upgrade

Apple Watch Series 6 vs. Apple Watch Series 5: Should You Upgrade?

19/09/2020 by ALOK DAS

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When a new generation of a gadget appears, users inevitably have a reasonable question: how does the presented device differ from its predecessor? In this article, let’s compare Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch Series 6. What’s new in the sixth series, and what remains unchanged? Should you upgrade? Let’s try to figure it out.

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Below we will consider only those criteria that differ for both watches. If you wish, you can check out detailed reviews of the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch Series 5.

Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch Series 5 design and display

Briefly: Apple Watch Series 6 design remains the same, but there are two new colors (blue and red). Apple Watch Series 6 display is brighter, including when in Always-on mode.

Apple has always been very scrupulous about the design of its devices. Their looks are really well thought out and their shape fits perfectly with functionality. Perhaps that’s why the Apple Watch has kept its design since its debut in 2015. This also applies to the Apple Watch 6 – the model received a rectangular design, which made the device so popular. However, with this generation, for the first time, we got a couple of new colors: blue and red (Product) Red in addition to the previously used silver, gold and gray space.

In Russia, only aluminum Apple Watch Series 6 are available, in some other regions, titanium and stainless steel options are also offered.

As for the Apple Watch 6 display, this is the same Always-on Retina screen as Series 5 had with the same resolution (368 × 448 and 324 × 394). However, there is a big improvement in screen brightness. Apple claims the new display is two and a half times brighter in Always-on mode and 20% brighter in normal mode, and it also has the ability to use an always-on altimeter (altimeter). The watch will show how the owner’s height changes in real time.

Another big difference is the lack of Force Touch (touch force sensor). Apple ditched the pressure sensing feature after the iPhone XS / XS Max line of smartphones. On Apple Watch Series 6, Force Touch is a press and hold function. In its guidelines for UI design, Apple advises removing elements that previously used Force Touch.

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Software and performance

Briefly: Apple Watch Series 6 processor is 20% faster than the chip found in Apple Watch Series 5. Apple Watch Series 6 has a new sensor that measures blood oxygen levels.

With every new generation of Apple Watch, there is a leap in performance thanks to a new chipset. The S6 chip that powers the Apple Watch Series 6 is 20% faster than the previous generation. It is based on the same A13 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 11.

Another major hardware upgrade in the Series 6 is the built-in pulse oximeter sensor (detail).

It can be used to measure blood oxygen levels in just 15 seconds and send this information to a new app “Oxygen in the blood”…

With the release of watchOS 7, Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch Series 5 have the following new features:

Sharing watch faces with other users;
The watch face can have multiple extensions for each application.
Additional training modes: basic training, dancing, functional strength training and recovery.
Sleep tracking.
Hand washing detection.
Cycling routes.
Track the duration of listening to headphones.

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Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch Series 5 battery

Briefly: On average, the battery life of Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch Series 5 is identical.

Battery life is always important to smartwatches. Apple claims the Apple Watch Series 5 offers 18 hours of battery life, which has already been verified and confirmed by repeated tests and user reviews. Recent leaks show that the Apple Watch Series 6 uses a 303.8mAh battery. The previous model, the Apple Watch Series 5, had a 296mAh battery, but with the new features and sensors in the Apple Watch Series 6, expect a battery life of around 18 hours. This is exactly what Apple’s official statement on the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 6 says.

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Contents of delivery

The only significant drawback of the Apple Watch Series 6 in comparison with the Apple Watch Series 5 is the presence of a charger (USB adapter) in the kit. In the box of the 2020 flagship watch, in addition to the device itself with a strap, there is only a charging cable.

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Price

Apple continues to stick to its pricing tradition. The price of Apple Watch Series 6 in Russia is 36,990 rubles for the 40-mm version and 39,490 rubles for the 44-mm version. In turn, the Apple Watch Series 5 was discontinued, but you can still buy them in the networks of official resellers at a price of 31,990 rubles for the 40mm version and 33,990 rubles for the 44mm version.

