Yet another MacBook purchase

[storage]

I hate to do this, but this is my first Intel Mac, and second Mac ever. My first Mac was a G5 iMac (the ones before they got iSight), and after a month or so I bought an extra 1 GB of memory (making it a total of 1.5 GB), and the machine run so much smoother.

Now I'm planning on venturing in to Mac land again, after having had a PC for a few months. I'm planning on getting a MacBook, but I have a hard time choosing which setup to get.

Alternative 1
White 2.0 GHz SuperDrive
1 GB memory
80 GB harddrive
Wired Apple Keyboard

Alternative 2
White 1.83 GHz ComboDrive
2 GB Corsair memory
80 GB harddrive
Wireless Apple Keyboard

I'm planning on using the keyboard for everyday use, and making music. I might also boot to Windows sometimes to play some smaller games. I don't really need a SuperDrive with me all the time, as I almost never burn DVD's, and I have an external DVD-burner already.

So it basically comes down to which would benefit me more, 2.0 GHz and 1 GB memory, or 1.83 GHz and 2 GB memory.

What do you think?

Thanks in advance, storage.

 

[mad jew]

I think the second option looks like the better value buy. I doubt most people would notice the slight CPU clock speed discrepancy.

 

[DeSnousa]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe music software loves the most ram possible, thus go for option 2. Speed will not be overtly major, compared to more ram and no wires

 

[shadowmoses]

Go for option 2, the extra RAM will make all the difference and the wireless keyboard is far more convienient and works great...

ShadoW

 

[wide]

I'd go for one, with hopes of upgrading the RAM later.

Does the wireless keyboard work in windows?

 

[storage]

Thanks for the help . I guess I'll be ordering a MacBook then. Should I get AppleCare? I mean, I know it's good but I can't really afford it, I'm already "stealing" from my savings account buying this laptop. Isn't it better to get it just before the first year of the limited warranty is gone? Or does it start from the date the laptop was bought?

Has anyone tried the wireless keyboard in Windows? It would be really nice if it worked, but it wouldn't be a huge disaster if it doesn't.

 

[Demon Hunter]

I would go with Option 1, you can't upgrade CPU speed later, and 1GB is perfect for starting out.

You can get AppleCare later, just don't forget when time is up!

 

[storage]

I would go with Option 1, you can't upgrade CPU speed later, and 1GB is perfect for starting out.

You can get AppleCare later, just don't forget when time is up!

I'm still deciding on which option to get. All of you make valid points.

Another thing I've just realized, will the MacBook with the GMA950 be able to drive my 2405FPW (1920x1200 resolution) without any slowdowns on the effects in OS X? Like moving the mouse over the dock, dashboard etc?

 

[designed]

The later option sounds nicer, I must admit, altough having a wired keyboard isn't really that awful, a wired mouse is more disturbing.

The only problem I can think of is the ComboDrive, it's a bit shortsighted in my opinnion. Otherwise I would have gone for the 1,83 too instead of the 2,00.

 

[celebrian23]

Option #2. with an external burner you really don't need a superdrive, and while nice, if you're trying to save money, you don't need it in your case. You'll want those 2gigs of RAM. For a normal user, 1GB is fine, but with music programs you'll really appreciate the extra RAM. The speed difference is negible. I love wireless keyboards- and I think option #2 is just an awesome setup