ibook dilemna - powerbook rumors pertinent [Archive]

mdouglas

Oct 27, 2002, 09:00 AM

Dear Gang,

I need some help regarding a recent Apple purchase and thought y'all might be able to give some advice. I'm new to this forum, but have been perusing it for a couple of weeks.

I recently ordered an iMac and an iBook. These are the first Macs that I've ever owned, and I'm going to sell my PCs. The reason for the switch: I'm sick of not being able to get these damn PCs to work and now that I'm taking more digital photos and videos of the kids, I don't want to entrust them to Windows. I bought the iMac to get us initiated into the Apple system and the iBook to use as a peripheral internet portal (wireless) and to have as a hard-drive depot for photos taken in the field. Eventually, I will get a Power Mac.

My dilemna is this: I've yet to receive the iBook and have begun to wonder if I shouldn't cancel the order and wait to see if the rumors about a new Powerbook coming out in a week are true. As I do digital work (soon to be 11mp images), I thought that a G4 processor might be really nice. My thinking is that the lower-end Powerbook might drop in price enough to let me get a G4 for just a little more than I'm paying for my iBook, or that the iBook itself might shortly follow with a G4 processor. However, I'm not totally up on the rumors and would appreciate any insight that the group can offer in these regards.

TIA and sorry for the long post,
Mark

DakotaGuy

Oct 27, 2002, 09:30 AM

I personally think you will love the iBook. the 700MHz G3 is not a slow computer. I have a 600MHz and it does anything with ease in OSX 10.2. If you are going to be hauling it all over like it sounds you will find the iBook is very durable! I think if you want a G4 iBook you might have to wait awhile, but I would not be suprised if there is a speed bump to the G3 soon. IBM has up to 1GHz G3's out now. I don't know why they would not use the speed.

The Powerbook is a good machine, but it will cost you much more and there is nothing you can do on a Powerbook that you can't do on an iBook. If you have a new iMac at home, I would think the iBook would be the perfect computer to go with it. If I was you I would let it come and enjoy it. You can always keep waiting for the next best thing, but you will wait forever, because they will always keep improving stuff.

HasanDaddy

Oct 27, 2002, 09:32 AM

The iBook is a great computer.......iPhoto works great, and the CD burner is very fast (so transferring the photos will be a breeeeeze)

But.....the PowerBook is a great machine.....

Here are the pro's and con's

iBook (the 12" model)-

PROS-
-VERY PORTABLE (very lightweight and SMALL)
-solid construction (very durable)
-good power (its only a G3, but tasks get done)
-much better for traveling

CONS-
-small screen
-G3 (which isn't so bad)
-smaller harddrive

PowerBook

PROS-
-LOTS OF POWER (this thing can run ANY application)
-awesome for video editing
-HUGE screen!
-good battery power for its size
-BIG harddrive

CONS-
-HUGE (if you want portability, get the iBook)
-fragile (handle with care)

Thats all I can think off.....

To me, it sounds like you are going to do all your MAJOR stuff on the iMac.......if thats the case, you're only going to use your laptop for on-the-road stuff, which shouldn't be much. In that case, stick with the iBook.....its portable, lightweight, and powerful......if you want to do some serious Mobile Video Editing (or mobile photo shop editing) then get the PowerBook........but if you're only making short iMovies and small iPhoto projects, then you're gonna love the iBook!

BTW----don't bother getting the 14" iBook.....if you want the big screen, then go with a powerbook........also, for transferring files between your computers rapidly, I highly recommend a small firewire drive, like the firefly or something.......

mdouglas

Oct 27, 2002, 10:00 AM

HasanDaddy,

Why don't you recommend the 14" iBook - that is in fact what I have on order.

