I'm looking at picking up a new mac - macbook laptop...
so what would be a better 3d machine -
a laptop running 2.0 ghz core two duo and 4 gig ram or...
a laptop running 2.4 Ghz core two duo and 2 gig ram.
What is more desirable, a little more processor, or double the ram?

I've been using the same 1.25 Ghz emac with 1 gig ram for the last .... six years.  i ready for a new computer.

The desktop is killing me.  I'm fairly athletic, but sitting down using a Kinsington roller mouse is killing my right shoulder.  I can run 5 miles in the rain and feel better the next day than if  I run this mouse for ten minutes.  The ergonomics of this desk must be all wrong. 

I'm hoping the laptop will allow for a better setup... maybe a wireless keyboard and pen tablet...
any suggestions? 

The Logitech "Thumball" mouse may be your answer?

Brian

I'll check it out!

Desktops are a bit better at 3D modeling than most laptops.  They tend to have a better video subsystem which is very important in 3D work.  Also you need as much RAM as you can afford.  You really should consider a true PC clone.  Then you would have a much wider choice of hardware which is compatible.  BWTR has a good suggestion.  Logitech makes the best pointing devices around. 

I have seen several systems working with 3D and the higher RAM is always a good idea. The slower processor is just slower, while insufficient RAM can kill a scene.
I tried the Logitech devices with good success. The best thing I ever did for myself, though, was a Wacom tablet.

I have been toying with the idea of getting a tablet.  My Daughter is a very good artist but she hates using the mouse when she is using Paint Shop Pro.    Can you recommend a simple decent tablet for a reasonable price?

Yep, invest in a Wacom tablet and pen, bought my tiny 4X5 tablet back in 1997, never had to replace the nub (the thing that does the writing).  If you purchase the tablet, get a clear sheet of plastic (thick enough so it doesn't flop over) and glue the top edge to the non writing surface of the tablet.  Why, it way smoother than the tablet and prevents the nub from wearing down.  Are nubs available- yes, in fact a spare comes with the tablet.  The problem is that you lose the darn thing and when the nub get small enough to replace, you can't grab hold of the little bugger easily.  Jan  

 The new MacBook has some pretty good video capabilities. The prior MacBook used the intel Integrated Card that left much to be desired since it shared the RAM with the CPU and it simply was not very capable.

If I was you, I would get the higher 2.4 GHz model with less RAM, you can always update that later. RAM is cheap. Also, do not buy the RAM upgrade ever from Apple. 3rd party suppliers like www.macsales.com offer the same quality at a fraction of the price that Apple offers.

thank you everyone - I have a very old Wacom 4x5 and love it.  I'll look into the thumbball mouse, and still in the air over the macbook or an iMac  desktop - 20"- what a screen!  - gotta stick with mac. 

 I am not sure what you budget allows, but form what I have read, the 24" iMac not only has a bigger display, but it's of much higher quality then the 20". I know it's a deference of $500 or so dollars, but it might make up the deference in the long run. Now if you are coming form an eMac, the 20" will probably look gorgeous and be quite capable for your needs. Ether way, you going to love Leopard!

Now as far as choosing from a MacBook to an iMac, just remember, if you do go for the laptop, they usually are a bit more prone to "accidents" then the desktop. I would strongly suggest you get Apple care if you go for the MacBook. Also, they are more susceptible to get stolen. If the work you do does not require you to be mobile, I think you will be better served by the iMac. On the other hand, if you like to get out of the house and work anywhere, the laptop is more for you. As far as capabilities, they are pretty similar as far as feature sets and speed.

Get less RAM and upgrade as you budget allows. 2 Gigs will get you going from the start, you can later swap the RAM to get the 4 Gigs. The upgrade is not that costly and you will have more time to save money for it. The CPU however is not upgradable and you are stuck with what you get.

Quote - I'm looking at picking up a new mac - macbook laptop...
so what would be a better 3d machine -
a laptop running 2.0 ghz core two duo and 4 gig ram or...
a laptop running 2.4 Ghz core two duo and 2 gig ram.
What is more desirable, a little more processor, or double the ram?

I've been using the same 1.25 Ghz emac with 1 gig ram for the last .... six years.  i ready for a new computer.

The desktop is killing me.  I'm fairly athletic, but sitting down using a Kinsington roller mouse is killing my right shoulder.  I can run 5 miles in the rain and feel better the next day than if  I run this mouse for ten minutes.  The ergonomics of this desk must be all wrong. 

I'm hoping the laptop will allow for a better setup... maybe a wireless keyboard and pen tablet...
any suggestions? 

For a MacIntel, no doubt : processor.
You will easilly (and simply) upgrade memory later if needed.
Good choice anyway - HF

Okay, the iMac 2.66 Ghz 24" looks like the best bet for the price - does anyone have complaints who's using the new iMacs?  I tell ya, this old emac has been bulletproof - knock on wood.

Oh, btw, I'm scrollin' around with a new Logitech TrackMan - "thumb-driven"... wish me luck, and I really don't spend that much time on the computer ; )

Quote - Okay, the iMac 2.66 Ghz 24" looks like the best bet for the price - does anyone have complaints who's using the new iMacs?  I tell ya, this old emac has been bulletproof - knock on wood.

Oh, btw, I'm scrollin' around with a new Logitech TrackMan - "thumb-driven"... wish me luck, and I really don't spend that much time on the computer ; )

Well I have been using a 20" for several years (two), and it has been pretty good. The iMac has had it's evolution. When they first shipped in this form factor, they used to have G5 processors. This model was one of the baggiest most unreliable Mac ever maid by Apple. Once they introduced the Intel processors they seemed to have worked out the problems. I personally attribute much of the problems of the early G5 models to heat. The Intel Core processors are a lot cooler faster and overall a much better choice.

I know this is all anecdotal, but I know about 8 people that have Intel iMacs, and they are all in good working condition. My brother bought the first 17" model that has been already discontinued. The only problem he had was a bad HD, but that can happen to any computer an any given time. It was repaired under warranty.