Tips for fresh 10.6 install on MBA with SSD?

[ChuckB]

Hi,

So I have bought a used MBA (2.13 with 128 GB SSD) for a good price and plan to do a fresh install of 10.6 (currently, the MBA has 10.5) to get a fresh system.

Since my Apple experience is limited (I own a Mac mini that I use mainly as a media center), I have some questions and I would really appreciate any feedback!

1. Do I need an external drive to do a fresh install of OS 10.6 or can I use the Mac mini for this? Both machines will be connected to the same Time Capsule via 802.11n.

2. This will be my first machine with an SSD - anything special I need to do? Do I have to do a "normal" format of the drive and/or is there anything I can do in the beginning to lessen the SSD performance reduction over time?

3. Anything I should generally know when I install OSX 10.6? I assume the installer will recognize the type of machine and will set it up accordingly (such as type of HD/SSD, battery, etc.)

4. Anything I should get for the MBA?

5. I have the Apple BT wireless keyboard and Magic Mouse for the Mac mini. I know that I can use them also with the MBA but I assume that if they are paired with the Mac mini, have to "unpair" them first from the Mac mini and pair them with the MBA for every use, or this there a better way?

Thanks a lot!

 

[iBookG4user]

1. Do I need an external drive to do a fresh install of OS 10.6 or can I use the Mac mini for this? Both machines will be connected to the same Time Capsule via 802.11n.

Take a look at this

2. This will be my first machine with an SSD - anything special I need to do? Do I have to do a "normal" format of the drive and/or is there anything I can do in the beginning to lessen the SSD performance reduction over time?

Try to keep about 20% of the drive free to help prevent the performance decrease. But other than that, enjoy the nice speed boost from the SSD.

3. Anything I should generally know when I install OSX 10.6? I assume the installer will recognize the type of machine and will set it up accordingly (such as type of HD/SSD, battery, etc.)

Nope, just install 10.6 and it'll take care of the rest!

4. Anything I should get for the MBA?

If you plan on using it for a long time on battery power, consider getting the smallest Hypermac. That way you have it if you ever need more battery life, but can leave it at home if you don't.

5. I have the Apple BT wireless keyboard and Magic Mouse for the Mac mini. I know that I can use them also with the MBA but I assume that if they are paired with the Mac mini, have to "unpair" them first from the Mac mini and pair them with the MBA for every use, or this there a better way?

I've not used bluetooth keyboards or mice, so I can't help you much there.

 

[sevimli]

I just want to warm you that it will be a long installation using remote option.


You really don't need to unpair keyboard, but if you ever want to use it with the mac mini again, you have to pair them from scratch. They don't have a memory inside.

 

[Mr. Savage]

re:tips

To answer questions 1 and 4; you don't need an external drive for the the install but you probably will want it since it'll be a very, very slow process using remote disc over wi-fi. I'd recommend going to craigslist etc. and buying a MBA external drive––should be able to get a good deal.

 

[jdechko]

To answer questions 1 and 4; you don't need an external drive for the the install but you probably will want it since it'll be a very, very slow process using remote disc over wi-fi. I'd recommend going to craigslist etc. and buying a MBA external drive––should be able to get a good deal.

Or he could just buy the $20 Ethernet adapter (if it wasn't included, which, being a Rev C, it should have been). It'd be a lot faster than wireless.

 

[silverblack]

You can use any USB DVD-ROM for the installation, i don't think it has to be the Apple branded one.

 

[ChuckB]

Thanks so much for all the feedback! I'm still waiting for the MBA (should arrive today or tomorrow) and will get to work when it arrives ...

Looks like our IT department has non-Apple external DVD drives with USB and I'll try this first (I don't think that I'll need the Superdrive except for the initial setup).

 

[cleric]

http://guides.macrumors.com/Complete_Steps_to_Perform_a_Clean_OS_X_Reinstall_on_Your_MacBook_Air

I have to say I installed over wireless since it was the only time I needed a disk drive and it took about 3hrs over a 10mbit wireless b connection. Would be interesting to see how it is over wireless N.

 

[ChuckB]

http://guides.macrumors.com/Complete_Steps_to_Perform_a_Clean_OS_X_Reinstall_on_Your_MacBook_Air

I have to say I installed over wireless since it was the only time I needed a disk drive and it took about 3hrs over a 10mbit wireless b connection. Would be interesting to see how it is over wireless N.

Does the installation require any input from my side or can I basically start it and have it run until the end?