Soon to be Mac owner...PLEASE help me choose...:)

So I decided I'm getting a Macbook Pro, but I'm still open to getting a macbook. And I can't decide on the specifications I want. I don't mind waiting to get it (since it's holiday season anyway).

I'll mainly use it for:
-Internet
-Light media stuff (music, photos, movies)
-Word Processing and stuff like that

I DO NOT:
-intend to run XP or Vista
-play games

Other considerations
-Speed is above all the biggest priority.
-Budget is optimally ~$2200 but up to $2350 is fine.
-I want this to last me through college (HS senior right now)
-I qualify for the education discount.
-First time windows to mac switcher
-My parents are paying for it so budget is the last consideration.

So yeah could anyone help me out here?

I narrowed it down to these 5 permutations...

Macbook Pro 2.16GHz
1. Standard, Glossy Screen+AppleCare $2,038
2. 160GB Hard Drive, 1GB RAM, Glossy Screen+AppleCare $2,128
3. 200GB Hard Drive, 1GB RAM, Glossy Screen+AppleCare $2,218
4. 160GB Hard Drive, 2GB RAM, Glossy Screen+AppleCare $2,286

Macbook 2.0GHz
1. 160GB Hard Drive, 2GB RAM+AppleCare $1,764

Prices do not include shipping or tax.

That pretty much covers most of the permutations of all the options available...right now I'm kind of leaning towards Macbook Pro option 2 or 3...PLEASE help me pick...it's a big investment and I don't want this laptop purchase to be like the last time I got a laptop where a) I didn't choose and b) my parents and I didn't look at all our options. Needless to say I had a terrible history with that laptop (7 hd replacements, XP reinstalled 10 times, went through 2 screens and the third one broke, so here I am looking into a replacement)

Thanks so much for putting up with me

PS if I get the 1GB option I might put in another RAM myself if I find the 1GB unsatisfactory. Anyway what RAM chips are used in the macbook pro? And which ones are compatible?

 

For those tasks, the CPU is likely not the bottleneck. The performance difference in the machines you listed is marginal if any. 1GB is probably also more than enough for what you are doing. You can use off the shelf memory. It won't make much of a difference.

 

The real question you should be asking is whether you want a 13.3" screen or a 15.4" screen. The performance isn't really going to be something to worry about, as the only real difference comes in the form of the Pros GPU, which you aren't interested in anyways. So if you are comfortable with a smaller screen, save yourself some money and get that one, if youd like a larger screen however then pick the hard drive size. Just keep in mind 200gb is massive, so unless you specifically need that kind of internal storage space, then save some money there to.

 

You have a funny problem. You have a budget that fits a MBP, but needs that the Macbook can handle. The size/weight difference between the two are quite small. If you can handle the slightly larger and heavier MBP, than I'd say go for it.

 

From those needs (exactly like mine) and you are not going to play games, I'd go for the Macbook and use the extra for accessories because I just spent over $300 on accessories alone and I haven't even purchased the Macbook yet! haha. I'd just save the rest for maybe a nice LCD monitor.

 

Ram is "off the shelf" but Mac would say it's "special". Mac will tell you that they choose modules that are made to support their low power sleep state, and operate stable with low latancy. "Cheapo"*jk* Ram could cause crashes during sleep, so read around first. I believe they use Crucial, but many users also swear by g.skill, kingston and Patriot. If you're not replacing both, make sure you match the specs and timing at the very least, if not the brand also.

If I were you, Heck, I'd get a Macbook. It would be much easier taking it to the library across campus, or to class. I'd also get a seperate monitor for your room, NEC 19" lcd, or apple cinema display if you can extend the discount to it also. 120 gigs should really be enough don't you think? you can always get an external HD if you really need it.

If however.. IF an external display is not an option.. I would proceed to the MBP standard, no more , no less

 

Well I know dorm rooms are usually severely lacking in space so I'd rather not have an external display taking up more room. So I guess I'll get the macbook pro...now to decide on the configuration.

 

they don't use crucial, thank god. They use Hynix, which has a higher latency than most other modules.

I vote for MB as well. Take a look at the refurb units, or even a refurb MBP if you want. I would also stick with the 160GB drive, the 200 GB is slower. You will see no difference between teh 2.0 Ghz and the 2.13 Ghz CPU.

 

I'm kind of clumsy so should I get laptop insurance through something like www.safeware.com? Is it worth it?

Is insurance for laptops expensive? I'd just insure my laptop and possibly my cellphone for about $2500 total if I were to get it. I'm pretty sure it's not going to come cheap since macbook pro's kind of easily damaged and stuff.

Or is AppleCare enough if I'm careful with it?