Questions about buying new Macbook

Question

I have a 2001 iBook, still going and going. It was my first computer. I want to replace it by buying a Macbook. I make webpages, blog, no videogaming, no heavy graphics apps (like PS), only a couple of third-party apps.
I'm very short of breath so, even though there is an Apple Store in town, it's much better for me to order the Macbook, printer, and any accessories at the online Apple Store, if possible.
1) The 2001 iBook out-of-box had 128mb RAM. I had to install more RAM (upped it to 384mb RAM) because 128mb was really not sufficient, even with my lightweight use. It had seemed slow and clunky performance-wise. I would rather just buy a Macbook with enough RAM to begin with. Is 1GB going to be the same problem - not quite enough? Should I buy the $1299 2GB model?
2) The HD was replaced through AppleCare a year after I got the iBook. I wondered if it was my fault in a way because I was new to computers (I had a lot of Kernel Panics at first and once, without thinking I unplugged the computer at the wall socket once during an electrical storm, not realizing that wasn't a good way to shut down). Since then there have been no problems. Now that I have a even touch, work speed, and a sense of how the computer files are organized, I'm not a raw novice. I don't plan to experiment with the Macbook or make myself a rootuser, just work within the GUI. Do I really need AppleCare on the new Macbook? Are those AppleCare repairs largely brought on by user damage? I don't want to buy AppleCare unless it's suicide not to.
3) I have the iBook on my desk on a piece of cardboard. It never overheats. It has never left my desk, and I don't ever use it on my lap. I like the iBook because it's compact, not because I want to carry it around to coffee shops. However, does a Macbook need some sort of special support like Rain Design iLap to raise it off the desk so it doesn't overheat?
4) Can I buy the $29 Apple iPod Earphones to plug into the Macbook?
5) Is iKlear really safe to use on screens? (I've always used water on my iBook, not very effective.)

Answer 1

You'll see a big difference switching from iBook to MacBook.
Unless you need the Superdrive, get the cheapest MB with a CD drive or for more money saving buy a refurbished from the online store. Adding RAM and changing the hard drive is easy to do in the MB if you need to do it later.
Applecare is only two years added to the original one year. You seemed to do fine without it for a number of years on the iBook so why worry about it. Applecare does not cover user inflicted damage, just manufacturing faults.
I have a new Penryn MB which does not seem to have any heat problem but I still use an incline base under it for the typing angle. I sometimes pressure the MB with PS, video, burning and such but no problems.
With the world aflame with iPods and other MP3 players, you can get a wide selection of earphones at most computer/electronic stores. I like the in-ear type which makes the music sound like it is in the middle of my brain instead of coming from the outside.
iKlear is recommended by Apple but I find it streaky. I use a moist cloth, don't touch the screen and keep my hands clean when using the computer.