[tavilach]

I'm doing some customizations on Apple.com to see how much a 15" PowerBook would actually cost me.

...so I have a few questions about some of the options.

Note: The dollar amounts are through educational pricing.

The $112 upgrade from an 80 GB HD @ 4200 rpm to an 80 GB HD @ 5400 rpm...would I really notice a difference, or should I save my $112?

Ram-wise, I'm assuming that 1 GB would be enough for essentially anything (correct me if I'm wrong), but would I notice such a difference between two 512 MB sticks vs. one 1 GB stick, or should I save my $90? Maybe I should go with one 512 MB stick...is that a lot worse than 1 GB, for a Mac?

Keynote...is it worth it, if I'm planning on using Office v.X, and am not some kind of super presentation guru dude? Seems like a waste of $79.

PowerBook cases are expensive! Would I be using one...seems like it's more practical to just use a sleeve or what not for a few bucks. I'd probably be carrying it in my backpack, or just leaving it on my desk a lot.

AirPort Extreme Base Station...is this for running my own network? I'm assuming I wouldn't need this in a college dorm with a wireless network already present.

.Mac...pretty sure I want this...unless there's a cheaper equivalent of some sorts...do most people get this?

Extra AC adapter...when would I use this?

Extra battery...I don't travel much...is this a waste?

AppleCare...it's so frickin' expensive, and I've seen other laptop protection plans (like Safewire or Safewear or whatever it's called) that actually protect it against anything...do most people get this, or go with other plans, or do both? I really need to know if I should include this...it's a huge price jacker of $239!

Thanks .

[jld]

Don't buy ram from apple. It's a rip off. They charge much more than you can get it for elsewhere.

Skip keynote. You can use powerpoint for the few presentations you'll do. It's plenty good for most people.

If you plan to carry your notebook around, get something to protect it. I have a sleeve for my backpack so the spiral bindings of my notebooks don't scratch up the finish.

If there is already a network, then you don't need a base station. If there isn't a network, you can buy it later. Skip it for now.

I don't use/pay for .mac, as I already have most of the services on my own. (hosting, email etc)

Extra AC adapter is so you can keep one at home and one at the office so you don't have to carry it around. Skip it. The stock AC adapters aren't that great anyway. A better one can be bought for less.

If you don't plan on using you're laptop far from a outlet, don't worry about getting another battery. Knowing that you're going to college, I'm pretty sure you won't need that either.

Bottom line is that all the stuff you want is optional. You can get it later if you need it. Except for one or two options, there's no advantage to purchasing with your PB. Why waste your (or Dad's) money, for stuff you'll never use? Wait and see first.

[tavilach]

Originally posted by jld:
Don't buy ram from apple. It's a rip off. They charge much more than you can get it for elsewhere.

Skip keynote. You can use powerpoint for the few presentations you'll do. It's plenty good for most people.

If you plan to carry your notebook around, get something to protect it. I have a sleeve for my backpack so the spiral bindings of my notebooks don't scratch up the finish.

If there is already a network, then you don't need a base station. If there isn't a network, you can buy it later. Skip it for now.

I don't use/pay for .mac, as I already have most of the services on my own. (hosting, email etc)

Extra AC adapter is so you can keep one at home and one at the office so you don't have to carry it around. Skip it. The stock AC adapters aren't that great anyway. A better one can be bought for less.

If you don't plan on using you're laptop far from a outlet, don't worry about getting another battery. Knowing that you're going to college, I'm pretty sure you won't need that either.

Bottom line is that all the stuff you want is optional. You can get it later if you need it. Except for one or two options, there's no advantage to purchasing with your PB. Why waste your (or Dad's) money, for stuff you'll never use? Wait and see first.

Thanks for the quick response! You covered almost all my questions .

I have a few comments, though.

By PowerBook cases, I meant those expensive backpackish ones that you can buy with it...am I better off just getting a sleeve for a few bucks?

About .Mac...I really love that 100MB iDisk...and all the iPhoto and iMovie integration...etc....should I just get it, since it's only $69.95 (hmm, actually that's a lot)? Is an Anti-Virus a good idea? If so, what would I use without .Mac (Virex)?

RAM-wise, is Apple RAM more reliable in Apple computers, or is it literally exactly the same as from other retailers? If so, where would I purchase my RAM?

...and I still don't know what to do about the HD stuff and the AppleCare.

Looking forward to some more quick responses .

[wk929]

As a college student, you probably won't be using the maximum power of the powerbook at all.
Heck, I run FCP perfectly fine with a Ti667.

I don't think you'll really notice the difference between 4200rpm and 5400rpm, especially if you're just surfing the net, iTunes, and writing papers.

Just stick with the stock 512 mb, upgrade if you need it later. Ram from a reputable dealer is fine (I swapped out my stock 256 mb for a 512 crucial a while back).

The battery is useful depending on where you go. I always find it nice to be able to get out of the dorms and type outdoors, or in the library. Nothing's worse than running out of juice when you're finishing your last few paragraphs.

What else... .Mac is totally unnecessary. I only use it for e-mail. I always found iDisk to be a bit dodgy- hard to connect and backup consistently. You'll be getting (or already have?) a university e-mail address.

But yeah, to reiterate what a previous poster said, just go stock and upgrade if you need it.

[tavilach]

Originally posted by wk929:
As a college student, you probably won't be using the maximum power of the powerbook at all.
Heck, I run FCP perfectly fine with a Ti667.

I don't think you'll really notice the difference between 4200rpm and 5400rpm, especially if you're just surfing the net, iTunes, and writing papers.

Just stick with the stock 512 mb, upgrade if you need it later. Ram from a reputable dealer is fine (I swapped out my stock 256 mb for a 512 crucial a while back).

The battery is useful depending on where you go. I always find it nice to be able to get out of the dorms and type outdoors, or in the library. Nothing's worse than running out of juice when you're finishing your last few paragraphs.

What else... .Mac is totally unnecessary. I only use it for e-mail. I always found iDisk to be a bit dodgy- hard to connect and backup consistently. You'll be getting (or already have?) a university e-mail address.

But yeah, to reiterate what a previous poster said, just go stock and upgrade if you need it.

I'll definitely be doing more than just surfing the web. I'll probably be wanting to do some video editing and I will definitely be doing web design and minimal graphic design (for the web sites). Of course, I will mostly just be surfing the web , since the other stuff is still just hobbies.

[skipjack]

AppleCare is good to have. But you don't have to buy it now. You can get it at any time before your computer's 12 month warranty expires. So, you can base your decision to buy it on your experience with your computer.

On the other hand, there are those people who have no problems until month 14 and wish they had bought it.

[tavilach]

Originally posted by skipjack:
AppleCare is good to have. But you don't have to buy it now. You can get it at any time before your computer's 12 month warranty expires. So, you can base your decision to buy it on your experience with your computer.

On the other hand, there are those people who have no problems until month 14 and wish they had bought it.

But if I get something like Safeware for about $150 a year, which covers everything, is AppleCare just dumb to have?

[Synotic]

Originally posted by tavilach:
AirPort Extreme Base Station...is this for running my own network? I'm assuming I wouldn't need this in a college dorm with a wireless network already present.

Did you actually confirm this? The dorms over here don't have wireless internet although the libraries and various food places have it. I personally chose the a Linksys wireless router because it's much cheaper... although I can't get it set up yet... I should really get on that.

Extra battery...I don't travel much...is this a waste?

Well I don't know what your needs are but an extra battery can't hurt. Frankly the battery life of the PowerBooks isn't exceptional and for the college setting it can be useful... you don't want to rely on your laptop only to have its battery die. Although if you always carry your adapter with you and you're indoors that may not be as much of a problem for you. Even if you don't end up using it, it can still end up being added value towards your computer when/if you end up selling it.

[CyberGeorge]

Like most everyone else said: Don't get anything. Go with the minimum and add as you go. I'm a student too (among other things). I have the same needs (some more for work) and I'm pretty content with my Ti. I just want to go to Al, because work will pay for it. Now, one note about memory. There is no performance difference between one or two chips. The only reason you would get one instead of two (that equal the same amount of total memory of course), is if you don't want to throw anything out when you upgrade. For example, if you get 2 512s and them you wanna upgrade to more, you need to throw at least one away (or sell it). If you had one 1 Gb, you have one slot free, so you can install your upgrade there. Don't worry about the extra batt. Get it if you need it. I don't. I work indoors and I can always find an outlet. Don't worry about a base either. Use the campus wireless. The dorm is a small place. Get an ethernet cable for your room. If you need a base, you get it later and don't get the expensive Apple one. Get a D-link or Linksys from walmart like everyone else. Memory from different reputable vendors is pretty much the same. Apple is expensive. It's true that there are bad memory chips out there but if you get it from a reputable vendor it'll be good or they'll replace it. See crucial, 18004memory etc. Now, APP: This is a good one. I'd use the factory warranty for a year and I'd get APP at 10 months. I'd definitely get some kind of warranty, cause with laptops you need it. Even for Apple laptops that are the best quality controlled computers. Drive speed: forget it. It's 8% faster. Big Deal. Get an external 800 Firewire later if you need to do a bunch of real time video effects, because that's the only time you'll need it, if at all. Keynote is cool. If you find yourself doing a lot of presentations, get it later. I'd use it over Powerpoint (did I mention I hate M$?) anytime. .Mac is ridiculously expensive. Get one of those USB keychain flash rams for the same money to backup your documents and you can also carry it with you and share with files with your PC friends as well. For e-mail use campus and for sharing files with people over the net, use campus as well. You will have a web page space where you can share anything you want. It's not that hard to create a web page yourself. So, we're all set, right? I don't think I left anyting out... Oh, yeah, the adapter: Get it when you need it. Like someone else said, it's for home and work, which for you it'll be the same place. It's handy when yours gives up (I've had 2 go bad in one year, 2 of them in a week), but when it goes bad go get one from the campus store. They always stock them. Oh yeah, and the case: I always get a good case, but I'm extremely picky about even touching my computer. I always wash my hands before I touch it and every 30 minutes, cause they get sweaty (no, not looking at porn). I also use one of those OWC leather pads between the keys and the screen, cause if I see anything on my screen or if anyone attempts to get a finger closer than 2 inches I'll freak. But that's just me and yes I'm crazy and proud of it. Oh, ok and about viruses: Don't worry about it. I have yet to see a virus on my Mac and I've been a dealer, using them for 15 years, no problems. While I was a dealer I had a few customer cases but those were different times. Finder 7. With OS X, I wouldn't worry about it. I'd get a good firewall setup before I got any viruses, like NetBarrier, but the OS X is good enough. So, bottom line: Go get your computer only and save your money for beer and the girl. If you still have any money left after that, get another 512 chip and that's it. If you have more money, get a second girl. They are always good to have around. If you already are a girl, then I'm single

[Scooterboy]

If you like the integration with the iApps then I'd say go for the .Mac with the discount price. Try it out for a year and if you find something more to your liking, go with that.
iDisk is much better than it was in the past. Connections are fast and Backup, although slow (when backing up to iDisk - it's much faster when backing up to a Hard Drive), is easy to use. Now that I'm 'book-less, I 've been relying on .Mac. I keep a back-up of my Desktop files and Home folder on my iDisk, so when I'm borrowing time on a Mac (like I am now), I have access to all my stuff and it's easy to find. There are cheaper and fuller featured services out there, but nothing beats the integration of .Mac with not just my own Mac, but any Mac I happen to be on. I've gotten a fair amount of work done while "trying out" the PowerBooks and iBooks at the Apple Store.
I've never bought RAM from Apple and although their price for the 1 GB stick was competitive it sure isn't now.

[CyberGeorge]

Originally posted by Scooterboy:

iDisk is much better than it was in the past. Connections are fast and Backup, although slow (when backing up to iDisk - it's much faster when backing up to a Hard Drive), is easy to use. Now that I'm 'book-less, I 've been relying on .Mac. I keep a back-up of my Desktop files and Home folder on my iDisk, so when I'm borrowing time on a Mac (like I am now), I have access to all my stuff and it's easy to find. There are cheaper and fuller featured services out there, but nothing beats the integration of .Mac with not just my own Mac, but any Mac I happen to be on. I've gotten a fair amount of work done while "trying out" the PowerBooks and iBooks at the Apple Store.

Ok, I'm not trying to flame here, but can someone answer me why you would get .mac for backups and accessing your files here and there, when you can do it with one of these keychain flash memory sticks for about the same price, and you can access your files even without a network? Yes, you need a USB port, but what modern Mac doesn't have a USB port? It's more likely to find one without an internet connection. Am I missing something in my way of thinking? Isn't a USB flash about $60 for 128 MB?

[Scooterboy]

I don't know about you, but I tend to lose small stuff easily enough without having to worry about my files being lost along with my keys. And it's really the integration with the OS and the iApps that really sells .Mac. For some it's a good value and for others maybe not. It works for me.

[tavilach]

Originally posted by CyberGeorge:
Like most everyone else said: Don't get anything. Go with the minimum and add as you go. I'm a student too (among other things). I have the same needs (some more for work) and I'm pretty content with my Ti. I just want to go to Al, because work will pay for it. Now, one note about memory. There is no performance difference between one or two chips. The only reason you would get one instead of two (that equal the same amount of total memory of course), is if you don't want to throw anything out when you upgrade. For example, if you get 2 512s and them you wanna upgrade to more, you need to throw at least one away (or sell it). If you had one 1 Gb, you have one slot free, so you can install your upgrade there. Don't worry about the extra batt. Get it if you need it. I don't. I work indoors and I can always find an outlet. Don't worry about a base either. Use the campus wireless. The dorm is a small place. Get an ethernet cable for your room. If you need a base, you get it later and don't get the expensive Apple one. Get a D-link or Linksys from walmart like everyone else. Memory from different reputable vendors is pretty much the same. Apple is expensive. It's true that there are bad memory chips out there but if you get it from a reputable vendor it'll be good or they'll replace it. See crucial, 18004memory etc. Now, APP: This is a good one. I'd use the factory warranty for a year and I'd get APP at 10 months. I'd definitely get some kind of warranty, cause with laptops you need it. Even for Apple laptops that are the best quality controlled computers. Drive speed: forget it. It's 8% faster. Big Deal. Get an external 800 Firewire later if you need to do a bunch of real time video effects, because that's the only time you'll need it, if at all. Keynote is cool. If you find yourself doing a lot of presentations, get it later. I'd use it over Powerpoint (did I mention I hate M$?) anytime. .Mac is ridiculously expensive. Get one of those USB keychain flash rams for the same money to backup your documents and you can also carry it with you and share with files with your PC friends as well. For e-mail use campus and for sharing files with people over the net, use campus as well. You will have a web page space where you can share anything you want. It's not that hard to create a web page yourself. So, we're all set, right? I don't think I left anyting out... Oh, yeah, the adapter: Get it when you need it. Like someone else said, it's for home and work, which for you it'll be the same place. It's handy when yours gives up (I've had 2 go bad in one year, 2 of them in a week), but when it goes bad go get one from the campus store. They always stock them. Oh yeah, and the case: I always get a good case, but I'm extremely picky about even touching my computer. I always wash my hands before I touch it and every 30 minutes, cause they get sweaty (no, not looking at porn). I also use one of those OWC leather pads between the keys and the screen, cause if I see anything on my screen or if anyone attempts to get a finger closer than 2 inches I'll freak. But that's just me and yes I'm crazy and proud of it. Oh, ok and about viruses: Don't worry about it. I have yet to see a virus on my Mac and I've been a dealer, using them for 15 years, no problems. While I was a dealer I had a few customer cases but those were different times. Finder 7. With OS X, I wouldn't worry about it. I'd get a good firewall setup before I got any viruses, like NetBarrier, but the OS X is good enough. So, bottom line: Go get your computer only and save your money for beer and the girl. If you still have any money left after that, get another 512 chip and that's it. If you have more money, get a second girl. They are always good to have around. If you already are a girl, then I'm single

Haha, I'm sure I'll wash my hands more than that! That'll just be the first few months, though...after I get used to it, and start really integrating it into my life, my hands would get sore if I washed that much .

Thanks for the comprehensive answer!

[Maflynn]

Originally posted by CyberGeorge:
Like most everyone else said: Don't get anything. Go with the minimum and add as you go. I'm a student too (among other things). I have the same needs (some more for work) and I'm pretty content with my Ti. I just want to go to Al, because work will pay for it. Now, one note about memory. There is no performance difference between one or two chips. The only reason you would get one instead of two (that equal the same amount of total memory of course), is if you don't want to throw anything out when you upgrade. For example, if you get 2 512s and them you wanna upgrade to more, you need to throw at least one away (or sell it). If you had one 1 Gb, you have one slot free, so you can install your upgrade there. Don't worry about the extra batt. Get it if you need it. I don't. I work indoors and I can always find an outlet. Don't worry about a base either. Use the campus wireless. The dorm is a small place. Get an ethernet cable for your room. If you need a base, you get it later and don't get the expensive Apple one. Get a D-link or Linksys from walmart like everyone else. Memory from different reputable vendors is pretty much the same. Apple is expensive. It's true that there are bad memory chips out there but if you get it from a reputable vendor it'll be good or they'll replace it. See crucial, 18004memory etc. Now, APP: This is a good one. I'd use the factory warranty for a year and I'd get APP at 10 months. I'd definitely get some kind of warranty, cause with laptops you need it. Even for Apple laptops that are the best quality controlled computers. Drive speed: forget it. It's 8% faster. Big Deal. Get an external 800 Firewire later if you need to do a bunch of real time video effects, because that's the only time you'll need it, if at all. Keynote is cool. If you find yourself doing a lot of presentations, get it later. I'd use it over Powerpoint (did I mention I hate M$?) anytime. .Mac is ridiculously expensive. Get one of those USB keychain flash rams for the same money to backup your documents and you can also carry it with you and share with files with your PC friends as well. For e-mail use campus and for sharing files with people over the net, use campus as well. You will have a web page space where you can share anything you want. It's not that hard to create a web page yourself. So, we're all set, right? I don't think I left anyting out... Oh, yeah, the adapter: Get it when you need it. Like someone else said, it's for home and work, which for you it'll be the same place. It's handy when yours gives up (I've had 2 go bad in one year, 2 of them in a week), but when it goes bad go get one from the campus store. They always stock them. Oh yeah, and the case: I always get a good case, but I'm extremely picky about even touching my computer. I always wash my hands before I touch it and every 30 minutes, cause they get sweaty (no, not looking at porn). I also use one of those OWC leather pads between the keys and the screen, cause if I see anything on my screen or if anyone attempts to get a finger closer than 2 inches I'll freak. But that's just me and yes I'm crazy and proud of it. Oh, ok and about viruses: Don't worry about it. I have yet to see a virus on my Mac and I've been a dealer, using them for 15 years, no problems. While I was a dealer I had a few customer cases but those were different times. Finder 7. With OS X, I wouldn't worry about it. I'd get a good firewall setup before I got any viruses, like NetBarrier, but the OS X is good enough. So, bottom line: Go get your computer only and save your money for beer and the girl. If you still have any money left after that, get another 512 chip and that's it. If you have more money, get a second girl. They are always good to have around. If you already are a girl, then I'm single

dude, one word - paragraphs

[CyberGeorge]

Originally posted by Scooterboy:
I don't know about you, but I tend to lose small stuff easily enough without having to worry about my files being lost along with my keys. And it's really the integration with the OS and the iApps that really sells .Mac. For some it's a good value and for others maybe not. It works for me.

Ok, I see what you are saying. Thanks.

[CyberGeorge]

Originally posted by Maflynn:
dude, one word - paragraphs

Yeah, I thought about that later. Didn't think I was going to be writing for this long. Sorry about that. Got carried away. I hope the info was useful.

[romeosc]

Backpacks can be found at computerfest for $15

I use PCMCIA 256MB cards for my camera and quick transfer.... much cheaper than .mac

Airport Base can be replaced with Linsys etc.

1GB ram is enough until you buy cheeper 1GB and resale old 512s


Buy a Madison charger... smaller & cheaper

[striker100]

As far as upgrading the hard drive from the stock 4200rpm to the 5400rpm drive it is debateable.
xlr8yourmac did a test comparison, the conclusion was that the 5400rpm hard drive had a very minimum performance increase against the stock Hitachi 4200rpm hard drive but I believe up to a 20% increase against the stock Fujitsu 4200rpm hard drive.
The problem of course is that you probably won't know which stock hard drive Apple will use in the Powerbook you order unless you can get that info before shipping.

[cambro]

Originally posted by jld:
Skip keynote. You can use powerpoint for the few presentations you'll do. It's plenty good for most people.

I thought this too...until I actually used Keynote.

Keynote blows PowerPoint out of the water. Completely. Everything looks/renders better, it is much easier to use, pdf export options rock, I could go on and on. If you do presentations just a few times a year you will not be sorry.

Just my 2cents....

[dparry]

One additional plus for .Mac is the ease of sharing files via Homepage or the public folder. In case you can not physically carry the file on a flash drive, say to someone across the country, you can upload it . I've used this to get files too large to email to a number of distant friends or family.

[CyberGeorge]

Originally posted by dparry:
One additional plus for .Mac is the ease of sharing files via Homepage or the public folder. In case you can not physically carry the file on a flash drive, say to someone across the country, you can upload it . I've used this to get files too large to email to a number of distant friends or family.

I said in my previous reply (which was a little unreadable because it was too long), that this is true, however, in his case he will definitely have web space with the univeristy. Granted it's not as easy to setup a page as with .Mac by yourself, but it's not $100/year worth of trouble to figure it out. Plus if you know how to create pages, I'm sure it'll be good for you in the future AND you have more flexibility than .Mac gives you. If you just want to share files, you can simply copy them in your web directory and give someone the URL, so I don't think he benefits. For a user without web space, yes, but he has it for free.

[tavilach]

Originally posted by CyberGeorge:
I said in my previous reply (which was a little unreadable because it was too long), that this is true, however, in his case he will definitely have web space with the univeristy. Granted it's not as easy to setup a page as with .Mac by yourself, but it's not $100/year worth of trouble to figure it out. Plus if you know how to create pages, I'm sure it'll be good for you in the future AND you have more flexibility than .Mac gives you. If you just want to share files, you can simply copy them in your web directory and give someone the URL, so I don't think he benefits. For a user without web space, yes, but he has it for free.

I'm an active PHP programmer...perhaps I should have mentioned that. Making a single web page...difficult? Hah!

[CyberGeorge]

Ok, so there you go I don't know what everyone does in here, but then so much for the better. I don't think you need .Mac. If you have some space on the web, you can have your page and your space to share. And it probably will be more than 100MB.

[skipjack]

Originally posted by tavilach:
But if I get something like Safeware for about $150 a year, which covers everything, is AppleCare just dumb to have?

Sorry, never heard of it. Maybe this would be a good topic on its own to get feedback on different protection plans.