Macbook: Which Specs should i choose?

Hi everyone! Lately, I have been waiting for the update to the Macbook with the Santa Rosa platforms and they're finally here!
The Dilemma Im in right now is that I dont know which model to choose from.
My budget is around $1500 CDN, but then Im not sure if I should get the Macbook with the 2.0 Ghz with 2GB Memory or the Macbook 2.2Ghz with 1GB memory.
I was just wondering if I would need the memory boost, or if i should get the one with the faster processor.
Thank you for your time!

 

Are you getting the RAM from Apple directly? If so, I wouldn't recommend it, as you can get RAM and install it yourself cheaper from third parties such as NCIX.com and TigerDirect.ca (I don't mention Newegg as you are Canadian, like me).

I'd say get the 2.2 GHz version, as that also gives you a SuperDrive (can burn DVDs), whereas the 2.0 GHz version only has a Combo Drive (can't burn DVDs). Get more RAM elsewhere, you can get it cheaper and it doesn't void the warranty and is easy to do.

 

i would suggest ram over processing power

 

It should be easy: If you want white, pick the base model white. (unless you MUST have a DVD burner) If you want black, pick the base model black. The difference in speeds of 2.0 and 2.2 is minor. Ram is easily self upgraded (now runs about $40 for a 2gb stick I believe), and so is the Hard Drive (200gb Hitachi 7k200 7200 rpm drive is $142.99 at BB in an enclosure).

 

Where can you find that? Or more importantly, is that available in Canada? Because the cheapest I've found for 2x1 GB RAM sticks is $90 CDN, at NCIX.com. Too bad Newegg isn't offered in Canada, ergh.

 

I guess 2x1 is at the $40 level, 1x2 might be higher. Heres an example: http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=640182

It really is unfortunate for canadian consumers since the CDN has appreciated so much against the USD..

 

I don't think Fry's ships to Canada either. Darn it.

 

NCIX.com !!!!

 

Yeah, I know about NCIX.com. If you read the first post I made on this thread, I recommended NCIX.com myself . But currently the cheapest I can find for 2x 1 GB RAM is $90 CDN for Corsair Value RAM.

 

it is better that you get a stock config one if possible. because when trouble occurs, things get sorted more easily and quicker. the 2.2ghz one has superdrive, that is a big plus, the capability to burn dvd is essential nowdays, you never know when you need it. of course, you do get that bigger HDD, the 120gb one vs. the 80gb of the lesser model. remember that mac os x uses plenty of Virtual RAM, so roomy HDD with plenty of free space is as important.

of course, you can run more app smoothly at 2gb of ram. but then again; it is easier to upgrade RAM than to upgrade the processor and the combo drive. i says get the 2.2ghz one.

 

Im actually thinking about the 2.0 Ghz model and adding the 160GB harddrive. If i were to do this, the 2.2 Ghz and the 2.0 Ghz processor arent that much of a deal right? or is there a major difference??

P.S. If I were to purchase a Macbook from the Apple Store (Im a student and my parents dont like buying online, and I'd like to be there when buying it...i know its kinda lame, but yeah) Would I be able to tell them that I want it with the 160 GB harddrive? Do i go there and tell them, wait a day or two, or is it just not possible and I have to buy it online?

Thank you all for your feedback!

 

Again with the 2.0 and 2.2 ghz cpu most people wouldn't notice the difference. Unless you do heavy encoding or hard core photoshop. Remember that the 2.0 ghz one doesn't come with a DVD burner.

 

I recommend the middle one because of the 33% increase in HD space and DVD, which is quite useful.

 

I don't believe you can customize your Mac in store.

As for the difference between 2.0 GHz and 2.2 GHz...not enough for you to notice it. Personally, I would not look at the processor to make my decision; if its just a minor difference, like 2.0 GHz vs. 2.2 GHz, I would get the 2.0 GHz; its quite a bit cheaper but has no noticeable performance difference.