ipod or merom

should i hold off getting a merom macbook and miss out on the ipod rebate? Are there going to be any other improvements in line with merom, like better graphics or sumthing? IF not then I think i will just go for a BlackBOOK!!!! with a u2 ipod video for $110!! I have been waiting a while so make sure my purchase is worth it. How long before 64bit is the main thing? I mean leapard is 64bit can I run lepard and new programs afew years down the road?

 

check this thread. at the moment, core duo and core 2duo affect windows users because of vista. i don't know how 64-bit affects the macbook but the move would suggest that apple are planning to take advantage of the 64-bit cpus, currently, apple's boot camp only supports windows xp (which is a 32-bit OS) as far as i know

 

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard will be 64-bit, but it will still work fine on 32-bit machines. I really doubt there's going to be much you'd be doing with one of these things either way that will make a big difference. You'll be able to run Leopard and future OS X revisions for quite a while.

If you're only look at the regular MacBook (not the MacBook Pro), you're probably safe going ahead and getting one now; most people expect only the MBP to get Merom, and even if the regular MacBook gets Merom as well, it shouldn't make a huge difference. Especially if you do want the iPod update, it can't hurt.

You do have some time though, as the iPod rebate lasts until September 16th.

 

Yeah, I understand where the most common point thats bought up is that the resale value of a 64bit notebook will be more than a 32bit notebook, however people seem to forget that the reason people buy something secondhand is to save money or they are on a tight budget, and they aren't expecting to get the latest and greatest.

Theres still a few years before 64bit will become mainstream, meaning used by every application, and 64bit only means you have more memory addressing which only helps mostly in VERY INTENSIVE programs.

I know I'm planning on selling my Macbook in maybe about 2 and half years time, and going a step up for the MBP, but thats only if they offer a smaller screen size version. I'm expecting to have a good resale value anyways. I think the point that most should be worried about is just a dual core processor, the general public isn't going to notice the difference between a merom and a yonah core.

What'd I do? I'd go ahead and buy it asap, because like others I doubt it will recieve a Merom right away.

 

Ok so I can see that 64 bit is not that big of an advantage for my computer usage but when they release the macbook with merom will there be anyother upgrades? Or will they just put in a new chip.

 

Likely just a new chip. All that is required is a switch of the chip. When the new platform comes out next year then you may see some bigger changes. Remember this thing just came out 3 months ago.

 

ok if its just a chip upgrade then i will get it now!!! What about the new gma intel is coming out with. When does that start to ship?

 

Yeah I would get it now, I mean I was waiting for some upgrades but then I realized that with technology, you are always waiting for something new. If you buy the top of the line system one day, it is obsolete the next. This is technology make the plundge and you will love it!

 

Personally I'm still a bit excited for just having a dual core processor right now, in terms of most of the software I currently use at the time, it's a bit overkill. However, I love how I can run so many applications at once, like have one encoding a song in itunes and another in mail and safari and chating with no slowdown at all.

I think many are missing the point of dual core, I mean comeon DUAL CORE.

I know if I was one of those people who always bought the bleeding edge of technology, I'd be dead broke right now.

 

ya i'm sure the dual core yonahs are plenty powerful for me but i just want the computer that I buy to be able to run the programs in the future(1-2 years down the road). I think the integrated graphics in the macbook will handle future apps.

 

I don't think you have to be too concerned about future applications, many software companies just like the OS company know the a huge majority of computer users still have 32bit processors and to start releasing applications with support only for 64bit would be suicide basically. Like OS companies the software companies will still create 32bit versions for quite a while.

 

ok thats seems fair. well I think i'm gonna pull the trigger and buy a black macbook!!!! i think i will get 1 gb of memory. or should i get the basic 512 and then uprade to 1.25 gb by buy a 1gb stick elsewhere? Is it true that some applications wont work without dual channel memory?

 

Well you know, If you want you should go for the White 2 GHz macbook, then get 2 gigs of ram and get a better hdd. Or you can go for the Blackbook. Both are good, but I don't understand paying 150$ ( 50$ for the bigger HDD ) for a color. But its your money your choice, either decision it will kick ass!! For ram, it cost about 80 bucks for 1 gb of ram shipped. I ordered a gig stick of newegg.com for 85 shipped including tax and shipping. As for if some applications don't work unless you have dual channel memory. I think that is false, but it's better to have dual channel memory. Gl
~Arman

 

Many view as Dual Channel as pointless, but I can actually tell the difference between Dual channel and single channel. There is a difference.

However, not everyone shares my opinion on this matter.

The application question is false.

 

ok thanks i think i'll upgrade the ram after i get my macbook! i ordered it today and i'm so pumped. This is my first mac can you direct me to some sites that will tell me some things i should do right at the start with my new macbook or any things you guys do to keep your mac running smoothly. I'm new to the macworld. THanks

 

Theres a sticky in this forum that has links to threads on what to do.

 

Good choice. Did you end up with the BlackBook?

I ended up ordering memory from Newegg.com and got two 1GB sticks of Transcend JetRam DDR 667 for $150 b/4 a $20 rebate. After I installed it it saw the correct amount and correct speed. It (the memory) got good reviews and was easy to install.

I'm still getting used to OS X. I'm not a "switcher" as I still have plenty of Windows machine here and at work I have to use. I am becoming a bigger fan of the MacBook keyboard. I didn't like it much at first, but I have a Gateway laptop that I despise the keyboard on. It's gotten to the point I won't use that machine to browse forums or send e-mail on. The Apple is much better for that.

I got the white 2gHz model. It really can multi-task with no perceptable drop (compared to my Windows machines) in performance.

 

yup got the black book and the u2 ipod! cant wait for them to arrive.