Refurb PowerBook vs. black MacBook

Hello everyone!
So here's my dilemna...
I have a 1st gen iMac G4 right now, and I've been waiting about a year or so to get a laptop. At first I didn't want a MacBook Pro because I wanted the 2nd Gen with Merom. I recently realized that a MacBook Pro with Merom would be more expensive than a regular black MacBook and I decided I'd rather have sort of a bare-bones Mac laptop and one of those new 24in. iMac powerhouses. So I've decided to buy a laptop soon and get one of the new iMac's in the spring of 07 when Leopard comes out. However, I can't decide what laptop I want. It's basically a standoff between this refurbished 12" PowerBook Apple has on the refurbished section of its store or a new black MacBook. The PowerBook is the last generation of its kind so it is (or was) top-of-the-line. Here are the specs:

- Apple Certified Refurbished PowerBook G4
- 12.1-inch TFT Display
- 1024x768 resolution
- 1.5GHz PowerPC G4
- 512MB DDR333 SDRAM
- 80GB Hard Drive
- Slot-load SuperDrive
- NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 (64MB DDR)
- Full size keyboard
- 10/100BASE-T Ethernet
- FireWire 400
- Analog audio in/out
- Mini-DVI out
- Trackpad scrolling capability
- AirPort Extreme
- Bluetooth 2.0 + Enhanced Data Rates
- Sudden Motion Sensor (SMS)
- two USB 2.0 ports
- Mini-DVI-to-VGA adapter
- 56K modem (v.92)
- $1,199

I've always liked the 12" PowerBook as it has a small footprint, is light as 4.6 pounds, and is made out of aluminum.

However, my father has a friend who works for Apple who can get a black MacBook for a base price of $1,270, which is a very attractive price. However, it seems like Apple will be updating it soon given the release of the Core 2 Duo processor, so I'd want to wait for the MacBook to be updated with that. It seems like such an update is right around the corner. But I really don't feel like waiting another month or so for it to be updated. It's not that I need a laptop right now for college but I'm just tired of waiting. I also prefer the feel of the PowerBook to the black MacBook and the G4 does have a dedicated graphics card.

So, what should I do? They're both about the same price. Should I get the G4 or wait till the end of September to see if the MacBook is updated or if Apple releases a smaller MacBook Pro?

MovieCutter said:

MacBook, no question. It's futureproofed FAR better than the Powerbook.

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That's true, but I'd have that 24in. iMac as well... I mean I'm not really in need of a laptop that acts as a full-on desktop replacement as I'll basically be using it for notetaking, music, and internet use.

I just don't know - it's so mind boggling. I like the feel of the G4 a lot more. Yet I like the MacBook but I don't know if they're going to update it within the month to Merom and hopefully a dedicated graphics chip.

aristobrat said:

Sounds like your mind is made up.

FWIW, as cool as the aluminum PB looks, the screen of the MacBooks are soooo much better and I doubt you'd notice any size/weight difference between the two.

The price difference between the two is $71. IMO, that either makes the PB very overpriced or the MacBook an extremely good deal.

If you're not wanting to pull the trigger on the MacBook because Core 2 Duo is right around the corner, why the heck would you pull the trigger (for basically the same amount of money) for a PB?

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Well, im not paying for it hehehe... but i suppose i'll wait out September and see what Apple comes out with - I wish a 13" or 12" MacBook Pro was on the way.

coal said:

Let me get this straight: You're worried about an as-yet-unknown future upgrade to the Macbook line that would make the current Macbook a bit dated so instead of going with the up-to-date Macbook you're contemplating purchasing a Powerbook that hasn't been cutting edge for years now?

Go buy the Macbook. I have one and love it.

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Well, I suppose that's true, though the PowerBook is not exactly slow by any means, and it is made of metal and has a preferable key layout (to me) at least.

I guess Sept. 25 is the next "event" Apple is holding... hopefully we'll see some MacBook updates there.

ZoomZoomZoom said:

Not sure why there are so many votes for the Blackbook.

The OP is looking for something nice, "bare-bones", and portable to complement a powerhouse 24'' iMac.

I use my 12'' PBG4 pretty heavily, and the processor doesn't get too taxed. If I had shelled out for a RAM upgrade, I'm sure that it would be running absolutely smooth right now.

12'' PBG4 has size and weight to its advantage. Aesthetically, it looks better, in my opinion and to the opinion of the OP. It has a dedicated graphics card. And it runs cool. I tried heating mine up once with as much intensive work as possible and I don't think I passed 60deg C.

I would say differently if the OP didn't havea 24'' iMac, but it's obvious that the laptop is supposed to be a portable computer to do light work. You do not need a C2D to do that. The only further consideration is dual-booting into Windows, but because the OP is even considering the PBG4, I'm assuming that it's not an issue.

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Not sure what OP and C2D mean since I'm a newbie but oh well. Anyway, I do not have the 24" iMac yet but plan to get it in the spring of 07, with Leopard. Dual Booting would be nice, but basically the only reason I want it is so I can play RollerCoaster Tycoon again lol. And of course, I'd have that option on the new iMac. I like how the BlackBook has a widescreen which is nice for DVDs. And I believe the battery life is comparable on the two. I wish I could get it for less than $1,199 - especially that refurb one.

The only thing that's keeping me from the BlackBook is the keyboard layout - it's just uncomfortable and I can't get used to it - one of my friends in my dorm has a white one and I just don't like it. Notetaking would be a far easier business with one of the aluminum keyboards. It's annoying how the keyboard is like almost recessed into the base of the MacBook.