Decisions, Decisions... PB Switcher thread

[i4k20c]

I know there are a lot of powerbook vs. ibook threads, but this one is a little different. Ever since I went to the apple store, my eyes always look at the powerbooks. They are definitely sleeker and just feel a lot better. I know the spec’s are similar and etc. But keeping in mind that I may use the screen spanning later on… I also need to keep this laptop for 3-4 yrs, and seeing as though this is the pro machine, I’m assuming it’s built good enough to last that long? So nearly a 300 diff after the quirks and why do I want a pb? Mostly for its design, also I’m sure the 32mb extra of vram (I think..) will help it longer in terms of keeping it for another 3-4 yrs! Lastly, before I was going to have to pay for this laptop on my own, well I talked to my parents about getting a laptop, because I had no intention of them helping me, but I always make my purchasing decisions with my parents. They said they’ll help me a lot! They said they’ll put in 800 and I can get the rest… I’m thinking for quite some time this will be my only chance to get as nice of a machine as the powerbook,

So in the end, would you get the pb if in my shoes?

Extremly confused switcher... :confused: (jus cuz i kno if i got the ibook, i'd always be wanting the pb...)

[kinsella93]

i4k20c, i am in the exact same position as you are in, and id love to get a response in either my thread or ur threat

[yellow]

I always go for the Powerbooks, the iBooks are nice, but cheap. The only + to them is their battery life, which is significantly better then that of the PB line.

[Ashapalan]

im possibly biased because im a powerbook owner, but i'll try my best to be balanced.

Before the ibook update, i ordered an ibook 12" over the phone. 2 days later, just as you pointed at, i couldnt get the powerbook out of my head. I'd been to see both models and the powerbook just wedged itself into my head and never left.

I phoned up to change my order to a 12" powerbook. The sales man said 'you've made a good decision', and ever since then i've never regretted having the powerbook over the ibook. And i know that it would have been the opposite had i gone for the ibook.

Of course, now that the ibooks have been updated, its a slightly different decision, as the specs are now closer.

But one thing remains the same, the form factor.
I just love the look of the powerbook, the way the led's on the battery arn't hidden under the surface, it's the same for the sleep led too. The way all the ports are on the one side (just power for ibook on the right, not much difference but still), the position of the speakers, the colour.

Everyone has different opinions, but mine is that choosing the powerbook was the best computing decision i ever made. Im typing this on an external monitor at the moment, my itunes visualizer is on the laptop screen, and i couldnt have done this had i gone for an ibook.

It sounds like you have an itch inside that you'll regret not getting the powerbook. The ibook is a great machine, but if you have that itch from the start, i think you'll always wonder what the powerbook is all about.

So yes, in your shoes, i'd be the owner of a powerbook.
I intend mine to last through uni, if it doesnt, im back to my previous computer, an old windows advent 0.8, 128. And i know my powerbook won't let that happen.

Just looking at it tells me it wont let me down.

[SummerBreeze]

I just bought a new one and had to go with the PowerBook. This computer has to last me through college, and law school, I didn't think that the iBook would cut it. Besides, the PowerBook is just such a sexier machine. I love the look of the PowerBook so much more, which probably isn't the best reason to choose it, but sometimes it's best to choose a book by it's cover, so to speak.

[kinsella93]

can someone tell me if the new 14" ibook will hook up to a 32" tv and what will the picture quality look like if it does?? and also can i upgrade video card and for around how much?
thanks

[yellow]

and also can i upgrade video card and for around how much?


No. The video is integrated into the mobo, there is no upgrading.

[pizzicatoiv]

I am also considering the PB/iBook decision.

I have a Dell Latitude D800 which I consider offically my "desktop replacement", that is to say, I hate it and never take it anywhere with me. Clunky, huge, feels somewhat flimsy.

But, I plan on keeping it as a "desktop".

