Oh yeah. If you're editing video, converting video formats, etc. then I recommend as much RAM as possible.

I'm just amused that currently I'm using 16.4% of my memory....

Cool. I'm kind of thinking about investing in the macbook then, in a couple of months. I love my 01 powerbook, but it will be nice to have all the room and all the processing speed.

SA, remember if you're going from an old powerbook to a new Macbook, you'll be switching to an Intel system. To get the most out of photoshop you're probably going to want to upgrade to the CS3 version due out in spring. CS2 and earlier versions have to be run through Rosetta to work on an Intel and this slows Photoshop down considerably.

I have a contact in Adobe, but I unfortunately can't make any promises about cheap software. I'll let you know if the opportunity arises.

I'd also recommend getting Final Cut Express preinstalled, since it's only $99 (vs $299 if you buy it separately later).

It's not nearly as nice as Final Cut Studio, of course, but for vidding, it's lightyears better than iMovie.

Thanks Pete! It will probably be the spring before I can afford to buy it, but I will keep that in mind. ETA: I have a copy of Final Cut Pro from last year lying around somewhere; I did like it from what I used of it, but I really didn't have the memory/processor to run it smoothly.

I was thinking about upgrading to 200 gigs memory from the 120--worth it? Or should I just get another external for less?

ETA: I have a copy of Final Cut Pro from last year lying around somewhere; I did like it from what I used of it, but I really didn't have the memory/processor to run it smoothly.

The same issues will come up as with old versions of Photoshop, I suspect. The only Intel Mac I have access to is my work machine, (where I have also have a budget for new software), so I can't say for sure how much Rosetta would slow things down there.

FCE has about 80% of the functionality of FCP -- the biggest difference is the interface, which is missing some buttons. (You can put them back, but not *exactly* where they'd be on the Pro version. It's only really an issue if you're going to be switching back and forth.)

Ah--no, I wouldn't be switching back. It's just for personal fooling around.

I just got a new T-Mobile cell contract, because I can get 300 minutes, 400 text messages, and unlimited (if slightly crippled - web only) internet INCLUDING a laptop connection (which I'm posting this from now) for $42 a month. Which is $3 less than cingular wants to charge me for data ONLY on my PDA.

And the connection appears to be significantly faster, I might add.

Bye Cingular! I'll miss you not.

I had a t-mobile sidekick in LA at one point, and my big complaint was there coverage. Dead spots with tmobile in LA were a nightmare. The cheaper plan is useless to me if I can get a signal.

My friends have good luck in NYC anyway. It will probably be mediocre on the rare occasions i go back to Mississippi, but i'm keeping my SIM card and $9.99 a month family plan extra line, for emergencies.