MacBook Notebook: Is upgrade to 1GB RAM worth it?

[ScottyMac]

I am interested in video and music editing, and DVD creation, which is why I'm convinced in buying my first Mac with the new $1,299 MacBooks that are out.

However, each time I go into the Mac retail store (I've been three times), I learn something new (warranty costs $249, .Mac costs $99 annually after first year), etc.

Now, I learn that to get RAM only equal to my HP laptop (which I am ready to ditch, but I want at least a lateral move, not a downgrade in power, processing, etc.), and go from the installed 512 MB RAM memory to 1 GB installed as two 512's will cost another $150 from the Mac retail store special (I do get additional HD for the $150, if I were to buy only the 1GB Ram without the HD it costs $200).

The $1,299 MacBook is now costing me $1,800 plus tax, moving away from its initially attractive near- or close to $1,000 price point to almost $2,000.

Is the upgrade worth it, or maybe better stated, for what I am interested in, what should I get? (oh, I should add, I wish to stay mobile and with a notebook).

Thank you!
ScottyMac

 

[T-Stex]

Hi. I've just purchased a black MacBook, and I definitely love it... well... most of it. It's gorgeous and does everything I need it to do. However, I definitely feel like it NEEDS a RAM upgrade. After using it for only about two days, I've had periods where I feel like it's running unbearably slow. I've ordered RAM from DataMem to fix the situation, but I'm a bit dissapointed. I knew that I'd be upgrading the RAM in the MacBook, but I didn't expect the standard amount to be this bad. Based on my experiences in this short time period, I'd definitely say that more RAM is necessary.

 

[fiercetiger224]

I am interested in video and music editing, and DVD creation, which is why I'm convinced in buying my first Mac with the new $1,299 MacBooks that are out.

However, each time I go into the Mac retail store (I've been three times), I learn something new (warranty costs $249, .Mac costs $99 annually after first year), etc.

Now, I learn that to get RAM only equal to my HP laptop (which I am ready to ditch, but I want at least a lateral move, not a downgrade in power, processing, etc.), and go from the installed 512 MB RAM memory to 1 GB installed as two 512's will cost another $150 from the Mac retail store special (I do get additional HD for the $150, if I were to buy only the 1GB Ram without the HD it costs $200).

The $1,299 MacBook is now costing me $1,800 plus tax, moving away from its initially attractive near- or close to $1,000 price point to almost $2,000.

Is the upgrade worth it, or maybe better stated, for what I am interested in, what should I get? (oh, I should add, I wish to stay mobile and with a notebook).

Thank you!
ScottyMac

Are you a college student? If so, you might want to consider getting an educational discount. It'll bump the price of that $1299 to $1199. Since you'll be doing video and music editing, I suggest you max out your RAM to 2 GB if possible. Video editing, especially using Final Cut Studio, will want lots of RAM.

I just purchased the same MacBook as you for $1199, but I just maxed out the RAM to 2 GB on my own for $160. Then I purchased a 100 GB 7200 RPM Hitachi drive for $160 and replaced the 60 GB that came with the MacBook. So in total, I spent $1520! Not bad eh? Totally maxed out, and for now, this'll be my workstation until the new Mac Pros come out. It's VERY fast, and just as speedy, or even speedier than a dual processor 2.0 Ghz Power Mac G5.

Whatever you decide, 1 GB is the bare minimum for OS X to run efficiently! Enjoy!

 

[fiercetiger224]

Here's some links for RAM:

G.Skill
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231069

Patriot
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820220078

I purchased the Patriot RAM, since there were more reliable reviews. Both have excellent reviews, so I suggest purchasing them over Apple's RAM. You save a lot more money doing it yourself.

 

[JackSYi]

Hi. I've just purchased a black MacBook, and I definitely love it... well... most of it. It's gorgeous and does everything I need it to do. However, I definitely feel like it NEEDS a RAM upgrade. After using it for only about two days, I've had periods where I feel like it's running unbearably slow. I've ordered RAM from DataMem to fix the situation, but I'm a bit dissapointed. I knew that I'd be upgrading the RAM in the MacBook, but I didn't expect the standard amount to be this bad. Based on my experiences in this short time period, I'd definitely say that more RAM is necessary.

I agree with you 100%. Thats why I bought 2GB of RAM and it does not stutter at all; iTunes and Safari open in "one-bounce".

 

[WillMak]

Don't get 1GB get 2!!!

 

[ScottyMac]

Thanks for advice on upgraded memory, 2GB; I'll take it!

Although I'm quite novice to Mac but I have installed video cards to my desktop, would you suggest installing additional memory myself;

and if I do, does my installing anything myself vs. by an Apple authorized servicer/etc. void Apple's product warranty.

To that point, would you purchase Apple's warranty, & for how long?

Thanks!

 

[Mord]

it does not effect the warranty, nothing does unless you damage anything.

do not buy optional extras, just get the stock macbook edu buy some ram and a 160GB HD off newegg.

oh and applecare is a rippoff, if your that worried just get some decent laptop insurance, they cover accidents and it's a fair bit cheaper.