[ApplCmptrDood]

I am 14, and my generous grandparents are getting me a laptop for graduation! (I never expected this)! However, for someone my age, 14, I am unsure which model to get, and how to customize it, like how much RAM, etc. I am going to be using the laptop for four years. Any advice? Thanks!

[richwig83]

Id suggest (albeit a little vague) get the best one you can afford!!

To suggest one mac.... id go for the black macbook (and upgrade the ram to 2Gb [DIY upgrade])

[mduell]

What are you going to do with it?

But trying to stretch one to be useful for 4 years, I'd say the MacBook Pro with 3GB is the only choice.

[marcowashere]

Whichever you get, you should max out the RAM. More RAM makes a much bigger performance difference than a slightly faster processor in the same line of machines.

I have a 2.16GHz MBP and when i punched it to 3Gb (from 1GB) it made a surprising difference even to everyday tasks like launching safari or terminal.

To aid with longevity I'd go with the MacBook Pros over the MacBooks if you can. The lack of dedicated video RAM slows the MacBooks down, and then there's the double whammy of the 2Gb RAM limit.

Of course there's the weight & size issue with the MBP to condsider as well. Oh, and the larger power brick...