Should I upgrade to the PowerBook (from iBook)?

chosenwolf · Mar 8, 2006

Hi,

I have a 12" iBook that I'm very happy with. I'd like the superdrive, internal bluetooth, and better performance. This should be enough to justify getting a powerbook no?

I'm not really going to be watching movies or editing film so a 12" would be fine.

What do you guys think? What kind of differences will I expect?

Eidorian · Mar 8, 2006

You could just get a bluetooth USB dongle and an external FireWire DVD burner instead of selling your iBook and getting a PowerBook.

After G · Mar 8, 2006

Yea, it's not really worth the hassle of getting a new computer for bluetooth and superdrive.

steelphantom · Mar 8, 2006

I wouldn't purchase a 12" PowerBook as they are going to be phased out soon anyway, and it probably won't be much more powerful than your current iBook. If I were you I would either purchase the accessories separately as Eidorian suggested or wait for a new Intel laptop that will satisfy your needs.

Eidorian · Mar 8, 2006

Yeah, it'd be annoying on the road to carry around. If you want wireless devices at home and don't mind being unable to burn on the road, then get the upgrades and save your money.

The external DVD burner would also be x16 and not x8 too.

WildCowboy · Mar 8, 2006

It really depends on what you need it for. If you don't want external options and don't really need ultimate power, a new iBook should be fine for you. Bluetooth is now standard in iBooks and you can of course get a Superdrive. If you wait until the Intel iBooks come out, you'll probably get some more goodies, including a slightly larger screen.

chosenwolf · Mar 9, 2006

Thanks for the input guys. Here's what I think....

An internal bluetooth model would be around $120 installed. If I could sell my iBook for around $800, I could buy a 1.33ghz PB w/ superdrive and bluetooth for around $1,000, making it a difference of only $200.

Now I'm contemplating going with a bigger screen. I'm going to swing by the Apple Store and use all 3 sizes.

p0intblank · Mar 9, 2006

Do you absolutely need portability? For $799 you can get the new Mac mini Core Duo 1.66 GHz, SuperDrive and Bluetooth included. And don't forget the awesome extras like iLife '06 and Front Row. You can also get a nice LCD monitor for the $200 extra you were willing to spend.

Just my 2 cents.

chosenwolf · Mar 9, 2006

p0intblank said:
Do you absolutely need portability? For $799 you can get the new Mac mini Core Duo 1.66 GHz, SuperDrive and Bluetooth included. And don't forget the awesome extras like iLife '06 and Front Row. You can also get a nice LCD monitor for the $200 extra you were willing to spend.

Just my 2 cents.

Yes, it must be a laptop. I have a P4 2.4ghz at home with a nice 20.1" Wide Aspect Dell Monitor =)

Will_reed · Mar 9, 2006

Yeah buy a powerbook they really are nice.

exeterbohemian · Mar 10, 2006

while i don't think superdrive and bluetooth would necessarily be reason enough alone to upgrade to a powerbook, i think you'll find that upon using one, you're sold. i mean, i've used plenty of ibooks before. and they're certainly great machines. but nothing has the 'feel' of a powerbook. owning a powerbook now, i could never conceive of owning an ibook. not that i have anything against them. just personal preference, i suppose.

Josias · Mar 11, 2006

I would just wait, till they make an Intel iBook. The iBooks already have internal BT, and i'm sure you can get superdrive in the Intel 12" (or 13" as many people say). And with Intel, you'll get the good performance.

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Should I upgrade to the PowerBook (from iBook)?

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