Buy Apple Watch Series 6

Buy Apple Watch Series 5

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Which is better to buy Apple Watch Series 6 or Apple Watch Series 5?

There is no definite answer, since everything depends on the selection criteria. If you already own an Apple Watch Series 5, there really aren’t many reasons to choose Series 6. Of course, the new watch has a better processor, a brighter screen, and a blood oxygen sensor. On the other hand, Apple Watch Series 5 has the same screen size, almost identical functionality, and is still quite fast. This is not the case if you are considering upgrading your Apple Watch Series 6 or Series 5 with Series 2 or Series 3. This is the perfect time to get a clear improvement in performance and features, all at the same starting price as before.

How to upgrade your iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Pro hardware yourself

16/02/2020 by ALOK DAS

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Apple computers have a very long life cycle. Updating working machines is rare enough, it is better to make a point upgrade and a couple of years to work for your beloved Mac.

Now we will consider what opportunities for modernization are in the current line of apple desktops.

To the point: how to upgrade old macbooks

Which Macs can I install macOS Catalina on

The latest version of the Apple operating system is installed on the following desktop models:

Mac mini – the end of 2012, the end of 2014, 2018 of release.

iMac – Starting with the iMac 21.5 ″ and iMac 27 ″ at the end of 2012 and increasingly newer models.

Mac pro – The end of 2013 and models 2019 release.

↑↑↑ Click on the desired model to go to the corresponding section of the article ↑↑↑

Each model of the presented Apple computers can be upgraded. Now we will tell in detail about all the features of the upgrade.

Please note that on computers with T2 chip To work with third-party drives, you will have to perform additional manipulations.

Mac mini 2012

One of the most successful Mac models in terms of upgrade options. This fact and good 4-core processors in the lineup allow even now to get a device more powerful than the Minic released in 2014.

Replacing RAM is extremely simple and fast. This does not even require special screwdrivers or other tools. We just find the memory modules suitable for replacement PC3L-12800 and change in a couple of minutes.

How to replace RAM on Mac mini 2012:

1. Turn off the computer and disconnect it from the power.

2. Open the bottom cover (turn counterclockwise and pry).

3. We push the latches holding the old RAM modules.

4. We take out the modules and change them to new ones.

5. We assemble in the reverse order.

The memory is not even covered by protection, as in the 2018 model.

This Mac will pull no more than 16 GB of RAM. The average price for a bar of 8 GB – 2000 rubles.

How to replace the drive on a Mac mini 2012:

Replacing the HDD will be more difficult. It will take a couple of common screwdrivers T6 and T8.

There is enough space inside the computer, you can either replace the main disk or install a second drive. To do this, you need to buy a special loop.

1. Turn off the computer and disconnect it from the power.

2. Open the bottom cover (turn counterclockwise and pry).

3. We take out the blew RAM.

4. We unscrew the three screws that hold the cooler.

5. Gently turn off the cooler cable and remove it from the case.

6. We unscrew the four screws that hold the antenna of the wireless modules.

7. Disconnect the contacts of the antenna unit and remove it.

8. We unscrew the remaining screws that hold the motherboard in the case.

9. We push the board out of the case to make room for removing the drive.

10. We disconnect the drive mount and the block with the motherboard can be completely removed from the case.

eleven. Next, either change the drive to a new one, or disassemble the drive mount to get to the installation site of the second HDD / SSD.

12. Install a new accumulate or drives.

thirteen. Putting the computer in reverse order.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f9abuYUfow

You can install any 2.5-inch HDD and SDD drives as the primary or secondary drives.

Mac mini 2014

The penultimate generation of Mac mini is considered by users to be rather unfortunate. Mediocre dual-core processors did not allow these “minics” to bypass the performance model of two years ago.

In addition, the computer uses the RAM soldered on the motherboard, the original 4 or 8 GB can not be expanded anymore. You can only upgrade the drive.