I want to run OS X, I fell in love with it through friends. I do not like fidgiting with my computer and I would like it to just run, not have to deal with patches, upgrades, so on... i.e. I want to be a "light" user.

I am looking for something small, so either the 12 inch ibook or power book. Now with the updates to the ibook line they look very, very similar. In fact, I dont know if I can justify the extra 500 dollars for the powerbook.

The specs look nearly identical after the update, what are the real, tangible differences between the iBook and the Powerbook, I've heard some discussion of video options? The ibook cannot span onto an external monitor.

Another option I was looking at was waiting for a x86 version of Mac OS X and run it on a subnotebook. I havent heard much about this development, when is it expected to be released?

I cannot stress enough that my primary desire for moving towards a Mac is simply to increase the transparency of my computer, rather than consistently requiring messing around with it and such... ease of use. This transition started with building my own desktops (super maintenance), to a windows notebook (still not seamless, but at least I never had to rip off the case to adjust fans, etc), to a Mac (hopefully requiring very little of my time in maintanence).

Another primary concern of mine is longevity. I want either investment to last a long time and in good condition.

[yellow]

It's doubtful that you will be able to purchase OS X and run it on any old x86 anytime soon. The x86 versions of Macs won't be released for another year, nor will the (Apple) x86 version of OS X (Leopard).

You will still have to install patches and updates, but they are pretty simple to do. Click on a button "Install" when it appears, restart when it's done, and away you go.

[i4k20c]

Wow guys, i am extremly glad i chose to not remain a lurker and finally join this forum! I posted in another message board, and got nothing imo..so thank you for everyones great responses.. :)

second.. i don't mind if the mods wish to combine mine and kinsella93's thread.. i did not c this thread..so my apoligies..

I think what everyone here is saying to me is that if i already had my heart set on the pb, than i'd always want the pb...which is the same thnig i was thinking! I was just making sure i wasn't missing something...I already bought microsoft office for mac this weekend, now all i need is my pb! haha, i got office b4 hand, cuz im still contenplating for the computer, and wanted to make sure i get the 50 dollor rebate b4 it runs out... since even tho every one is telling me not to switch (didn't kno so many of my friends were die-hard gates fans.. i cant seem to find a single reason to stay with windows.. gosh, either i'm getting the pb thsi weekend or next, its comming close now!)

Question!!!
and than one other question i had was... i don't understand much about x86 and etc.. or what not, but i understand that macs rite now are not x86, and that leopard will be x86.. so does that mean i will not be able to run leapord on my pb whenever it comes out?

[Ashapalan]

Well, welcome to macrumors, the forum that responds.

Don't worry, steve isnt about to cut us all off when the next os comes out.
Are you steve. :cool: he will def give power pc lepard, he has too. im sure and well, kinda hoping that someone is about to confirm this!

Oh, i dont know how many friends you have, but im willing to bet its not quite as many as the amount on this forum! and well, we will tell you all to go for an apple over a pc.

And we arn't biased now are we? Well yes, we are, but only because we have seen the light that is apple, the truth behind the best computers, and as a result we will never turn back..
Did plato?

[drake]

Everyone has different opinions, but mine is that choosing the powerbook was the best computing decision i ever made. Im typing this on an external monitor at the moment, my itunes visualizer is on the laptop screen, and i couldnt have done this had i gone for an ibook.



I don't believe this is true. You can span with an iBook.

[Ashapalan]

don't you need a hack?

[yellow]

don't you need a hack?
Yes.

