I need an honest opinion on whether or not to buy a macbook now

Here's the deal-- I'm going to college in 4 weeks. I was really looking forward to finally buying a new computer-- my first laptop, my first Mac. I've been following developments in the Macbook line, reading these forums on and off, and I would like your honest opinion: should I buy a Macbook in the next two weeks or so, or do you think that it has too many problems to warrant paying 1500+ dollars?
I'm also going to college in a rather rural location, pretty far away from an Apple Store, so if problems do crop up, I would be basically relying on phone tech support.
My main worry are these reports of Macbooks shutting down without warning. I intend to use this computer for everything, including writing papers, and just the thought of my computer shutting down like that gets me frustrated.
So, do you think Apple has been working to fix these problems that people have been reporting? If you've recently bought a Macbook, are you happy with it? Should I go for this product, or wait until next summer or this Christmas, whenever they release the second generation? (Does anyone have any idea when that will happen, from past product release cycles?)
Thank you for your advice.

Hi there!
I just recently bought my first mac, a white Macbook 2.0 Ghz. I am one of those unfortunate souls who happened to get a mac which turns yellow due to sweet...you can imagine how ****** I was when I noticed the discoloration and read about the problem on these forums. Taking into consideration the money I paid, the problem I am facing, and the fact that its my first mac, I think you can accept my opinion as honest.
I say go for it. Even with the unsolved problem I have at the moment I love my mac. Its extremly practical, so easy to use and ever since I got the nack of it I've been encouraging all my friends to switch. When I purchased I was thinking of maybe selling it if I don't like it or getting windows, but I did neither. How long did it take to get the nack of it? I called a friend after I purchased and asked him to give me some tips. He said the most important is "always think of an easier solution, then in windows". He was so right Once i sat over a problem I had for 30 minutes trying to figure out what to do. Finally I searched these forums and than beat myself with a blunt object when I realized how simple it would have been to do what I was trying to. My friends make fun of me and say I praise mac so much I should work at their PR office.
I wouldn't worry about not being close to a store, because as many people mention on these forums also, using phone assistance is often better. Unless your talking to a genious, people in the store say the stupidest things sometimes...I am going to get my discoloration problem solved over the phone also, its much quicker than talking it to a store, even though I am in NY!
The only reason I think you may want to wait, is because supposedly the new os is coming out in august and you may want to get a mac with the new software, if its only a matter of weeks, but gets some info on that from others, cause I am not sure about the exact release date etc.
Hope all goes well
All the best
Rob

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