Anyone use their 12" ibook/pbook as their main computer?

[MUCKYFINGERS]

I'm going to be moving out for college next year (2nd year college student now), and I'm wondering if anyone uses their 12" ibook/pbook as their main computer? And also, does the screen size matter?

[wordmunger]

I'm going to be moving out for college next year (2nd year college student now), and I'm wondering if anyone uses their 12" ibook/pbook as their main computer? And also, does the screen size matter?

I have a 14-inch iBook, but it's the same pixel dimensions as the 12-incher, and the screen is fine for me. I suppose it depends on what you're doing. It's a little cramped for photoshop, but more than adequate for MS Word, excel, iTunes, Safari, etc.

[mkrishnan]

I do (iBook G4 12"). The screen size rarely matters to me, although there's some funny business with MS Word and Excel where their 100% views are hard to read on Macs at 1024x768, but are legible in Windows at the same resolution.... :rolleyes:

I have always preferred compact laptops, and I like having a lot of files -- e-mail, documents, etc, available, but in any event, I've found myself bringing my notebook to school and using it instead of the computer in my office, on which I would run at least 1280x1024, if not higher....

But if you're used to sprawling out with a lot more screen real-estate, it'll be a bit tougher....

[grapes911]

I used a 12-inch G3 iBook as my main computer for 2.5 years. I only got rid of it because it didn't handle newer versions of photoshop very well. 12-inches was fine for me. Having said that, my new computer is a 15-inch powerbook.

Does size matter? That's a question for the ages. :p

[cardiac dave]

I'm going to be moving out for college next year (2nd year college student now), and I'm wondering if anyone uses their 12" ibook/pbook as their main computer? And also, does the screen size matter?

I replaced my desktop PC with a 12" iBook. IMO is works fine, though when I use it at the desk I've gotten in the habit of plugging in an external monitor and keyboard/mouse just to make things easier.

On the move, it's a great little thing - no issues at all with the small screen.
It might be small, but it's big enough. :)

[deryk]

I have a 12" iBook as my main computer. I transitioned from an eMac last month and I thought that I would miss the bigger screen--I don't. However, I only use word, mail, and safari. I don't do work that requires multiple windows or palettes to be open.

Deryk

[mwpeters8182]

I use my PB as my main computer, pretty much. It shares equal time with my PC, hooked up via a KVM. I did use it on it's own for a time, but I've always used an external LCD.

In college, I used my 12" iBook as my primary computer, and had no issues. Gives you tons of desk space, which is always good to have (especially if you've got a lot of pencil and paper work to do).

[besler3035]

I bought a 12" iBook G4 last August for my first semester of college and it's been great. The screen size doesn't matter to me, and it's the ultimate in portability.

[crazydreaming]

I've been using a 12" iBook for 3 years now, my only computer. Now, I use it everyday at work, doing website design, word processing, color brochures, etc. Lot's of computer work, but it is also my personal computer. Now, it is fast enough, though a little more speed would be nice, or maybe just ram. But, the screen is way too small for what I'm doing. It's hard when you can only see one thing at once. But for most tasks like web surfing, etc, it's perfect!

But, for my first year in college, I'm considering a 15" P'Book for next year...

See this thread: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=137891

(Had a problem w/hyperlink... linked to Microsoft.com??)

[briangig]

i used my g3 600 ibook for 8 months as my main (only) system. It was fine, but slow. I got the Digital Audio G4 until I could replace the ibook with a faster G4 powerbook.

[sw1tcher]

Does size matter? That's a question for the ages. :p

Size shouldn't matter. It's how you use it. :D

[tsk]

I used one as my main system *with* a monitor. That worked fine. I don't know that I could manage all the time on 1024x768 resolution. It's fine when you're trying to be portable, but a little cramped in general.

[grapes911]

Size shouldn't matter. It's how you use it. :D
Battery life is probably more inportant anyway.

[weg]

I don't know that I could manage all the time on 1024x768 resolution.

I'm using my 12" PB as my main computer. I've a cute little tool called "Desktop Manager" that allows you to switch between several workspaces, e.g., one for surfing, one for email (this makes switching between applications much more convenient than Expose - which, of course, you can use in combination with Desktop Manager). Just make sure you get version 0.5.3, and not 0.5.2RC1 from the Apple Homepage.. one of my friends hat problems with the latter version.