Mark

demonx

Oct 27, 2002, 10:06 AM

Im in the same dilema, thinking hard about the Ibook, but don't want to shed out this kind of cash on a processor that may only last another year if that before it starts to cry.:(

Friends keep telling me to pick up a wintel notebook to get more performance for the price(which they are right) but of course I want to try out OSX.:mad:

DakotaGuy

Oct 27, 2002, 10:07 AM

I have the 12" iBook, but if I had to do it all over again I would have gotten the 14" it really is not much more. They are both good machines. Very durable and run well. Let it come to you. You will love it as much as I love mine!

medea

Oct 27, 2002, 10:10 AM

Actually, when running Jaguar the iBook is more than just a capable machine, the G3 processor runs very smoothly under Jaguar. And in the price range, category type of laptop it is I would say it is the best bargain per performance etc. Plus it looks way cool. Like I said though, you can go to any store and check out the pc's to see how they act, so you should really make your way to the closest apple store to witness what the machines are like firsthand.:D

DakotaGuy

Oct 27, 2002, 10:12 AM

Originally posted by demonx
Im in the same dilema, thinking hard about the Ibook, but don't want to shed out this kind of cash on a processor that may only last another year if that before it starts to cry.:(

Friends keep telling me to pick up a wintel notebook to get more performance for the price(which they are right) but of course I want to try out OSX.:mad:

In fact, just because it is called a G3 the processor in the new iBook is a pretty new design, and I am still using a 3 year old iMac at home...it runs anything great. Get the 700 and stick a good deal of RAM in it and enjoy Jaguar. I love it!!!!! Oh l love my iBook! hehe You will too...just do it and forget all the rumors and this and that...

demonx

Oct 27, 2002, 10:19 AM

Now comes the delema between the 12 inch or 14 inch screen:p
If the 14inch compromises looks for the tad bigger screen then forget it heh.

The nearest apple store is a bit of a drive from me, so getting to play with one hands on is not an option:(

buffsldr

Oct 27, 2002, 10:48 AM

I am in a unique position, I actually bought the 667 G4 Powerbook. I thought I would need the power, the screen, the dual display option. Nope. I never did. After just one week, i realized i had made a 2500 mistake. And, I took the laptop to japan that week, and i had a very tough time using it on a plane.... it was just too big.

[edit: I returned the powerbook and bought a 16mb 600mhz ibook]

I am like you, i have a desktop mac, and i use my ibook as a wireless portal to the web, i use it for typing papers, and for e-mail. come on, who are you kidding? What do you need the power for? Are you Tim "Tool-time" Taylor? Do you need power just for the sake of having power? And some do. I cant argue that pros dont need power, some really do. But i didnt

So, I returned my powerbook, bought an ibook 600 with the 16mb video card. I love it. Oh, and one more thing.... when you sit on the couch and surf the web, the ibook is so much cooler. Really.... it is cooler. THe ti book got so hot, it was uncomfortable to use. Very uncomfortable. So much so that, I didnt use it on my lap. Now the ibook, it is very comfy.

And.... with the money i saved, i went out and bought my first fly fishing rod and reels with the money i saved. I now have a computer that rocks (for my purposes) and I can fly fish and have a ball doing that.

mdouglas

Oct 27, 2002, 11:08 AM

OK - I'm feeling better about my soon to arrive iBook. Thank you to everyone who has written in. Obviously it won't be as fast as a PB, but it will run the Jaguar just as well (which isn't necessarily what I've heard in other places - i.e. G4 much better in these regards). Also, I do want to put it on my lap and don't like the suggestion that the PB gets too hot.

However, I still haven't heard anyone say how much of a difference there is between the 14" and 12" iBooks both aesthetically and otherwise.

Mark

mdouglas

Oct 27, 2002, 11:09 AM

One other thing - which has better Airport reception the 14" iBook or a PB?

TIA,
Mark

mdouglas

Oct 27, 2002, 11:17 AM

I'm on the Apple website and just realized that a 12" iBook equally configured to the specs I ordered on the 14" iBook is $100 more? Go figure. Anyone have an explanation?

