Apple Powerbook G4

I received a Powerbook G4 as a gift a few days ago. I absolutely love it, I'm still getting used to it but I honestly don't see why I ever used Windows. My only complaint is Safari but of course I downloaded Firefox right away. I don't think this answers your question, just wanted to share.

 

I think you'll be in for a wait if you're waiting for an Intel Powerbook.

The answer, as the good ole Doc Who would say, is, "it depends".

If you need to replace your iBook now then it's a great time to get a Powerbook. The new screen is quite improved and it's been around long enough to have most bumps smoothed out. However, if you can wait, wait. The next best thing is always just over the horizon. Without doubt the new Powerbook, when released, will have advantages over the current one. So, do you need it now or can you wait?

 

Well, you have to see if the new os's will support the powerpc chip, which btw, I LOVE powerbooks and hate the Intel switch, but I'll live. It is not going to happen for a while though so go for it, use ot for 2-3 years, and then get the new thing, but also think that ram and upgrades will be cheap as the new gear approaches.

 

I bought a 12" PowerBook about a month ago. Love it. Will hand it down to an employee when the next gen's bugs are worked out.

What's Windows?

 

Photoshop isn't very hard to pick up, but there is a lot to it so the learning curve can be pretty steep. (I.e. you can get basics quickly, but some of the more advanced functions will take time and practice) But a powerbook is definitely worth the overuse of your computer. I've had mine for three years now and its been great. In fact, my PB has turned more than a few of my friends into Mac users. It's a great piece of hardware.

That said, if your ibook isn't hurting and you can do everything you want on it, it might be worth your while to wait. An upgrade would be nice, no question, but newer, faster, more powerful computers come out all the time. Waiting never hurts ... but immediate gratification always pays off now.

 

I would certainly wait for the intels at this point. It's very well possible that the new intel ibook will out perform the current powerbook. I'm looking forward to upgrading from this mac mini to an imac myself.

 

I got my 12" Powerbook G4 ~3 years ago when it was the new thing. It has been excellent. I have been completely satisfied with what I bought. I would like to get a second battery and more HD space (planning on an external HD to backup).

Unfortunately, last month it was converted to a desktop when I dropped it off the couch and the screen hit just right to shatter. I plugged in an LCD monitor and it still works fine otherwise. Maybe next summer I'll try and find one with a broken main area and functional screen and do some surgery. Other priorities right now.

 

I have an original G4 Titanium from 5 years ago and it has been trouble-free. You'll fare even better with a current G4!

 

I am a long time Apple fanatic and am still using a Powerbook G3 Firewire I bought 6 years ago and choose it over the 2005 Dell every time. These things stay fast and current for a long time if you keep up with the latest operating system.

I'm apprehensive of the first generations based the fact that the new system architecture is not native to OSX and there will likely be many bugs. But at the same time don’t expect many OS upgrades for the Motorola processors once the Intel’s come out. You’re either looking at buying now and dealing with “inferior” design, or you’re in for the long haul (take advantage of the learning curve) and stuck with a relatively non-upgradeable system.

 

I'm on my 12" powerbook that i got almost 3 years ago. Very very good machine, and now they just keep getting better.

If you wait for the Intel chip, it won't necessarily be any faster than the PowerPC chip, but you'll be able to run other programs that are made for windows. So whether or not that is a deciding factor for you I don't know.

Keep an eye out in January for the new powerbooks, or possibly more towards summer of 06. Depends on which machines they update first...

But it comes down to this, you can't go wrong with a Mac!

 

Rumors are saying that Intel iBooks could be out as early as January.

At this point, I would definitely hold off. It's a couple months, tops.

 

Wait until after Macworld in January

 

Just buy a G4. Get over it and move on. Mine rocks.

 

Bought a 1.67 GHz 15" G4 1Q05, and love it. Had a few problems, but Apple service has been good. Not sure what the complaints are about Safari; much better than Internet Explorer. Mostly, I love not having to be the "IT professional" on this thing like I am on my home Windows machine - let's see: firewall, virus protection, adware, spyware, etc. Much smoother operation. And the screen image is fantastic!

Have to say, though, that it isn't completely problem-free. Still have the occasional hung CPU that requires a reboot. But overall, a better experience.

 

Im reading this on my 20" widescren imac right now! Yes wait I have had 3 macs and the one before last I bought the day before the first lcd came out... :-(

Rob

Mac is the way to go
safari
mail
iphoto
itunes
photohop