As a student, u need to look at ur budget. If ur budget's RM4k, the 1.83Ghz one is oredi a lil over ur budget but u probably be able to find the additional $. The additional RM900 is something u may or may not be able to afford.

I went for the 2.0GHz one because of the additional 2MB cache RAM. I also had a min requirement for RAM so I took all those into account and made my decision. I think I almost had to rob a bank to pay for mine *gulps*

ronglovelynn,
Since your folks are getting the machine for you and have given you a budget, I think it's important you stick to it. Obviously, we all want the best specs but it's also important to know how much $ u have to spend.

Whatever it is, spend wisely. And, remember... $ doesn't drop from the sky

kwekeugene,
The write speed's quite impressive I must say - then again, I'm comparing it with my old ancient Fujitsu laptop so it's probably not a fair comparison.

Like you said, it really depends on usage and if it's merely meant for surfing the internet, checking emails and word processing, the 1.83GHz be good enough. Besides, there are many out there who's not using Core 2 Duo processors still and their system's functioning well

Sure hope you're enjoying your Mac

ronglovelynn,
Just remember to install the fan cooler program when you get your MB - I had a friend who tells me her friends in Melbourne had to buy a fan specially to blow at their Macs during Summer due to the hot weather - but she too did mention that their notebooks are switched on 24/7 *g*

At least with a Mac you won't need to worry should anything go wrong - I'm sure there's an Apple retail outlet in the State you're planning to go. Btw, student discounts are available in Australia so u may want to check if it's cheaper to get it here or there - if the difference is a tiny weeny bit, it's best to get it here so u can get used to the Mac and install the necessary programs in it beforehand.

Can't advise much on GarageBand as I don't use it but I think for that, it'll probably help with higher RAM

ronglovelynn,
Check out Macbook Laptop Cooler. In there, you will find links to 2 separate softwares which should help in reducing your MB's temperature.

Have fun with your Mac and since you're carrying it overseas, perhaps check with your insurance agent if you can get it insured, and buy the one that insures it internationally too - just in case

ronglovelynn,
The usual stuff a PC be sufficient for *g* - emails, surfing, Office, etc. I haven't had the chance/time to learn Adobe yet but it's one of the reasons I decided to get a Mac. Also, the stability & minimal virus threats.

The 1 thing I don't quite like about it is the uhm.. weight! but I bought my Mac knowing about the additional weight so there's really nothing to complain about *g*. Oh, another thing - remember to check for the usual 'stated' problems that occurs with a MB/MBP whichever you're getting so you aren't inconvenienced to going back to the shop over and over again