On the basic (MGEM2 * / A) and medium (MGEN2 * / A) models, a slow HDD of 500 GB and 1 TB is installed. You can replace it with a high-speed SSD.

The top model (MGEQ2 * / A) comes with 128 GB SSD and 1 TB HDD, which are software integrated into Fusion Drive. In this case, you can replace any of the drives or both at once.

To replace the SSD in the top configuration, a drive like the Transcend M850 is suitable – 9502 rubles. Replace HDD from any model with a suitable 2.5-inch SSD. For example, Western Digital – 3,750 rubles. or Samsung 4850 rub.

How to replace the drive on a Mac mini 2014:

The procedure for replacing the drive is quite painstaking and moderately complicated, you have to disassemble the Mac mini almost completely. Screwdrivers needed TR6, T5 and T8.

Owners of the younger and middle models can buy a special SSD cable and install a second drive. On the older model, you only have to change the drives.

1. Turn off the computer and disconnect it from the power.

2. Remove the bottom cover. To do this, disconnect the three latches with a thin plastic object.

3. Unscrew 6 bolts with a screwdriver TR6to remove the unit with the antenna of the wireless modules, which blocks access to the inside of the computer.

4. To completely remove the antenna, you need to disconnect the loop of the AirPort module.

5. To install or replace the SSD-drive, which is connected to the PCI-connector, you only need to unscrew one screw.

6. To install the drive on the younger and middle models will have to use the purchased cable.

7. It remains only to assemble the Mac in the reverse order.

8. If you need to get to a 2.5-inch drive, we continue to disassemble the computer. We turn off the screws fixing the cooler and disconnect it from the motherboard.

9. It’s time to unscrew the screws that hold the drive and the motherboard itself in the case.

10. Before removing the motherboard, disconnect a couple of connected loops.

eleven. We remove the motherboard and disconnect the screws holding the power supply and the frame for the drive.

12. Now you can remove the frame and replace the 2.5-inch drive.

thirteen. Perform the operations in reverse order to assemble the computer.

In this case, you will need a solid state drive with a connector, like the top model, and the replacement procedure will be much simpler than replacing a native HDD disk. You only need to open the cover and remove the cooling system to access the motherboard.

Mac mini 2018

The most current generation of “minics” at the moment. In this computer model, only RAM will be replaced. The SSD drive is soldered to the motherboard, inside you will not find the available SATA or PCIe connectors for connecting a second disk. In addition, the updated cooling system is more massive than the previous one and there is no banal space in the case for new SSD disks.

Given the presence of two USB 3.0 Type-A ports and four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C 3.1) ports, you can expand the drive using external data storage.

As for the RAM upgrade, in a couple of 2018 Mac mini slots, you can install up to 64 GB of memory using 8.16 or 32 GB DDR4-2666 SODIMMs.

Cupertinians brazenly lie on their site, claiming that on this model an independent upgrade of RAM is impossible.

The most beneficial introduction will be a 16 GB module for 4000 rubles.

How to replace RAM on Mac mini 2018:

The memory replacement procedure will take about 30 minutes; three screwdrivers will be needed. Two common ones: T5 and T10, as well as a rarer bit TR6.

1. Turn off the computer and disconnect it from the power.

2. Remove the bottom cover. To do this, disconnect the latches with a thin plastic object.

3. Unscrew 6 bolts with a screwdriver TR6to remove the unit with the antenna of the wireless modules, which blocks access to the inside of the computer.

4. To completely remove the antenna, you need to disconnect the loop of the AirPort module.

5. We unscrew the 4 screws that hold the massive cooler, disconnect it from the motherboard and remove it.

6. It remains to disconnect a couple of loops (from the power supply and from the status indicator) and the motherboard can be removed from the case.

