1) I'm using the vanilla MBP mid-2009, so it only has 2GB RAM. I read that it can be upgraded to 16GB RAM (8GB RAM each slot). Is this true? How much would it cost? Otherwise what is the maximum RAM upgrades I can get and how much?

2) I'm running Mavericks 10.9.5 on it and somehow it does feel sluggish compared to older Macs with far older OS that I have used before. I heard that Mountain Lion is the best OS for 2010 Macs, but I've also heard that El Capitan has solved all the problems that Mavericks and Yosemite were. So, Mountain Lion or El Capitan?

3) Other than RAM, what else can I upgrade on my MBP? And how much would they cost?

Thanks!

This post has been edited by Secruoser: Nov 29 2015, 06:18 PM

SSD 256GB + 8GB DDR3 RAM will make significant difference to your macbook. Other things can forget it.

I saw Amazon selling for $49.99. It's cheaper than Malaysian sellers right?

I would like to upgrade to SSD as well but maybe next time since it's more expensive. Maybe just the 120GB will do. I can just buy external HDD for storage purposes.

price i am not sure since mine is SSD since bought. normally i would prefer to go for the minimum spec that can perform at the time of purchase instead of upgrading later. It ends up the same.

SSD 128GB is only enough if you are running solely on mac os x. if u want to boot camp, confirmed not enough. 256GB is the minimum.

price i am not sure since mine is SSD since bought. normally i would prefer to go for the minimum spec that can perform at the time of purchase instead of upgrading later. It ends up the same. pay cheap and buy twice, this theory does apply most of the time.

SSD 128GB is only enough if you are running solely on mac os x. if u want to boot camp, confirmed not enough. 256GB is the minimum.

This post has been edited by westlife: Nov 29 2015, 06:57 PM

I don't run boot camp or parallels but I'll keep that in mind just in case.

128GB version will have less resell market too as it cannot meet the needs for most people too.

max is 2TB right?

250GB 840 Evo is 77USD
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OBRFFA...pf_rd_i=desktop

For normal task, office work and multitasking, 8GB RAM is more than enough
Also, Mid 2009 supports officially 8GB RAM. I don't know where you heard 16GB from, might as well not try.
Crucial Mac Memory 2x4GB - USD 49.99
http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-PC3-8500-204...in%3A2253866011

Yeah, I just bought that using EziPOZ US address. Hopefully can receive within 2 weeks, including both shipping durations.

should have used shipito.
uses more expensive dhl express

not sure. but 2TB is definitely and super expensive. no point.

512GB should be more than enough if you really need more space.
invest on RAM will be better.

You mean shipito is cheaper? I paid RM200 for two packages including insurance. Customs clearance I chose POS so I think they will charge me another RM50 when I receive the packages is it?

I bought 256GB, I have external HDD so storage should be no issue.

As for RAM I bought 2 x 4GB.

Now everything settle, just waiting for package to arrive and treat myself a happy holiday with my upgraded Mac.

Shipito will be cheaper.

"vanilla" MBP? 2009's only can hold a max RAM of 8GB. I type this on my Mid-2009 MBP 8 GB and have done so, so maybe yours is a 2010 one, as those can be upgraded to 16GB