Switching from MacBook to PowerBook?

Considering that a macmini c2d 1.83 in the refurb store is 499 plus tax and online the user mrstich7? (ebay mac mini 1.83) is selling them for 469 or 489 no tax no shipping AND they actually come (I just got mine today! it's great! perfect in everyway!)

I'd say you are better off just buying a mac mini for that, since it is the same if not better then your current macbook, and a decent shape powerbook 12inch is going to run you just about 500 anyway.

Just my two cents... not to mention the mini is built to run like it does, the macbook will get a little toasty running clam shell all the time.

PS. if your ibook is still in good shape and running ok, it should fetch you a nice 300-500 dollars on ebay. People still are snatchin those things up.

Im in the same boat!!!

Im glad you made this thread!!!

If you check out my other forum:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/433411/

Im interested in buying a Powerbook as well just for the wireless access to the internet and portability. They are probably one of the best laptops ever made and they will easily get the job done even by todays standards! Im going 15" just because I am in love with that backlit keyboard!!!

My answer is go for it! Just go with the newest one you can afford! Thats what everyone told me and will be the best performing and you will notice the "oldness" the least!!

Welcome!

Hehehehe.. I'll sell you a powerbook g4 that has some kernal issues....

Unless you specifically need PowerPC hardware for some reason, I strongly suggest not spending much money on old PPC Macs.

Go for it, Powerbooks are lovely.

Fuchal said:

Unless you specifically need PowerPC hardware for some reason, I strongly suggest not spending much money on old PPC Macs.

Click to expand...

If the original poster wanted just a machine for (quote) ‘safari, mail, adium, and itunes music or video every once in a while.’, even now, a 12" Powerbook G4 would manage that task very well. I do so with my own 12" PB each day for the past 4 years, smoothly and without any problems. Even the latest Leopard runs great. So I would definitely recommend it for these tasks, with the added benefit of being super-portable for carrying it with you around the house.

I am sure that there are many bargains out there for old PPC computers that still have much life in them. As an added bonus, RAM upgrades, faster HDs and replacement batteries can be found very cheaply too.

One thing to consider is to compare the screen of the Powerbook to the Macbook’s. I have my 12" next to a 20" Apple Display and there is a difference in contrast and colour. I am sure the screen on the Macbook will be much more colourful with more contrast because of the glossy screen. If you are watching lots of movies/video, maybe you need to see them side-by-side before making your decision.

If you decide to get the PB, keep in mind that their screen is just 1024x768 4:3. Way to small, even for your uses...

Get an Intel Mini (even if a Core Duo) cause a PB 12" is gonna cost nearly the same, and although they are good machines, they just won't compare with newer hardware. Move forward, don't look back!