All the comments I would make would sound like apple product/user bashing, so I won't.
If you have the cash to blow to replace the machine after applecare runs out, you don't care about upgrading the ram or the storage in the first place.
Maybe eventually they'll incorporate a text-to-speech engine and there will be no more need for the MC. Or it'll fail miserably and become another niche system for people to complain about. LOL.
Wipe the laptop - Fresh copy of OS with the latest drivers - latest stable release of VDJ.
And don't install Advanced System Ripoff. The more you have running in your systray, the more issues you'll have.
Research is your friend. There are tons of resources out there to help you get started. We are here to convince you to take your time and explore your options. The less crappy DJ's swimming in the pool, the better.
I mentioned Janis Joplin because her voice is so grating and annoying she sounds like she smoked 3 packs a day and then gargled pudding while singing.
I know one group of people who like Kenny G. The muzak people who do programming for dentist offices and elevators. Non-offensive smooth jazz...