With a late 2009 MacBook Pro, I can do a backup with Time Machine - if I then install this drive with no OS, how do I restore?

Anyone still reading here should know that Disk Utility that comes with every Mac computer can be used to clone your boot hard drive. You would need a method of operating the SSD at the same time the original hard drive is operating, and Disk Utility will not clone the startup drive, so you have to boot from another source. I use a dock which allows me to run the SSD (or HDD) without opening up my computer. This is mainly for a backup of my work. The SSD could be connected using an external drive.To boot from another source (one that can be booted / has an OS on it), restart the computer and hold down the option key until you are presented with a choice of startup sources. Then select the source to be used. It is not necessary to use System Preferences > Startup Disk. Once the SSD has been formatted, select Restore and create a clone by selecting the Source and the Destination. The process takes some time, but that depends on how large the data is on the disk being cloned.If you are using Time Machine, you might want to turn it off while you are doing the cloning so that it doesn't attempt to back up the new SSD.Also, I just noticed that B&H sells this product to connect another drive (either HDD or SSD) to a computer, Apricorn SATA Wire 3.0 Notebook Hard Drive Upgrade Kit with USB 3.0 Connection. Amazon has it for the same price. (In case anyone does not know this already, USB 3.0 is backwards compatible with USB 2.0, although USB 3.0 is up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0.)

using the adapter, could i put this in a desktop?

This hard drive comes with a 2mm adapter that takes the hard drive from 7.5mm to 9.5mm. this is for laptops that originally came with a 9.5mm hard drive. If you want to mount this in a desktop case you'll need a 2.5" to 3.5" hard drive adapter. that will allow it to be mounted in the same spot as your current 3.5" desktop hard drive. some cases have 2.5 as well as 3.5 mounting spots...but that's usually home made computers...and not manufactured ones. good luck.

Is it desktop compatible

The only problem with using duct tape is that the adhesive can become a problem due to the heat generated by the SSD. Velcro has no heat dissipating properties, either.Perhaps a better choice is to spend a little more money and buy an adapter that will work in your desktop computer.http://www.amazon.com/Newer-Technology-AdaptaDrive-Converter-Bracket/dp/B005PZDVF6/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1428585374&sr=1-1&keywords=adaptadrive

Is this SSD compatible with a mid-2010 Macbook Pro?

It is but you won't get the full performance out of the drive. A Mid 2010 MBP has a SATA 1 interface and will max out at 150 MBps. The MX100 supports SATA 3 which is much faster. Even though it isn't the fastest SSD out there (still great and a fabulous price for the size) it will never show the performance it is capable of on that model MBP. That's true of any SSD though and the current price makes this a great upgrade. Note that OS X does not enable TRIM support on non Apple SSDs and you will need to download TrimEnabler or something similar to enable TRIM support and prevent degradation of performance.

Standing screen display size	2.5 Inches
Hard Drive	512 GB Solid State Drive
Brand	Crucial
Series	MX100
Item model number	CT512MX100SSD1-NEW
Hardware Platform	PC
Item Weight	5 ounces
Product Dimensions	5.12 x 0.75 x 5.12 inches
Item Dimensions LxWxH	5.12 x 0.75 x 5.12 inches
Flash Memory Size	512 GB
Hard Drive Interface	Solid State
Hard Drive Rotational Speed	7200 RPM
Manufacturer	Crucial
ASIN	B0123WA9WG
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Date First Available	June 2, 2014

[OLD MODEL] Crucial MX100 512 GB SATA 2.5-Inch 7mm Internal Solid State Drive CT512MX100SSD1

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