Mac Nerds
 

I'm looking at salary sacrificing a new macbook. I am able to get the education discount aswell.

So im looking at the 2.4GHz, Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB DDR3 Memory, 250GB hard drive1 and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics.

Thats priced at $2399 (inc gst i think).

My question, should I upgrade the ram myself? or get apple to upgrade it?
Apple issue the macbook with 2 x 1g sticks. Where as if i wanted to upgrade I would have to get 2 x 2 gig sticks. Added cost is $216.

It comes with a 250gig x 5400rpm hdd... I'm guessing that will be fine.

Any other bits i should get?

As far as I know salary packaging was yanked on laptops back in may.

Got my Macbook Pro from Next Byte. Was 100 bucks cheeper to get it without the extra ram and have them fit it before they give it to you. Same invoice but crapload more expensive if apple fits it at the factory.

Go Figure. Check with whoever you are going to buy it from first.

appologies, meant salary sacrificing.

from what i gathered. the macbook only has 2 spots for ram.
so options
a) pay $216 and get 2 x 2gig supplied by apple.

or

b) pay $300-400 and get 2 x 2gig, since apple supplies 2 x 1gig in the laptop.

Yea same thing. Pretty sure laptops have been canned.

The new Macbooks use DDR3 1066Mhz SODIMM.

Looking on websites around the place not many places stock them and if they do there $150 - $200 per 2GB module.

Apple's price to upgraded to 4GB works out quite well and there is a gurantee that the RAM will work with the macbook.

The 5400rpm SATA HDD's are perfect speed for the mac. You can always wack in a 500GB 7200rpm SATA 2.5" drive and use the 250GB and a external Backup.

At that price Chee ($216 for 2x2GB Modules) get Apple to do it!

Having said that, Apple are struggling with CTO (Custom to order) machines.

If you don't buy an "off the shelf" Macbook, be prepared to wait for it.

I ordered a MacBook Pro with optional 250GB 7200rpm drive (works out $80 cheaper). Been three weeks now, and they say it's probably going to be another 2 weeks.

Awesome.

can't salary package/sacrifice laptops anymore...you need a written confirmation from your work that the laptop will be used at least 80% for work