Mactracker
Mactracker is a free utility that, amazingly, contains a complete listing of all the makes & models of Apple computers and Macs ever made. It gives their variants, lists their limitations, gives precise data on RAM configs, and provides a host of other data about your computer(s) which can prove useful as you consider an upgrade or think about buying a used one.
As a case in in point, the "Software" panel has a line "Maximum OS". If it says about your Mac, for example, "Mac OS X 10.6.8", then you won't be able to run later versions such as OS X 10.7 Lion or Mountain Lion.
It's updated about twice a year, and you can download it for free from the URL below.
Drew Janssen recommends Mactracker to every Mac owner, because it's a great help when you want to know more about your Mac.
iPhone version
Mactracker is also available as a free app for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. This is invaluable when you're on-site dealing with multiple generations of the same model Mac.
See also
- Apple Serial Number Info website
External links
- http://www.mactracker.ca/
- Mactracker app for iPhone at iTunes store
- An alternative: Machine Profile, free app from Micromat
Credits
Originally contributed on Mac-Min by Drew Janssen, October 20, 2008. iPhone version contributed by David Burke, December 14, 2010. Maximum OS feature was pointed out by Marvin Robertson, June 16, 2012.