Before I do: I can upgrade the memory myself without invalidate my Apple Care, yes?

yes.

If you guys were going to buy a new windows laptop, which of these would you choose? The only difference is in the processor:

Intel Pentium Dual Core T2330 processor at 1.60GHz

AMD Turion TL-60 processor at 2.00GHz

eta: I've read that the higher the GHz, the better; and that the dual core blows others out of the water. GHz or dual core; which trumps the other?

Is the AMD dual-core as well, Deena?

If not, almost certainly the dual core computer is better. Yes, the processors run slower than the single, but there's two of them.

Ah, thanks Sean. The AMD is not dual core. Greg will be happy. The dual core is also not pink. (Trying to find a budget laptop I can use in the backyard with the kids this summer that he can also take for the now-and-again meeting use.)

I keep thinking I have it narrowed down, and then something else comes up. Toshiba, Dell, Sony Vaio, or Lenovo? Dell comes with 3 and 4 GB ram. The others come with 2, but I could add more myself.

I have issues with Dell, but admittedly most of them come from the fact that Dell machines suck ass when it comes to working well with audio equipment and professional audio software.

Yeah, memory is so affordable these days that it's not really a consideration. I got 2GB of RAM for like $30 with a rebate. It's ridiculous.

Thanks ND. I don't work with audio right now, would probably farm that out to my son and his friends who are very much into it. Whenever I hear something like that, though, I always wonder what else on a machine sucks.

ETA: Thanks Dana, I didn't realize it was that cheap. Makes it possible to look at the 1GB machines... oh joy, more choices!

If you want to look at memory prices for a specific model, there's a good memory advisor here: [link]

Thank you!