Long time Windows user has just made "THE SWITCH" and have some questions

I just pulled the trigger on a Black Macbook for $1500 (student discount) and I have a few questions.

1) Amazon sells the last gen Macbook with 32bit Core Duo and half the amount of RAM for $250 cheaper. The current 5-10% boost with 64bit capable Core 2 Duo is probably not worth it, but when 64bit Leopard comes out, do you think there will be a big boost over 32bit Leopard?

2) What's Apple dead pixel policy? Has anyone had problems with dead pixels on their Macbooks?

3) What's their return policy, in case I'm not satisfied with my Macbook (hopefully that won't happen).

4) When Leopard comes out, does Apple only sell the full CD? According to the online Apple store, Tiger is $69 with student discount, not a bad price!(not like windows where they have upgrade and full upgrade)

5) Connected with question #3, will Leopard also be the same price to upgrade as Tiger is?

I can't wait to receive my Macbook!

 

1. The Core 2 Duo and extra Ram is definitely worth it.
2. I've never had any problems with dead pixels.
3. I think it is a 30 day return policy if you are not satisfied if I am not mistaken.
Not positive about 4 or 5 so I'll leave it someone else.

 

I think there's a 10% open box fee.

 

Spending a little more on the current C2D Macbook is probably a good idea, not only because of the extra grunt and RAM, but the early Macbooks had isolated instances of thermal issues including overheating and random shutdowns.

As for Leopard, as far as I know they only sell full releases. I presume they'll be charging the same as for Tiger and the previous releases.

 

Get the newest one if you can afford. We are a ways removed from the CoreDuo now that it would probably be prudent to get the newer one. 32-bit vs 64-bit Leopard probably won't be a big difference.

I believe it is either 5 or 7 I cannot remember. That is for a MBP though, and it is based off of the size of screen so the MB may be less.

Apple's return period is 14 days with a restocking fee, I believe. Call them they will know.

When you think about it, there is no need to differentiate full vs upgrade. Everyone already has to have OS X. But no, there are 2 version of OS X, the regular and then server. That is it. No one knows what Leopard will be priced at but if it is not the same as Tiger, it should be close.