Mark

buffsldr

Oct 27, 2002, 11:30 AM

regarding airport range, i dont know. I use airport in a small apartment, and obviously, it works great.

as far as the 14 and 12 inch ibooks. they have the same resolution, meaning, you see the same amount of stuff on the screen, it is just bigger on the 14. I like the 12 inch because it is so portable, and easy to handle. but to each their own. go to comp usa, or an apple store if you have one near, and look for yourself. what do you like?

porovaara

Oct 27, 2002, 11:54 AM

Even with messing with the antenna on the PowerBook the iBook has better reception.

What are you planning on doing with those 11mp images? If it is heavy image work then the PB may be what you need because of enhanced photoshop speed thanks to altivec. If it is just some auto-levels, red-eye removal, cropping and such the iBook will be totally fine.

The iBook is a great portable for mac users. The PB is a more than decent desktop replacement for mac users.

Postal

Oct 27, 2002, 11:58 AM

If you're working with detailed art/image editing, you may want the 14" iBook, as the larger pixel size may work in your favour (i.e. you know exactly where you're applying a change to the image, without having to zoom in). Likewise, if your eyesight is particularly bad, you may appreciate the screen size.

The 12" iBook is probably better in every other circumstance. The pixel density is much sharper, so pixelization isn't as noticeable. The size and weight will also make it more convenient for travelling.

Naturally, the "ideal" would be a Powerbook, but don't torture yourself. It may not be worthwhile unless you have special needs.

scem0

Oct 27, 2002, 12:11 PM

The tibook is pretty durable. Some people are saying that it is very fragile, but that isn't completely true. You can't throw off a cliff or anything, but it is durable enough not to have to take special care not to break it. Just wanted to let you know that you shouldn't be afraid of getting the tibook because of durability issues.

DakotaGuy

Oct 27, 2002, 12:12 PM

If the 14" is less $$$ get it for sure, unless portability is an issue. In that case a 12" would be better. I like my 12" 600MHz, I just wish I had the new processor and video card. Oh well I still love it, but I am a bit jeolous of your 14" 700Mhz.

Does anyone know if they ever ran a speed test comparing an iBook 600 with the 750cx processor to the iBook 600 with the 750fx. Is there much difference?

Rajj

Oct 27, 2002, 05:51 PM

Originally posted by mdouglas
One other thing - which has better Airport reception the 14" iBook or a PB?

TIA,
Mark

The iBook has a lot better reception than the TiBook because it has dual vertical antennas, which are located in the display, unlike the TiBook, which antennas are horizontally opposed!!!

Over all, I would cancel the order and wait until Nov. 5, just so you won’t be pissed off, when you find out that Apple has slash the price on the TiBook!! Besides you don’t need the iBook right now cause you have the iMac!! ;) ;) :D :cool:

Rajj

Oct 27, 2002, 05:57 PM

Originally posted by buffsldr
I took the laptop to japan that week, and i had a very tough time using it on a plane.... it was just too big.

Too big??? I use my TiBook on the Airplane all the time!!!
What type of problem did you have?:confused: :confused:

knighthawk

Oct 27, 2002, 06:46 PM

Originally posted by mdouglas
...I bought the iMac to get us initiated into the Apple system and the iBook to use as a peripheral internet portal (wireless) and to have as a hard-drive depot for photos taken in the field. ... As I do digital work (soon to be 11mp images), I thought that a G4 processor might be really nice.

It sounds like you are a professional or semi-professional photographer with a high end digital camera setup... and that in the field, you are only going to be transferring the images off of the camera onto the iBook for storage. If this is the case, then you really cannot benefit from the G4 PowerBook except for maybe a faster hard drive transfer rate (but not by much).

If it was me, I would cancel the order for three reasons...
1) The 12"/700mhz model is the one I would choose for portability. The other major difference between the 12 and 14 is that 14" has a 30gb harddrive instead of the 20gb. Also, did you order the "custom" 14" WITHOUT the CD-burner?
2) I would wait for November 5, just to see.
3) The iBook and the Powerbook are nearly at the end of their product life cycles. They are going to be refreshed NO LATER THAN JANUARY, but most likely earlier.

