MacBook question

[freddiebroders]

Hello!
I am new to this forum and was wondering if you could possibly help me.
I am 14 years old and go to school in London, I am just about to embark on my GCSE course. The school I am at requires me to have a computer, I had before going to school there and still do have an iBook as I am a big Mac fan but unfortunately it was not compatibile on the school system as it isn't intel based. Therefore, my parents had to buy me a Dell laptop...........

I use iPhoto (2000 photos) and iTunes (c. 1000 songs) and therefore, with my 256Mb worth of memory, my 14.1 inch iBook is very, very slow. I have had it for 2.5 years and it has been a great computer, but I have heard to upgrade the memory to 1GB it is going to cost £170. I have spoken to various people about it and someone said that it isn't just the memory that makes things go faster, it is a series of other things.

What do you recommend I do, my parents have suggested that I get a new MacBook, which would therefore work on the school system, the new onew being intel based. Ideally I would like the black MacBook, with 1GB worth of memory and the Apple Care protection plan. Is there anywhere I can get an education discount, I have spoken to Apple and they say they won't give one to me as I am under 18..........

So what do I do:
1- Buy a new MacBook- either the higher spec. white one or the balck one, with 1GB memory and Apple care. Where could I get it for the cheapest price?

2- Upgrade the memory of my current iBook, considering price and the lifespan left in it, is it worthwhile? Also will the memory alone make it faster?

Thank you very much in advance for your help

Freddie

 

[emw]

Tip for getting help - don't post in lime green.

A question on the Intel-based thing, though. I find it difficult to believe that a new MacBook would be compatible because it's Intel-based, mainly since it still runs OS X, just like the older Macs.

However, if your parents are willing to pony up for a new MacBook (esp. after just buying a Dell), that's a better deal than more RAM in an iBook. However, a memory upgrade to the iBook will help, but it will still not be as fast as the MB.

 

[Kardashian]

1. Get a white MacBook - its cheaper than black = more RAM
2. Order 1GB (2GB if you can afford it, with the saving from getting the CHEAPER White MacBook over the Black) - Your computer will be seriously fast
3. Install Windows XP on your MacBook. You will have OSX you love, as well as Windows for your school - 2 computers in one.
4. As for the discount, visist the Apple Store ONLINE - click 'Education' - type in the Name and Town of your School as prompeted, then order the MacBook.

I'm in Education (A 6th form student, and only 17) and this is how I order ALL my Educational needs. Since its web-based ordering, they don't ask for I.D to prove your in School) Pay for it off your debit card (I had one when I was 12, so your bank should give you one) - or your parents, but have it shipped in YOUR name.

 

[freddiebroders]

I have around 2000 photos and 1100 songs and prefer the black MacBook to the white one, all the more so as I have had a white iBook up till now. Is it not worth getting it as apposed to the white one?

This iBook has 40 GB worth of memory in total, 13.2 GB available, which would be the best hard drive space option?

Is it likely that the MacBooks are going to be updated in the near future?

Finally, how come the UK Mac store don't give a free ipod nano when buying a MacBook, whereas the US store does?