So after spending months playing with OSx86 on my Toshiba laptop, I am in love with OS X. I am so in love, that I am going to buy a MacBook Pro. As I am deciding how much I want to spend, I am finding it very hard to create the laptop that I would really love, becuase Apple charges so much for upgrades. What I need to know, is, if I did buy the MacBook Pro, how much hardware customization could I do? First and foremost, how much money could I save by getting the cheapest amount of RAM, then buying more from another company (Is that even possible?). Actually, the only other thing I'd want to upgrade would be the hard drive. I am not spending $200 more for 20GB and 1800 rpm.

Sorry if this seemed a bit rant-esqe, I've never paid so much for a computer before.

Upgrading RAM is definitely no problem (as long as you make sure you buy the right type of DDR2-RAM) and will save you a wagonload of money. Some online stores offer their RAM by computer model (in germany eg DSP Memory, you can look up the RAM type there), so you can be sure you get the right modules.

Upgrading the hard disk is generally possible but involves taking off the base cover of the macbook, so if you're not that comfortable with screw drivers you might want to order the drive from Apple. OTOH, if you upgrade the HD yourself, you can put the original drive in an external FireWire or USB2 case for backups or extended storage.

flof, thanks for the reply! I am glad to hear that it I wont have trouble replacing the hard drive and ram. Will either of these upgrades void my warentee?

RAM upgrades definitely won't (the slots have been made user accessible by purpose ;-) ), upgrading the hard drive may be a problem if (and only if) you are uncautious while replacing it. You should keep the original drive around to put it back in before sending it in for repair (just to make really sure...).

There may very well be a replacement guide with pictures on Accelerate your Mac already.

Thanks so much, flof!