7. Now you need to remove the metal casing from the RAM modules. Four ordinary bolts hold it.

8. Done! You can change the RAM and build the Mac in the reverse order.

The process is very clearly described in the video guys from iFixit.

iMac 21.5 ″

RAM upgrade is possible on such 21.5-inch iMac models:

• iMac 4K, 2019
• iMac 4K, 2017
• iMac 2017
• iMac mid 2014
• iMac end of 2013
• iMac end of 2012

In all these devices, for any upgrade, it is necessary to open the case and completely disconnect the matrix, which is quite difficult to do. It is better to prepare for such an operation in advance and in one fell swoop to replace the drive and RAM.

In some cases, it will even turn out to replace the processor with older models of the line.

This is the procedure for replacing RAM in the iMac 21.5 ″ model of 2017:

The exception is models iMac end of 2015 and iMac Retina 4K end of 2015 Replacement of RAM modules on them is not provided.

Look for a detailed manual for your model on the iFixit website.

Replacing the processor will only make sense on the base models of each generation. When you install the module from the iMac maximum configuration, you will get a noticeable increase in performance, but the cost of components and the replacement itself will scare off most users.

At the same time, replacing the HDD with an SSD or an old solid-state drive with a more capacious and high-speed one is always appropriate. It’s worth not to forget about the complexity of the procedure.

iMac 27 ″

On all models that are suitable for macOS Catalina, you can easily increase the amount of RAM. This applies to such a 27-inch iMac:

• iMac 5K 2019
• iMac 5K 2017
• iMac 5K end of 2015
• iMac 5K mid 2015
• iMac 5K end of 2014
• iMac end of 2013
• iMac end of 2012

IMac 5K 2019 uses memory DDR4 SDRAM, 2666 MHz for 260 contacts. The maximum memory capacity is four modules of 16 GB.

2017 iMac 5K uses 260-pin memory DDR4 SDRAM, 2400 MHz. The maximum memory capacity is four modules of 16 GB.

IMac 5K End of 2015 Can Install Memory DDR3 SDRAM, 1867 MHz with 204 contacts. In 4 slots, you can install up to 32 GB of memory.

Other generations of iMac from late 2012 to mid-2015 inclusively support DDR3 SDRAM, 1600 MHz on 204 contacts. In 4 slots, up to 32 GB is installed.

How to replace RAM on iMac 27 ″:

1. Turn off your Mac and unplug it from the power source.

2. Open the hatch to access the RAM modules on the back of the case.

3. We push the latches on the memory modules and remove them.

4. Install new RAM modules.

5. Close the manhole cover.

Replacing the HDD, SSD and even the processor are possible after opening the iMac. Even in the younger model, this is a rather complicated procedure, and taking into account the dimensions of the 27-inch iMac, it will be extremely difficult to upgrade at home.

If the iMac Thunderbolt has ports, it is easier to expand the memory using external drives, and replacing the processor with an older model in the line will not give a big performance boost.

Model iMac Pro still powerful enough even in the basic configuration to think about an upgrade. Modernization is possible only after opening the device, so it is better to carry out the operation with an expensive computer in an authorized service center.

Mac Pro 2013

The professional line of Apple computers has always been modular and users have received many upgrade opportunities.

This model is no exception, in the “black bucket” you can replace the RAM, drive, video card and even the processor.

How to replace RAM on Mac Pro:

You can replace or add RAM without any tools at all.

1. Turn off your Mac and unplug it from the power source.

2. On the back side of the case we slide the protective latch and remove the metal cylinder.

3. We click on a special button that holds the pressed seats for RAM.

4. We change the memory modules and assemble the computer in the reverse order.

In any of the four slots, you can set the DDR3 ECC memory bar with a frequency of 1866 MHz. Modules fit UDIMM or RDIMM, but not both types of memory at the same time.

Each slot supports up to 16 GB, which allows you to install up to 64 GB of RAM.

How to replace RAM on Mac Pro:

Replacing a standard drive is also easy. All you need is a screwdriver T8.

1. Turn off your Mac and unplug it from the power source.

2. On the back side of the case we slide the protective latch and remove the metal cylinder.

3. Unscrew the screw that holds the SSD.

4. We remove the drive from the case and install a new one.

5. Putting the computer in reverse order.

For replacement, the Transcend M850 is suitable – 9502 rubles. or analogues.

