Contemplating the future of the Macbook line, as a Macbook owner

[Xtreme $niper]

Over the past little while I have been wondering what the future holds for the Macbook line of laptops. Are they going to get rid of the plastic casing and convert it to Pro style aluminium like some rumours say? Are they going to make further changes for better or for worse?

Anyways, I'm a current owner of a black Macbook Core Duo 2.0ghz with 1GB RAM. Here is my current dilemma:

I want to either replace this Macbook with a new one when my 3 year warranty expires (September 2009), in which case I would not spend any money on upgrading my current one to perform any better.

OR

I want to upgrade my RAM to 2GB (buy two new 1GB sticks to replace my current 2x512mb), and replace my hard drive to a larger capacity (currently it's 100gb, which is nowhere near enough if I want to run Boot Camp).

My only limiting factor is that it is indeed a 32bit machine. If I had a Core 2 Duo the decision would be a lot easier.

Anyways, what do you guys think? I know I still have a year before I'd have to replace it but if I'm keeping it I may as well upgrade now.

[DrewJW]

I'm a fairly new MB owner a white 2.4GHZ, and while the news of a chassis re-design makes me a little ticked, I also know mine won't be immediately the old model, Apples tend to not age like that, also it likely will end up being replaced by a MBP in 2009 anyways.

[Xtreme $niper]

Well see that's the thing. I'd be ticked about a chassis redesign as well, but probably for different reasons. I personally love the casing of the current Macbook (the black one at least). It's beautiful and it feels strong and durable. If they make it look like a Macbook Pro, I would lose a lot of interest in it just like that. Not a fan of that brushed metal look.

[offroadaaron]

Well see that's the thing. I'd be ticked about a chassis redesign as well, but probably for different reasons. I personally love the casing of the current Macbook (the black one at least). It's beautiful and it feels strong and durable. If they make it look like a Macbook Pro, I would lose a lot of interest in it just like that. Not a fan of that brushed metal look.

I have to agree, I own a Macbook Pro and love it and think that yes it should be brush metal or whatever because they look awesome like that, but I'm about to buy another Macbook Black because when studying and on the move more they are small but also they don't seem so easy to scratch, I dunno you just get the feeling that they are good for on the move, and that you need to be careful with the bushed metal so you dont scratch it.

Edited July 23, 2008 by offroadaaron

[Guest]

Apple products hold their value extremely well (granted they are still in good condition), so your current MacBook should sell quite well whenever you decide to upgrade.

I'll be upgrading once my AppleCare expires, which is early 2011. I imagine the MacBook portfolio will have evolved substantially by then :laugh:

[Cara Veteran]

I want to either replace this Macbook with a new one when my 3 year warranty expires (September 2009), in which case I would not spend any money on upgrading my current one to perform any better.

Sell your machine sometime around, I don't know, September 2008 when you have one year of AppleCare left...this gives you a bit more marketability as the machine still is under warranty and can command a higher price. This will soften the price even further on a brand new MacBook / MacBook Pro / MacBook Air / MacBook Touch / MacBook Lick. ;)

[Xtreme $niper]

Hmm, interesting tips... But the thing is I'm not disappointed with the performance of my current Macbook. I just know that it's not too future proof (lack of 64bit)... If I got rid of this one in a few months, I'd just basically be getting something very similar (Core 2 Duo instead of Core Duo, more RAM, bigger HDD) two of which I was going to do to my current one anyways.

Bah, I think I just complicated my situation even more right there.... Ironically enough, as I speak my Macbook is at an Apple Store for repairs (finally doing something about the electrical buzzing sound.. logic board replacement).

[Impact]

Might as well sell it now, so you can tout it has a new logic board and still over a year of warranty left.

[Xtreme $niper]

I think I've decided to keep it around because I don't actually have any way of justifying buying a whole new laptop for the sake of 64bit...

I was thinking I would just try my best to do a clean up of my hard drive to get rid of all the junk I don't need (that won't really do much but I'll try) and buy a 2gb RAM kit.

Any suggestions for what brand is a good brand for Macbook RAM? I have a Core Duo Macbook.