Crappy PC lappyand dual 1.8 G5 -or- Crappy Mac lappy and a 3.2 GHz Pc? [Archive]

crowdaddy

May 30, 2004, 10:58 PM

Hi,

I know I have posted this sorta stuff before, but I am so close to a decision I can taste it. Anyway, for college, would you:

A) Get a crappy 1.2ghz PC lappy for the convienence of portability (for labs and reports in the library, etc.) AND a G5 DP 1.8 as a desktop with one gig ram, ati 9600 vid card, etc. etc.

OR

B) Get a *basic* ibook with barely anything on it to go with an upgraded desktop PC which would be around 3.0 Ghz.

My question is, which do you think would be better as far as compatibility issues, ease of use, etc. etc. The programs I would be running are Office, gaming, iLife, and of the sort. I am in the sciences so I have no aspiration to use adobe and all that stuff.

Thanks for the help, it helps more than you know!

Sun Baked

May 30, 2004, 11:17 PM

What is wrong with a refurb iBook G4 800 ($800) and a DP 1.8 PowerMac G5 or a new iBook G4 and downgrade to a CRT monitor?

At least sticking with the same platform means only getting a single copy of a program instead of one for each platform.

QCassidy352

May 30, 2004, 11:41 PM

yeah, I kinda agree with Sun Baked. Any reason you have to have both platforms? In fact, if I may ask, why get 2 computers at all? Why not just one powerful laptop? It doesn't sound like you really need the horsepower of either a dual G5 or a high end PC!

But, if you are sticking with your plan, I'd go ibook and PC desktop, reason being that low end PCs are real crap, but with an ibook and a 3 Ghz desktop you get two nice computers. If you do go the G5 route, wait for updates.

russed

May 30, 2004, 11:45 PM

go for a 1.5 ghz, 12" PB with 128mg video ram. that would more than double up as a main computer and be portable. i use a 12" PB as a main computer and it manages fine. just get yourself an external mouse and a decent set of speakers and you are away. i guess it will be cheaper that way.

Ph4lynx

May 30, 2004, 11:56 PM

i dont think they make a 1.5ghz 12"powerbook
but buying a 15" 1.5ghz with 128mb of video ram + 1gb of ram and then an
external monitor (apple, after WWDC of course) a bluetooth mouse and keyboard you could have a nice desktop setup and a very nice portable setup. you could even get a superdrive if you wanted :p

Emerson Lamb

russed

May 31, 2004, 12:01 AM

oops sorry, my fault! i meant 15" pb!

Abstract

May 31, 2004, 01:26 AM

I would go for the best 15" PB you can get your hands on. That's my first choice.

My second: iBook and Windows PC combination.

I prefer the Apple-Apple combination because there aren't any combatibility issues that way, but the fact that you want to play games probably means that you need a PC. Buddy, if you're going to be living in residence, you may play a lot of Half-life or Counterstrike. Its cool to have a PC for games, and for productivity as well.
And since PC laptops generally suck, I would get the iBook for that reason.

Also, if you actually considered getting a PC and a Mac, and yet could STILL afford the software for both of them, then you're probably not paying for it and bootlegging it instead. I really don't give two poops about how you get it, but make sure you have a copy of Office on both machines, because its really the standard when attending University. Excel is huuuge for science students. Lots of data analysis and graphing is done using Excel.

If you're going to buy the software but can't really afford it, then go with a Mac-Mac combination, or PC-PC combo.

crowdaddy

May 31, 2004, 04:21 PM

Well the thing is i already have a 1.2ghz dell lattitude kicking around which would handle office just fine. My question is would it be wise to get a G5 to go with that lappy?

JOD8FY

May 31, 2004, 06:24 PM

Abstract

May 31, 2004, 06:25 PM

Why do people ask for advice and leave out key information like that? Is it a pleasant surprise?

Get a PC.

dopefiend

May 31, 2004, 06:27 PM

ok, Im going to sound like im advertising for these people, but go dual 1.8 + averatec 12 inch laptop (www.averatec.com)

Cheaper than the iBook with all the features of it already standard. ;)

wide

May 31, 2004, 07:26 PM

Why not get a 17 inch powerbook, maxed out (with RAM from www.crucial.com, of course)? Having a desktop in college can be a real pain. That's why you shouldn't.

Toreador93

May 31, 2004, 09:53 PM

Having a desktop in college can be a real pain. That's why you shouldn't.