How to replace a graphics card on a Mac Pro:

Replacing a video card is getting harder. Not only will you have to disassemble the Mac Pro for an upgrade, it will be extremely difficult to find the right model.

Used graphics cards are extremely rare and are made exclusively for Apple computers. The choice of cards is small, and on sale they are very rare. Most often, it will be possible to find only boards disassembled from older models.

For the most curious, leave a link to detailed instructions from iFixit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJX5YQY_4LI

The most difficult procedure is replacing the processor. To do this, completely free the motherboard, which is tightly clamped by other components in the case.

To replace the native processor Intel Xeon E5 it will turn out to install a more powerful model from the same line:

• Intel Xeon E5-2650 v2
• Intel Xeon E5-2667 v2
• Intel Xeon E5-2690 v2
• Intel Xeon E5-2697 v2

In the best case, you will get a performance increase of about 25-30%, while finding a rare processor will be extremely difficult, and it will cost as much as half of the computer being upgraded.

Just in case, keep detailed replacement instructions.

Modular Mac Pro 2019 years we do not consider because of its novelty. Users who decide to purchase such expensive equipment will choose sufficient equipment immediately upon purchase.

20 little-known chips to upgrade your Mac’s Dock

08/02/2020 by ALOK DAS

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Dock is the most requested macOS panel. It is used for quick access to active and frequently used applications, as well as individual files.

To maximize the use of the Dock, it is important to customize this panel for yourself. Here most needed chipsto help do this.

1. To remove an icon from the Dock, you can simply “throw it out”

How to do it: hold any of the icons in the Dock and drag it away from the panel until “Delete” appears, then release it.

Of course, for this you can use the context menu of each individual application, which looks like this:

The “Leave to Dock” switch is responsible for the location of the item on the panel

However, just throwing and throwing icons from the Dock is much faster and more fun.

2. You can easily add any of your documents to the Dock

Folder with my working materials for iPhones.ru

How to do it: in Dock, you can drag any files and folders from the Finder – they can be placed in the part after the separator near the “Recycle Bin”.

Interestingly, a keyboard shortcut can also be used for this. Select the desired item in the Finder and press Command (⌘) + Control (⌃) + Shift (⇧) + “T”.

Thus, as an option, you can add documents to the Dock that you use no less than programs. For example, if you keep a record of the activities of your store in the Numbers table, it has the right place in this panel.

3. In Dock, you can quickly add bookmarks to sites from Safari

Bookmark iPhones.ru in Dock

How to do it: open iPhones.ru or another site in Safari, hold the contents of the address bar of the browser and drag it into the Dock – in the part after the separator (near the “Recycle Bin”).

The number of bookmarks you can add to the Dock is limited only by the size of the panel itself on the screen of your Mac.

The only pity is that Dock does not save bookmarks along with site logos, so that it is convenient to navigate through them. Therefore, this chip becomes uncomfortable to use if there are too many pages.

4. Increasing the icons in the Dock can increase more than the maximum

Standard Docking Options

How to do it: go to System Preferences> Dock, put the Zoom in switch in the active position, and move the slider to the desired position.

If this is not enough, use this command for “Terminal”:

defaults write com.apple.dock largesize -float 300; killall dock

In the maximum position of the “Increase” slider, the value of size 256 is used. In the example command for “Terminal”, it is 300. You can use this or any other.

This is how enlarged icons look in the Dock after using a command with a value of 300

Typically, icon enlargement is used on small screens of Apple laptops: a 12-inch MacBook or 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. It makes it possible to reduce the size of the Dock to a minimum, but it’s great to see the icons when you hover over.

5. The most logical location of the Dock is on the left side of the screen.

How to do it: go to System Preferences> Dock and select the “Left” option in the “Screen Location” section.

By the way, have you noticed that my Dock is located on the left side of the screen? So do almost all MacBook owners of any model.

