What to do with my Macbook ?

[smallzoo]

I have a MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015), 2.17Ghz, I5, 8gb memory, 120gb disk, running Catalina, also running Parallels for desktop

The screen is damaged to so I am connected to a monitor, I am running out of space and I cant install Garageband, the Mac and OS is not compatible

I am a software developer and part-time musician

Can I upgrade this Mac to allow me to install Garageband etc or should I be looking at a newer ( NOT new ! ) MacBook air

Thanks a lot

 

[Raz0rEdge]

Your computer is compatible with macOS Big Sur and you should upgrade to that and you should be able to install a version of Garageband from the App Store that is compatible.

 

[smallzoo]

I tired that. I my sons is the same model as mine but with Big Sur and App Store says

"...could no complete the purchase..garageband cant be installed macOS version 12.3 or later is required @

 

[Slydude]

You must complete the update to Big Sur first and then try to update GarageBand. When you attempt to download software from the App Store I'm pretty sure it checks to see if your machine meets the program's minimum hardware and software requirements.

 

[smallzoo]

Not sure what you mean ?.. his Mac already has Big Sur installed and as I said in my message it requires12.3 or later and Big Sur is 11

So again just need advice as to whether I can upgrade my 2015 MacBook to the latest OS or whether I will have to buy a newer macbook air ?

 

[Slydude]

I'm going to take a guess here and bet that his Mac has an older version of GarageBand if he is running Big Sur. I didn't realize it when I made the previous post but the current version of GarageBand, which was updated recently IIRC, requires macOS Monterey.

 

[smallzoo]

Thanks.. so I've heard my early 2015 Mac is one of the best ever made. Is there a good newer user MacBook Air that would fit the bill ? ( I presume there is nothing I can do to my current MacBook to run Monterey )

 

[Slydude]

A patch program allows Ventura (the current macOS) to run on machines that do not support it. I'm currently running it on my 2015 iMac. Initially, I did not see much of a slowdown compared to Monterey but, now there are times when the screen redraw is visible. This article has additional has more information including a link to the software if you're interested.

OpenCore Legacy Patcher delivers unofficial Ventura support for older Macs

Not for the faint of heart, but it's the only way to run Ventura on old Macs.

arstechnica.com

It would probably be better to try and locate an older version of GarageBand that runs under Big Sur.

 

[smallzoo]

Managed to find a compatible download..thanks to everyone

 

[pigoo3]

...I am running out of space and I cant install Garageband, the Mac and OS is not compatible

Can I upgrade this Mac to allow me to install Garageband etc or should I be looking at a newer ( NOT new ! ) MacBook air

Sounds like one of the issue's is internal SSD storage space. 120GB of internal storage is pretty limiting.

Luckily the internal storage on the 13" Early 2015 MacBook Pro's is upgradeable. Just need to purchase & install a larger "Blade SSD"...as pictured in this link for the great folks at OWC (macsales.com):

SSD Upgrades for 2013, 2014, and 2015 MacBook Pro

Upgrade the SSD of any 2013-2015 MacBook Pro for up to 16x the capacity of the original factory drive. Kit includes all tools needed for DIY installation.

eshop.macsales.com

This is just one example of a retailer to purchase from...you may find better deals at Crucial, eBay, etc. Keep in mind Apple uses a proprietary pin configuration on these blade SSD's...thus not just any blade SSD will fit.

Good luck,

Nick