Future proof as in, after they're released it'll be another year or two into the future before third party apps have universal binaries. Of course the iLife apps and the OS will be on universal binaries straight away. If he wants to save money he'll need to buy an older version of Office and he'd get G3 performance on that "future-proof" x86 Mac. Office might be necessary if he's writing for the school paper.
I agree though, getting a used G3 iBook is going to be about the same as getting a brand new x86 iBook next year performance wise, for all existing PPC software.
He there, I can spell alright. I am using internet slang. Don't deny the fact that you do not on any level use slang on the internet. I mean I have been playinf Counter Strike Source, and some habits are hard to get rid if. I do not want to make Cross Country runners look bad.
We are a rare breed who actually have a passion for running. ANy sport takes dedication and you have to admire them. Macrumors would not be the same if people did not dedicate theit time in the forums and away from their girlfriends.
It was late at night when I typed that long entry. I do miss my girlfriend she is Vancouver, but I mean what good is my ibook if I can't be with her. Ibooks do come in handy.
I gowe my Mac my 3.7 that I got last quarter, I had a 2.3 winter quarter. It kept me away from PC games like CS and made me focus a lot more. I remember seeing this claim in a forum backed by a study that Mac users are usually 43% more productive than windows users.
Seriosuly the only reason I don't use my ibook too much around the house is because I need more power and I have my pc hooked up. But to know that my little ibook can edit and has firewire capanilities when most of my friends computers can, it is a rush to know it.