Performance Difference Between 3 Macbooks?

I'm having trouble deciding which one to get. I would prefer the black version, but it seems to me you're paying an extra 200 because it has 90GB more storage and its black. I don't need 250gb so unless anyone can explain any other differences that make it justifiable to purchase i'll count it out.

Which leaves the two white versions, there specs definitely differ..but how much of a performance difference actually is there between the 2.1GHz Intel and 2.4GHz Intel? and how much would it cost me to upgrade from 1GB ram to 2GB ram? In the end would it work out to the same price if I upgraded? It seems like your getting a lot more for $200, but can someone explain to me if that is actually true. Thanks alot.

Miro

 

Depending on the tasks you perform, you might notice no difference at all between the 2.1Ghz and the 2.4Ghz CPU. Only if you carry out CPU intensive tasks will the 2.4Ghz save you some time over the 2.1Ghz.

Upgrading RAM with Apple is expensive. You will be much better off buying your RAM elsewhere, and then upgrading it yourself. It is very easy to upgrade the RAM in a Macbook, so you are looking at saving yourself quite alot of money. However, this only applies if you upgrade the RAM after selecting one of the three Macbook models.

I would strongly recommend the more expensive white Macbook, as it comes with a DVD writer, in addition to all the other upgrades. $200 for all these upgrades is very worthwhile, and makes your Macbook much more futureproof. You might think that you do not need a DVD writer at this moment in time, but chances that you will require it one day.

 

If you ask me, the difference between 2.1 GHz and 2.4 GHz isn't enough for me to pay that extra premium for. As for RAM, RAM is much cheaper now, you can get 2 GB for around $50 (at least in Canada) and often less if you look around. Remember to purchase and install yourself from places like Newegg.com, instead of buying from Apple as they charge a lot extra for it!

I think if you don't need the DVD burner found on the middle configuration of the MacBook, the base model MacBook is fine .

 

in my opinion higher model of white MacBook is better. For the extra bucks u get more hdd, ram, speed and more importantly a DVD burner.
In an age when people are moving to blue ray, apple offering a cd writer is absurd. DVD burner was the main reason I bought the higher white MacBook.

 

Value for money, white is better - you do pay a premium for the colour if you choose the black one. However, the black is worth it to at least some extent because the material seems to be slightly better (it has a different finish if nothing else), I've heard of no complaints about the black casing whereas the white has suffered from discolorations and other similar things.

 

I definitely agree. I see no reason why Apple should still be offering a Combo Drive, its ridiculous.

 

Is the lowest level white computer honestly THAT much different from the upper tiers? I don't have a lot of money flow, so whether or not buying the cheapest Macbook is worth it has been a huge question that I've been dealing with. Does anyone know, in terms that a soon to be college student who has very little computer experience can understand, the true difference between the three?

 

As mentioned before, the lowest level Macbook has no DVD writer. It also has less HD, less RAM, and a slower CPU. In terms of value for money, the lowest level Macbook does not win. If you get the lowest level, you will not be able to burn DVDs and have a slower and less futureproof system.

 

The main difference would be the lack of DVD burner. Other than that, the other upgrades are pretty minor. More hard drive space, faster CPU...these things aren't too big a deal when CPUs are already so powerful and external hard drives are so cheap. As well as RAM.

 

Well put Sam! I am purchasing the Middle White Macbook today. For what I need to do: word process, create presentations, email, surf the Internet, listen to music, and watch the occasional movie it will be great.

 

I too think the middle white macbook is probably their most popular item. If you are on a budget I would look at their refurbished notebooks which I've heard are as good as new just cheaper.