When this panel is at the bottom, it eats up too much useless space left and right. If you move it to the right, it will prevent you from using the macOS menu with widgets and notifications. Left is the perfect option.

6. The location of the Dock on the screen can be reliably protected

Now you can’t change the location

How to do it: You can use the following command for “Terminal”:

defaults write com.apple.Dock position-immutable -bool true; killall dock

To enable the Dock to re-position the screen again, use this command:

defaults write com.apple.Dock position-immutable -bool false; killall dock

After activating this command, the Dock position switches in System Preferences become inactive.

7. You can, just in case, prohibit changing the contents of the Dock

Usually in this section of the context menu of the icon in the Dock there is the item “Leave in the Dock”, but after using the command it disappears

How to do it: for this we need the following command for the “Terminal”:

defaults write com.apple.Dock contents-immutable -bool true; killall dock

You can remove the ban on changing the Dock filling using the following command:

defaults write com.apple.Dock contents-immutable -bool false; killall dock

After activating this command, no one can change the set of icons that are always located in the Dock.

8. You can also prohibit resizing for the Dock

Now you cannot resize the panel

How to do it: to prohibit resizing of the Dock, the following command is useful for the “Terminal”:

defaults write com.apple.Dock size-immutable -bool true; killall dock

You can remove the restriction using this command:

defaults write com.apple.Dock size-immutable -bool false; killall dock

During active work behind the Mac Dock, it’s easy to hurt and accidentally resize it. Honestly, this is wildly annoying. But there is a way.

9. You can control the display of the Dock on the screen using the keyboard

How to do it: go to System Preferences> Dock and put the “Automatically show or hide Dock” switch to the active position – this is the standard way.

For this, you can also use the keyboard shortcut Command (⌘) + Option (⌥) + “D” – this is much faster and more convenient.

By the way, few people know how to activate the Dock in full screen mode. And for this you just need to move the cursor to the part of the screen where this panel should be located. This also works with the menu bar.

10. In the Dock, you can show recently used applications

How to do it: go to System Preferences> Dock and turn on the “Show Recent Programs in Dock” switch.

When this feature is activated, in the Dock part near the “Recycle Bin” there is a place for applications that are not docked, but have been recently used.

11. You can add a complete list of your recent files to the Dock.

How to do it: open Finder, activate the context menu of the “Recent” item in the side menu and select “Add to Dock”.

If there is no “Recent” item in the side menu, expand the Finder section from the menu bar, select the “Settings” item and go to the “Side menu” section. Here in the “Favorites” list you need to put the “Recent” switch in the active position:

By the way, similarly to the Recent folder in the Dock, you can also add other elements that are located in the Finder side menu. These can be catalogs with films, music, books, documents.

12. You have the option to enable hidden animation for the Dock

By default, only two types of animation can be used for Dock.

How to do it: go to System Preferences> Dock menu and select the “Gin” or “Simple Reduction” option in the “Remove to Effect Dock” drop-down menu.

Few people know that the panel also has another hidden animation “Suction”, which can only be activated through the “Terminal”. To activate it, use this command:

defaults write com.apple.dock mineffect suck; killall dock

Choose any other animation in a standard way. We have no answer why the developers hid one of the settings, which works more than correctly.

13. Windows should be minimized to system application dock icons

How to do it: go to the System Settings> Dock menu and put the switch “Remove window in the Dock into the program icon” into the active position.

If this switch is inactive, all active documents will create additional icons in the Dock, and this will only make it more bulky and inconvenient.

14. Between groups of icons in the Dock, you can place separators

How to do it: in this case, it is not so easy to do without “Terminal” either, this command will do:

defaults write com.apple.dock persistent-apps -array-add ‘{” tile-type “=” small-spacer-tile “;}’; killall dock

Separators are small empty spaces that can be removed just like any other elements in the Dock. They can be used to divide software on the panel into categories: office, instant messengers, entertainment.

