New to Macbook Pro - Questions about Video Card, RAM, 3rd party hardware

[fadingdreams]

Hi Everyone,

I have been wanting a mac laptop for years and after working a ton this summer I am finally going to take the plunge and purchase a macbook pro. I just have a few questions that I am hoping to get answered before I make my purchase.

I have been searching the net and this forum but I would still like some advice about whether the 2.2 ghz mbp or the 2.4 ghz mbp is better for my needs. I am a 3rd year design student so I will be using the Adobe CS3 suite a lot on the laptop...and I will usually have at least 3 of the programs open...Illustrator, Photoshop, Flash or Dreamweaver all at one time. Now I know that .2 ghz won't do much, but will having a better graphics card help me? I want this laptop to last me at least 3-4 years...as well, I might start editing videos as well.

Also, if I want to upgrade the ram later on, and use 3rd party hardware, will this void my warrenty? Or applecare?

Thank you very much!!!

 

[Umbongo]

You'll be fine with the 2.2Ghz model. RAM upgrades don't void anything.

 

[CalBoy]

2.2 is fine for you. RAM can be added on without voiding the warranty, but remember that if your new RAM fails, it is not covered by Apple.

 

[fadingdreams]

Sorry this is a bit late but THANK YOU both for your responses. You guys rock!

 

[CanadaRAM]

The video card will make little if any difference to 2-D programs like Photoshop and most other graphic programs, so the extra VRAM doesn't really factor for that.