Questions from a PC user regarding MacBook

I'm contemplating 2ghz/512mb MacBook & have questions. I was going to order one tonight but thought I'll first post here.
a. Will third party memory, 1gb x 2 from vendors like MemoryTen, work? Any recommened vendors?
b. Can I use most of the usb2 peripherals from the PC side?
c. I'm guessing the reliability of the hardware is same for Mac or PC. If lemon then it should show in the first couple weeks of extensive use.
d. I posted this question in the iChat AV forum but can one switch between different "feeds" to use for the iChat (via configuration of iChat) if you have more than one webcam plugged in?
e. For running virtualization apps like Parallels, 2gb will be good amount of ram to have.
Thanks,
Tak
  Windows XP Pro  
  Windows XP Pro  

Most of us here recommend third party RAM as buying it from Apple tends to be more expensive - especially if you are going to max it out at 2GB. I got 2GB of Patriot RAM from New Egg and it works very well. I also use Patriot in my iMac, so I know it is good stuff.
Others to consider are Crucial - of course - as well as OWC. In fact, the guys at OWC are my local "Mac Guys" and I recommend them for almost everything. They have excellent pre- and post-sales support and are so easy to deal with.
Most USB stuff will work, but there might be one here and there that might not. If there is something in particular, check out the manufacturer's site or ask here for specifics.
Since Macs and PC use a lot more common hardware than they did before, I would expect reliability to be about the same. The difference is that Apple is a leader in the industry for tech support and service where some PC manufacturers leave a little to be desired.
I can't help you with iChat. Sorry.
Maxxing out the RAM is relatively affordable - I got mine for $160 - and the benefits are big with Rosetta (the translator program that allows you to run PPC-coded apps on your Intel-based Mac) is a RAM hog and Parellels can have as much as you want allocated to it. It runs very well on my BlackBook with 2GB.
I suggest that you take a look at the refurbs from the Apple Online Store. I saved $200 on mine and I still get the one year warrantee and the option to buy AppleCare to extend that to three years. With the money I saved, I was able to get the RAM and still get it for less than I would have paid new. My BlackBook was flawless and works perfectly well.
If you have any more questions, please post them. This is a great place to ask and learn. We'd love to have a few new users around here that are willing to be "old hands" in training - LOL!

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