[eva01]

i use my 12" as my main computer, cept that it is dying a horrible slow death right now (harddrive is grinding at times) and i am buying a 15" PB just for photoshop stuff, and replacing the HD on the 12" to keep it as a music server

[thehuncamunca]

i use a 14" ibook (which is fine for me, the 12" is too small) ideally i'd like the 15" powerbook with an external monitor
my gf uses the 12" ibook as her main computer
it depends upon what you're going to be doing and what you're comfortable with if the 12" screen will be big enough for you

[ObsidianIce]

I use my 12inch ibook as my main cpu but it's a little too small really. i love being able to throw it anywhere and use it anywhere, but the screen is pretty small and when i do real work it can be a hassle.

[ravenvii]

For almost 2 years, up to March, I used an iBook G3 900 MHz as my main computer. I had no problems, and actually grew quite fond of the machine for outmatching my expectations so often. I eventually sold it and, due to the fact that I always use the laptop attached to a LCD, mouse and keyboard, and barely ever actually used it as a laptop, I went and bought the Mac mini I have now. I'm not as fond of it as I was of the iBook, but it's still an awesome machine. :)

[QCassidy352]

I've used both a 12" ibook and 12" PB as my main computer for extended periods of time in the past with no problems.

[Hemingray]

Yup, I also use a 12" iBook as my primary computer. I'm far-sighted anyway (which I'm sure the smaller screen doesn't help), but the screen size is not a problem for me.

Edit: Errr, make that NEAR-sighted... :rolleyes:

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

I've used a 12" iBook G4@800 as my main (and really only) computer since Nov 2003. It then replaced a 14" PowerBook G3@400 (Pismo), which had served as main computer since Feb 2000. The Pismo is still in use as my girlfriends main computer (since the screen on her Pismo broke).

So it's slow sometimes, and I would kill for a bigger HD (or the ability to replace it without tearing the whole iBook apart), but all in all I'm very happy with my little workhorse. :)

[Bern]

I have a 12" PowerBook as my main computer. When back at my studio it's plugged into a 17" 16.7 M Colour LCD monitor.

[EGT]

Well, I use my 15' Rev. C Powerbook as my main computer, and now that it has Tiger I'm quite happy.

I didn't realise Tiger was so nippy! :D

[tsk]

I'm using my 12" PB as my main computer. I've a cute little tool called "Desktop Manager" that allows you to switch between several workspaces, e.g., one for surfing, one for email (this makes switching between applications much more convenient than Expose - which, of course, you can use in combination with Desktop Manager). Just make sure you get version 0.5.3, and not 0.5.2RC1 from the Apple Homepage.. one of my friends hat problems with the latter version.

Those are fine and all. The problem I had was when you use a program with toolbars and things. I found I tended not to have enough space to put the toolbar somewhere and still use the main window.

[wPod]

i currently use my 12"PB as my primary (well only computer) and before that i used a 12" iBook. i love the 12" size. especially for college. its perfectly portable and all the girls say "wow that is small!!" (which is a good thing for them to say about your computer . . .but thats the only time you want to hear girls say that!!! lol) but, when i am at my apt i do have the PB hooked up to a 20" dell monitor. which is just fun to wathc movies on, or surf like 5 websites at once. or like i am doing now, it is good for working on large school projects. yes summer school is no fun. but even before my dell monitor i used just the 12" screen and it was fine. just get a girl over to your place and try watching a movie on the 12" screen. its cozy!! and thats good! heh. and as another note for college. the PB is pretty beer resistant. ive deffinitly saved my PB from a few beer spills! the key is to set the back on something, i use a carabiner. this helps raise the back a little to cool off the computer as well as protect from beer spills! lol, do i really want to finish college? or should i just keep having a good time with it/!?!?!?!?

[Lau]

I've used a 12" PowerBook for the last year, and had happily used Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign quite happily with it. Not that extra screen wouldn't have been nice, but was still very happy. Safari etc was absolutely fine. then I started using Dreamweaver and that was the first time I found it inconvenient to have the smaller screen. Having said that, I find the portability to be vastly more useful than the minor inconvenience of occasionally wanting the smaller screen, as I 'use' the portability far more.

[JonMaker]

I'm going to be using a 12" 'Book as my main computer for college next year, and I'm glad to hear that nobody has huge complaints about the form factor. I've grown used to my 13.3" Latitude (1024x768) and I think a little smaller would be ideal.

I use Desktop manager on my iMac. It makes 1024x768 bearable.

