Can I install more RAM, and a bigger HD ?

Question

Dear Mac users:
i have a black macbook, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, 160GB 5400-rpm HD, 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. I use my macbook only for music (Logic Studio). I was wondering if I bring my computer to the apple store, is it possible to upgrade these internal components ? like adding more RAM, a bigger HD, better processor, better sound card maybe. I wanted to buy an iMac G5, or a MacBook Pro, but did not have enough cash. Now that I've had my macbook for a litlle year, and saved some cash, I would really like to invest by upgrading my computer.
Let me know the solutions I could have.
Thanks !!
Roman.

Answer 1

romektor wrote:
What do you mean by end users ??
The memory is easy to upgrade, although you're already at the "official" limit supported by Apple. As was said earlier, 3GB does work as experienced by others.
The memory is easily upgraded with the only tools needed being a coin (to remove the battery) and a #00 (or #0) Phillips screwdriver to remove the RAM/HD shield. Apple considers the memory a user-upgradeable component. Most reasonably proficient people can do this themselves.
The hard drive is almost as easy. The removal/installation steps are almost the same as the memory. It requires the two tools I mentioned previously, plus a T8 Torx screwdriver. Previous Apple notebook computers required extensive disassembly and their hard drives weren't considered to be user replaceable.
The sound and memory aren't generally thought of as something that can be upgraded. Only the most serious hobbyists would even attempt it, and results are unpredictable. Someone with extensive lab experience might attempt it, and even an expert might not get it to all work.
If I could use car terms, memory and the hard drive in a MacBook are like tires. Just get one in the right size and it's almost guaranteed to be compatible save rare issues. The processor is like an engine. You might try to put in a V8 into an I4 engine bay. It would require a whole lot of work, the results may look really nasty, and it may not even work in the end. It's generally accepted that a used computer with the specs you want would be more cost effective than trying to install a different notebook computer processor in the current box you have.