MacBook 2.0Ghz vs. 2.4GHz

Upgrading your computer with extra DRAM is a lot easier and cheaper than upgrading a computer with a faster logic board.

I'm assuming UMD means you are a student, so you should look into getting the student discounts for purchasing the 2.4GHz in an actual Apple Store. I bought my Mac back in December, got a discount off the 2.4 upgrade, memory upgrade, and AppleCare package.

It was more beneficial for me to purchase my system in the store due to the clarification of these discounts.

I would suggest you do the same.

The faster processor is more likely to win out. More memory generally helps, but it's not going to be enough to make a 2.0 GHz model faster than a 2.4 GHz model for all applications. It varies depending on how memory hungry the application is. Complicated Photoshop processing seems to benefit the most from more memory. In the end if you upgrade a 2.4 GHz model to 4 GB (or even 6 GB), it will definitely be faster. Here are some benchmarks:

http://eshop.macsales.com/Reviews/Framework.cfm?page=/Benchmarks/6gb_tests.html
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/MemoryBenchmark/AppleMacBook/

Still - the 2.0 GHz model will be plenty fast for most people.

I wouldn't worry too much about memory upgrade costs. If you're judging by Apple's price for build-to-order computers - that's a rather expensive means to upgrade. Many people are getting more reliable aftermarket memory upgrades (than first reported) with the new Aluminum MacBooks at very good prices. About $60 seems to be a good price range now for the 2x2GB kits.

Steiner@UMD wrote:
What would be a better computer for general use such as using Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint and Publisher, internet browsing, some photo editing with iPhoto and such?

The MacBook with 2GHz with 4GB of ram and 250HD or the 2.4GHz 2GB of ram and 250HD?

The price is very similar, so is having the extra .4GHz better or is the additional 2GB ram better?

UMD had a good run this year in the Frozen Four, until those pesky Redhawks got in the way...

As others have said getting the 2.4 would be more beneficial now for a few reasons.

1. It's slightly faster I believe
2. It's much easier (and cheaper) to upgrade the RAM at a later date
3. If you're using an EDU discount, you save $100 on the 2.4 and only $50 on the 2.0, therefore the upgrade is only costing you $250 as opposed to $300 (the retail difference)

For your uses, 2.0 would be more than enough computer. But if you're looking to spend the extra money on either RAM or the extra .4, you'll be very happy with the 2.4, and the RAM can come from an aftermarket place (macsales.com or something of the like) for fairly cheap and very easy to install

For what you want to do 2 gigs of ram on the 2.0 would be fine. You are not going to see much, if any difference in speed between the two. If price is a concern I'd go for the 2.0 and add ram later if you need it. I don't think you will.