Powerbook or iBook...again.

[McGuillicuddy]

Here's the deal. In the UK I get an academic discount, so the prices are:

12" iBook 1.2 GHz
60 GB HD
Bluetooth
Applecare

Total: £853.18 (incl. £157 for Applecare)

12" Powerbook 1.33 GHz
60 GB
Bluetooth
Applecare

Total: £1162.08 (incl. £220 for Applecare)

What I want from a new machine is something that will last me 3-4 years for regular internet/word processing/DVD viewing/travelling/occasional game (e.g. WC3, Call-of-Duty...none of the new games obviously). For these purposes, is the extra processing/GPU power of the Powerbook worth the extra £300 (which is about USD$555, or CAD$675)?? Will the Powerbook remain functionally useful for much that longer than the iBook?

Thanks!

[dotnina]

So, you want to know if you should get the PB for $555 more (sorry, American here -- thanks for the conversion :)), with its extra .13 GHz of processing power? Hmm ... ;)

I think you'd get by happily with an iBook. I really don't think it'll be worth it to put down extra cash, considering what you want. The Powerbook won't necessarily last any longer than an iBook. If anything, I'd guess an iBook would last longer, only because polycarbonate would hold up better than aluminum in falls or drops.

Since you want to have your computer in top shape for years, consider the three-year Applecare warranty. You'll find that your student discount also fetches you a nice discount on this. (Edit: I'm an idiot, you mentioned this in your post, didn't you.)

[zen_state]

if I had a dime for every time one of these same threads were started I would be rich. try a search..