged (if possible)? Thanks. (yes, I'm asking about it again)

Yes, the AirPort/Bluetooth card is hidden below the black plastic clutch cover at the base of the display. The display data leads reach the motherboard through one connector, and the AirPort/Bluetooth/iSight through another. We have not tried operating the machine with either cables unplugged, so I can't help you there. Check out our MacBook Pro 13" Unibody device page for detailed pictures and disassembly instructions.

Citazione da terrywood02:

Judging from the pictutes that isn't true, it looks like only the first chip is accessable. Look at the first picture in step 11.. Aluminum blocks access to the other chip.

the ram slots look to be the same as the first unibody 13" and you can access both RAM chips without removing the logic board

can you take the vid processor off or is it soldered on? upgrade to the 9600???????

Citazione da terrywood02:

Judging from the pictutes that isn't true, it looks like only the first chip is accessable. Look at the first picture in step 11.. Aluminum blocks access to the other chip.

I disagree. Look at the middle picture in Step 11. You can see the other RAM chip peeking out from under the top chip. Looks like it'd be easy to replace.

Citazione da thefanta:

the ram slots look to be the same as the first unibody 13" and you can access both RAM chips without removing the logic board

I can confirm that RAM slots are the same as before. Differences are only the new battery and that you have to unscrew the bottom cover again.

RAM and HD remain user serviceable.

Is it possible to replace the harddrive with an SSD drive?

If so are there particular ones that will fit or not fit?

Can you recomend a worthwhile SSD to replace.

Thanks.

I'm also curious about changing the video card, but I'm glad to see that the hard drive and RAM are considered user-replaceable. Too bad it's still cheaper to buy the 8GB through Apple. 13" MBP user manual:

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/MacB...

The manual only mentions that the drive must be a 2.5" SATA. There's a 250GB SSD for $900 at Newegg, which is the more than it is to upgrade from Apple (although you'd get to keep the 250GB 5400). There are some more affordable 128GB SSD drives, $250-300. However, they're just covered under a replacement policy, no refunds! So, it'd be nice to hear some first-hand anecdotal evidence about a particular brand working well. Or, better yet, which drives Apple uses as its OEM? I'm using just over 128GB now, and I'm not sure how much of that can be pared down just for the longevity and energy/heat/mass savings of a solid state drive.

Citazione da onehoop:

I'm also curious about changing the video card, but I'm glad to see that the hard drive and RAM are considered user-replaceable. Too bad it's still cheaper to buy the 8GB through Apple. 13" MBP user manual:

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/MacB...

The manual only mentions that the drive must be a 2.5" SATA. There's a 250GB SSD for $900 at Newegg, which is the more than it is to upgrade from Apple (although you'd get to keep the 250GB 5400). There are some more affordable 128GB SSD drives, $250-300. However, they're just covered under a replacement policy, no refunds! So, it'd be nice to hear some first-hand anecdotal evidence about a particular brand working well. Or, better yet, which drives Apple uses as its OEM? I'm using just over 128GB now, and I'm not sure how much of that can be pared down just for the longevity and energy/heat/mass savings of a solid state drive.

Any SATA SSD will work. I'm running a Samsung 256GB SSD in my 15" unibody and I previously had a Patriot 128GB SSD in it. It pops in just like any other 2.5" drive (NOTE: Don't buy the Apple SSD from the BTO option; get an aftermarket drive from OCZ, Patriot or Samsung. The BTO SSD's have inferior read/write speeds.)

Citazione da nfoo:

I can confirm that RAM slots are the same as before. Differences are only the new battery and that you have to unscrew the bottom cover again.

RAM and HD remain user serviceable.

Is it possible to adapt the new battery from the MBP 13 (MB466LL/A) in the late 2008 MB 13 AL (MB990LL/A)??? Could ypu please reply to this question? I looks the same size and shape. The only point to observe is how to fix it to the main block of aluminun...

Citazione da terrywood02:

Judging from the pictutes that isn't true, it looks like only the first chip is accessable. Look at the first picture in step 11.. Aluminum blocks access to the other chip.

RTFM!

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/MacB...

Citazione da williamwarn:

can you take the vid processor off or is it soldered on? upgrade to the 9600???????

The video processor is soldered onto the logic board, and it would be very hard to upgrade it to a 9600...

Citazione da Zews:

RTFM!

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/MacB...

the ram socket is the clip up type not the push in type on the old macbook so you can replace it without removing the battery

I just got a 15" MacBook Pro the end of January, It is easy to replace the HD but I would a good 500GB 7200 RPM HD from OWC They seem to have the best price when I went for My 500GB in Mine. I mad the mistake of only getting a 5200 RPM drive, and get a FW 800 external case for the old 500 GB and do a Carbon Copy on it before putting it back in. The 500GB in my 15" MB Pro I may replace it but I most likely will do it when I get my student loan in the fall. and then Get a 13" MB Pro to use as a "NetBook" unless Apple will come out with a new machine in the fall?

Citazione da bez:

How was the thermal paste on these models?

Have Apple trained the CM to apply the correct quantity yet?

Yes, I would like to know if thermal paste is applied correctly as well. From the photos I can't see any thermal paste at all?

Citazione da Orpheus:

Yes, I would like to know if thermal paste is applied correctly as well. From the photos I can't see any thermal paste at all?

The thermal paste coverage on our MBP 13" Unibody seemed adequate. We cleaned the thermal paste off the surface of the processors so whoever is interested could easily identify the chips.

Citazione da andrew:

The thermal paste coverage on our MBP 13" Unibody seemed adequate. We cleaned the thermal paste off the surface of the processors so whoever is interested could easily identify the chips.

Is there any pictures of the thermal paste coverage? It'd be nice to see how much Apple applied.

For anyone who is curious about thermal paste coverage, here is a photo of the factory amount.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40248045@N0...

Citazione da brdnboy:

For anyone who is curious about thermal paste coverage, here is a photo of the factory amount. http://www.flickr.com/photos/40248045@N0...

Geez, that looks horrible! I'll definitely redo the thermal paste when I change the HD.

Anybody know if the CPU is soldered in? I just got a 13" MBP this past weekend, and immediately swapped the ram for 4GB and the HDD for a 500GB unit, and while the processor is just fine right now I'm curious to know if it's able to be replaced later down the road.

Thoughts?

Citazione da skoorbevad:

Anybody know if the CPU is soldered in?

It is soldered to the board and is non-replaceable.

Citazione da andrew42:

15" and 17" never had an IPS display. These are all TN displays.

Not true. The "new" 17" uses an S-IPS panel.

And it's awesome.

I'm not sure what they did with the 15" and 13". They surely had TN panels before and I'm pretty sure still have TN panels, but they are a lot improved. Especially the 13".

Do you have a high-res shot of the complete tear-down? I think it's fantastic, and would love to have it on my desktop! Nerdy, I know.

Citazione da mac4life:

is it possible to repklace the keyboard like on the 15''

is it ????

i spilled hot tea on it and want to clean it, cause it sticks and it blocks the backlight.

Does anyone know if I can replace the backlight keyboard with an older one? I spilled coffee on mine, and a few letters don't work, I want to replace it, but cant afford the backlight one. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciatted.