[Help] Finally getting a mac, just ironing out the details

Well I'll be finally getting a Mac in the next two or three days (depending on how the outcome of this thread is ), and I just had some last minute questions for you guys.

I'll be getting the new 17" powerbook and I just wanted to know about the options and such. This is what I wanted to know:

1. Should I up the ram to 1gb from apple or get it from another vendor?

2. Should I downgrade the hd to a 7200rpm 100gb or stick with the 5400rmp 120gb?

3. Should I get any accessories like a laptop bag or extra battery, mouse or keyboard?

4. Is any of the software they offer with the purchase of a mac really worth it? I'm talking about, iWork, Logic Express, etc.?

5. Should I get the AppleCare plan? I heard they don't cover accidental drops and heard about ppl getting other plans. Where the hell are those?

6. Anything else anyone wants to add, please feel free, I'm dropping down alot of dough on this puppy.

Oh yea, I'll be using it for the basic stuff, but just wanted to know, how does ps work on this thing? Will it lag like a ***** or what?

Thanks guys

#327489

well i dont know about the powerbook, but in journalism class last year we used emacs and they actually did quite well with ps, the only thing i didnt like was that blurring was a little slow, but otherwise it worked great. as for you orther Q's i wouldent know

#327493

1) Apple charges a premium for their RAM, but you get the benefit of support. However, certain vendors are trustworthy...Crucial comes to mind (and some others have been mentioned).

3) If you want them or feel that you need them...same as if you were buying a laptop from another vendor

4) Again, depends if you're going to use them. Will you be buying Microsoft Office anyway?

6) Congratulations!

-NC

#327494

ok so now every single one of my friends has abandoned me...I think I'm either gonna get a mac for christmas or kill myself, its gonna be one or the other tho, trust me.

#327495

Thanks NC

I will be getting MS office, they offer a discount at my university me thinks.

@Nico...LMAO, don't kill yourself bud, I feel your pain.

#327499

1. Should I up the ram to 1gb from apple or get it from another vendor?

2. Should I downgrade the hd to a 7200rpm 100gb or stick with the 5400rmp 120gb?

3. Should I get any accessories like a laptop bag or extra battery, mouse or keyboard?

4. Is any of the software they offer with the purchase of a mac really worth it? I'm talking about, iWork, Logic Express, etc.?

5. Should I get the AppleCare plan? I heard they don't cover accidental drops and heard about ppl getting other plans. Where the hell are those?

6. Anything else anyone wants to add, please feel free, I'm dropping down alot of dough on this puppy.

2. Do you need space or speed? 5400rpm is fine for most things. I say save up and get a big external FW drive later.

3. Laptop bag? imo, laptop sleeves rock (then just throw it into any old bag).

Extra batery - expensive, but possibly helpful if you travel a lot.

Mouse/keyboard may be good if you intend to replace your desktop. Just about anything USB will work.

4. Lots of great free software for basic tasks out there. Maybe get an office (iWork/M$).

5. AppleCare - maybe if you can afford it. Personally, I'd go without. Regular warranty is enough for me.

6. Generally great for multimedia and content creation work. 17"? will it be replacing a PC, or just supplementing it?

#327503

I'm just supplementing it. My parents said if you need it get it, so I'm just gonna do it. Thanks for the input guys. Considered me turned to the "Dark Side" 8)

#327552

I'm just supplementing it. My parents said if you need it get it, so I'm just gonna do it. Thanks for the input guys. Considered me turned to the "Dark Side" 8)

If you're going to be keeping your PC, you could save money with a smaller laptop. You can still hook it up to an external monitor and use high screen resolutions, but get the benefit of more portability when you're on the road.

I've got a 12" iBook and regularly run it as a dual-screen machine (1024x768 + 1280x1024 external)

Just a suggestion. 17" sounds mighty nice though :drool:

#327556

is it even possible to purchase your RAM from another vendor and not void the apple warranty?

as for the hard drive, i'd always go with the faster smaller one, especially if you're getting a dvd burner, which i suppose you are, if not - you ought to

#327607

if you need an office suite, why not just save your $ and go with openoffice....

#327635

i'd go for the 7200rpm's. your os will load faster. your apps will load faster. your docs will load and save faster.

#327659

is it even possible to purchase your RAM from another vendor and not void the apple warranty?

Official PB 17" RAM replacement instructions from Apple:

http://developer.apple.com/documentation/H...CH208-TPXREF102

if you need an office suite, why not just save your $ and go with openoffice....

The included AppleWorks suite is ok for basic work (like the Microsoft Works suite). AbiWord is a fantastic Word replacement with a very good mac port.

#327728

Get a solid case for the laptop. Do NOT just throw it in any old bag, especially if you have schoolbooks in it. You WILL crush and damage the display (oops ). On the same subject, AppleCare is worth the trouble as added insurance, just in case anything goes wrong. If you're spending 2500 list, you might as well throw in a few more bucks for it. Also look into getting an iCurve. Most expensive piece of plastic I've ever purchased, but also extremely worth it if you want a desktop-like setup somewhere.

#327731

Get a solid case for the laptop. Do NOT just throw it in any old bag, especially if you have schoolbooks in it. You WILL crush and damage the display...

...then just throw it into any old bag IF:

* the bag is a half decent fit

* you use the bag for the laptop only

The Booq Vyper XL is my recommendation. Semi-rigid high desnity foam + ballistic nylon.

#327755