15. In Dock, you can use the switch for scrolling windows

This menu can be activated after using this command

How to do it: “Terminal” is useful here, to activate this feature, use this command:

defaults write com.apple.dock scroll-to-open -bool TRUE; killall dock

Using this command, you can turn off this feature of the panel:

defaults write com.apple.dock scroll-to-open -bool FALSE; killall dock

After activating the command, you can hover over the application icon in the Dock and swipe up with two fingers. This will open a special menu for selecting one of several documents that are currently used in the application.

16. You can also use single window mode with Dock

How to do it: To do this, use the command for “Terminal”:

defaults write com.apple.dock single-app -bool true; killall dock

To turn off this mode, use the command:

defaults write com.apple.dock single-app -bool false; killall Dock

This feature is intended for those who want to concentrate as much as possible on work or reduce the load on their Mac. After its activation, when you open one application, the system will automatically hide all the others.

17. In the Dock, you can only show currently running programs

This is what the Dock looks like when there are only active applications in it.

How to do it: for this you will have to use the “Terminal”, you need this command:

defaults write com.apple.dock static-only -bool true; killall dock

To cancel this action is obtained with this command:

defaults write com.apple.dock static-only -bool false; killall dock

In this case, the Dock will only be used to work with running software, and the rest will be activated using the standard Launchpad.

18. Dock can also be configured very simply through TinkerTool

In addition to Dock settings, TinkerTool has enough options for changing other system parameters

How to do it: TinkerTool is a free macOS fine-tuning application that can be downloaded here.

To use most of the features that are indicated in this material, you can use system tweakers like TinkerTool. By and large, they simply store in their memory all the necessary commands for the “Terminal”, and open access to them in the form of a nice interface.

As an alternative to TinkerTool, you can also try the OnyX program, which can be downloaded for free from the link. It has a similar set of customization options, but there are additional system tools for Mac maintenance.

To the point: Overview of TinkerTool. Unlock Mac Secret Settings

19. Dock can be returned to its original form as quickly as possible

How to do it: To do this, use this command from the “Terminal”

defaults delete com.apple.dock; killall dock

Using this command, you can get rid of all the effects that you activated using the “Terminal”.

20. Dock can even be transferred to the touch bar Touch Bar

Dock looks very harmonious on the Touch Bar

How to do it: this will help make the Pock application, which continues to develop actively for a long time – it is free and available by reference.

If you are using a MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, be sure to try using it for the Dock. This will save you valuable space on your laptop screen.

How to upgrade your old MacBook so you don’t buy a new one

25/12/2019 by ALOK DAS

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The new 16-inch MacBook Pro gave Apple tech lovers the hope of updating the entire line of professional computers.

Although the beloved SD card slots and USB-A connectors will never be returned to the MacBook, we’ve still been able to find the most convenient keyboard instead of the sticky “butterfly”.

In six months or a year, it will be possible to replace the old Retina models with updated laptops. To give a second life to the “old people” and to work on them for some more time, we offer to make a simple upgrade.

Only models that support installation will be considered. macOS Catalina:

▸ MacBook Pro Mid 2012 or later
▸ MacBook Air Mid 2012 or later
▸ MacBook Retina Start 2015 or later

Upgrade impossible on the 12-inch MacBook, which was produced from 2015 to 2017, but the new MacBook Air 2018-2019 and on the MacBook Pro starting from 2016 models (TouchBar / Type-C).

The instruction is not suitable for new Macs with a T2 chip. Such manipulations require additional training

On older devices (MacBook Pro Retina and MacBook Air), you can replace the SSD drive. RAM upgrade could be carried out on the previous generation of laptops in a unibody package (laptops from 2008 to 2012 without the Retina display).

MacBook Pro Retina

Models that were produced from mid-2012 to mid-2015 are considered to be the third generation of the MacBook Pro. This entire line is also called Retina.