[AJ Muni]

Hey guys i was in the same boat. but i ACTUALLY BOUGHT THE iBook. the reason for that was because i was short on money, and it was my frist mac. i loved, but like yall say, i couldnt get the powerbook outta my head. so 9 months later, i upped the ram on my ibook from 256 to 1.25. i was happy, but not happy enough. i ended up selling the ibook on ebay, and got my pb like 3 weeks ago. best decision ever. it looks much more nicer. it weighs less, and its just better. IMO it was the best computing decision. if you look AT MY POSTS, i have a link of both my ibook and pbook 12'' next to each other, and pb is so much nicer....actually i wont be lazy...heres the link..http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=1725803#post1725803 and look for POST #23 :)

[dcv]

It sounds as though you've already got your heart set on the PowerBook... so go for it! As a PB owner and fairly recent switcher myself i can assure you, you won't be disappointed :)

[brepublican]

I have had my 12" PB Super for less than 2 days now and I literally sleep with it (not in that way you peverts! :p ) I seriously have not regretted getting it. Not even 1 sec.

And you have the additional finance coming from your 'rents?? Man, what are you waiting for? Powerbook all the way! :cool:

[mjstew33]

If I were in your shoes, I would DEFINITLEY go for the PowerBook.

I am a :D P R O U D :D owner of an iBook, and if you really like the look of the PowerBook and the feel of it... why not? You are already getting $800 off the top!

I do like the iBooks though, I have NOT dreamed, thought about, getting a PowerBook ... or even wanted one, for that matter. My iBook OVERKILLS my need! Loads Photoshop in, ahh.. 4-8 seconds. litterally. ... and that's with iTunes, iChat, Safari, and Word open!

I :o love :o the iBook's feel and case and... everything about it.. the battery life... so much

I guess we are all different.

Go for the PowerBook! :D

[mjstew33]

I don't believe this is true. You can span with an iBook.

It is possible to span with an iBook. You just need the hack :p

[pizzicatoiv]

I dont understand this business about not being able to get the powerbook out of his/her head. What would make a person say "I wish I got a powerbook" if they bought an ibook? Is it entirely aesthetic reasons? Is it the branding (the idea that it's a powerbook, not an iBook)?

Because, really the actual specifications (after the new iBook) look almost the same. They also look fairly similar.

I.e. when someone wants to pay 500 dollars more (that's 33% of the original ibook price!), what are they getting? In terms of performance, durability, weight/size difference, extra features, etc?

Being a student, and having had saved already for a long time to buy this machine... i'd rather my notebook look like poo and be ultra-portable and durable. That said, I think both the powerbook and the iBook have a sleek design.

[drake]

It is possible to span with an iBook. You just need the hack :p

exactly.

[i4k20c]

haha...

so no answers on the question about leopard being released for both x86 and ppc? :(

[mad jew]

Leopard will be x86 and PPC compatible since it will be released before the full change to x86 is complete. :)

[i4k20c]

I dont understand this business about not being able to get the powerbook out of his/her head. What would make a person say "I wish I got a powerbook" if they bought an ibook? Is it entirely aesthetic reasons? Is it the branding (the idea that it's a powerbook, not an iBook)?

Because, really the actual specifications (after the new iBook) look almost the same. They also look fairly similar.

I.e. when someone wants to pay 500 dollars more (that's 33% of the original ibook price!), what are they getting? In terms of performance, durability, weight/size difference, extra features, etc?

Being a student, and having had saved already for a long time to buy this machine... i'd rather my notebook look like poo and be ultra-portable and durable. That said, I think both the powerbook and the iBook have a sleek design.

Your right! Performance wise, they are close, not same, but very close. Worth the extra 500 bux based on the difference in performance solo.. no i don't think so.. but alot of it does have to do with astehtics..and jus holding a powerbook and ibook.. i personally just idk why, find the pb so much better! Maybe it has a bit to do with apple brainwashing, or a bit too much forum reading on the pbook and not enough on the ibook... :p

[aaagat@optonlin]

I was in this same situation a month ago and went with the powerbook over the ibook. Even though performance wise it was not worth the price, the bigger screen, different look, and better feel was. To me the ibook just wasn't enough and every time I would go into the mac store I couldn't help but going over to the powerbooks.

The current powerbooks are awesome and you will definetley be satisfied once you bring the box home and open it up!

[i4k20c]

ummmm..haha this kinda sux!

