[JonnoBrown]

I am most likely buying a Macbook in the next 2 - 3 weeks, and I'm pretty set on my specifications, what I need, etc etc. However, I was wondering, for my 'standard' programs, i.e. the ones I am running pretty much constantly, how much RAM would I need? These programs are:

Mozilla Firefox
iTunes
MSN Messenger (or suitable mac alternative of course)
iWork Pages (or whatever it's called)

Also, I occasionally use Photoshop.

So, any recommendations on how much RAM I would need? I'm assuming 1GB, but do not want to make the wrong decision and end up regretting it.

Thanks in advance

[mfbernstein]

Without Photoshop, 1GB looks fine. With Photoshop, depends heavily on what you do (and whether you're using CS2 or getting the new CS3, which should be both faster and less memory intensive since it isn't running through emulation). For light use and CS3, 1GB will do fine.

(I'd also suggest replacing Firefox with Camino as a faster, more stable alternative).

[JonnoBrown]

That was the kind of answer I was looking for, cheers.

I must admit, I hadn't heard of Camino before, but just did some quick googling and it looks very nice.

[JonnoBrown]

Oh and another question... I already have a wired router and network in my house, do I need some sort of adapter to connect the macbook to this network? Or does the cable fit the "Gigabit Ethernet" port or whatever it is?

[pcguy1]

10/100/1000 all use the same ethernut plug, so there is no need for adapter, however you will need a gigabit router to take advantage of the additional transfer speed.

[pcryan5]

Just make sure you get all the ram you want on day one. Upgrading from 1g to 2g means you toss out two 512MB simms.
I always say buy as much ram as you can afford.

Even when it meant something like $200 to bump my Apple ][ up 16K to a whopping 64k.....

[applgeek]

Originally Posted by pcryan5 

Just make sure you get all the ram you want on day one. Upgrading from 1g to 2g means you toss out two 512MB simms.
I always say buy as much ram as you can afford.

What is the problem with tossing two 512's? You can ebay them, or ill buy them.

I recommend a gig. anything needed in the future can be bought cheaper at that time. Just buy the 2 gig macbook.

May want to look into using aim instead of MSN. You can still download Messenger for mac to talk to old buddies of course. But aim works in ichat and doesnt associate you with microsoft.

Adium works with both clients.

[pyrite]

1GB will be more than enough until you open photoshop... then you'll want 2GB for speediness

[applgeek]

2 guigs f you need it that much.

Just buy one 1 gig module. That wil give you 1.5 Gigs. If you need an extra 512, you can buy another 1 gig stick.

Theres some thing with matched pairs, but it is not required. it MAY give you 3 percent better video.