It includes 7 modifications with screen sizes 13 ″ and 15 ″:

Mid 2012: MC975LL / A, MC976LL / A, MD831LL / A
Late 2012: MD212LL / A, MD213LL / A, Z0N43LL / A
Early 2013: ME662LL / A, ME664LL / A, ME665LL / A
Late 2013: ME864LL / A, ME865LL / A, ME866LL / A, ME293LL / A, ME294LL / A, ME874LL / A
Mid 2014: MGX72LL / A, MGX82LL / A, MGX92LL / A, MGXA2LL / A, MGXC2LL / A
Early 2015: MF839LL / A, MF840LL / A, MF841LL / A
Mid 2015: MJLQ2LL / A, MJLT2LL / A

Macbook air

From the “air” laptops, devices that were released from mid-2012 to mid-2017 are suitable for us.

Upgrade is possible on any of the five modifications 11 ″ and 13 ″:

Mid 2012: MD223LL / A, MD224LL / A, MD231LL / A, MD232LL / A
Mid 2013: MD711LL / A, MD712LL / A, MD760LL / A, MD761LL / A
Early 2014: MD711LL / B, MD712LL / B, MD760LL / B, MD761LL / B
Early 2015: MJVM2LL / A, MJVP2LL / A, MJVE2LL / A, MJVG2LL / A, MMGF2LL / A, MMGG2LL / A
Mid 2017: MQD32LL / A, MQD42LL / A

Which drive to choose

The Cupertinians did everything to upgrade the drive in a laptop was problematic. The replacement procedure itself is not complicated and difficult, it is more difficult to choose the right SSD.

These generations of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air installed solid-state drives with a specific connector, which are different from most SSDs with an M2 connector.

Upgrade can be done as follows:

▸ Find the original Apple SSD of the right size, which was removed from another MacBook. On sale such discs are very rare.

▸ Find third-party SSDs with a similar connector. There is more choice, but prices are still biting. There are several models of the OWC brand: Aura Pro X2 and Aura Pro 6G, Transcend has similar disks: JetDrive 725 or JetDrive 850

▸ connect a regular M2 format SSD via a special adapter: such or such.

In the first case, it is best to order the necessary components in the USA on eBay. In the second case, the Transcend model will be a good option, along with the drive you will get an adapter for connecting the disk via USB, so you can quickly deploy a backup of the system to the SSD before installing it in the MacBook. After the upgrade, you can put the old SSD into the adapter and make it an external USB drive.

When choosing a model from a different manufacturer, a similar dock can be purchased on AliExpress.

In the case of the adapter, you should carefully select the model of the adapter itself and the model of the SSD suitable for it. The choice is very large, but you can make a mistake.

Attention! Different models of the presented laptops use SSDs of different sizes. Too large or wide strap can not fit in the space allotted to it inside the case.

To avoid errors, check the drive dimensions for your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air at iFixit.

Only after that pick up a new SSD and an adapter for it.

For those who are eyeing Transcend drives, a convenient table has been posted on the company’s website. In it you can find the right drive model for your laptop.

How to replace SSD

1. Back up the system through Time machine or using third-party software.

If you purchased a drive with an external dock for replacement, you can immediately connect it via USB, format it in the disk utility and deploy a backup to it.

2. Create a flash drive for a clean macOS installation according to our instructions.

3. Turn off your laptop to begin replacing the SSD.

4. Remove the back cover of the laptop. This will require a screwdriver with a bat P5.

5. Using plastic objects, carefully disconnect the battery cable.

6. With a screwdriver T5 unscrew the mount of the standard SSD and carefully remove it.

7. Replace the new drives and reassemble the laptop in the reverse order.

8. Reset PRAM / NVRAM according to the instructions. In some cases, without such a reset, the laptop will not perceive the new SSD as a system one.

9. Turn on the laptop and boot using the prepared flash drive (hold down the key Option / Alt during MacBook startup).

10. You can perform a clean installation of the system or immediately deploy the Time Machine backup.

Now the old MacBook is more capacious and high-speed drive. The increase in productivity is not the biggest, but for a year or two it will definitely be enough.