I have a late 2007 model maxed to the official 4gb limit and with the exception of needing to cycle through a couple of mouses (mice?) it's been running flawlessly. But over the last year it's definitely showing its age. An app, any app, will bounce several times on the Dock before I see it launch. iPhoto and iMovie grind to a halt when they pretty much do anything. iTunes every now and then pinwheels/beachballs for a long time when syncing an iDevice. Not sure if it's the Lion/ML upgrades other people have mentioned on these forums. It's served me quite well and I'm sure will continue to do an admirable job for at least the near future. But I'm guessing a lot of software these days just need more horsepower and memory than this guy is officially configured for.
My friend, if you get an SSD all the bounces and beach balls will go away. Super fast harddrive and a clean Mac os x install!
I've heard this from people at work, too. Wasn't thinking of it seriously until recently. I'm not one to tinker with electronics but have done so in the past so I know I'm capable. A little hesitant to pry this one open but may be worth taking the plunge since the alternative is to plunk down 2-3k for a new one.
I got a 240SSD on sale for $150, with great reviews.
I watched 4 YouTube videos on the replacement (plus read ifixit guide)
Use a suction cup (or a CLEAN plunger) to remove the glass cover, undo some screws, lift up LCD, install ssd, redo all screws.
iMac literally runs like a BRAND NEW computer
I got a 240SSD on sale for $150, with great reviews.
I watched 4 YouTube videos on the replacement (plus read ifixit guide)
Use a suction cup (or a CLEAN plunger) to remove the glass cover, undo some screws, lift up LCD, install ssd, redo all screws.
iMac literally runs like a BRAND NEW computer
Just got around to doing this. Between swapping out the drives, reinstalling OSX, and migrating some data, the whole process took a few hours so time with the new setup has been limited so far. But I've been quite impressed with what I've seen. I put in a 512gb Samsung 830 so not the fastest of the bunch but definitely night and day when compared to the factory-installed HD.
Did you keep your factory installed drive in there as well as put in the SSD or just replace the OEM one? I put in one of my extra sATA hard drives in my 2007 while trying to diagnose the problem but would much rather have a SSD in there once I get the logicboard replaced.