Apple Macbook Pro config

[imported_ceefka]

My school hands out a Macbook (the basic version), but not the Macbook Pro version. There is no way to customize my Macbook beforehand. Since a Pro would serve me much better (in the future) I plan on selling the MacBook and buy a Pro myself. I'd like to have the simple version of the Pro.

* 2,16-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
* 15"LCD 1440 x 900
* 1 GB RAM
* 120-GB HDD
* 6x double-layer SuperDrive
* ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 128 MB SDRAM

Now there's plenty I can upgrade in the Apple Store. I wondered if anyone has any recommendations, like more RAM or so.

I will be using it for:
- mobile audio recording (so an external drive is mandatory already) any recommendations there would also be nice. Should I go eSATA?
- making notes during class.
- surfing and mailing.
- some video editing.

A guy in my class works at the Apple Store and told me that the HDD on the Pro is as fast as any 7200rpm desktop HDD. I have a hard time believing that. What do you think of that?

 

[imported_ceefka]

Oh and another thing: do you believe the Apple Care is worth its money?

 

[Brainonska511]

That guy is wrong on the hard drive part. A 7200RPM notebook hard drive is not as fast as a 7200RPM Desktop drive.

 

[manly]

Don't upgrade anything.

Do purchase a 1GB SO-DIMM separately as they are very affordable.

AppleCare at the educational price is a pretty good idea IMO.

 

[n0cmonkey]

I got the Applecare for my Powerbook. They've replaced the logic board on it once for free 2.5 years into owning the system. I'm hoping I don't need to do that again.

ie: It was worth it for me.

 

[russdaren]

I would for sure go for the smallest out of the box memory config they sell, then upgrade it iwth aftermarket ram form Newegg or some other bargain site. You'll save a couple hundred bucks!
As far as the hard drive speed thing, I am currently looking at upgrading my Lenovo's HDD and yes, the 7200RPM notebook srives are not quites as fast as their 3.5" counterparts. But they are closer to the desktop drives performance than they are to their 4200 nad 5400 RPM cousins.
Just curious. What is so bad about a Macbook that you would sell it and drop another grand to have a Macbook pro?

 

[alimoalem]

Originally posted by: russdaren
I would for sure go for the smallest out of the box memory config they sell, then upgrade it iwth aftermarket ram form Newegg or some other bargain site. You'll save a couple hundred bucks!
As far as the hard drive speed thing, I am currently looking at upgrading my Lenovo's HDD and yes, the 7200RPM notebook srives are not quites as fast as their 3.5" counterparts. But they are closer to the desktop drives performance than they are to their 4200 nad 5400 RPM cousins.
Just curious. What is so bad about a Macbook that you would sell it and drop another grand to have a Macbook pro?

i agree with this whole post, but i'm also wondering about the answer to the question russdaren asked. video editing != dedicated video...it just means more ram (which you can put in the macbook). just add applecare to the macbook, one gig of ram, and you're set. if it's because the 2.16GHz CPU, that is the worst reason to go to a MBP

 

[ForumMaster]

get the base model and upgarde things like RAM and the drive seperatly. you'll save a lot of money.

 

[Grabo]

Macbook pro would give him a choice between a matte screen and the ice hockey rink one. Of course, that doesn't matter if he wants the hockey rink
Can't upgrade HD easily on a pro though(by yourself, I mean), can on a Macbook.

And go the the Applecare plan; if the machine goes hw faulty outside of its warranty, chances are good you'd be required to pay quite alot for repairs.

 

[slugg]

i agree that the macbook pro would be a waste... Just buy a base model macbook and upgrade it on your own. With a student discount, applecare is definitely worth it.

 

[imported_ceefka]

The reason for buying a Pro would be: bigger screen and the express card slot. The fact that I think a white MacBook looks like a kitchen appliance has nothing to do with that

The MacBook from the school has 3y Apple Care included already.

I am now beginning to have second thoughts about upgrading to a Pro. When I am at home I can plug in an extra LCD monitor. That would take care of the screen size. As for the express card slot: I am not even sure I want to keep on "Maccing" once I am done with my education.

It will cost me 800 euros more to have a Pro with 3y Apple Care. That money is perhaps better spent on other things I need for the course like a small ProTools setup.

Thanks for talking some good sense into me.