[theDreamer]

So since I get 100 dollars from Apple, WOW!
Anyways, I have been tempted for some time to pick up a Macbook, and with them finally getting C2D (no SR though ) I am very, very tempted to pick one up finally and enjoy my first Apple computer. Though I have a few questions about some minor differences, and a few other things.

~The DVD drivers, what are the differences between the:
24x Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) v. 8x double-layer SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)?

~Apple's website states up to six hours of battery, but if I am using wifi, browsing the web, working on a paper, general things (no video/photo/etc. work) what will I truly be getting? While at college I go from class to class so being able to just shut my Macbook and walk to my next class would be great, but I am in class from 11-5 and would like to be able to get as much as possible out of this.

~Much benefit in the CPU choices really? Better battery life, less? Also is the black Macbook really worth that much of a premium? Would be cool to have one, but to me it might not worth it, but if you have reasons let me know.

~How is the audio in the Macbook? I use headphones mostly while listening to music and such so is it powerful to plug in decent headphones? (Such as DT770 (80oHm) or Senn HD555?

~Final question, how is heat on the Macbook for being on all day or on for constant hours of no end?

Any other comments you want to leave if I pick up a Macbook?

[Smillz]

I know for a fact you don't have to worry about the heat issue

[peeb]

I know for a fact you won't get six hours of battery, either.

[CheesePuff]

1.) The ComboDrive and read/wirte CD's and read DVD's. The SuperDrive can read/write CD and DVD's, and even dual-layer DVD's as well.

2.) The battery lasts quite a long time compared to the cheaper PC laptops, but with Wi-Fi going the whole time it will be less. Just turn the CPU power to low and keep brightness down and you should have no problem getting near 6 hours then.

3.) I think it's worth it for the 170 MHz faster per core and double the L2 cache, it's only $200 and you get the SuperDrive. The black model only has 40 GB more space, but you can buy a faster 2.5" Serial ATA HDD online (say, a WD 160 GB model) for $80 shipped.

4.) Audio output is very good, and has always been on the Mac.

5.) Lot's of people here leave their MacBook on 24/7.

[Christopera]

I went to class today with the battery at 80%.

On energy savings mode, with the screen at about 50% contrast, bluetooth off, and on a wireless connection the computer lasted about 2.5 hours.

I did word processing and lots of internet browsing. Some instand messeging, some email, some itunes.

[theDreamer]

Thank you for all the answers.
My only other question would be, is it to wait for Leopard? If I buy before Leopard is out is it really worth it to buy right away or should I be fine with waiting for awhile?

[mduell]

~ The first reads CDs/DVDs and writes CDs, the second reads/writes CDs/DVDs.

~ 2.5-4 hours depending on your usage.

~ No real difference in performance or power consumption.

~ Intel's built in audio is good enough to power decent studio monitor headphones.

~ Not too bad thanks to the plastic case, but you're not going to put it on your bare legs.

~ Given how marginal the last Macbook upgrade was, I'd wait for Leopard or even the next revision if you're not in a pinch for a new computer.

[nickw311]

>> ~Final question, how is heat on the Macbook for being on all day >> or on for constant hours of no end?

I leave mine on for weeks on end without worrying about the heat. I just shut the screen when I am done.

As far as the battery, if will not last 6 hours with normal use. You can expect 3 - 4 hours when it is new but after like a year it will be down to about 2 hours. Fortunately the battery charger is small and compact and isnt too much of a hassle to carry around.

As far as getting a black one, they really do look nice and stand out. Sometimes I wish I would have paid a little more for one. This is all about personal preference though.

[AC Rempt]

Originally Posted by theDreamer 

Thank you for all the answers.
My only other question would be, is it to wait for Leopard? If I buy before Leopard is out is it really worth it to buy right away or should I be fine with waiting for awhile?

It's really your call. If you can wait a month or so, you'll save the cost of upgrading and get a clean Leopard install. Of course, since it looks like a major OS upgrade, there may be some hiccups, but you'll save $129.

I have no patience to speak of, so I would be buying it the minute I had money in hand.