[Kirbdog]

I use a 12" Powerbook as my primary and only computer. As soon as I got it I sent my PC down the road and have not missed it. I am also a student and the 12" is ultra portable I have not even plugged it into my router for over 4 months. I simply use it anywhere I please, watching TV, at my desk, or work. Screen size has not been an issue, it was an easy transition from a 17" CRT to the 12". I personnally would not bother buying a stationary home based machine, portability is to much of a convienience.

[YS2003]

I keep my 15" PB on iCurve at home while I take my 12" PB with me when I travel on business. The current 12" P B is powerful enough to meet my computing needs such as Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Macromedia MX2004 Studio and etc. I have 20" and 23" ACD and I use 20" for this 12" PB at home to increase the screen space. Using Adobe CS2 on this 12" screen is a little tough because of its limited space; but this is true for any 12" notebook computer. The screen size will be solved by getting a nice large LCD screen. If this one breaks in the future, I will get the similar model from Apple.

[ITASOR]

I used my iBook G3 500Mhz as my main computer for a while. It was a little old to be using as a main computer, so it was hard, but as far as size, it was perfect. My iBook G4 that I ordered will be my main computer!

[ghostee]

When I got my 12" iBook G4 800mhz I moved my old PC to the basement and havn't missed it (or hardly even used it) since. I went from a 17" CRT to this 12" LCD, and didn't really miss anything.

That was about 16 months ago, and now I am definately feeling cramped while I'm at my desk, as I don't sit super close to the screen. I'm either to compliment the iBook with a nice 20" display or an iMac.

However the 12" screen is ace while its on my lap in my bed or out and about.

[MUCKYFINGERS]

Also, does anyone else feel like the screens on the 12" pbook/ibook are a bit dim? I played with the store models and they seemed more dim compared to the 14" ibook and the rest of the pbook line. Just a question...

[fluidinclusion]

I used one as my main system *with* a monitor. That worked fine. I don't know that I could manage all the time on 1024x768 resolution. It's fine when you're trying to be portable, but a little cramped in general.

I've been using my 12" powerbook (upgraded with 1.25 GB of RAM) for 7 months now since I sold my Powermac on Ebay. It is EXTREMELY convenient to surf in the living room/kitchen, etc. with the wireless connection, but the screen is small. I'll be getting an iMac soon, maybe. I might wait for Intel for my iMac, especially since I'll be buying my dad a Macmini this week for his birthday :).

[Mechcozmo]

I do. Works great. I also have a 15" screen (1024x768) that I use on occasion with it.

PowerBook 12" Rev. C and I love it... sometimes I wish for more screen real estate, but Exposé does a really good job with helping me. And iScroll 2 works wonders, better than Apple's simply because I gain a right-click function with it.

[ITASOR]

I do. Works great. I also have a 15" screen (1024x768) that I use on occasion with it.

PowerBook 12" Rev. C and I love it... sometimes I wish for more screen real estate, but Exposé does a really good job with helping me. And iScroll 2 works wonders, better than Apple's simply because I gain a right-click function with it.

What do you do to right click? I thought it just did scroll?

[amin]

My 12" PB was my main computer for the last 2 years. I recently replaced it with the 15", and I miss the portability and battery life of the 12". I appreciate the larger display of the 15, but the 12" did not feel cramped to me over those 2 years. The 12" PB was my favorite computer ever, of many.

[bodeh6]

I don't have my PB yet, but I am planning on getting the 12". I only use the internet, Word, and iTunes and some lite Photoshop Elements. I have seen it in person a like the size of it. The 1024 x 768 is a good enough resolution for everyday things. I am sure that if you were a heavy Photoshop user, video editor, website designer then the 15" or even the 17" would be much better choice obviosly.

[MUCKYFINGERS]

Can someone answer my question about the brightness of the 12" i/pbook? ;)

thanks

[jefhatfield]

I'm going to be moving out for college next year (2nd year college student now), and I'm wondering if anyone uses their 12" ibook/pbook as their main computer? And also, does the screen size matter?

i am not currently a student, not away at school anyways, but for a long time a pc laptop and and g3 ibook were our main machines...we live in a small house so it was basically a necessity to have laptops if we were to have two machines booted up daily

...now we use just one dual g4 desktop and it does all we want and really, besides the more comfy desktop apple keyboard and larger adjustable lcd monitor, laptops and desktops for most things are the same

as long as you don't get way into gaming or heavy graphics/video editing, the ibook or powerbook should be able to be your sole computer

these days, many are making a laptop their main and only computer and though there is no easy way to make a laptop that comfortable to use for six hour stretches, it's suitable for almost anyone

and once you get used to a 12" inch lcd screen, you won't find a need to have a large viewing area

[mkrishnan]

Can someone answer my question about the brightness of the 12" i/pbook? ;)

Many other people have made the same comment you have, so you are probably correct. OTOH, your eyes are very adaptable, and in most indoors circumstances, I have found the 12" screen to be satisfactorily bright. It doesn't do so well in bright direct light, though, like outside or by a window on a really bright summer day.

