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    Help me configurate a MacBook

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by the_jonath, Feb 1, 2009.

  1. the_jonath

    the_jonath Newbie

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    Alright here's the situation :

    I'm switching from Windows Vista to Mac OS X in the next year (you converted me you s!), and I need help with a MacBook configuration.

    I'm a medschool student, so no high-end sick graphism shizzle needed. I will use my laptop to : 1. surf on internet, 2. write text (LaTeX and OpenOffice, no MS Word crap), 3. graphing (SigmaPlot and Origin, no MS Excel crap), and a bit of gaming (yeah I'll probably use VMWare Fusion for that, but as i said, BIT of gaming).

    Here's what I need to know :

    2.0 GHz or 2.4 GHz (was thinking 2.0 GHz)

    2GB ram or 4GB ram (I don't mind going for 4GB ram, but I'd like to know what would be the real gain of that upgrade)

    What are the real gains of 2.0 vs 2.4 GHz and 2gb vs 4gb ram ?
     
    the_jonath, Feb 1, 2009
    #1
  2. boypogi

    boypogi Man Beast

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    get the base configuration :D
     
    boypogi, Feb 1, 2009
    #2
  3. EnterKnight

    EnterKnight Notebook Evangelist

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    For you, not that many. No number-crunching and no supreme multi-tasking, so...

    Even a dual core at 800 MHz is sort of fast for Internet browsing. :)
     
    EnterKnight, Feb 1, 2009
    #3
  4. gms238

    gms238 Notebook Consultant

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    Personally, I'd get the 2.4, but mainly for the backlit keyboard. This feature has proven itself valuable to me (in my personal needs) time and again, and it's not that much more. You probably wouldn't see that much of a performance increase between the two, but I love the ability to work in areas that are not so well lit or where there is the need for a dimmer light situation, i.e. a plane at night time, etc.

    I wouldn't get the 4gb of ram from Apple, though. It's not hard to install your own and there are really good prices out there. I upgraded my RAM in 20 minutes from 2gb to 4 gb, bought the ram from Newegg for $115 and am as happy as a clam.

    Whatever the case, welcome to an awesome computer and experience. Oh, and if you're a student, be sure and check for education discounts!
     
    gms238, Feb 1, 2009
    #4
  5. chen

    chen Notebook Deity

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    Get the base configuration, I just don't feel that the extra 400MHz, backlit keyboard, and 90GB HDD space justify for the extra 300$ you have to pay.
     
    chen, Feb 1, 2009
    #5
  6. winterymix

    winterymix Notebook Consultant

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    What they said. For the tasks you described, you won't see a difference between the two processors. The extra ram would provide some benefit to your gaming, especially since u plan to run Windows in Fusion, but I would buy it from Newegg.com like gms238 suggested.
     
    winterymix, Feb 1, 2009
    #6
  7. Underpantman

    Underpantman Notebook Virtuoso

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    Yeap go the base unit... unless the backlit keyboard is a must have.
    Also the ram and hdd can be easily upgraded later on for much less than what you pay apple, so if you find that your running low on ram then go ahead and upgrade.
    a
    :)
    ps if $$ is really tight checkout the refurbished units, you can save a few $100 off the retail price.
     
    Underpantman, Feb 1, 2009
    #7
  8. Luke1708

    Luke1708 Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    Go with the base config. If you have $$$$ then go for the 2.4, else the 2.0 is plenty of juice for you
     
    Luke1708, Feb 1, 2009
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  9. Xirurg

    Xirurg ORLY???

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    agree,go for "base" :D
     
    Xirurg, Feb 1, 2009
    #9