Well, it depends on what you're majoring in. In the two colleges I've been to, I've rarely seen laptops in classes. I could see if you're programming, or literature, and maybe social sciences. But as a Mechanical Engineering student, I have seen very, very few. Probably because of the time it would take to find the "Rho" symbol...

jaw04005

May 31, 2004, 10:47 PM

I say get a really nice iBook and a not so great PC desktop. For college, you are going to want to have a better laptop than a desktop anyway. You'll find yourself using it a lot more than a desktop.

Best wishes,
JOD8FY

I would say it depends, if you *think* you are going to carry your notebook with you everyday to class and use it for your primary machine.. go with a good Mac notebook. However, if you are like the folks are at my college, most only take their notebooks to the library because our school practically has labs next door to the classroom that we use as far as my advertising, journalism, and print publishing classes (all macs of course). Check around and see what percentage of students use notebooks in class daily at your college. I purchased a 1.5Ghz 15.2" notebook for class because I wanted *one* powerful machine, the fact is there is not enough room on the desks to secure the thing and kinda is a pain to lug around---so I kinda regret my decisions... to do it again I would purchase a nice Dual G5 PowerMac and maybe a cheap iBook.

crowdaddy

Jun 1, 2004, 10:48 AM

Well I am heading into the Medical Sciences/ Biological Sciences area. Is there anyone out there in a related program that uses a desktop with no yearning for a laptop?

UnclePaulie

Jun 1, 2004, 01:01 PM

Okay, here goes my opinion. I am currently a medical student, and the only computer I use is a 12" 1GHz Powerbook. I did a Biology major in college, and I first started off with a PC desktop. I'll admit it's fun to play games in the dorms, but other than that, having a desktop was such a pain. It takes up precious room and it's a pain to pack and send home at the end of every semester/year. So my next year I got a laptop and stuck with it. Now that I'm in medical school, I got me a 12" Powerbook and it does all I need. To be honest, you don't need a computer at all in that field, but having a nice laptop to take notes on and use in the library is great. So overall, having a 1.5 GHz 15" Powerbook as stated above sounds like a good idea to me, because it saves space, it's easy to carry around, and it's powerful enough for everything that'll come your way.

SuperChuck

Jun 1, 2004, 01:09 PM

:p crappy lappy?

That's good stuff.

For what it's worth, I think anyone who owns a desktop that is inferior to their laptop should be selling the desktop.

CTerry

Jun 1, 2004, 03:04 PM

I would personally get one highly powerful laptop, and I indeed plan to. Over the next year I plan to take a year out, and in the summer get whatever the best 15 inch PowerBook I can afford is (the 17 inch is a little bit too big for my tastes)

Frankly I never use my computer to game, and as a result dont particularly care.

However if you do get a PC laptop definitely. Its just a waste of space owning a desktop in a dorm room, not to mention inconvenient.

Dont get me wrong, I love Macs more than anything, but if you have alternative needs, you have alternative needs and no end of sexy design and industrial strength operating systems is going to change that.

crowdaddy

Jun 1, 2004, 04:58 PM

what if i already have a 2 year old Dell latitude, 1.2 ghz, 256 mg ram hanging around? It would do all that library stuff quite easily, and runs office fine? However I still want an apple for its intuitive interface and the less problems it causes. I am stuck as my gut tells me to go desktop but you people say go laptop, even though i have this dell poking around.

mac4drew

Jun 1, 2004, 05:56 PM

Mac Laptops are smaller, faster, and better for the money.

In my opinion, the only reason to have a PC is to play computer games and for the few programs that aren't Mac compatible. For a PC laptop to be good at playing computer games, it has to be bulky and unsightly, completely defeating the purpose of buying a laptop.

I would suggest a top of the line 12" iBook G4 and the best PC Desktop you can afford after that. Don't get the 14" iBook because the screen resolution is the same, and it ends up being a huge waste of money.

If you're not interested in computer games, or don't need to work with obscure programs not available on the Mac, then don't get a PC. I know it might be hard to leave behind a platform you are used to, but the costs far outweigh the benefits in the end. If you're going to go this route, I'd suggest a 12" iBook G4 in the middle or bottom of the line and a Dual 1.8 G5.

