Lightroom 4 on Mid 2009 13" Macbook Pro?

I recently just bought Lightroom 4 and it will come in on Friday. I was just wondering if anyone else has installed LR on a 2009 MBP (or around that time), and I wanted to know how well it runs.

My MBP runs on a 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 2 GB of memory, and I'm running OS X Lion.

It is going to depend a lot on how many files you have, what size they are, how you use the program and how much batch editing you do.

As a general rule however, I would say your computer is at the very bare minimum spec needed. It is about 3 generations of hardware out of date, and even when new was not considered fast and would have struggled with LR2.
LR4 is considerably more demanding of hardware, especially the CPU.

If you can, moving to 4GB of RAM will help, but if it is slow then only a new current generation computer can help.

Moppie wrote in post #15048599
It is going to depend a lot on how many files you have, what size they are, how you use the program and how much batch editing you do.

As a general rule however, I would say your computer is at the very bare minimum spec needed. It is about 3 generations of hardware out of date, and even when new was not considered fast and would have struggled with LR2.
LR4 is considerably more demanding of hardware, especially the CPU.

If you can, moving to 4GB of RAM will help, but if it is slow then only a new current generation computer can help.

I was afraid so. Thanks. Would an external hard-drive help much, if at all?

CJCMarquez wrote in post #15048610
I was afraid so. Thanks. Would an external hard-drive help much, if at all?

Not at all, in fact depending on how its connected and what drive is inside it, it may slow things down.

Intel have made some huge leaps in how the processor works and interacts with the system and memory which has lead to some corresponding leaps in performance.
There is maybe a 10x difference in performance between your laptop and a current generation i7 model.

Thanks again Moppie!

One last question: as of right now, I wouldn't have the funds to buy a new Macbook. Let's say I do run LR4 on my Macbook as is and sometime in the relatively near future, I get a new computer. Do you know if I'd be able to bring over LR4 or would I have to purchase a new serial?

You can move LR between different computers with out a problem, you can even move it between different operating systems

When you get your copy make sure you also join Adobe at www.adobe.com and register your copy.
That way the serial number will always be available to you through the adobe website which makes moving to a new computer quite easy as you can log in, download the latest version and copy and paste the serial number from the website.


I have the full CS6 cloud subscription, a separate copy for LR4, a copy of Photoshop CS5.5 and Premier Elements, I don't have any media for any of them, or any record of the serials. Everything is installed over 3 different computers and was just downloaded and serials taken from my own adobe account.

Moppie wrote in post #15048642
You can move LR between different computers with out a problem, you can even move it between different operating systems

When you get your copy make sure you also join Adobe at www.adobe.com and register your copy.
That way the serial number will always be available to you through the adobe website which makes moving to a new computer quite easy as you can log in, download the latest version and copy and paste the serial number from the website.


I have the full CS6 cloud subscription, a separate copy for LR4, a copy of Photoshop CS5.5 and Premier Elements, I don't have any media for any of them, or any record of the serials. Everything is installed over 3 different computers and was just downloaded and serials taken from my own adobe account.

Thank you! I really appreciate the quick responses. I'll try my best running LR4 on my Macbook for now. I just need to finish school and find a job as soon as possible so I can upgrade my computer.

CJCMarquez wrote in post #15048648
Thank you! I really appreciate the quick responses. I'll try my best running LR4 on my Macbook for now. I just need to finish school and find a job as soon as possible so I can upgrade my computer.

No worries, good luck with school

Using a mid-2010 MBP 13", I didn't have an issue with LR4 trial (using relatively few files in the library) from the perspective of using editing/organizing tools etc., but I feel the interface is really, really cramped on a 13" monitor.

Apricane wrote in post #15059089
Using a mid-2010 MBP 13", I didn't have an issue with LR4 trial (using relatively few files in the library) from the perspective of using editing/organizing tools etc., but I feel the interface is really, really cramped on a 13" monitor.

Yeah, just started using it, and it hasn't been too bad. It just depends on how many files I'm importing/editing/expo​rting. And luckily, I have another monitor that I work on.

Ah well, that's good then! I'm somewhat old-fashioned myself when it comes to computers, and haven't completely gotten used to the idea of using multiple monitors yet. Therefore, I ditched LR in favor of Bridge and Aperture!

I don't understand the fascination with Apple products, especially those who have limited funds. The computer you have is fine for most any office task and school assignment you might have. For the price of a cheap 13" Apple laptop you can build yourself (or buy) a sweet desktop windows machine that you can add to as you wish. If you want a new laptop, you can get similar performance for something like 40% less by steering away from Apple.

mikeinctown wrote in post #15064675
I don't understand the fascination with Apple products, especially those who have limited funds. The computer you have is fine for most any office task and school assignment you might have. For the price of a cheap 13" Apple laptop you can build yourself (or buy) a sweet desktop windows machine that you can add to as you wish. If you want a new laptop, you can get similar performance for something like 40% less by steering away from Apple.

I know. I wish I knew better in high school. My parents got this for me as a early graduation gift. Once I can get a new computer, I'm steering clear of Apple.

mikeinctown wrote in post #15064675
I don't understand the fascination with Apple products, especially those who have limited funds. The computer you have is fine for most any office task and school assignment you might have. For the price of a cheap 13" Apple laptop you can build yourself (or buy) a sweet desktop windows machine that you can add to as you wish. If you want a new laptop, you can get similar performance for something like 40% less by steering away from Apple.

Fair enough, but imo Apple has the best laptop designs (light, compact, with a durable battery) and other portable devices (iPad and iPod; I'm not too crazy about the iPhone).

Apricane wrote in post #15066839
Fair enough, but imo Apple has the best laptop designs (light, compact, with a durable battery) and other portable devices (iPad and iPod; I'm not too crazy about the iPhone).

+1. I also feel that Apple computers (design overall) just don't feel as dated (for everyday use - not photo/video editing). I have a few friends with 07 and 08 Macbooks with updated OS X and they still run well.