PB 12"

engedy · #1 June 15th, 2005, 11:51 AM

Hey,

so, im about to buy a Powerbook 12", but the thing is, im doubtful if i should save money and choose the Combo and maybe later buy more RAM (512MB or even 1GB) or rather spend 200 more Euros and bring a Superdrive and +20Gb.

Btw, im already waiting for 1 month for my PB Combo that is on its way... but now im with doubts about that

any suggestions?

thanks

ElDiabloConCaca · #2 June 15th, 2005, 12:03 PM

If I were to get a PowerBook 12" and did plan on upgrading it in the future, I would consider the options in this order from the Apple Store:

1) I would consider the hard drive -- I want a lot of storage on-the-go and don't want to run out of room. Maximize first and foremost.
2) I would consider the optical drive -- will I ever want or need the ability to burn a DVD-R on-the-go? Do I have an alternate computer, like a PowerMac/iMac/eMac, that I can burn a DVD-R on?
3) Bluetooth/AiPort -- seems almost a necessity these days to at least have WiFi connectivity for hotspots, college campuses and other wireless networks. Bluetooth definitely if you ever plan on having some sort of Bluetooth-enabled phone or PDA.
4) Screen size -- should I go with a stripped-down 15" rather than a souped-up 12"? The 15" also has a PC-card slot among other little upgrades.
5) RAM -- I can always get RAM cheaper elsewhere.

If you were to have to upgrade anything in the future, I would suggest leaving only RAM as the upgrade path -- get the SuperDrive pre-installed, as they're still costly aftermarket and difficult to install. Hard drives may be cheaper aftermarket, but they're still a little taxing to install. RAM is easy as pie to install and can definitely be had cheaper than Apple's store.

engedy · #3 June 15th, 2005, 12:28 PM

this PB would be my first mac so... to answer some of your points, i do have a A64 PC with DVD recorder, i have wireless access to the internet in my house and in my university campus... so i choose 12" because its high mobility.. im really considering the maxed out HDD and Superdrive... but paying 200euros for those... im not so sure, not because i cant pay it, but it's hard to give more that 1415euros for the Combo version!