I'm still getting the pb, but we have this one math program we need to use like only twice in the semester..and aparently when visiting the website, it says operating systems only for windows... hope it'll install newais..

not a huge deal cuz i can always go home and do the work.. but that will suck if this is a sign of all the incompatibilities i may experiance.. :(

[FFTT]

Max OS X is very network friendly.

Your school IT administrator can contact an Apple networking specialist
if he doesn't know how to get you in the system.

If they won't support Mac at your school, you may want to consider
another switch while you're at it. :D

[Vanilla]

ummmm..haha this kinda sux!

I'm still getting the pb, but we have this one math program we need to use like only twice in the semester..and aparently when visiting the website, it says operating systems only for windows... hope it'll install newais..

not a huge deal cuz i can always go home and do the work.. but that will suck if this is a sign of all the incompatibilities i may experiance.. :(

I regularly connect to my Office PC Desktop via Microsoft Remote Desktop software from both my Powerbook and iMac to run windows specific programs I need for my work. The software is free. Just thought I'd throw that in as a possible option.

As for the PB/iBook conundrum my pennies worth is that if money is a significant issue and in particular if you have a good desktop/iMac at home to synch to, I'd go for a 12" iBook for robustness, cost effectiveness and portability. If you can stretch your finances that little bit further and in particular if this will be your main machine I'd definitely go for a Powerbook for sheer performance, aesthetics and [subjectively] potential longevity of use.

Vanilla

Vanilla

[i4k20c]

I'm sorry vanilla-

Where did you say this program comes with? Does it come office for mac..student and teacher edition, the one with the rebate currently? :confused:

[mad jew]

It's a free download from Microsoft: Remote Desktop Client (http://www.microsoft.com/mac/downloads.aspx?pid=download&location=/mac/download/misc/rdc_update_103.xml&secid=80&ssid=10&flgnosysreq=True). :)

[Euan]

Good luck with your purchase and let us know what you eventually go for!

[i4k20c]

:) Going to the apple store tommarow... :eek:
Everyone confirms the laptop will last me four yrs, tired of waiting, and who knows when my nxt chance will be to switch to apple if i don't switch now.. so i guess now is a good time as any...(i did wish the pb had some more updated processors.. but w.e.)

Tomm...
12in superdrive pb
blue ipod 4gig mini (for my bro)
printer..not sure which one..does anyone know which printer out of the ones they offer is a good photo printer? (for my family in general..)

i'm really excited! :)

[FFTT]

I know waiting can make you crazy.

It's good that you're going to the Applestore to make your final decision. Take your student I.D.

I know you will be very happy with any new PowerBook.

Even so, I'm thinking you might want to consider
ordering by phone just in time to qualify for the
iPod and printer, but also you could end up with
a possible updated PowerBook IF you order close enough to the Expo,providing Apple does update the PowerBooks.
It might be worth waiting another week.


There's a bunch of printer threads here if you search.

I really like my new HP PSC 1510, but many others prefer Canon for photos.

[yg17]

A couple weeks ago I sold my G3 iBook and got a new 15" PowerBook. Best decision I've made. The iBook was great, but getting too old for my needs. The iBook felt cheap in some ways, however, the PowerBook feels like what a machine that costs this much should.

[i4k20c]

Hey guys-

Update, going to store in a bit, will explain you "my plan" in a bit tho, thanks to a member, i got a good idea..

But something cool is i talked to my schools, its a place that helps you for all your computer needs. There ment mostly to help you get set up on the network, but they also help you if something is not working on your computer, or if u want to kno whats wrong with it and etc... So i called them up to see if this campus is mac-friendly (apparently we have a mac lab so i was told when i applied here, but have no idea where it is.. any comp i've seen so far have all been dells).. and i asked resnet (What their called, the ppl that help students with their computer needs) if they support mac and what not.. kinda funny they told me ofcourse, and they told me that almost all them prefer macs to pc's! :p I just found it amusing a bit! I'll post pics later.. even tho its nothing new for u guys, i'm extremly excited today..lol :o

[yellow]

Which school would this be?