[bigsteve3]

I've also used my 12" PB Rev. B as a main computer for the past two years. It's worked great, and it's survived being lugged around in a backpack every day (something, ironically, that my old iBook couldn't handle!!!).

I recently purchased a 19" LCD monitor, and it works very nicely. I would definitely recommend the PowerBook 12" because it can fit anywhere a normal 8.5 x 11" book will fit.

-S

[ITASOR]

What do you do to right click? I thought it just did scroll?

Now someone answer my question, please. :D :) :o

[U2Rules!]

I've used my 12in. PB almost exclusively for the year I've had it. My windows machine is sitting and waiting to be replaced as soon as the Mini gets updated.

[mad jew]

I've used a 12 inch iBook as my main computer for about two years until I recently got a new 17 inch iMac. To be honest, the iBook was perfectly adequate but I had some cash burning a hole in my pocket and I really couldn't resist the latest iMacs so I had to get one. Still, the 12 inch laptops are fine for most uses/users.

[20rogersc]

I use my 14" iBook as my main computer, and that works fine for me. I use Office, iLife, Photoshop mainly, and find the screen fine.

Not sure on 12" though . . .

::20ROGERSC::

[20rogersc]

Now someone answer my question, please. :D :) :o
Heres the answer to your question!

iScroll does not only do scrolling, but you can set it so tapping the trackpad does a selected mouse command, in this case, a right hand click.

Hope this helps.

::20ROGERSC::

[joecool85]

I use my rev a PB has my main computer, and until about months ago I just used it as a laptop. Now I have a 15" LCD screen and USB Keyboard+Mouse so I use it as a desktop.

**edit**
I've been using this is my maine computer since I moved out of my parents house in August '03 to attend UMaine for New Media. I live off campus and my PB goes with me anywhere I need a computer.

[crazydreaming]

My 12" PB was my main computer for the last 2 years. I recently replaced it with the 15", and I miss the portability and battery life of the 12". I appreciate the larger display of the 15, but the 12" did not feel cramped to me over those 2 years. The 12" PB was my favorite computer ever, of many.

Wow, so you actually prefferred the smaller, less expensive 12" over the 15". What do you do? I'm trying to decide between the 12" or 15" for college.

[bodeh6]

Wow, so you actually prefferred the smaller, less expensive 12" over the 15". What do you do? I'm trying to decide between the 12" or 15" for college.

I am getting the 12". It is perfect for my needs. You have to ask yourself what are you going to be doing with this laptop? Regular school stuff (Word, internet, iTunes, etc) the 12" should be fine and saves you at least $400. Since they basically have the same hardware inside except the GPU, they will preform pretty equal if you get the 1.5GHz 15" or any 12".

[h0e0h]

I'm going to be moving out for college next year (2nd year college student now), and I'm wondering if anyone uses their 12" ibook/pbook as their main computer? And also, does the screen size matter?

I use my 12" Rev.C for my main computer. Size is never a factor for me because i constantly have it on an iCurve hooked up to a 17" LCD. That setup is workin find for me in college.

[Ugg]

I have a 12" PB and it's perfectly fine. The screen is more than bright enough, I usually keep it at 5-6 bars. The portability is the main factor for me. I would love a 15" but it's too big to lug around every day.

[jiv3turkey748]

i like small laptops bcuz of the portability

[jiv3turkey748]

i have a 12inch ibook and the screen is fine most of the time the only time i want a bigger screen is when im using photoshop (sorry for the double post)

[nagromme]

My sister uses her 12" full time.

I PLAN to for my next (Yonah) PowerBook... except I'll be adding an external display for at home.

The screen does matter. The 15" screen I use now is brighter and bigger and fits more windows... and I like the wide format. No contest, the 15" is much better screen.

However, I wish I had the portability of the little 12". The 15" isn't hard to carry, but whenever I pick up a 12" I wish mine were that small and light.

So next time it's 12" for me--but I'll need an external display. I for one could not deal with the tiny screen and tiny pixels/text ALL the time. On the road, sure.

