Poll: 12" iBook or 15" PowerBook

Hey all:

So I just sold my netbook and am looking for a Mac replacement. I've got around $250-300 to spend, and this will be a third computer (for two people) to be used almost entirely just for internet browsing (plus some basic office-type stuff and music).

I DO NOT WANT ANOTHER PC NETBOOK (or a hackintosh, either - I don't like the netbook hardware).

I am considering the following:

1) 12" iBook G4. 1.33GHz, 512MB RAM, 40GB hard drive, combo drive, working battery. I can get this for around $250.

2) 15" PowerBook G4. Also 1.33GHz, 512MB RAM, 60GB hard drive, combo drive, working battery. I can get this for around $300.

Which should I get? Is the PowerBook enough of a better machine to warrant the higher price and bigger size? I know a 12" PowerBook would be ideal, but I can't find any under $300 in good shape. If you have any suggestions, let me know!

Pixellated said:

I'd go for the PowerBook.

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Thanks. I'm coming from a Macbook and a netbook - I just worry about the size (and it is a bit more coin). But is the 15" screen (and consequently larger size) worth it?

ucfgrad93 said:

Well, if size and money are the main concerns I would go with the iBook.

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It is, but it ain't. I have to keep it under $300 (or very close, at least), but both are possible in that price range. My biggest concern is the size. I previously had a 17" HP laptop and that thing was a beast! I vowed to never have anything that huge again. And since this is gonna be mostly for the web, I wonder if the 15" will be of any use. Then again, the resolution is higher, and that would be awesome!

Thanks for the help, all! I just noticed one other thing comparing the specs on Everymac.com - the PowerBook has a faster system bus AND support more RAM (2GB vs. 1.5). I think I'll go for the PowerBook, if I can find a good enough deal. The price will make all the difference...

bman0408 said:

not sure what the graphics cards are in those 2 systems but the PB should have a better one... im saying go with the PB if not for any other reason, for the 2gb max ram... that ram is going to make or break the system when your using modern apps... max it out at 2 gigs and you will have a pretty sweet internet machine.

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The iBook has a 32MB ATI Radeon Mobility 9550 and the PowerBook has a 64MB ATI Radeon Mobility 9700. I don't plan to play games on it (though it would be nice if it could run some older games comfortably).

The 2GB max RAM is the biggest selling point to me. And the higher screen res... It was a tough decision, but I think I've made my mind up, if I can find the right deal...

EDIT: ugh, of course it gets harder. I may be able to get the iBook for $225. That's a ~$100 difference...

Shake 'n' Bake said:

PowerBook. A 15'' screen at 1440x900 (or there about) provides very little screen real estate, especially when compared to a 1680x1050 22'' monitor (like I have). IIRC, the iBook is 1366x768.

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The iBook is 1024x768 (4:3) and the PB is 1280x854 (16:10?). I have a 17" iMac now - its 1440x900. However, remember this is replacing a netbook (1024x600) so anything is an improvement.

Shake 'n' Bake said:

Plus the PB is more expandable, looks better (I never liked the 4:3 displays on the iBook), may have better specs, and it's made of Al, rather than petroleum.

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No arguments there - the only complaint I've heard is from my wife. She doesn't like the aluminum because when its been off its cold on your legs (in shorts).

Shake 'n' Bake said:

Or for $300, you could probably get a really nifty (and nicely equipped) PowerBook Duo and dock! That dock is quite a feat.

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PowerBook Duo, huh? Now there's a thought... though I think the 100MHz (tops) processor may not quit be all that.

Shake 'n' Bake said:

All but one model were 68k, too. And with a maximum OS of 9.1, there's not much you could do. I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for one, though, just because the dock is really cool.

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OS 9 is still useful... just not much so for web browsing (a "modern" browser doesn't exist to my knowledge). I've just not been a Mac-head long enough to appreciate the older machines as much as I'd like... The Duo looks great, though - and yeah, the dock is uber-cool. I had a cool dock/stand (HP expansion base) for my 17" HP laptop, and that's the only thing I truly miss from it.

My first Mac was a PowerMac 6500 (225MHz 603e) - I kept it all of two months and replaced it with a Blue&White G3 (300MHz). I loved that machine and it was the start of a beautiful friendship (Later I had a PowerMac G4 w/dual 500MHz, a G4 iMac, a Core Solo Mini, etc., etc.).

EDIT: I just saw a PowerBook Duo 2300c on eBay for $18 and change... Cool!

Yeah, I've decided on the 15" PowerBook, assuming prices that I've found stay the same. I think the extra screen size will be worth it, and it only weight 0.7 pounds more, plus its actually thinner than the iBook. Thanks for the comments! Y'all talked me right into it...

Ordered the PowerBook last night.

15" PowerBook G4, 1.33GHz, 512MB RAM (up to 2GB), 60GB HD, Combo drive, ATI 9700 64MB, 30 day warranty, 30 day return, for $275.99 plus shipping.

Hopefully all will be well with it, but if not I can return it...

hodgeheg said:

but the increasingly common 16:9 I really don't like. Here's hoping Apple stick with 16:10 at least.

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I'll second that. I think the 16:9 screens are terribly for actual "computer" usage - Web browsing, document reading, etc. Sure, they're great for movies, but I have a TV for that. My computer only watches movies as a secondary function.

I'm looking forward to the PowerBook - I think once I upgrade the RAM to 2GB and the hard drive to a 5400 or 7200 RPM it'll be a pretty sweet machine.