7on

Jun 1, 2004, 07:39 PM

You might as well give that Dell latitude to your parents. I was originally going to go with a Mac laptop and a desktop PC, but eventually I went for like 2 months never even turning on the PC and just using my Powerbook while sitting on the couch. I then just gave my mom my desktop and I put my laptop on my computer desk. However, like someone said, if you play HL/CS or want to play HL2 when it comes out get a Mac laptop and a PC desktop. In that situation you can use the PC as a gaming/server rig and do everything else on the Mac-book. I did use the PC as a server on campus for a while (saving stuff on the campus provided servers is never reliable since viruses seem to take it out at the worst times) but the hdd died on that. Luckily I got a 120GB hdd that I stuck in my external enclosure for xmas.

geez I need a job... um sorry just thinking out loud.

crowdaddy

Jun 1, 2004, 08:22 PM

parrothead

Jun 1, 2004, 08:26 PM

I say neither. Stick with what you have. I made it all the way through my college experience using a Mac Classic. Being that I graduated in 97, the classic was already pretty old by the time I was in college. If you already have a computer that works decently enough, save your money, trust me you are going to need it. :eek:

dopefiend

Jun 1, 2004, 09:16 PM

Mac Laptops are smaller, faster, and better for the money.

Well thats a funny joke.

Kevlar

Jun 1, 2004, 09:59 PM

Since you got a laptop (love my TIbook and is my only computer at university), I say max out a DP G5 so you could get a 2.0GHz or wait till WWDC and then get whatever they release there.

I love my mac with xCode for all of my programing in engineering but really didn't need the laptop all that much. Comes in handy with profs that put notes on the web (and saves writing ;) ), but other then that I rarely bring it to class with me.

jaw04005

Jun 1, 2004, 09:59 PM

So, what you all are saying is that ditch the capable Dell lattitude and go with a mac lappy, and thats it? I just think that is sort of a waste as the dell can handle the other stuff (portability situations like library visits, etc.) fine and if I had a DP G5 1.8 I'd have a high power mac to game on and do everything else I want to do on it such as iLife, etc.

Am I missing something or...? Why would it not be wise to just add a G5 DP 1.8 to go with my current laptop??

It looks like you have already made up your mind, the community here has given you good advice from all sides. Its ultimately your decision now. Personally, as much as I dislike Dell.. I don't think a 1Ghz lattitude is a piece, and would work fine for research and the occasional trip to the library.

mac4drew

Jun 1, 2004, 10:17 PM

Well thats a funny joke.
What's so funny? Mac Laptops are smaller than any full-featured PC Laptop. Sure you can get some crappy VIAO from Sony that's completely stripped down (missing a CD drive, a good sized screen, a full sized keyboard, an acceptable sound card, an acceptable video card, and tons of other features that come standard in every Mac Laptop). But you can't edit video or play any form of computer games (except maybe Solitare) on the kind of sans-feature "sleek" laptops anyone on the PC side is putting out today.

As for faster, you may be right. I'm sure there is a computer that some company (Alienware, I bet) has bravely decided to market as a laptop, that weighs 50 pounds and burns your legs off if you ever get up the courage to set it on your lap. Apple has decided to go the route of practical computing by today's technological standards, and it shows in the quality of their computers.

As for a Mac laptop being "better," as far as software we'd have to start rehashing the whole Mac vs. Windows debate and that could get ugly, ;) so let's chalk that up to my personal bias towards Mac OS X and its superior ease of use and security. As far as hardware, I would say that Apple spends more time designing its hardware than certain other companies (Dell) who are more than happy to shove a bunch of crappy stock parts inside a boxy laptop case and hope it works. That's why they are better.

If you have any kind of rebuttal to that, throw it at me, I'm ready for ya. :D

malfaiteur

Jun 2, 2004, 03:49 AM

if I had a DP G5 1.8 I'd have a high power mac to game on...

Am I missing something or...? Why would it not be wise to just add a G5 DP 1.8 to go with my current laptop??

[1 penny opinion]

I was under the impression that you wanted the PC to game on. A dual G5 would be a good system to game on, if Macs did in fact have a great selection of the newest games. That is not the case. So, if you feel you will want to game a lot in college (as I did) then you'll need a decent PC to do so. If you think that Dell laptop will work for the games you want to play, then just stick with that and buy nothing. If it isn't going to cut the mustard for the games you like, get a desktop PC that will.

As far as the laptop is concerned, that's going to have to be your call. However small it may be, it's still one more thing to lug to class. I'm too lazy to haul much but a (paper)notebook to class for the few notes I end up taking. However, there are people who aren't as lazy as me who like having their lappies in class for...well, notes or something.

SO, short version - If you want the newest games, get a good PC and a "Mac Lappy" that you can afford. If the latest in gaming diversion doesn't put a sparkle in your eyes, then get the better Mac - again, get a laptop if you think you'll use it, otherwise just a G5 PM.

