New MacBook Pro !

Hi, I have just got the latest edition 2011 MacBook Pro 13" inch 2.7ghz i5, precision aluminium uni-body today and I would like a little help from the experts please. However, unfortunately it came with Snow Leopard ! Firstly, will someone briefly explain to me the main new features of Lion and is it really worth it? Also, if I download it will I lose any of my files or downloaded items ? And sorry if I'm asking too much but can I have some cool tips and tricks for Snow Leopard and Lion (incase I do decide to get it). Thank you in advance for your help and sorry if this is in the wrong forum discussion. ;D



P.S What is the slot next to the disc drive and what is the slot right of where the handle thing is to open your MacBook Pro ?

I'll be watching this thread as I am in the exact same boat as you. I got the smallest MB Pro but it's awesome!

Michael S said:

Hi, I have just got the latest edition 2011 MacBook Pro 13" inch 2.7ghz i5, precision aluminium uni-body today and I would like a little help from the experts please. However, unfortunately it came with Snow Leopard ! Firstly, will someone briefly explain to me the main new features of Lion and is it really worth it? Also, if I download it will I lose any of my files or downloaded items ? And sorry if I'm asking too much but can I have some cool tips and tricks for Snow Leopard and Lion (incase I do decide to get it). Thank you in advance for your help and sorry if this is in the wrong forum discussion. ;D



P.S What is the slot next to the disc drive and what is the slot right of where the handle thing is to open your MacBook Pro ?

Click to expand...

There's too many features to list. You should not lose anything if you do the upgrade. Especially with a new installation. You can go here to read all about Lion and it's new features.

Apple - OS X Lion - The world

This site will explain all. I think the $30.00 is a great investment. Where else will you get the most advanced OS in the world for $30.00? Windows does not have it.

I am fairly new myself to Mac so I am not the guy to give you the tips and tricks. But If I were to give one bit of advice it would be to not just start downloading new software into your Mac willy nilly. It can sometimes do more harm than good. As well I would read the sticky about the need for anti-virus software. And the so called Mac cleaning programs really are not needed if you stay out of the hidden files and as previously stated be careful of the software that you do download.

Regards,

Pat

The small slot next to the optical drive is the port for a security cable, like the Kensington Security Cable. I'm not sure which one you mean about being to the right of the opening... unless you mean the sleep LED. Not a slot, just a light that gives a visible "heartbeat" pulse when the system is asleep.

EvenStranger said:

The small slot next to the optical drive is the port for a security cable, like the Kensington Security Cable. I'm not sure which one you mean about being to the right of the opening... unless you mean the sleep LED. Not a slot, just a light that gives a visible "heartbeat" pulse when the system is asleep.

Click to expand...

EvenStranger, my MBP has the sleep slot that you are speaking about but it also has another slot to the right of the sleep light slot. It appears to me to be some type of light but I have never seen it light. I too wonder what this is for.
(Maybe I'll look in the documentation that came with the computer and it will say. If so I will post back.

Pat

You should be able to upgrade to Lion for free if you purchased it in the last 30 days.
Go to the following url and fill out the info. You should receive a code for a free copy of Lion.
Apple - OS X Lion and Lion Server - Up to Date Program

Are you able to point out the slot from any of the pics on Apple's website? You've got me scratching my head on this one.

Here you go. You can see it on the front of this picture, the Macbook with the lid open. It's on the far right of the 1/2 inch or so flat front facing portion. Just to the right where the sleep light would be.

http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/

Pat

That is the IR sensor I believe. It's so you ca use an Apple remote to control things like volume, fast forward etc.

StMFA I think you have it! It does have some type of glass or covering over it. That makes perfect sense and that's what I am going with.

Thanks

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/macbook_pro_13inch_early2011.pdf

Page 20- IR Receiver next to sleep light.

tonyben said:

i'll be watching this thread as i am in the exact same boat as you. I got the smallest mb pro but it's awesome!

Click to expand...

**** right !

EvenStranger said:

The small slot next to the optical drive is the port for a security cable, like the Kensington Security Cable. I'm not sure which one you mean about being to the right of the opening... unless you mean the sleep LED. Not a slot, just a light that gives a visible "heartbeat" pulse when the system is asleep.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the Kensington lock slot info. but I'm talking about the thing on the right of it.;D

StMFA said:

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/macbook_pro_13inch_early2011.pdf

Page 20- IR Receiver next to sleep light.

Click to expand...

Is that for remotes and similar ?

Thank you everyone I have got enough info now on the slots but could I have some Mac Tips and Tricks please ?

See the essay in my signature if you haven't already. Congrats, btw!

Two big things- keep plenty of free space on your hdd 20+gb
Don't go messing around in system files

Also if you find that your mac starts slowing down after a while reboot the machine, it will clear all open programs so you start off with a fresh desktop. The thing with Macs is that many of the processes (iTunes, iPhoto, Mail, etc.) are still running in the background even when you "close" them. This helps the program open much more quickly the next time, but if you have tons and tons of these open concurrently it can bog your system down as these processes do require some of the RAM in order to keep running in this manner.

Here is the IR remote for it, it's a great remote, kinda nifty, Good price for quality.
Amazon.com: Apple Music System Remote Control for iPhone, iPod, DVD PlayerMusic System: Electronics

Michael S said:

Hi, I have just got the latest edition 2011 MacBook Pro 13" inch 2.7ghz i5, precision aluminium uni-body today and I would like a little help from the experts please. However, unfortunately it came with Snow Leopard ! Firstly, will someone briefly explain to me the main new features of Lion and is it really worth it? Also, if I download it will I lose any of my files or downloaded items ? And sorry if I'm asking too much but can I have some cool tips and tricks for Snow Leopard and Lion (incase I do decide to get it). Thank you in advance for your help and sorry if this is in the wrong forum discussion. ;D



P.S What is the slot next to the disc drive and what is the slot right of where the handle thing is to open your MacBook Pro ?

Click to expand...

As others have stated, Lion intel's 250 new features over Snow Leopard and Snow Leopard intel's 250 features over Tiger. With that said noticeable differences would be the mulit-touch gesture support, Mission Control (Bird's Eye View/Task Manager), Launch Pad (icon views much like that of iOS). As for the "Hole/Port" nest to the optical drive, that is for a Kensington lock for security purposes. If you buy lion and upgrade you WILL NOT lose any data, I have done this personally so I know, It simply upgrades the OS and leaves your Files and Information untouched. Hope this helps.