iBook, Powerbook, or MacBook Pro

The first thing I would ask is how soon do you need a new laptop. If you need it now I would go with the Macbook Pro. Since you seem like me and prefer the smaller 12 inch models I would wait until they release the 12'' Macbook or the Intel powered iBook. It seems that the iBook is what would suit you the best. I think it would be a much better investment if you can wait. With Apple changing over to Intel the development of new software for the G4's, which was already in dire need of replacement, is going to be very slim. Also to note for the time being many programs will have to run in an emulator until there software is updated to run natively on the Intel platform.

just my .02

 

As with all things computer related, it depends on what you will use it for. If it's simply for word-processing and e-mail, I would get the current generation IBM ibooks now, especially since you like it already. Assuming the post above is accurate, the Intel ibooks haven't been released yet (haven't done research myself). If this is the case, not only will you have to wait for the ibook to come out, but you may want to wait an additional production cycle or so, to give Apple time to work out all the kinks of a new product. If you are looking to do run other power hungry applications, final cut pro, etc. you may want to hold out for the macbook pro. Either case they are quality products, so if you are going Apple you are "doing it right" regardless, and you can't go wrong with either. It's just a matter of what you will use it for.

 

Just get the ibook then and don't fall into the 'mine's bigger' trap (posted from a 1.67 powerbook g4

The extra res is real nice on the pb, but I have 2GB ram in this ***** and use it for on-site retouching of 40MB raw TIFF files.

The ibook is smaller, lighter, and will do everyhting you want just fine.

The battery lasts longer too.

 

I love my 12" PowerBook.

 

If you're in college/uni, check out your school's computer store. It seems Macs are never on sale, but I just got a 17" powerbook on clearance a few weeks ago.

 

I second the advice about checking with the campus bookstore. Apples don't go on sale, but they do bundles once in a while that are amazing. Be persistent because the staff probably won't volunteer the info. UC Santa Barbara got 12 of the 15" 1ghz Powerbooks about 3 years ago and sold them for $800 less than normal as a "spring special". The person on the phone told me about it, but when i got there nobody knew anything until someone remembered" oh yeah those are all the way in the back".As far as ibook vs. Powerbook or MacPro I don't think you can go wrong, let your budget guide you. Get the Superdrive or you'll kick yourself later. Pick up Office while you're there at the academic price.

 

That's what happened with me. I was at the counter ordering the specs I wanted on a new 17", and I happened to up their current flyer/price list off the counter. I saw in teeny tiny print, a 17" with 100GB hd instead of 120, which was only $1650! I was like, "hey, is this one still around!?"

The guy didn't know about it, but sure enough, they had one left from last summer's batch: 20GB less hard drive and not compatible with the Apple 30" Cinema screen (uh, not a problem), but otherwise the same as the current 17". Even loading it up to 1.5GB of RAM, it was still cheaper than a MacBook, and compatible with all OSX software right now.