Man, computers are expensive...

[Shacklebolt]

So, the system that I'm really pondering over buying tonight is an ibook 1.2ghz/512mb/80gb 12". With an educational discount at Apple it comes out to 1209 dollars.

Does this sounds like a good idea? I like the idea of having extra ram and a larger hard drive because I know that it'll be a long time before Apple offers iBooks that come with 512 megs of ram and an 80gb hard drive. But what I mean most is, does it sound like a good system, or a disproportionate one?

 

[Blue Velvet]

Depends on what you're going to do with it... but regardless you can never have enough RAM but you don't have to get it from Apple. You'll get a much better deal elsewhere and it's very easy to put in yourself...

 

[cubixcrayfish]

Does the iBook have more than 1 slot?

 

[jsw]

I second Blue's suggestion (btw, go to bed, Blue... really ). RAM is essential, and it's much cheaper elsewhere. You could upgrade with a 512MB stick for only a few $$ more than you'll pay to go to 512MB total from Apple.

 

[jsw]

Does the iBook have more than 1 slot?

1 free slot - 256MB is hardwired and not replaceable.

 

[Shacklebolt]

Thanks. Good ideas. One last thing - about buying an iBook now in the product cycle? What with the Powerbook just being updated, I'm pretty sure there won't be an ibook update for a while. But hey, who knows.

 

[jsw]

Thanks. Good ideas. One last thing - about buying an iBook now in the product cycle? What with the Powerbook just being updated, I'm pretty sure there won't be an ibook update for a while. But hey, who knows.

There probably won't be a significant update soon, and almost undoubtedly not one which would make you upset that you didn't wait. I think you're safe buying now. Seeing the incremental updates to the PBs, I doubt the iBooks will improve by much for months.

 

[gallivant]

Historically, the iBooks have gotten updates like clockwork in October and April. That pattern's held for two years; before that, it was May and November. In other words, aside from a one-month adjustment, it's been twice a year forever. So if you feel like waiting till April/May, you could get an upgrade, but it probably won't be terribly earth-shattering. I'd say go for it now.