C2D MacBooks and Leopard

[MatthewConnelly]

I'm getting closer to payday, when I will finally be able to afford a MacBook! I've been going into my local store almost every day on my lunch break, but obviously they're not allowed to discuss rumours and stuff, so they can't answer one of my questions.

I'm looking at the stock high end white MacBook, which is £879 at the moment. Last time I went in, one of the employees talked me out of buying it with 2GB of RAM, saying that I wouldn't need it for what I wanted to do (browse the web, email, listen to music etc) which is kind of a fair point. But that got me thinking, will 1GB of RAM be enough to run Leopard smoothly? I haven't owned a Mac before, so I wouldn't know how much difference there is between OS versions, and whether or not they demand more resources.

Another thing that worries me, will the integrated graphics be able to run all the features in Leopard ok, or will I miss out on some stuff?

 

[Apple Corps]

My plan is to order the BASE model Macbook with the 2 x 256 ram - toss those, and install 2 x 1 GB from Crucial. I would NOT purchase the Macbook from Apple with any upgrade as that makes it a CTO and very difficult to just "swap out" fro a replacement should anything be wrong w/i the first 14 days.

And I would go for 2 GB - the OS will probably perform better with more ram.

 

[MatthewConnelly]

I'm in a bit of a dilemma about non stock models though, and I don't really want to do the upgrades myself, as i've never had a Mac before. I work for a company (RBS) where employees get 6% discount in the Apple Store. However, I was told by an Apple employee that if I wanted 2GB RAM in store, that it would cost an extra £400~, because you have to keep the original 1GB that's in there (I was told I could, "Sell them on eBay!"), and pay for 2 1GB sticks, because they only get stock models delivered.

Now I could just go and order it online, and get the upgrade online and just pay the £120 for the leap from 1GB to 2GB, but I can't use my employee discount online.

 

[Apple Corps]

Matthew - upgrading the 2 SODIMMs in a Macbook is VERY EASY - 5 to 8 minutes max. I do not think I followed your purchase discount issues. Order a stock unit with your employee discount , purchase two 1 GB SODIMMs online ($220 USD), upgrade it yourself or have a MacFriend do it - and then ebay or donate the silly little 128 or 256 modules it comes with (be sure to keep them until you are sure all is well).

That way - if something is wrong with your Macbook - you can get an exchange or refund w/i the first 14 days.

 

[Gosh]

Upgrading RAM in a MacBook isn't difficult but a bit more involved than an iMac.

If something goes wrong with installing 3rd Party RAM I believe the warranty is void.

I would suggest you buy the MacBook std, get used to it - enjoy it and then when you feel more at home with it upgrade if you really feel the need with a good source of 3rd party RAM (like Crucial) and maybe be overseen by a new found MacMate!

 

[MSM Hobbes]

Can you acquire the 2.0 white MB w/ 2GB RAM via a student discount?
That is what I did - and besides the sharp edge, very excellent machine.
RAM via Apple is cheap on that route, and you will not regret the extra cost now.

 

[grum]

That way - if something is wrong with your Macbook - you can get an exchange or refund w/i the first 14 days.

You mean I wouldn't be able to do this with a CTO Macbook? That's not good, didn't realise that.

 

[Apple Corps]

You mean I wouldn't be able to do this with a CTO Macbook? That's not good, didn't realise that.

CTOs can only be repaired - no refunds and no exchanges unless you have gone through three repair failures (or sometning close to that).

 

[Apple Corps]

Matthew - it is really quite simple:

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/MacBook/RAM-Page-1-Battery

 

[kinster]

I'm getting closer to payday, when I will finally be able to afford a MacBook! I've been going into my local store almost every day on my lunch break, but obviously they're not allowed to discuss rumours and stuff, so they can't answer one of my questions.

I'm looking at the stock high end white MacBook, which is £879 at the moment. Last time I went in, one of the employees talked me out of buying it with 2GB of RAM, saying that I wouldn't need it for what I wanted to do (browse the web, email, listen to music etc) which is kind of a fair point. But that got me thinking, will 1GB of RAM be enough to run Leopard smoothly? I haven't owned a Mac before, so I wouldn't know how much difference there is between OS versions, and whether or not they demand more resources.

Another thing that worries me, will the integrated graphics be able to run all the features in Leopard ok, or will I miss out on some stuff?

I just received this model and it took a while coming. I was going to get the upgrade to 2gb with the education discount. But for what I was doing I just bought the base 2ghz with 1gb.

 

[grum]

CTOs can only be repaired - no refunds and no exchanges unless you have gone through three repair failures (or sometning close to that).

thats not good - here's hoping my CTO Macbook is flawless then.

 

[MatthewConnelly]

Matthew - it is really quite simple:

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/MacBook/RAM-Page-1-Battery

Thanks for the link, and advice. I didn't think it would be as easy as that, so I might consider it now. What does it do for AppleCare/Warranty if I have 3rd party RAM installed though?

Also, will the MB integrated graphics be able to run all the features on Leopard, and what does "CTO" stand for?

 

[daneoni]

CTO/BTO = Custom/Built To Order

I'd get 2 GB of RAM since you'll be using integrated graphics which borrows memory from the main system RAM and it makes you more future proof. 2GB is definately the way to go.

The graphics card in current MacBooks is guaranteed to run on Leopard and run well. Apple wouldn't release a system that won't run their next OS. Thats suicide. So no worries

Upgrading RAM and Hard Drives on the MacBook does NOT void your warranty. However, Applecare won't cover these upgrades and you'll have to rely on actual manufacturers of the product for that.

 

[monty77]

Just uprgaded my MB to 2Gb from 1Gb .. massive difference in my opinion, and well worth the money.

Adam

 

[lu0s3r322]

really? massive difference? like is it noticeable? are there any significant boost for specific apps?

 

[MatthewConnelly]

I've found a way past my problem. I rang up the Apple Store helpline and they can order a MacBook with 2GB RAM + other upgrades at the online price, AND still give me my discount. <3 Apple!