1.83 and 2.0ghz models have a significant performance difference. the 2.0 will run A LOT more efficiently. .17ghz may not seem like that big of a difference, but a 2.0 will be the smarter choice if you're planning to keep the computer for a longer term.

when the Macbooks got the Core 2 Duo, the 2.0 got the majority of the change. So yes, it is much faster. Macworld speedmark score is 178 vs. 168 for the 1.83.
This is a helpful article:
http://www.macworld.com/2006/11/revi...ore2/index.php

I switch between my Toshiba Laptop and my Macbook Pro

can't say I prefer one to the other.

Much prefer uploading my photos on to the Windows Laptop than my Mac.


Copying and paste I find easier on the Windows

I enjoy the scrolling feature on the Mac.

Adding smilies on a forum is pants on the Mac;) works fine on X5world but not so good on the mini forum.

2.0 it shall be then ;)

Good choice. You can also easily back up data using DVDs (it has a dvd burner), which I find very very helpful. The "black" model does not possess any more power/speed, just a different color, so you don't really need it.
The 2.0 also has a larger hard drive
:thumbup:

Hey Greg! I'm no Mac expert but I agree with getting the 2.0 and more RAM. I know you're going to keep this laptop for a long time so buy a little more than you think you need.

I also agree with getting Apple Care. My wife has an old Titanium Powerbook that served her very well and she bought Apple Care. She had used the service a little along the way but when the laptop went kaput, it really came in handy. Luckily it died on the night before the Apple Care expired! We brought it in to the Apple Store the next day and got it shipped off for repairs. Phew! That is another nice thing about Apple is that their warranty is factory supported unlike all of the warranties sold by places like Worst Buy and Circuit City. Naturally, she bought Apple Care again with her G5 Mac Pro. :thumbup:

Thanks for your wise advice my sickly friend ;)

I must concur with everyone else. I have a Dell XPS which I use for work, and have had the 13" black Macbook for several months, and it rocks. I haven't used Bootcamp, but have Parallels installed, and its ease of use is incredible. The 2.0 GHz processor is a must, and max out on the RAM.

I think I have made my decision as soon as Leopard comes out.

-Black case
-2GHz processor
-2Gig RAM
-Student version of Office
-Applecare

good choice, the black matte finish is very nice. plus, the illuminated apple logo will be more noticable.

you should wait for the next-generation ms-office to come out first. as for the current one available on the mac, it's cheapest on amazon.com most of the time. usually around $110.