So far my Macbook operates perfectly, feels more responsive and is much more fun to use, especially thanks to Finder tabs.
However it is too soon to assess their benefits in the long run.
For portable computers the improved power saving mechanisms with Timer Coalescing and App Nap or ram compression seem particularly well suited. The new multi display functionality and Finder’s tabs – something I have been eagerly awaiting since the very first version of OS X – are incredibly useful. With one of the oldest Macs still supported and a tricky albeit not extravagant configuration the whole process is nonetheless astonishingly robust. Upgrading to OS X Mavericks is straight forward and advisable, especially if you – like me – are looking forward to the new features OS X 10.9 offers.
Because I perform the upgrade a couple of days after I downloaded the installer application an OS X update awaits me which – what a surprise – comes with a newer version of Java. Fortunately Mavericks instantly downloads and installs Java SE 6-Runtime when prompted by relevant applications. This time around, the operating system behaves impeccably: FileVault’s login appears swiftly and my desktop comes up shortly after.
Luckily without any lasting effects to my computer. A while ago, when I upgraded my Macbook from Lion to Mountain Lion, I had the rare opportunity to experience a kernel panic in white followed by an automatic restart. Now we reach the critical stage: launching the all new operating system for the very first time. All in all the following upgrade process is less than spectacular and finishes within approximately half an hour.
The OS X Mavericks’ installer asks for you to agree to its terms and conditions, wants you to select and confirm your system’s volume and also asks for your admin password before it finally starts the upgrade process… with an almost immediate restart of your Mac. Otherwise you will end up downloading the installer for each individual Mac again and again. Tip: In case you plan to upgrade more Macs I recommend to copy the installer application onto either a network share or an external drive. In case you do not have latest broadband technology available you will have to expect a few hours for downloading the installer which has a payload of more than five gigabyes. Download the upgrade from within Apple's App Store application and get ready.
have a user account with administrator rights.check if your applications are compatible with OS X’s latest version.find out if your Mac is capable of running OS X 10.9.In contrast to the iMac this portable computer’s harddrive is fully encypted with Apple's FileVault 2 since I had Lion installed on it. Is upgrading a Macbook (Late 2008) a piece of cake even when it is fully encrypted with FileVault 2?Īfter I successfully upgraded my iMac to OS X 10.9 at work, it’s now time to attend to my Macbook Aluminium (Late 2008).