May 2007 Macbook

I'm primarily a PC guy, so I feel a little weird posting my first hardware review about a Mac, but that's timing for you! Apple just released an upgraded Macbook last week (clock speeds from 2-2.16 Ghz), so I'm going to write about the configuration I would buy if I was ready to get one of these today. This model is a nice portable laptop with a lot of multimedia versatility. The Macbook is lightweight and is a comfortable size to carry around and work on.

Up the middle: Of the 3 models, it's best to choose the one in the middle. The entry model doesn't have a DVD burner. I normally don't configure DVD burners for laptops, but in the case of a Mac, I guarantee that you'll be making DVDs. iMovie and iDVD are great programs that output professional looking DVDs. Unless you're religiously obsessed with the black one, it's not worth the money. You'd be paying $124 extra just for the color alone. And remember... white material dissipates heat better than black.

Max out the RAM: My rule with laptops is to always either max out the RAM or max out one slot and keep one empty. If you fill both slots and want to upgrade later, you have to throw out your 2 old modules and buy 2 completely new ones. Maxing out might sound like it's overboard, but if you want your laptop to last for many years, you will eventually need the memory as you upgrade your OS and install new programs. Any why not have the memory right from the beginning so that you have it for the full life of your system rather than when it's on the way to it's death! In the Macbook's case, there are only 2 options... 2 x 512 MB modules (1 GB total) OR 2 1 GB modules (2 GB total). Go for the 2 GB option. Another noteworthy thing about Mac laptops is they're not as easy to upgrade as PCs. You may need to have it professionally installed... another reason to get it all right away.

Slow HDD, but no choice: There's no 7200 rpm hard drive available for the Macbook, so I would just go ahead and pick the 120 GB one. That's plenty of space for a laptop.

That's pretty much it. I just boosted the RAM from the default configuration. It comes out to $1474, which is pretty good for a Mac.

Tip: If you want a Mac that's any configuration other than the default, it's best to order it from the Apple website. Most stores will charge you for the default configuration. Then charge extra for the upgrade component plus installation fees. This was the case when I was about to buy a Mac Mini from the Soho Apple Store. They would sell me the default with 2 512 MB RAM modules. I would pay full price for the 2 1 GB modules and an installation fee. So I would've paid for 4 modules total (only 2 of which I could use). If you buy from the Website, it's custom built and you pay only for the final configuration.