[bbyrdhouse]

Well, I have a 15 inch PowerBook that I use for my main computer. I have a pretty nice Dell Dimension that I just gave to my wife cause I only use my PowerBook now.

[Jedi128]

I'm using a 12" iBook right now and its my only computer. I thought the screen size switch from my older iMac would bother me but it really doesn't. Expose helps to organize when you're running multiple things. You should be fine with 12" as long as you get Panther or Tiger, and I would recommend Tiger. Tiger is well worth the upgrade from Panther, but if you're buying new you'll get Tiger anyway.

[jefhatfield]

However, I wish I had the portability of the little 12". The 15" isn't hard to carry, but whenever I pick up a 12" I wish mine were that small and light.



i think in time, laptops will get even lighter and there will be a 5 pound, 15" lcd machine

today, in the stanford shopping mall, i saw the apple store (my first one) and the sony store nearby, and the sony store had a vaio which had a 4.1 pound, 13" widescreen lcd laptop so i know it's possible to get viewing area in a very light machine

[ScottN]

I've used my 12" G4 iBook as my only computer for the past six months and I think it's great.

I run Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver as well as all the iLife programmes without any difficulty.

Yes, sure, the smaller screen can be annoying at times but the reason I chose this model was because it was a truly portable laptop with an outstanding battery life.

If you don't need the portability, a bigger screen may be a better idea but I certainly have no regrets about my purchase.

[realmcenter]

My 12" iBook has taken over most duties from my PC. The screen is a bit smaller, I was using a 17" CRT at 1152x864, but usable enough for most tasks. I love the convenience of being able to take it where I want to in my house or elsewhere. I really wish I could somehow jam 240GB of storage space into this thing but soon I will get an external hard drive for it to make up for that. My PC mainly gets used for network storage, a print server, DVD burning, gaming, and can be used for TV-watching. But for stuff like email, web browsing, music listening, and other basic tasks the iBook is more than sufficient.

[cooknwitha]

I've got a 12" Powerbook and it's my main machine. I've still yet to sell my iMac but have only turned it on a few times since getting the powerbook. And that was to either transfer files or re-rip all my CDs after I wiped my iPod. Meh!

If anything, I prefer the smaller screen. Going back to the 15" iMac makes me think the resolution could have been a lot better.

[MUCKYFINGERS]

I can't really stand the 12" screen, to be honest. It's great and it's small and cute, but I don't know, for me, maybe because I'm a taller/bigger guy and the way the screen reflects on my eyes, or maybe because I'm used to larger screens, I can't focus my eyes into the 12" without feeling strained/sore. I feel like everything is crammed together so tightly, and all these things are focused in a little screen. It's better for my eyes to be able to scan a width of a screen and not feel crammed, I guess.

Hence, I am waiting for the 14" widescreen iBooks. :)

[AcousticDoc]

Question for those who are familiar with the 12 inch ibook?

Do you guys use an external monitor with it on 1028res? How is that resolution on a 19 inch lcd for example? Did you install the hack so that you could view things on an external mon at higher res?

Also, if a portanle is to be your main computer....is it wise to take out the battery everytime you set it as a "station?"

[GWS]

I too would like to hear from those of you using a 12" iBook with an external LCD monitor. What resolution(s) does it support? Something more than the iBook's native resolution? How happy are you with the image you get on your external monitor? How does it compare to the iBook's monitor?

I'm thinking about getting an iBook for the wife & kids to use. Portability would be useful, although mostly just transporting it from here to there within the house. I really like the small form factor of the 12", but am concerned the small screen might prove to be too cramped for the occasional photo/video editing session. An external LCD monitor is a natural solution, but I'd like to know if the iBook supports different resolutions, and if so, how well.

Thanks!

[IEatApples]

I'm going to college soon, and I will buy the new 14" iBook.
But I also wonder about the external LCD. Is there any point in buying one for the 14"? If so, what would be the ideal size of the monitor? And what would the resolution be on it?

[realmcenter]

My 12" iBook has now taken over as my main computer for nearly everything since I put a 160GB hard drive and DVD+/-RW drive from my PC in external enclosures to use with it. I'll also be installing a 1GB stick of RAM in here later today. Except for wishing it had a faster memory bus, it seems more than adequate for what I use it for. For gaming and a few things I can't do on a Mac, I have my desktop PC around still. But I expect it to be pretty rare when I actually need to turn that thing on. I have no regrets about switching to this as my main computer.