Help Build New Ibook

[MadScience2]

Well, they finally updated the ibooks so now I am going to buy one. Just curious what configuration I should buy, I have read postings on here about upgrading using crucial.com because it is cheaper. Here are are the specs I chose:

• 512MB DDR333 SDRAM built-in
• 60GB Ultra ATA drive
• iWork '05 preinstalled
• Keyboard & Mac OS X - U.S. English
• 12-inch TFT XGA display
• 1.33GHz PowerPC G4
• ATI Mobility Radeon 9550 w/ 32MB DDR video memory
• Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
• AirPort Extreme built-in
• Bluetooth 2.0 built-in

Also, is the video card still lacking? I know that was the major complaint with the last verison of the ibook. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

 

[wdlove]

Are you working with a budget? Should have 1 GB RAM. Would also recommend AppleCare. Your choices sound as though you are planning on a very nice setup.

 

[macmanmatty]

Yes definatily get the ram from some other dealer. ($500 for a 1 GB stick ??? Steve what the hell are you smoking? ) Everything else looks good the Video card and ram should be fine and you can't update this later so kinda stuck with it. BTW, what will you be using this fine computer for?

 

[Jaffa Cake]

Are you working with a budget? Should have 1 GB RAM. Would also recommend AppleCare. Your choices sound as though you are planning on a very nice setup.

I'd agree with the Applecare (always good sense with a laptop), and also the RAM, but it would be worth your while to look at buying it from somewhere other than Apple – you can save yourself a tidy sum. Crucial is a good place to look.

 

[Bowser]

i dont mean to hijack this thread, but is 1GB of extra ram overkill? it seems to peruse the internet, write papers, and maybe garage band it a bit, 1.5GBs of Ram is pointless. then again, i have never used a mac (ordering ibook), so i dont know

 

[Jaffa Cake]

i dont mean to hijack this thread, but is 1GB of extra ram overkill?

I was thinking 1GB in total – ie, an extra 512MB stick. One thing to bear in mind is that the iBooks only have one free RAM slot, so if you only buy a small stick to begin with and want to add more at a later date, you're going to have to take some out first.

 

[Heb1228]

Yeah, OS X will use all the memory you can give it. I easily use the 1GB i've got on mine, I'd like to add put the max in when i get some extra cash.

 

[Bowser]

so i would notice a difference btw 1GB and 1.5GB even if im just running remedial computer processes?

last question from me, no more hijacking

 

[bodeh6]

One question about the RAM on the iBook. According to the instuctions on PBfixit.com in order to upgrade the RAM you have remove the keyboard, lift out the Airport Card, remove the RAM shield then insert RAM. On the PB you just open the back door and pop it in. Is the iBook really hard to upgrade the RAM on? I have installed RAM in desktop PCs, but never a laptop.

 

[Sam I Am]

One question about the RAM on the iBook. According to the instuctions on PBfixit.com in order to upgrade the RAM you have remove the keyboard, lift out the Airport Card, remove the RAM shield then insert RAM. On the PB you just open the back door and pop it in. Is the iBook really hard to upgrade the RAM on? I have installed RAM in desktop PCs, but never a laptop.

I put RAM in my iBook when I got it (last Wednesday) and it wasn't too hard. Just make sure you have a set of instuctions with you when you do it, and be prepared to give it a little push.

 

[drake]

Don't know why people always recommend Apple Care. Its pretty pricey here (Canada), nearly $400 on a $1250 computer. Besides, my credit card gives me an extra year warranty with all my purchases, and I can't see keeping a computer more than two years.

 

[MadScience2]

Thanks to all the replies!

I plan on using this comp for pretty basic things, using word, garageband, itunes and surfing the web. I like to take a lot of digital pictures so I enjoy using photo editing software, but nothing professional or anything.

What does apple care offer exactly? I know I have had a lot of problems with my Dell, but then again it is a Dell.

 

[shadowmoses]

Apple care is a fully comprehensive insurance which covers most anything and gives you an extra few years of coverage after your 1 year warranty runs dry, Its not essential and wouldnt bother my self rather pay the extra to bump the HD to 80gb...

ShadOW