MacBook...should I buy? I am a Mac n00b.

[Iron Lion Oroku]

Hey everybody,

I am contemplating purchasing a MacBook. I was planning to wait until Leopard comes out but since that has been bumped until October I don't think I can wait until then.

I have done a bunch of research but I wanted to hear it from the mouths of Mac specialists.

What specs would you guys recc for a MacBook? I am a complete n00b to Macs and can't wait to get my hands on one.

Thanks!

 

[CrEsTo]

Hi Iron,

Always get as much RAM as you can afford, what will you do with the MB?

 

[Vinnie_vw]

I think that completely depends on what you would use it for.

Internet/wordprocessing/simple tasks: base specs
More graphic*-intensive: higher-end specs (*there is a graphic penalty that comes with any non-pro Mac)

1 gig of ram is a must for Tiger, 2 gigs is always better. Harddrive-space can run out quickly, so depending again for what you would use it for, go for an acceptable size (I would say 80 gig+). CPU... I don't know much about that, but I don't think there are great differences there.

OK, I just checked the Apple-site. The medium-to-black macbooks seem like the one that would offer you the most options: better CPU/L2-cache, ram, superdrive (nice), etc. But again, if you just need to browse the web, then it's not that important.

 

[Andrew D.]

Sorry to drop by this thread with my own questions, but I guess it'll be better if I jump on this boat instead of starting my own.

I myself find that purchasing a refurbished model would be the best idea. Upgrading the RAM and HD is easy as pie and way cheaper too outside from Apple. I plan on using my MacBook for the usual basics and possibly photography and music recording.

My question is, can the MacBook handle Photoshop and image editing? Or will looking into a MBP be a better idea. Personally, the MacBook seemed a lot more appealing.. and the size is a plus for me.

All in all, my advice would be to purchase low and upgrade from there. You'll save a lot of money for other toys like wireless goodies or what not. Cheers!