Trouble picking what type of macbook

[egyptianeyez]

So I'm having a really hard time picking a certain Macbook

here are my choices:

White Macbook

2.0GHz 2GB RAM 160GB HD $1400
or
2.2GHz 2GB RAM 160GB HD $1524

Black Macbook

2.2GHz 2GB RAM 160GB HD $1649
or
2.2GHz 2GB RAM 250GB HD $1799



Now I really want a black Macbook, but i have a feeling its not worth spending another extra $125 for a different color with the same exact specs, despite the other HD option. But if I were to keep the RAM which one should I choose. And is 2GB RAM a really huge difference from 1GB RAM? Is it worth the extra $150? I like to play World of Warcraft, and I know it runs on mac OS
so the RAM would help it run any smoother? I know using spaces would help a lot as I'm playing so I'm sure the 2GB RAM would help with me jumping screens, that I know :D

[Eidorian]

Don't buy Apple RAM...

[Cassie]

So I'm having a really hard time picking a certain Macbook

here are my choices:

White Macbook

2.0GHz 2GB RAM 160GB HD $1400
or
2.2GHz 2GB RAM 160GB HD $1524

Black Macbook

2.2GHz 2GB RAM 160GB HD $1649
or
2.2GHz 2GB RAM 250GB HD $1799



Now I really want a black Macbook, but i have a feeling its not worth spending another extra $125 for a different color with the same exact specs, despite the other HD option. But if I were to keep the RAM which one should I choose. And is 2GB RAM a really huge difference from 1GB RAM? Is it worth the extra $150? I like to play World of Warcraft, and I know it runs on mac OS
so the RAM would help it run any smoother? I know using spaces would help a lot as I'm playing so I'm sure the 2GB RAM would help with me jumping screens, that I know :D
I agree with Eidorian, Apple RAM is seriously overpriced.

When it comes down to it, pick your favorite color, and get the RAM elsewhere.

In my opinion, black is sexier.:cool:

[JML42691]

I would say that you go with the mid-range one, paying that much just for a different color is outrageous, and don't bother having Apple upgrading the RAM if you choose to have it done, you can find much cheaper options for the same quality and install it yourself, Apple even gives you directions on how to change the RAM, just about the only part of the MacBook that is easily changable (although the hard drive is also easily changed).

[Eidorian]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231135

[Dybbuk]

Would he be better off upgrading the HDD himself, too?

[Eidorian]

Would he be better off upgrading the HDD himself, too?Yeah...

Even with my education discount. I'd get a spare 120 GB drive for the price of the upgrade.

1 drive or 2? Hmm...

[egyptianeyez]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231135

Thank You that was very usefull! Thank you all! I need more opinions though just to get a better idea of what to choose.

[Eidorian]

Go with the midrange white model. Upgrade the RAM and hard drive later.

[Billz]

I'd also agree that you should upgrade the RAM yourself. Otherwise I think since your saving that much money on the RAM, you mine as well get the color you like. Its your computer, get the color you like.

Bill

[egyptianeyez]

Go with the midrange white model. Upgrade the RAM and hard drive later.

So, you are saying 2.2GHz 1GB RAM 120GB HD? I think installing the RAM myself is enough, my brother has an external hard drive that haxs 750GB of space.

[Eidorian]

So, you are saying 2.2GHz 1GB RAM 120GB HD? I think installing the RAM myself is enough, my brother has an external hard drive that haxs 750GB of space.That works out too.

You could go with the stock black model if you really want to.

[egyptianeyez]

If I get the one that you were talking about, I could get it right now lol. But I for the black one I can get it refurbished for $1249 and get the 4GB RAM from the link you gave me, and I'd save like over $300

[Eidorian]

Make sure it's the 2.2 GHz model then for 4 GB of RAM.

[egyptianeyez]

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=44BD9AA1&nclm=CertifiedMac
Uh oh, the refurbished one is 2.16GHz is that bad?

[Eidorian]

Uh oh, the refurbished one is 2.16GHz is that bad?Yes, it's bad. I knew it was going to be the 2.16 GHz model.

Get the 2.2 Ghz model. I haven't seen 2.2 GHz models refurbished in the US.

[Cassie]

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=44BD9AA1&nclm=CertifiedMac
Uh oh, the refurbished one is 2.16GHz is that bad?

Well, if you don't mind a 40 MHz difference, then no.

Unless it's a Core Duo, that might make a difference (or core duo 2 or core 2 duo, I dont I know, I shouldn't even be posting because im so delerious, don't listen to me.)

[Eidorian]

Well, if you don't mind a 40 MHz difference, then no.