[/1 penny opinion]

garybUK

Jun 2, 2004, 04:19 AM

What's so funny? Mac Laptops are smaller than any full-featured PC Laptop. Sure you can get some crappy VIAO from Sony that's completely stripped down (missing a CD drive, a good sized screen, a full sized keyboard, an acceptable sound card, an acceptable video card, and tons of other features that come standard in every Mac Laptop). But you can't edit video or play any form of computer games (except maybe Solitare) on the kind of sans-feature "sleek" laptops anyone on the PC side is putting out today.

As for faster, you may be right. I'm sure there is a computer that some company (Alienware, I bet) has bravely decided to market as a laptop, that weighs 50 pounds and burns your legs off if you ever get up the courage to set it on your lap. Apple has decided to go the route of practical computing by today's technological standards, and it shows in the quality of their computers.

As for a Mac laptop being "better," as far as software we'd have to start rehashing the whole Mac vs. Windows debate and that could get ugly, ;) so let's chalk that up to my personal bias towards Mac OS X and its superior ease of use and security. As far as hardware, I would say that Apple spends more time designing its hardware than certain other companies (Dell) who are more than happy to shove a bunch of crappy stock parts inside a boxy laptop case and hope it works. That's why they are better.

If you have any kind of rebuttal to that, throw it at me, I'm ready for ya. :D

I am currently in the market for a laptop and being the owner of 3 mac's (tiBook 667mhz, Dual 1.8 G5, Powermac 7300), i have been severly let down by the build quality of the powerbooks, the batteries are dead, paintwork is a nightmare on this laptop but they are beautiful machines and the OS is well i think unbeatable. But i have decided on a PC Laptop.. for around the same price as a 12" Powerbook Combo drive, i can get a HiGrade 1.7ghz 2mb Cache Pentium-M, 512mb DDR Ram, 60gb Hard Disk, DVD+-RW Drive, ATI 64mb Radeon 9600 15" TFT, Wifi, Modem, Firewire. I have to admit they are not a patch on the style of the mac's but i do beleive that the arguments on build quality dont stand.

Its very embarrasing to show people your MAC with so many defects... Ipod, Battery Powerbook, Whitespots & paintwork & Wifi performance

Please dont get me wrong, i am not mac bashing, infact i am a huge fan of apple's products but the current range of Pentium's do outperform the Portable Mac's and the price we pay we should be expecting hardware with not so many defects.

gekko513

Jun 2, 2004, 07:44 AM

The community has given advice, but not much on the question asked. I assume most of your gaming will be done on the desktop.

Crappy PC lappy + G5 desktop:
+ iLife is better on a G5 with a larger screen
+ DVD-burning of your iLife products
+ just one purchase
- fewer games available

Crappy Mac lappy + PC desktop
+ more games available for the desktop
+ Your Mac lappy can network with PCs and other Macs using just a regular ethernet cable
- iLife is not as fun on a small screen and with no DVD-burning

If you have many friends or connections with PCs, then it may be a plus to have a portable PC so you can play with PC stuff on the go. On the other hand this goes for Macs too if you meet Mac people, and also if you have a portable Mac lappy, then maybe your PC friends will convert ;)

I'd go for a G5 desktop ... then you can get a G5 Mac lappy when the Dell Latitude is ready for retirement.

crowdaddy

Jun 2, 2004, 01:14 PM

I thank you all for your advice.

Yea, probably all gaming will be done on the desktop. I always have the need to be on the bleeding edge for piece of mind when purchasing this stuff, so that is why I am almost 100% sure I am going to wait till WWDC to get the DP (insert ghz here)G5 to go with my lappy. A question though: is 1GB ram as well as the Ati 9800 Pro vid card overkill in terms of performance required for UT2k4 and battlefield 1942?

Thanks again

dopefiend

Jun 2, 2004, 01:17 PM

A question though: is 1GB ram as well as the Ati 9800 Pro vid card overkill in terms of performance required for UT2k4 and battlefield 1942?

Thanks again

Nope, that will be fine.

Mantat

Jun 2, 2004, 01:27 PM

I thank you all for your advice.

Yea, probably all gaming will be done on the desktop. I always have the need to be on the bleeding edge for piece of mind when purchasing this stuff, so that is why I am almost 100% sure I am going to wait till WWDC to get the DP (insert ghz here)G5 to go with my lappy.

Good idea

A question though: is 1GB ram as well as the Ati 9800 Pro vid card overkill in terms of performance required for UT2k4 and battlefield 1942?
Thanks again
just a little overkill but the card is a good choice...

