Some quick MB questions for current owners.

[NOIRtist]

Ive been cruising around the site a bit, and I'm fairly certain that the second tier MB should be more than enough for my needs, but I'd just like to be certain.

So to the most important question...
I'd like to replace my POS custom desktop PC with an MB. I'm a musician, graphic designer, and film "jack-of-all-trades" lol so I'll be using programs like Dreamweaver and Photoshop the most. But I'll also use Pro Tools and Final Cut on occasion. I planned only on upgrading to 2gb of Ram. (Which leads to another question...) Would this MB be enough for my needs? I dont game, I use my 360 for that. I usually only browse the web, watch movies, chat, and work with the programs listed above.

Some other questions...
Am I better off with the base level MB and hooking up an external CD/DVD burner and HD?

Should I order the 2nd gig of RAM from Apple pre-installed or should I install it myself?

Using the Mini-DV to DVI or VGA, does anyone have any problems or complaints using their HDTV as their main display?

Is the extended protection plan worth the dough?

Finally, should I wait for Leopard to be released or will I be eligible for a free upgrade? How does that work?

This is my first mac, I've been wanting one for 10 years and I'm only 20. lol It's just never been a smart financial move, but now I'm ready to take the plunge. All started with my 80gb iPod and now I'm getting the MB, and soon the iPhone. lol I got it bad! I <3

 

[WillJS]

I'm only going to touch on two of your questions, as they are the only one's I'm certain of.

DO NOT buy your RAM from Apple (it's way overpriced). I suggest you buy the ram from Crucial or OWC.

I think buying the extended AppleCare is a must.

 

[maclover007]

yes...get the extended protection plan for it!!! buying ram from apple is STUPID. you can save tons of money from 3rd party developers. last week i bought a macbook black and it ROCKS!!!

 

[NOIRtist]

Nice. I'll be sure to save my cash on the RAM then and order it myself. The guide to installing it looked pretty simple. But it looks like I should take the plunge on the protection plan, but im sure its worth it. lol Why cant this stuff be cheaper! Thanks. And congrats on the new purchase, I'd really like the black one, but I cant justify the expense. Soo nice tho.

Just need a few more answers and I'll be good to go.

 

[juanm]

Buy the middle level whit macbook, not the cheapest one
Add your own RAM, not Apple's
You have one year to decide whether you should buy Applecare. I'd sent mine (Rev. A) twice, so I got it one one month before its "birthday" . I haven't had an issue since then (except for the Airport... )

 

[NOIRtist]

Oh thats good news, I can hold out on the protection plan. Hopefully I dont have any issues with it. But I'll def end up getting it.