Thinking about purchasing a Macbook, but I need some questions answered

Question

Hey everybody,
I got a response to my Craigslist ad, so it's looking like selling my iMac G5 and buying a new Macbook might actually happen. My only problem is that I have some questions about what to do with my money. I'm not a power user, or someone who really plays games (other than my Nintendo emulators) so I already know that a Macbook is the right computer for me.
(1) I don't have external storage, so how should I go about transferring my stuff? Buying the Macbook before selling my iMac is not an option because I just don't have that much money. I've read that some people buy the Macbook and then upgrade the HD, using the 60 Gig that comes with it as their external storage by buying a $20 case for it. I have about 50 GB taken up on my iMac, so I'm going to probably need around 100 GB at least. I know upgrading the memory doesn't, but does upgrading the HD void the warranty? Any brand recommendations for HD's? Heat and noise are very important to me. (7200 RPM is out)
(2) I never really used the Superdrive on my iMac, but it was nice to know it was there. Is the performance difference from 1.83 to 2Ghz noticeable? I hear it's not, but I also read that under Rosetta it matters. Since Office isn't universal yet, I'd like to know. Can anyone verify this?
(3) I read on MacOSRumors that Leopard is probably going to do some nice little graphic effects when it's released, and that the next revision of the Macbook Core Duo will probably still have integrated graphics. Since I don't plan on doing this again for at least another year, do you think the Intel graphics will be enough to keep up for a little while?
(4) Anybody have some experience with selling a computer on Craigslist? I'm smart enough to request cash, local buyers only, and have them meet me at my house to try the computer out. Any advice on how to make sure this runs smoothly? I might end up leaving some things on the computer for the buyer. Anything that I should make sure to delete (i.e. preferences, passwords, etc.?) A checklist of what I should remember to do would really help.
I think that about covers all of it...Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I sold my computer on Craigslist. No problems. I think it's only really dodgy if you are buying one from there - then you should be very careful!
I'm not sure exactly the best way to go about deleting your stuff, but you have the right idea: get rid of your preferences and passwords, and your internet history as well.
I'm not sure how to look at 'Keychain', but you might want to make sure that this is empty.
In terms of processor speed, I can't help you: I have just got the 2Ghz, but partly because not having a DVD burner isn't an option for me. As file sizes and your storage needs increase, your need for a DVD burner will probably increase as well.
Leopard is not far away now, and I would guess that Apple would make sure that their new OS will work adequately on their new computers. I would be surprised if there is much of a noticeable difference in anything but the most graphics heavy applications. Could be wrong about this, but I think that the basic GUI will perform well on any MacBook.
In terms of moving info from your iMac... the cheapest thing apart from buying the MacBook before you sell is borrowing a HD or iPod from a friend. 50G isn't THAT much info, you could always burn it to DVD-Rs in a pinch.