I have the money in the bank right now waiting for the new iBook to come out so I can buy it (the 12"). It is really hard to wait because I just got the money, and I know that it is at the end of the lifecycle. The other option is getting a refurbished model.

Originally posted by mdouglas
Eventually, I will get a Power Mac.

I am a Graphic Designer, and I have a PowerMac G4 400 at home. With your iMac, you really don't need to buy a PowerMac UNLESS you need a larger or multiple screens. If you really think that you will need this, then return the iMac and get a PowerMac Tower. The current low end PowerMac DP is far more powerful than the iMac. Get a 19" Sony or LaCie monitor for around $400 and you are set!

Honestly, if you think you need power, get the PowerMac desktop and the iBook for travel and your leisure.

Rajj

Oct 27, 2002, 07:31 PM

Originally posted by knighthawk

I have the money in the bank right now waiting for the new iBook to come out so I can buy it (the 12"). It is really hard to wait because I just got the money, and I know that it is at the end of the lifecycle. The other option is getting a refurbished model.

I bet you’re pockets are burning huh??

;) :p :D

gopher

Oct 27, 2002, 07:38 PM

Originally posted by mdouglas
One other thing - which has better Airport reception the 14" iBook or a PB?

TIA,
Mark

The iBook...The Powerbook Airport reception issues while somewhat resolved:

http://arstechnica.infopop.net/OpenTopic/page?a=tpc&s=50009562&f=8300945231&m=3480972435

Still if you want to be assured good airport reception,
I'd stick with the iBook.

If videoram and PCMCIA expandibility are important to you, I'd get the Powerbook.

The 14" iBook by the way is actually overkill in some ways because it is a little more than a pound heavier than the iBook and just under a pound heavier than the Powerbook. Its screen pixel density is less than the 12" iBook or 15" Powerbook. The only good thing about the 14" iBook is the fact text will appear larger at 1024 x 768 than the iBook 12" but not larger than the Powerbook, and of course you get the extra hour of battery, but all these machines have about a 5 second wait between swapping batteries when the lid is closed. Something else to note, it isn't wise to keep the Powerbook or iBook asleep when in motion, the drive heads don't park unless you shut down the machines. So before you go out the door, shut down the notebook to make the hard drive last longer. At least both support Firewire for external hard drives.

Rajj

Oct 27, 2002, 08:09 PM

Originally posted by gopher

It isn't wise to keep the Powerbook or iBook asleep when in motion, the drive heads don't park unless you shut down the machines. So before you go out the door, shut down the notebook to make the hard drive last longer.

That’s totally untrue, When you put a notebook to sleep, the hard drive cease spinning and the heads park to reduce power consumption!! :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :p

vixapphire

Oct 27, 2002, 09:56 PM

For running basic photo-processing stuff for family pix, and doing word processing and other general "computer stuff", a G3 is a great ass-kicker of a processor and for the price compared to the G4 product out there, it's a no-brainer. My 450MHz G3 is, even today, a remarkably capable machine. With nearly twice that power in the ibook's G3, you will surprise everyone if you run out of CPU power doing what it is you say you're buying the computer for; on the other hand, if you're planning on running Final Cut or something really intense like that, you may be better off buying a used G4 PowerBook if you don't want to pay premium for a new one.

beatle888

Oct 27, 2002, 10:10 PM

Originally posted by porovaara

What are you planning on doing with those 11mp images? If it is heavy image work then the PB may be what you need because of enhanced photoshop speed thanks to altivec. If it is just some auto-levels, red-eye removal, cropping and such the iBook will be totally fine.

The iBook is a great portable for mac users. The PB is a more than decent desktop replacement for mac users.

I work in photoshop on a tibook and i totally
agree. powerbook for anything professional
or the ibook for more of a hobby. I love my
ti but hope it will last me three years.
PowerPC 970 YO! :p

hey the power and i books should be just around
the corner, NO? arent there rumors here about
new tibooks and ibooks?

id put your order on hold. these new books are
like RIGHT AROUND the corner :eek:
:p

oh yea three last words...Ram, RAm, RAM!

madamimadam

Oct 27, 2002, 10:58 PM

This seems to be such a common theme at the moment.

To put it quite simply, machines are getting so fast that people say "why would I need the best".

It is likely that the iBook will do you fine but as has been said, it depends what you are doing. I am buying a PB as soon as the new ones come out (whenever that should be) because I am one of those few people who demands power. To be truthful, I am sure I could live fine with an iBook but I can't stand to wait and my impatience with computers is EXTREMELY costly (ie. the difference between the cost of a PB and the cost of an iBook). I can live knowing that it is my fault I am paying so much, though, esp. since my new PowerBook should last me for years.

Things you do need to think about with the PowerBooks, though, some said and some not yet:

AirPort is hindered but by no means dead;

Scratching is easy;

Heat is UNBELIEVABLE sometimes.... I am not going to like the heat problem one bit... I hate my machine to get hot;

The feet fall off (this is covered by warranty because it is a known problem with the heat of the machine melting the glue that holds the feet in; once warranty is up though...);

The case is not as durable as the iBooks and if you touch the back of the top case you see colours on the screen because the case is so thin and flexable.

That problem with scratching seems to be a big one, too, they do not keep their lovely smooth look for too long even if you look after them.

I would still prefer the PB to the iB, though, but you have to know all the downs as well as the up before you purchase or else you could be quite upset and it is too expensive to be unhappy with.

rt_brained

Oct 28, 2002, 04:43 AM

Originally posted by mdouglas
OK - I'm feeling better about my soon to arrive iBook. Thank you to everyone who has written in. Obviously it won't be as fast as a PB, but it will run the Jaguar just as well (which isn't necessarily what I've heard in other places - i.e. G4 much better in these regards). Also, I do want to put it on my lap and don't like the suggestion that the PB gets too hot.

However, I still haven't heard anyone say how much of a difference there is between the 14" and 12" iBooks both aesthetically and otherwise.

Mark

Aesthetically, the 12" is a hands-down winner. I've mentioned this more than once, but I'll say it again...the layout of the 12" looks cleaner than the 14." The 14" looks like a 12" in daddy's big shoes. It doesn't fit. Also, when I was in the market for a portable, I man-handled each one and found the 14" screen looks and feels to large for the hinge. The screen wobbles and shakes too much at the slightest movement. Over time, that constant movement of the screen is hard on the eyes.

The 12" on the other hand felt solid. More so than the PowerBook. I checked the underside of the PowerBooks on display and noticed the silver finish removed from most of the contact areas with the tabletop. I decided to save the cash and buy the 12." And I couldn't be happier for it.

And when I take it home, I can plug it into my 21" Sony and get spectacular color.

I concur with knigthawk's post. Grab yourself a Sony, Mitsu or LaCie with the money you save. You'll get more accurate color when working with digital images in the long run on those CRTs.

gopher

Oct 28, 2002, 05:36 AM

Originally posted by xrhajj

That’s totally untrue, When you put a notebook to sleep, the hard drive cease spinning and the heads park to reduce power consumption!! :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :p

Then explain to me TWO drive failures within the period of three months in a Wallstreet series II? Both were used on the bus, and most of the time put to sleep. No I don't buy the Powerbooks are safe being transported during sleep. If they were, you could transport them anywhere. And no I didn't drop it.

Dr. Distortion

Oct 28, 2002, 06:28 AM

WebOrbiter

Oct 28, 2002, 07:53 AM

The rumor on the street is the powerbook gets minor speed bumps and bluetooth support, iBook gets minor speed bumps and the 12.1" screen isreplaced with 13" screens, and some other stuff I cant remember now. :rolleyes:

gopher

Oct 28, 2002, 08:03 AM

Originally posted by Dr. Distortion

Did it have IBM Travelstar harddisks? I know a lot of people (including myself) who have had problems with those.

I didn't keep track of which model they were...this was a couple years ago.

Rajj

Oct 28, 2002, 10:16 AM

Originally posted by gopher

Then explain to me TWO drive failures within the period of three months in a Wallstreet series II? Both were used on the bus, and most of the time put to sleep. No I don't buy the Powerbooks are safe being transported during sleep. If they were, you could transport them anywhere. And no I didn't drop it.
I was under the assumption that you had a TiBook and OSX!!!
But I travel with my TiBook everywhere in sleep mode, and I have never had a problem, even with a lot a bumping and banging of my Ti!!!!!

Also I read somewhere that supports my statement but I can’t remember where…..
:confused: :confused:

Falleron

Oct 28, 2002, 10:52 AM

mdouglas, if you can, I would cancel the order. Both laptops will be updates really soon (they are good now - but, I would want the updated models). You might as well wait a while + get a nice new ibook with a 32Mb Graphics card, faster G3.

monkeydo_jb

Oct 28, 2002, 12:05 PM

I found a pretty decent fix for TiPB airport reception.

Try this. (http://www.macnet2.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=1095)

Read the post about a quarter of the way down by WebDiva.

I was next instructed to eject the battery and look at the right side wall of the battery compartment where I was supposed to find an approximately 5 cm long plastic strip. (My particular powerbook doesn't have this visible -- instead, there is a plate with the serial number, etc...) Still, he told me to firmly press the side wall of the powerbook against the frame, just slowly and firmly pressing along its length several times for about 10 seconds. Next, he told me to replace the battery and start her back up.

Seems like pertinent information for anyone that has a TiPB w/Airport.

Let me know if this works for anyone (not trying to hijack).

-jeff

BenderBot1138

Oct 28, 2002, 01:05 PM

If you're worried about a 9.5.2002 update to PB's, it's only a week away. Patience little grasshopper. Don't let anyone throw you off your game.

Rajj

Oct 28, 2002, 02:52 PM

Originally posted by BenderBot1138
If you're worried about a 9.5.2002 update to PB's, it's only a week away. Patience little grasshopper. Don't let anyone throw you off your game.

You mean 11.5.2002 !!!;) ;) :p

madamimadam

Oct 28, 2002, 05:14 PM

Originally posted by gopher

Then explain to me TWO drive failures within the period of three months in a Wallstreet series II? Both were used on the bus, and most of the time put to sleep. No I don't buy the Powerbooks are safe being transported during sleep. If they were, you could transport them anywhere. And no I didn't drop it.

Well, if a hard drive is going to fail, statistics show that it is more likely to do so in its first year. Secondly, I have had more than a few occasions where we do an RMA on an item, not just hard drives, and the replacement is faulty also.

Just as a last note, just because one person has a problem with a machine does not make the model as a whole have a problem and just because you had a problem with a Wallstreet does not mean there is a problem with the iBooks and TiBooks.

demonx

Oct 28, 2002, 09:20 PM

Well I really really want to order this Ibook, but knowing my luck when I do they will release a new one. I don't really care about a speed bump, but does I just hope they don't upgrade the video card on these things right when I buy one.

I really want to get one on order since its going to take 7-10 days to be built anyways....

gopher

Oct 28, 2002, 09:26 PM

Be sure to order it from a place with a good return policy:

http://www.macprices.com/

compares prices and availability. Call each vendor and compare return policies. Because if a newer model does come out, you'd want to pay the least amount on the return possible if you want to trade up.

demonx

Oct 28, 2002, 09:33 PM

I was just going to order from the apple educationl store, but I don't really know any better either:D

Falleron

Oct 29, 2002, 04:45 AM

I reckon the Video card will be updated for both laptops. The ibook to a 32Mb + the Powerbook to a 64Mb. Well worth waiting for I would have thought.

madamimadam

Oct 29, 2002, 05:41 AM

Originally posted by Falleron
I reckon the Video card will be updated for both laptops. The ibook to a 32Mb + the Powerbook to a 64Mb. Well worth waiting for I would have thought.

I know next to nil about portable video cards... what common 64MB cards are available for laptops???

Falleron

Oct 29, 2002, 07:37 AM

Originally posted by madamimadam

I know next to nil about portable video cards... what common 64MB cards are available for laptops???
These are available on the PC mobiles (but I have read that they are possibilities for the powerbook - its up to Apple).

1) NVIDIA® GeForce4 Go 440™ with 64MB DDR video RAM

2) ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 64MB Graphics Card

The ATI is more likely because Apple use ATI in their portable lines. They have better power consumption figures I think.

Assuming the powerbook got one of the above cards, the ibook would get the current powerbook card (ATI 7000 32MB mobile I think).

PieMac

Oct 29, 2002, 07:45 AM

Aesthetically, the 12" is a hands-down winner. I've mentioned this more than once, but I'll say it again...the layout of the 12" looks cleaner than the 14." The 14" looks like a 12" in daddy's big shoes. It doesn't fit. Also, when I was in the market for a portable, I man-handled each one and found the 14" screen looks and feels to large for the hinge. The screen wobbles and shakes too much at the slightest movement. Over time, that constant movement of the screen is hard on the eyes.

I ordered the 14" iBook the end of July and I have none of these problems mentioned. As for the layout, I looked at both the 12" and 14" side by side and didn't see any significant difference...I prefered the larger screen right off the bat. To me, the size difference is not a big deal....it is well worth the larger size for the larger screen. And it's not like the 14" iBook is monstrous by any means...it's still a very sleek laptop IMHO. I think alot of people are just used to the 12" model as it's been around for a while. I've traveled with my 14" plenty and don't find it cumbersome at all.

Bottom line, to each their own!:cool:

dblissmn

Oct 29, 2002, 09:26 AM

To the poster who wondered why a 14 inch iBook showed up as cheaper than a 12 . . .

Apple is running a "double your RAM" promotion. Because the 14 inch model has 256MB of RAM standard (128 soldered and 128 in the one slot) the only way it can "double" RAM is to go all the way to 640, while the 12 inch (with just the 128 standard) can double by going to 256. Hence the 14 inch is effectively getting a 512MB module for just $40 extra over a 256MB configuration, while you will pay a whopping $360 extra over a 256MB configuration ($400 over a 128MB configuration) for the same module on the 12 inch if you buy it from Apple. So, for the duration of this promotion, get the 14 inch model with all the RAM from Apple; but if you choose the 12 inch model, buy the bare minimum and get your RAM from someone who charges a reasonable price for it.

I wonder if the reason Apple set up "double your RAM" like this has something to do with sluggish sales on the 14?

Awimoway

Oct 29, 2002, 11:12 PM

demonx,

If you are dying to get your iBook ASAP (as I am—waiting for an uncertain rumor is not easy), do not order from the education store: you only save $50 but you go to the very back of the waiting line for a hot new product. In my book, it's not worth it.

cb911

Oct 30, 2002, 12:11 AM

so now the new TiBooks also get a 64MB video card?!!! whoa! things just keep getting better!:D :D

this would be one hell of an update if the TiBooks really get all these things. 1GHz, DDR RAM and a 64MB video card!:eek: :eek: :D

madamimadam

Oct 30, 2002, 12:24 AM

Originally posted by cb911
so now the new TiBooks also get a 64MB video card?!!! whoa! things just keep getting better!:D :D

this would be one hell of an update if the TiBooks really get all these things. 1GHz, DDR RAM and a 64MB video card!:eek: :eek: :D

I see the 64MB card in PowerBooks and 32MB card in iBooks FAR more likely than DDR RAM

1GHz is not unlikely because the top end machine is USUALLY the new low end so that would mean 800MHz and something else. 800 - 667 = 133. While 800 and 933 sounds more likely than 800 and 1GHz I think there is a move to get machines above the 1GHz mark.

cb911 - how weird, I read your sig and it reminded me of a Custard line and then I see ur from BrisVegas.... weird.