But wait till the conf to get the new mac with the new ATI cards which are much better.

crowdaddy

Jun 2, 2004, 01:33 PM

Why is that 9800 Card so bloody expensive!!? Wow, it costs a lot to upgrade from the standard 9600 at apple.ca.

kelvinz

Jun 2, 2004, 01:37 PM

I would suggest you buy a nice PC laptop and a cheaper Apple Laptop.

Becuase PC desktops are very verstile and do everything as well as a Apple

+more if you like to play video games engage in legal "fileshaing" the PC is much better suited to that.

nina

Jun 2, 2004, 01:43 PM

Count me in the Mac laptop/PC desktop camp.

I would say get a midrange Apple laptop and go nuts with the desktop PC. I realize the fact that you have a PC laptop already - maybe you could sell it, or pass it along to someone else?

If you're extremely serious about gaming, there's no question - you need a PC. While a DP G5 will give insane performance right now, I'd be worried about upgrading components like the video card down the road. Mac parts always carry a premium price, and if you're into tweaking and upgrading your gaming rig, a Windows box will just give you more flexibility. Windows PCs are the standard for gaming - Macs are fine, but it seems like gamers are a niche group on this platform.

The iBook G4 is PERFECT for a student. The 12" model gives an amazing value for the price. Unless you're planning on going NUTS with iLife, (eg. huge projects in iMove/iDVD) the iBook G4 will be more than enough to suit your needs. Install the screen-spanning hack and hook it up to your PC monitor if you want more space. And you'll get to take a Mac to classes and show the world that you're a Mac user - you'll REALLY stand out from the crowd!

I was two seconds away from buying a 12" iBook to complement my aging P4 1.3 GHz desktop. Since I don't game much anymore, the Windows box has become my download box. I decided to take a financial hit and spring for the 12" Powerbook instead, mainly so I could hook it up to my 20" Apple Cinema Display (connected to my PC right now) and run Final Cut Pro - something that will come in handy during the next few classes in film production :p

crowdaddy

Jun 2, 2004, 10:27 PM

Still though, I want my most powerful machine to be a mac. I am not VERY serious about gaming, it is just fun to do once and a while. Oh man, i don't think I will ever get through this dilemma.

I think what I am going to do is against some of your peoples' advice. I am going to utilize my current laptop (dell 1.2ghz lattitude) for school for the portability stuff, and have a G5 DP 2.0 Ghz for my room. I want to have the full apple experience with all doors open for me. I do not believe an ibook would cut it and that route would be more expensive anyway as I would have to purchase or build a PC desktop of considerable stature.

crowdaddy

Jun 2, 2004, 10:56 PM

Well, wait.

What about a maxed out Dual G4? If I did that I could possibly afford a ibook as well as the Desktop to go with it. What do you think of that idea?

Ph4lynx

Jun 3, 2004, 12:33 AM

i think its a great idea
i have a friend with a maxed out dual g4
2gb ram, radeon 9800 pro, dual 1.25ghz

that machine games very nicely!
and its very snappy and responsive

you also wouldnt have to wait till WWDC
(cause they arnt going to update the G4s any time soon :p)

gekko513

Jun 3, 2004, 08:05 AM

(cause they arnt going to update the G4s any time soon :p)
They may drop in price though. Waiting for the WWDC seems like a good idea no matter what solution you choose.

Abstract

Jun 3, 2004, 09:44 AM

Wait, so you're gonna buy a DP 1.8 GHz G5 as a gaming machine, and keep the PC laptop because you can bring it to school? You should always do it the other way around, which is why I'll say get the iBook and a good PC laptop for gaming.

What's so funny? Mac Laptops are smaller than any full-featured PC Laptop. Sure you can get some crappy VIAO from Sony that's completely stripped down (missing a CD drive, a good sized screen, a full sized keyboard, an acceptable sound card, an acceptable video card, and tons of other features that come standard in every Mac Laptop).....

....As for faster, you may be right. I'm sure there is a computer that some company (Alienware, I bet) has bravely decided to market as a laptop, that weighs 50 pounds and burns your legs off if you ever get up the courage to set it on your lap. Apple has decided to go the route of practical computing by today's technological standards, and it shows in the quality of their computers.

Gateway 200X, IBM T40, and others are good laptops with better battery life, and a 15" screen. I haven't checked recent specs of either machine, but it would be hard for Gateway and IBM to fudge up either computer's design. They don't look as good as the 15" PB, though.