Unless it's a Core Duo, that might make a difference (or core duo 2 or core 2 duo, I dont I know, I shouldn't even be posting because im so delerious, don't listen to me.)There are more differences then just 40 Mhz...

[egyptianeyez]

Ok, so I can get the black one from the store near me after my next check:D:D:D, woo! You saved my ass thanks lol

also is there a huge difference between 2.0GHz and 2.2GHz is it like noticable?

[egyptianeyez]

It is Intel Core 2 Duo just 2.16GHz

[Eidorian]

Ok, so I can get the black one from the store near me after my next check:D:D:D, woo! You saved my ass thanks lol

also is there a huge difference between 2.0GHz and 2.2GHz is it like noticable?I'd be concerned about the lack of a SuperDrive in the 2.0 GHz model.

Otherwise no...

[egyptianeyez]

Oh, and another question, for my gaming :p does the 4GB RAM have anything to do with the shared memory graphics card on the macbook? " Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory"

[egyptianeyez]

Well, if you don't mind a 40 MHz difference, then no.

Unless it's a Core Duo, that might make a difference (or core duo 2 or core 2 duo, I dont I know, I shouldn't even be posting because im so delerious, don't listen to me.)

lol I got you :D

[Eidorian]

Oh, and another question, for my gaming :p does the 4GB RAM have anything to do with the shared memory graphics card on the macbook? " Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory"You'll want more RAM to give the GMA X3100 a larger pool to get RAM from.

[SLC Flyfishing]

The 2.2 is a Santa Rosa MB, it can support 4 GB of RAM. The 2.16 is a pre Santa Rosa mother board, it supports up to 2 GB of RAM (3 in reality but you are supposed to put matching RAM chips in both slots for the best performance). I'd get the black one, it's what you want right? I think when you are talking about spending this kind of cash you better get what you want, it's not the type of thing you should settle on.

I've got a 2.0 GHz (black) I got it when 2.0 GHz was the top of the line, that was only in May. Believe me, with 2 GB of RAM in there it's unbelievably fast!

SLC

[egyptianeyez]

The 2.2 is a Santa Rosa MB, it can support 4 GB of RAM. The 2.16 is a pre Santa Rosa mother board, it supports up to 2 GB of RAM (3 in reality but you are supposed to put matching RAM chips in both slots for the best performance). I'd get the black one, it's what you want right? I think when you are talking about spending this kind of cash you better get what you want, it's not the type of thing you should settle on.

I've got a 2.0 GHz (black) I got it when 2.0 GHz was the top of the line, that was only in May. Believe me, with 2 GB of RAM in there it's unbelievably fast!

SLC

Wow, so 4GB must be like ridiculously fast, but the black one is what i want, and i think that if im spending a grand i should get the one that is most appealing to me.

[heatmiser]

The 2.16 is a pre Santa Rosa mother board, it supports up to 2 GB of RAM (3 in reality but you are supposed to put matching RAM chips in both slots for the best performance).

This is true, but you'll see a much greater boost from using 2gb + 1gb = 3gb than you ever will from matching 1gb + 1gb = 2gb sticks.

To the OP: Go with the 2.16ghz model if you need 3gb of RAM, go with the 2.2ghz model if you need 4gb. In either case, you aren't going to notice the difference between 2gigs, 3gigs, and 4gigs unless you're doing intensive Photoshop/rendering-type stuff, or running Vista under Fusion. For surfing, mail checking, office, movies, music, etc, it's pretty much the same once you get past 1gb.

[SLC Flyfishing]

I'd think so, yeah. But having never experienced 4 GB I can't say for sure just how much faster it is. I'm continually amazed at how quickly even 2 GB can launch Photoshop for me, I'm running CS3 and Photoshop is up and running in like 5 seconds. My old PC took about 3 minutes to get photoshop going (it was admittedly behind the times though.)

SLC

[Eidorian]

To the OP: Go with the 2.16ghz model if you need 3gb of RAM, go with the 2.2ghz model if you need 4gb.Gaming on the GMA950 much? Even WoW?

It's not worth it then.

[SLC Flyfishing]

Does the 3GB trick really work that much better? I've been told that having unpaired RAM would hinder it's performance. I'm not arguing with you, just asking since I don't really know.

SLC

[heatmiser]

Does the 3GB trick really work that much better? I've been told that having unpaired RAM would hinder it's performance. I'm not arguing with you, just asking since I don't really know.

SLC

Yeah, more RAM is always better. Matched sticks offer either a 1% or 7% bonus, depending on who you ask, but say 3gb over 2gb is an automatic 50% bonus, guaranteed...