[i4k20c]

Which school would this be?

Loyola University Chicago.... herd of it? I'm a freshman here, so far i'm not crazy about the school, but its a good school for pre-med.. so i'm in it! lol :cool:

[i4k20c]

I did it guys! I went to the apple store, got a 12in pb superdrive. I got office for mac from before, a green ipod mini (for my bro), and got all in one photo printer for our family pc computer! Did not buy apple care just yet, i kno i will get it, but i don't want my parents to have to buy it rite now, i will work on my own and buy it in the summer! All in all..came out to jus over 2k, 2080!


Here's the deal breaker tho! I can't open this package until next week!lol! Basically i get a 14-day grace period so ima wait till tuesday. I cant open it till the weekend tho cuz i'll be at college.. :( idk how ima get thru this week, but its good cuz i have things to occuby my time..like tests and papers! lool

[i4k20c]

hey guys sorry-

quick question, i've been wondering this for awhile and i always forget to ask.. does the powerbook, 12in superdrive come with a built-in microphone? :confused: :confused:

[paperinacup]

hey guys sorry-

quick question, i've been wondering this for awhile and i always forget to ask.. does the powerbook, 12in superdrive come with a built-in microphone? :confused: :confused:

Yep it does!

[Chrispy]

I know there are a lot of powerbook vs. ibook threads, but this one is a little different. Ever since I went to the apple store, my eyes always look at the powerbooks. They are definitely sleeker and just feel a lot better. I know the spec’s are similar and etc. But keeping in mind that I may use the screen spanning later on… I also need to keep this laptop for 3-4 yrs, and seeing as though this is the pro machine, I’m assuming it’s built good enough to last that long?

You just made the decision for yourself. If you go for them first and you like how they feel then GO FOR THE POWERBOOK! You will be using this machine everyday so go with the one that feels good and looks the best to you. Also, if you want to do screen spanning then don't bother dealing with the hack on the iBook and just go with the powerbook with its hardware support. In my opinion, there are pleanty of things that still make the powerbook stand apart from the iBook if you plan to use them.

[Chundles]

I did it guys! I went to the apple store, got a 12in pb superdrive. I got office for mac from before, a green ipod mini (for my bro), and got all in one photo printer for our family pc computer! Did not buy apple care just yet, i kno i will get it, but i don't want my parents to have to buy it rite now, i will work on my own and buy it in the summer! All in all..came out to jus over 2k, 2080!


Here's the deal breaker tho! I can't open this package until next week!lol! Basically i get a 14-day grace period so ima wait till tuesday. I cant open it till the weekend tho cuz i'll be at college.. :( idk how ima get thru this week, but its good cuz i have things to occuby my time..like tests and papers! lool

Um, what? Is your name ima? Are you referring to yourself in the third person? You are allowed to use whole words you know - it's really not that much faster or convenient to use abbreviations, especially when they don't really make sense.

Good deal though, have a fun two weeks.

[i4k20c]

Hey guys-

I am sorry Chundles, i was a little excited about the computer purchase and all and just wanted to post that i got it, even though i am not able to play with it! :o I feel stupid know, wish i would've just got it in the begining of school, my temptations are getting to me! But it's okay, i waited 2-3 months now so i can wait another lousy week! :(

Hey question, can anyone tell me what it means when apple puts a green circle sticker on the powerbook box? I just want to know what it signifies or means. You can see it on the right hand side of the powerbook box in the picture!

http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/i/88561602437_290.jpg?

P.S. Sorry for the crappy cell pic, i have no idea where my parents put the digital camera.. :confused:

[i4k20c]

Hey guys-

Anothr question, where are the speakers located on this thing? I havn't opened it but i just realized that since the pb's keyboard goes all the way to the end.. where are teh speakers? :confused: