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Getting a MacBook

Hugh

Hugh

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Feb 9, 2003
840
5
Erie, PA
In a few weeks here I am going to get a MacBook 2.2ghz and was wondering how upgradeable is the machine? Meaning can I get to the RAM and Hard Drive easily. Yes I know the graphics are shared from the memory like the last MacBooks, but how is this new Intel set? I don't play games that often (I have game consoles for that). However I do plan on doing some video editing and programing on the Window side for school. Does the new Intel set slow down the computer down?

Thanks for your answers! :D

Hugh
 
You can upgrade the RAM and HDD easily enough. They're also extremely easy to get hold of.
 
took literally 5-10 minutes to upgrade ram and HD. It's a complete monster.
 
Getting a MacBook

But remember.

You're talking about a laptop, and your ability to change anything other than RAM or HDD, is finite. And you can plug devices into your USB or Firewire ports.

But that's it. In respect to RAM, you can increase the amount of RAM but your MacBook will have a limit, which can't be exceeded, or changed respecting the total amount of RAM, which can be installed.

For example it ships with 1GB of RAM. And you can increase the amount of RAM to 4GB. But in order to do that, the original RAM that came with the MacBook must be removed.

Laptops are a compromise, between the expandability of the desktop, Mac Pro, and the unportability of the desktop.

Laptops travel, but expansion is not an option, other than above.
 
joegomolski said:
But remember.

You're talking about a laptop, and your ability to change anything other than RAM or HDD, is finite. And you can plug devices into your USB or Firewire ports.

But that's it. In respect to RAM, you can increase the amount of RAM but your MacBook will have a limit, which can't be exceeded, or changed respecting the total amount of RAM, which can be installed.

For example it ships with 1GB of RAM. And you can increase the amount of RAM to 4GB. But in order to do that, the original RAM that came with the MacBook must be removed.

Laptops are a compromise, between the expandability of the desktop, Mac Pro, and the unportability of the desktop.

Laptops travel, but expansion is not an option, other than above.
Click to expand...

No worse than an iMac though... actually it's more expandable than the iMac... (bitch to get to the HDD) who besides absolute professionals and the wealthy can afford a Mac Pro?

Let's face it until Apple releases a headless iMac or a Mac Cube the only really affordable easy upgrade system IS the Macbook.
 
Notebooks

Yes, I know that you are limited on what can be upgraded on a notebook, I just wanted to know how easy or hard is it to install a hard drive, and memory. Is the GMA X3100 faster then the GMA 950 when it comes to video editing and running windows via boot camp.

But thanks for the reminder! :D

Hugh


joegomolski said:
But remember.

You're talking about a laptop, and your ability to change anything other than RAM or HDD, is finite. And you can plug devices into your USB or Firewire ports.

But that's it. In respect to RAM, you can increase the amount of RAM but your MacBook will have a limit, which can't be exceeded, or changed respecting the total amount of RAM, which can be installed.

For example it ships with 1GB of RAM. And you can increase the amount of RAM to 4GB. But in order to do that, the original RAM that came with the MacBook must be removed.

Laptops are a compromise, between the expandability of the desktop, Mac Pro, and the unportability of the desktop.

Laptops travel, but expansion is not an option, other than above.
Click to expand...
 
Memory Question..

What size of the PC2-5300 memory do I use on the MacBook. The 200 pin or 240 pin?

Thanks! :D

Hugth
 
Memory Question take 2

Well thanks for the help and heads up on the hard drive voiding my warranty. I hope this is not the same for the memory... :(

Huh


jbg232 said:
You want this 200-pin memory:

http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=2709378FA5CA7304

BTW, if you plan on doing video you should really try it out on a macbook to see if the graphics card will suit you. Also, you will need at least 4gb for serious video stuff. Lastly, upgrading the hdd will void your warranty just in case that's important to you.
Click to expand...
 
jbg232 said:
Lastly, upgrading the hdd will void your warranty just in case that's important to you.
Click to expand...

Nope!

Your warranty is only void if your laptop sustains any damage (caused by you) while you are changing the HDD. If it goes smoothly, you're fine.
 
The Mac Mini being upgradable

What about the Mac Mini? The CPU on the Mac Mini can be replaced. Not easy or for the squirmiest but it has been done by lot of people.

Hugh


MrXiro said:
No worse than an iMac though... actually it's more expandable than the iMac... (bitch to get to the HDD) who besides absolute professionals and the wealthy can afford a Mac Pro?

Let's face it until Apple releases a headless iMac or a Mac Cube the only really affordable easy upgrade system IS the Macbook.
Click to expand...
 
tiredhorses said:
Nope!

Your warrant is only void if your laptop sustains any damage (caused by you) while you are changing the HDD. If it goes smoothly, you're fine.
Click to expand...

Isn't that the exact time you would want the warranty to be in effect - i.e. if you BREAK IT!
 
jbg232 said:
Isn't that the exact time you would want the warranty to be in effect - i.e. if you BREAK IT!
Click to expand...

Yes it is. But you've broken it through your own fault. So it's 'intentional damage'.

Even though it isn't.


It's a bit like 'manslaughter'
 
Hugh said:
That's to all the replied. I found that OWC on a video on how to replace the memory and hard drive. Man they even have the cheapest memory prices.
$49.00 (US) for a set of 1gb sims giving you 2GB, or for a $99.97 you can get a 2GB set giving you 4GB.

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/MacBook/DDR2/


Thanks!! :D

Hugh
Click to expand...

Dude that ain't cheap at all! newegg.com has 2gb chips for 39.99 and free shipping I think. You can get 4gb for the price you want to spend!

Here buy this
 
hi, i got different problem. i am getting mac too..and it gonna be my 1st mac machine. considering macbook but since there is so much news about new updates coming im not sure if i shell get one now or wait until jan 2008. what do u think? on the other side i cannot wait any more..i guesss..cos i spent so much time reading about it that i dont want to wait anylonger but just dont want to get sth that will outdate in 1 month..

cudo
 
cudo said:
hi, i got different problem. i am getting mac too..and it gonna be my 1st mac machine. considering macbook but since there is so much news about new updates coming im not sure if i shell get one now or wait until jan 2008. what do u think? on the other side i cannot wait any more..i guesss..cos i spent so much time reading about it that i dont want to wait anylonger but just dont want to get sth that will outdate in 1 month..

cudo
Click to expand...

Do you need it today? And the Macbook was just updated... you'd only be waiting for the new MBP to be announced there probably won't be a new MB until mid next year.

Get it now. I just did.
 
cudo said:
sorry for the nOOb question but does it have CD/DVD burner ?
Click to expand...

from the MacBook Tech Specs page:
One of the following optical drives:
24x slot-loading Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
Reads DVDs at up to 8x speed
Writes CD-R discs at up to 24x speed
Writes CD-RW discs at up to 16x speed
Reads CDs at up to 24x speed

8x slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Maximum write: 8x DVD-R, DVD+R; 4x DVD-R DL (double layer), DVD+R DL (double layer), DVD-RW, DVD+RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW
Maximum read: 8x DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-ROM; 6x DVD-ROM (double layer DVD-9), DVD-R DL (double layer), DVD+R DL (double layer), DVD-RW, and DVD+RW; 24x CD
Click to expand...

You don't have to be a nOOb. You can fairly easily find this information on Apple's own website.
 
There are 2 models both can burn CDs one can burn DVDs as well. Then there is the blackbook which is the same as the DVD burning model with a bigger hard drive.
 
thx for the info. i guess i made my mind and gonna get my black macbook from my locla apple store with studnt discount for £816 plus crucial 4gb Ram for £100..is is a good plan :D

cudo
 
No, they cannot read mini-dvd, you will need to recopy them to a full size disc, or get an external DVD reader.
 
I'm in the same spot as the OP really looking to buy a Macbook within the next few weeks but I'm more concerned about the price drop after the update of the current ones. Does apple drop the prices when an update hits? They don't seem to offer sales ever on anything so just curious. I wouldn't be surprised if they just pulled the current macbooks and started immediately selling the new ones citing "cannibalization" as they like to say.
 
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