Hi everybody,

I am a Windows user now (Hackintosh just isn't my thing), and after using Hackintosh, I am planning a complete switch. (I have an aging desktop and an older laptop now).

I will be commuting to a university next year, and I want to buy a Macbook. I have a question about that, aside from looks, what's the difference between the new Macbook and the old White one (specs aside, just as far as case durability/screen quality, etc.)?

I also want a desktop at home to accompany it, at not a lot of money. What would be a good deal? I have 2GB of RAM in my desktop, not to mention two DVD writers, so the base mini doesn't suit me. I have a screen (probably will get a mouse and KB from Apple, though), as well as speakers, so an iMac doesn't suit me either. The upper Mini is a pure rip. Should I expect an update there soon?

Exactly how much ram is really needed for what with Mac OS X? I plan on managing my music collection. (Not all that large). I do very little with video, and just "keep" a photo collection. I write software in Java (kind of a hobby), and I mostly browse the internet, chat online, email, write papers, etc. What specs really should I need in OS X, versus what I need to run Windows to do these tasks?


Finally, my old 5G iPod video kicked the bucket after 3 1/4 years of daily service. I never used the video, so I will be getting a shuffle for running (to replace the Minidisc player), and I am stuck on what to get for my personal, at home, "jammin'" device (with my nice noise cancelling Sony headphones). I'm not sure if the touch is worth it over the Nano. (8GB models).

If anyone can offer insight to my issues, I'd greatly appriciate your time, thank you.

I would definitely go with the new MacBook. As far as durability goes, the white MacBook does horribly, its made of a plastic that cracks easily. My mom has one and it has some spider web like cracks and pieces of the plastic missing, not too good for a laptop that costs $999. The screen quality of the new MacBook I am unsure about, as I haven't gotten many chances to look at them. The screens on the old white MacBook are pretty decent, they don't reflect much light, although I do happen to see some uneven lighting on them (noticeably stronger light coming from the sides of the screen).


I'm not too sure, I guess you could go with a cheaper model Mac Pro? Or maybe an older Mac off eBay?



2GB of RAM would definitely be enough for what you do, if you go less you would probably run into some performance issues at times and 3GB is overkill.



If you are strickly going to be listening to music, then get the Nano. However, I love my iPod touch, you wouldn't think you would need all the features it has, but I find myself depending on it a lot. Plus, you can jailbreak it and install 3rd party apps, which is pretty damn awesome IMO.