In terms of the diff between 2gb/4gb though, yeah, it's not nearly as visible (for most people I think) than the 1gb/2gb difference. I run 2gb, and it's plenty fast. I'm only wondering whether to upgrade or not since RAM's so cheap these days...

Gaming on the GMA950 much? Even WoW?

It's not worth it then.

Yeah, that's a point too. OP, if you're planning on gaming, you'll want the newer card (though it's still integrated). If you're really gung ho on games though, you'll want the MBP!

[egyptianeyez]

That link you gave me, had 2GB RAM for 48 bucks, i can't see myself doing to much multi-tasking on my laptop.

[egyptianeyez]

Gaming on the GMA950 much? Even WoW?

It's not worth it then.

wait so wow doesn't run well? or something

[Eidorian]

That link you gave me, had 2GB RAM for 48 bucks, i can't see myself doing to much multi-tasking on my laptop.Just go with the 4 GB for $80...

There's honestly no reason not to at $80 shipped for free.

[egyptianeyez]

Just go with the 4 GB for $80...

There's honestly no reason not to at $80 shipped for free.

yea your right

[heatmiser]

^ Also keep in mind that RAM prices run on a U-shaped curve. At some point, they're not going to get any cheaper, and will only get more expensive again. So if you wait too long for prices to go down, they might start heading up!

[egyptianeyez]

also, are speakers on macbooks horrible? from what i heard, i heard they are very quiet

[Eidorian]

^ Also keep in mind that RAM prices run on a U-shaped curve. At some point, they're not going to get any cheaper, and will only get more expensive again. So if you wait too long for prices to go down, they might start heading up!Vista really drove prices up last year around this time.

I've seen a single 2 GB stick hit ~$35 on NewEgg but I don't think it'll get any lower.

also, are speakers on macbooks horrible? from what i heard, i heard they are very quietGet external speakers or a good set of headphones.

[egyptianeyez]

egh i wish they made the speakers better. and, about boot camp. i have vista ultimate edition, and i want to put it on the macbook when i get it via boot camp. if i do things on vista do i have to turn it of to go back to leopard? and do my files save on both OS?

[Eidorian]

egh i wish they made the speakers better. and, about boot camp. i have vista ultimate edition, and i want to put it on the macbook when i get it via boot camp. if i do things on vista do i have to turn it of to go back to leopard? and do my files save on both OS?Laptop speakers have rarely been remarkable.

You'll have to reboot to switch between operating systems.

[egyptianeyez]

Laptop speakers have rarely been remarkable.

You'll have to reboot to switch between operating systems.

what about file saving? do they go on both? or would i have to reboot everytime i want a file from different os

[Eidorian]

what about file saving? do they go on both? or would i have to reboot everytime i want a file from different osYou'll be able to read the NTFS side from OS X.

To read and write to HFS+ from Windows you'll need MacDrive (http://www.mediafour.com/products/macdrive/). You can read HFS+ drives using HFSExplorer (http://hem.bredband.net/catacombae/hfsx.html).

[SLC Flyfishing]

if i do things on vista do i have to turn it of to go back to leopard? and do my files save on both OS?

Yes you need to restart to go back to OS X, but you'll find yourself using Vista less and less everyday (I did at least). I also had Vista Ultimate and it ran well, in fact my macbook got a better windows experience score than my father in law's brand spankin new Dell desktop which was similarly equiped but that had a dedicated video card, go figure:rolleyes:.

Your files won't save on both OS'es, I've heard that you can format your vista partition so that it's possible but it would have to be very small and I'm not sure if it's really possible or how you would do it. I think it has something to do with the format you use for the partition. However, using parallels desktop allows you to have a file to save stuff in that's accessible by both OS'es and you don't have to re-boot to go between Vista and OS X. That may be a better alternative for you.

And yes the speakers are just about the only complaint I have about the Macbook.

Edit: Eidorian gave you the boot camp solution you were looking for!

SLC

[egyptianeyez]

one more thing, the battery life on a macbook, when does it start to wear down? and is it bad to go on using it alot without keeping it plugged in to the power outlit? because thats going to drive me up the wall

[Eidorian]

one more thing, the battery life on a macbook, when does it start to wear down? and is it bad to go on using it alot without keeping it plugged in to the power outlit? because thats going to drive me up the wallDiscussed here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=406840).

Apple's take (http://www.apple.com/batteries/) on it.

[egyptianeyez]

You'll be able to read the NTFS side from OS X.

