Long Mac OS X Boot Times

So far the only disappointing thing I've found using a Mac (iBook 600mhz 256MB SDRAM OS X 10.4.10) is the long boot times. I'll have to time it next time I boot up. My Sony Vaio sub-notebook (mobile P3 900mhz 512MB RAM) by comparison -- and it's definitely not apples-apples -- boots pretty fast, not much slower than my AMD Turion 64 1.8ghz 1GB notebook.

I've heard Mac is based on Unix and I think these systems take longer to boot, but offer a more stable and secure operating environment.

Any thoughts on this or ideas to boost the boot time. By the way, would it make much of a difference if I increase the RAM to 640MB (max)?

mac os x