Question:
Just a few things before I switch
Hey guys, I'm getting really close to getting my macbook but here's just a few questions I'd like answered by you know it all's ;)
1. is 60gb enough memory? I'm a college student and plan on using it to write/store documents, store music (255 songs so far on windows media player), and perhaps dabble into some graphic art. Should I upgrade to 80?
2. I'm a fan of getting my money's worth, so do you guys think is it ok if I went with a refurbished mac? The only problem is that if I wanted a 80gb hard drive macbook, I'd have to get the refurb black macbook (1,299). Color isn't really a deal breaker for me (although I have to admit black looks real slick).
3. I want to upgrade to 2gb of ram but not through apple cause they charge a lot. So is newegg the place to get the ram? If so, would this work in the macbook: G.SKILL 1GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Or would you recommend something better?
Thanks for taking to time to read this guys, I'm soo looking foward to getting my mac. I'm ready to free myself of the PC handcuffs and wonder off into the promise land of macs lol :D
Answer:
Re: Just a few things before I switch
You'll almost definitely find that more hard drive space will help you. I would stick with the 60GB stock in the MacBook though, and use the money to buy a 100, 120 or 160GB HD from newegg or macsales.com or somewhere similar. The hard drives are pretty easy to swap out.
From what I've heard, buying refurbished actually works pretty well. Some people even prefer it because a refurbished computer is likely to have had any issues ironed out, so you're more likely to get a pretty solid machine right from the get go. And they're still available with the same AppleCare warranty, so you are normally in pretty good shape.
Yes, that G.SKILL RAM is correct. I've generally heard good things about people who have used it, but you can also shop around at ramseeker.com, ramjet.com, macsales.com to see if you can find any better deals.
Good luck!
Answer:
Re: Just a few things before I switch
Another advantage of refurbished is that they sometimes come with upgrades, like HD or RAM! Do not upgrade either of those through Apple like zadillo said. Get them through a 3rd party. This has two advantages, one, it is cheaper, and two, you get backups if something goes wrong in the future.
Answer:
Re: Just a few things before I switch
Yeah, I've really been amazed by the number of stories I've read about people getting "bonus" upgrades for free from their refurbished units......... 1 or 2 gigs of RAM free, 80GB HD when they expected 60, etc. Has to be a pretty nice surprise...:)
Answer:
Re: Just a few things before I switch
Yeah, I've really been amazed by the number of stories I've read about people getting "bonus" upgrades for free from their refurbished units......... 1 or 2 gigs of RAM free, 80GB HD when they expected 60, etc. Has to be a pretty nice surprise...:)
I wish they would have sent me a nice bonus
Answer:
Re: Just a few things before I switch
I think you should be fine with the harddrive upgrade through apple, checking the prices Apple's harddrive prices are in line with the rest of the industry, meaning you aren't getting ripped off, and in some cases I have found you actually lose money upgrading your harddrive by yourself. Make sure you look around!
Answer:
Re: Just a few things before I switch
But the advantage of getting the standard drive with the unit, is that you can pay the same amount for a new drive as what it would have cost to have that drive upgraded.
So, you end up with a 60gig and say... a 100gig for the price of a 100gig from apple. Then you could get an external enclosure and use that original drive as an external harddrive for backups or storage (or both).
Answer:
Re: Just a few things before I switch
But the advantage of getting the standard drive with the unit, is that you can pay the same amount for a new drive as what it would have cost to have that drive upgraded.
So, you end up with a 60gig and say... a 100gig for the price of a 100gig from apple. Then you could get an external enclosure and use that original drive as an external harddrive for backups or storage (or both).
Indeed. Or you can sell the drive, it is brand new after all.
Answer:
Re: Just a few things before I switch
Wow! thanks for the posts!!! I'm glad I asked you guys before making my purchase. I still have to decide whether or not I want black or white. However, I've got another question for you. Will I be able to upgrade my OS to leopard when it comes out?
Answer:
Re: Just a few things before I switch
Wow! thanks for the posts!!! I'm glad I asked you guys before making my purchase. I still have to decide whether or not I want black or white. However, I've got another question for you. Will I be able to upgrade my OS to leopard when it comes out?
Traditionally Apple hasn't offered upgrade pricing on new OS's, but yes, you would be able to buy a copy of Leopard and install it. Since you're a college student you do get it at an educational discount, so it will be about $69.