To read and write to HFS+ from Windows you'll need MacDrive (http://www.mediafour.com/products/macdrive/). You can read HFS+ drives using HFSExplorer (http://hem.bredband.net/catacombae/hfsx.html).

seems complicated :eek: i'll manage

[egyptianeyez]

so will it wear down after 300 cycles?

[Eidorian]

seems complicated :eek: i'll manageUh, ok.

so will it wear down after 300 cycles?All batteries lose their charge storage capacity.

[egyptianeyez]

so if i didnt want to unplug the charger, is that bad if i leave it in even when its fully charged?

[Eidorian]

so if i didnt want to unplug the charger, is that bad if i leave it in even when its fully charged?Did you read this thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=406840)?

[Scarlet Fever]

so will it wear down after 300 cycles?

my battery has done nearly 200 cycles and its still at 100% health

[Eidorian]

my battery has done nearly 200 cycles and its still at 100% healthCan you post the System Profiler page for your battery?

[SLC Flyfishing]

One way or another your battery will lose about 20% of it's capacity each year. Leaving it plugged in most of the time kinda defeats the purpose of having a laptop doesn't it? Just treat it right and it will do the same for you!

SLC

[Scarlet Fever]

Can you post the System Profiler page for your battery?

yup

[Eidorian]

yup-1754 mA :D

[Scarlet Fever]

-1754 mA :D

it was at 10% :p

[xparaparafreakx]

http://barefeats.com/mbook2.html

This will give you an idea on running WoW on mid.

[daechi]

Don't buy a macbook! I just bought one and it is actually a hovercraft posing as a computer.

There are giant fans spinning overtime trying to get this laptop to float...

[Eidorian]

Don't buy a macbook! I just bought one and it is actually a hovercraft posing as a computer.

There are giant fans spinning overtime trying to get this laptop to float...And ignore someone who has owned one since November...

[egyptianeyez]

well, i cant really afford a macbook pro at the moment, i would have to save for a while longer, and is 38 fps bad? ive seen my friend play it on a macbook and it was running fine, the most fps my computer has (and its a 3GHz 1GB RAM with intel pentium 4 processors) is about 30 fps so far

[egyptianeyez]

so im getting the 2.ghz mac with 160gb hd and im buying the memory seperate :D

[e12a]

well, i cant really afford a macbook pro at the moment, i would have to save for a while longer, and is 38 fps bad? ive seen my friend play it on a macbook and it was running fine, the most fps my computer has (and its a 3GHz 1GB RAM with intel pentium 4 processors) is about 30 fps so far

i believe the human eye cannot detect a difference past ~30 fps. I'm not entirely sure..

[heatmiser]

i believe the human eye cannot detect a difference past ~30 fps. I'm not entirely sure..

It can. Read this: http://www.planetdescent.com/d3help/framerate.shtml

Basically, anything below 60hz/fps can easily be detected on a monitor. TV gets away with 30fps because television images are low-res images to begin with.

[ozziegn]

where's that program again that tells you your battery info?

[FanOfMac]

I recommend purchasing MacBook in the color you prefer, just be sure it's the latest model which supports 4 gigs of ram. Go with 2.2 Ghz processor as this model comes with Superdrive!

I concur with many others: purchase ram and install yourself!! Below is a link for some cool ram with lifetime warranty:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134370

Just buy two!!

[tMac85]

Don't buy a macbook! I just bought one and it is actually a hovercraft posing as a computer.

There are giant fans spinning overtime trying to get this laptop to float...

dude..really? why are you on this forum?. ...in the nicest way possible..."go away" thanks



...black....all the way... and yes you can afford a macbookpro if you are going to possibly pay 1700 for a macbook... but either way they are both nice and the macbook is a little more portable.

[JML42691]

Don't buy a macbook! I just bought one and it is actually a hovercraft posing as a computer.

There are giant fans spinning overtime trying to get this laptop to float...
As the above poster said, just please go away or grow up, what you are doing is of absolutely no help to the forum.

[egyptianeyez]

What is the difference between combo drive and superdrive? and i was thinking of just getting the 2ghz white macbook and putting 4gb ram on it (which works because apple gives that option when customizing online)

[heatmiser]

What is the difference between combo drive and superdrive? and i was thinking of just getting the 2ghz white macbook and putting 4gb ram on it (which works because apple gives that option when customizing online)

Both burn CDs and read DVDs, but only the Superdrive burns DVDs. If you want 4gb of RAM, save (lots of) money and get it from Newegg or somewhere other than Apple.

[egyptianeyez]

If you want 4gb of RAM, save (lots of) money and get it from Newegg or somewhere other than Apple.

yea i was going to get it from there not from apple. i was saying like they give the option for 4gb ram. so if i bought it separately it would work.