BTW, the line was "this world divides into people who think there's 2 kinds of folks and those who don't".

demonx

Oct 30, 2002, 07:33 AM

Originally posted by Awimoway
demonx,

If you are dying to get your iBook ASAP (as I am—waiting for an uncertain rumor is not easy), do not order from the education store: you only save $50 but you go to the very back of the waiting line for a hot new product. In my book, it's not worth it.

Im not sure what your saying?
Im looking at the configuration below at the educational store, and a toal of $2658.80, either way I go Im going to have to lease/finance it as im not one of the most well off people but still need a laptop for school, work, etc...

Norton AntiVirus 8.0 - Academic
Office v.X for Mac Academic
Extra Battery - iBook
AirPort Base Station
Marware Sportfolio II - Black Ice iBook Case
MCE Dual iBook Battery Charger (12" iBook Only) iBook 700MHz 12.1"
Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English
30GB Ultra ATA drive
DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo
AirPort Card 065-3428
384MB SDRAM - 2 DIMMs
Age of Empires II

Only thing im worried about is getting this, and then them releasing a 32meg card version a few weeks later :rolleyes:
I would not mind if they did not do this until January(as I can't wait that long anyways). But right now I do need one asap, and waiting is killing me:p But I think I will at least wait until November 5th and if nothing go ahead and order one on the 6th new or not.

yellowcab

Oct 30, 2002, 09:54 AM

in the apple store they told me that the new powerbooks will be a 933 a 1g and won't show up at the 5th of november

gopher

Oct 30, 2002, 10:20 AM

Originally posted by yellowcab
in the apple store they told me that the new powerbooks will be a 933 a 1g and won't show up at the 5th of november

So when will they show up? Did you mean to say:

"won't show up UNTIL the 5th of November?"

cubist

Oct 30, 2002, 11:43 AM

Originally posted by madamimadam

BTW, the line was "this world divides into people who think there's 2 kinds of folks and those who don't".

"There are only two kinds of people in this world: those who say there are only two kinds of people in this world, and those who don't." -- Robert Benchley

madamimadam

Oct 30, 2002, 06:33 PM

Originally posted by yellowcab
in the apple store they told me that the new powerbooks will be a 933 a 1g and won't show up at the 5th of november

Truthfully, people in the Apple Store know just as much as you and I

Pretty stupid of them to tell you new ones are coming, though, when they would want you to buy one now

boo-bear

Oct 30, 2002, 10:37 PM

Ok, am I the only one thinking that it's unlikely Apple would put out new product on a national election day in the US? Just a thought.

madamimadam

Oct 30, 2002, 10:53 PM

Originally posted by boo-bear
Ok, am I the only one thinking that it's unlikely Apple would put out new product on a national election day in the US? Just a thought.

I don't know if the movies are true but I thought most US citizens did not vote anyway.
:)

gopher

Oct 31, 2002, 05:01 PM

Well the surprise is, 60% of the electorate came out to vote in the vote that wasn't counted right.

Before that, the record was 50%. So it was true at one point. Hopefully though national security will encourage people to vote more again. I wonder how many people more or less vote during a non-presidential election vs. a presidential election.

madamimadam

Oct 31, 2002, 06:09 PM

Originally posted by gopher
Well the surprise is, 60% of the electorate came out to vote in the vote that wasn't counted right.

Before that, the record was 50%. So it was true at one point. Hopefully though national security will encourage people to vote more again. I wonder how many people more or less vote during a non-presidential election vs. a presidential election.

It is quite sad to think that so many people are not going to vote on overall ability but desire to lock down