My unit has 8 GB of RAM installed, although 4GB is the standard.

I decided to spring for a 2010 because I like Apple's older hardware better but still need to be able to use modern macOS, and also because it better fit my price range. The trackpad clicks much more solidly than the 2008, and there are backlit keys which was very welcome after having to go back to the 2008 MacBook. The screen is wildly vivid in comparison to the 2008 MacBook, and seems marginally nicer than the 2009. Overall this MacBook Pro is fantastic, coming from a 13' Late 2008 Aluminum MacBook (non-Pro), and having used a Mid 2009 Pro until somebody else spilled water on it. I'm writing this review for the Mid 2010 MacBook Pro 15' which I bought used, but still in great condition. Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned That's the reason I took a star off the review, because Apple should have built these units with 8GB RAM as the standard amount. If El Capitan was installed, then you really need to bump the standard 4GB to 8GB, or you may experience a slowdown in performance.

Since the upgrade is free, I'd certainly want to reserve that choice for myself. Some sellers upgrade the machines to El Capitan, thinking they become more attractive for sale, but the opposite is true. Mavericks and Yosemite run fine in these machines. At this point, I tell my Mac user friends to stay away from El Capitan. Your other option is g oing with a SSD, which will also increase performance. With each OS upgrade, more RAM for the system is typically demanded. These days, you really need at least 8GB for an average user. My experience with Apple goes for many years, and for what you pay for new, it is a disappointment how little RAM they put in the units. This particular model, like many others, can be upgraded. But when they come down in price and are good used units, you can't go wrong. As new, I think they are a bit pricey, even though quality is much higher than low line laptops of the PC variety, you have to ask how much could they improve the PC laptop if they sold it for $1,000 more? With electronics, just a few cents can make a difference on the sourced parts. A solid laptop that will cover most of your bases.

Apple macbook pro a1286 laptop