macbook


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Every week I'm approached by friends and family considering the purchase of an Apple computer asking my advice. In this article I'll teach you the critical things you need to consider when purchasing an Apple MacBook computer. I'll also provide a link to places on the web where you can get a list of good deals on a MacBook and other Apple Computer stuff.

1. Decide where you want to shop.

When shopping for any Apple product you have choices. Shop online direct from Apple Computer or from an aurthorized online retailer.  If you are like me you might prefer to simply strool into the nearest Apple owned and operated retail store and speak to a Mac expert there or shop at one of thousands of Apple resellers located around the world.

A list of MacBook deals online

2. Decide what color MacBook you would like to own.

Your choices are white or black. The black MacBook cost more but comes standard with a faster processor and larger hard drive. All MacBooks have the same 13 inch screen. Prices, without upgrades, range from $1,099 to $1,499.

3. Memory

The more memory your computer has, the more programs you can run simultaneously, and the better performance you get from your computer. How much memory is right for you?

  • Select the standard 1GB of memory (two 512MB modules) to support day-to-day tasks such as email, word processing, and web browsing as well as more complex tasks such as editing photos, creating illustrations, and building presentations.

  • Upgrade to the 2GB option (two 1GB modules) if you plan to use your system regularly for more intensive tasks, such as video editing and DVD authoring.

  • Max out your memory with the 4GB option (two 2GB modules) to enjoy the greatest possible performance for all your computing tasks.

The MacBook uses one of the fastest memory technologies available today — 667MHz, Double Data Rate (DDR2), synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM). It ensures high performance and reliability by synchronizing memory speed with the speed of the central processor so that data can be delivered continuously and more rapidly to the processor. And if both slots are loaded with an equal amount of RAM — which is strongly recommended — you can take advantage of the system's dual-channel memory architecture for an additional performance boost. With a dual-channel memory interface, both banks of SDRAM can be addressed at the same time, enabling MacBook to reach a memory throughput of up to 10.7 GBps.

4. Hard Drive

Size matters! The larger the capacity (in gigabytes, or GB) of your hard drive, the more space is available to store your files and applications. A typical application today may take 10 to 50 megabytes (MB); photos may take up about 2-4MB each; graphics files can occupy more than 100MB; and video files are often many gigabytes in size.

What hard drive capacity is right for you?

  • Pick the standard 80GB 5400-rpm drive if you are storing email and documents, and you have a photo and music library that you expect to keep expanding.

  • Select the 120GB 5400-rpm drive to give yourself a little more room to expand your media library, especially if you want to build a collection of TV shows and movies, or if you edit video.

  • Choose the 160GB 5400-rpm drive if you want to store and edit even more hours of videos, as well as thousands of songs and photos.

  • When capacity is your top priority, max out your MacBook with a 250GB 5400-rpm drive.

All MacBook models include standard Serial ATA hard drives already formatted with the Mac OS Extended File Format for efficient storage of your data.

5. Decide on an optical drive

The current choices are a 24x Combo drive (DVD ROM/CD-RW) or 8x double-layer SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW).

What’s the difference? The SuperDrive comes standard in the middle and upper end MacBooks and allows you to burn DVD’s. A SuperDrive is not currently an option in the entry level MacBook.

Even if you don’t think you will ever need the SuperDrive my advice is to get it. Eventually you will want to burn a video or some photo’s to DVD. The SuperDrive also increases the resale value of your MacBook when you’re ready to upgrade.

6. Displays

If you buy online direct from Apple they will offer you an opportunity to connect your new MacBook to an Apple flat panel display. Choose a 20-inch Cinema or 23-inch Cinema HD and connect directly to your MacBook through its mini-DVI port using a mini-DVI to DVI adapter (sold separately).

My advice, unless you have money to burn, don’t spend it here. The screen resolution on the new MacBooks is brilliant and unless you have some special need (graphic designer, web designer, etc.) for an additional screen you won’t need it. I watch all my favorite TV shows, and DVD's on my MacBook with amazing clarity as well as manage my business on it.

7. AppleCare Protection Plan

Don’t even think about passing this up. Apple computers are not perfect…just close to it. They are computers and yours will likely break down eventually. If it does and you are without AppleCare don’t say I did not warn you.

The AppleCare Protection Plan extends the complimentary coverage on your Mac to three years of world-class support. The plan includes expert telephone assistance, global repair coverage, and onsite repairs for desktop computers. Because Apple designs the computer, the operating system, and many built-in applications, the Mac is a truly integrated system with vastly superior support. Just one phone call can help resolve most issues with your Mac.

8. Enjoy your new MacBook