ibook or centrino

[panda]

ibook -yes!!!

hi there nikebolla09,

i'm sure you are getting lots of good ideas, judging by the feedback.

here's something more to consider......

apple is a totally integrated package and the experience is wonderful.

when you buy a mac, you are buying much more than a computer. you are buying a rich, multi-faceted environment that goes way beyond 'just' the hardware.

at one level it is excellent hardware that works seemlessly with its own stunning operating system and software, all designed for each other.

at another level it is the best support, providing technical assistance for both the hardware and software, all in ONE place! the advantage of this is definately apple's best kept secret. any question regarding any aspect of the 'package', is addressed in ONE place, by one person who understands how it all works and all fits together. i cannot overstate the importance of this integrated package.

stunning!

at another level, it is continuous free upgrades and developments, in an environment that just continues to get better and better.

at another level, it is more than a tool, it is a way of approaching life, a la ilife.

the ibook is rock-solid, a total joy to use and just so fun to take around the place.

no question in my mind go for it!!!!

 

[dieselg4]

oK, I admit i ahven't gone trolling through the store's website, but what Toshiba are we talking about here? I'd be easier to do a direct comparison.

 

[Timelessblur]

Another good question is what do you need the computer to do. Each side has it pluses and minuses. There is a fair amont of stuff that lets face it Macs just suck at due to lack of the software. take it a lot people never will face that problem but it still is a fair question.

What do you need this computer do to in more detail and what do you need it to do? That helps you choose the best plateform to go with 2.

 

[dieselg4]

Ok, I saw a Toshiba on CompUSA's website for 1049, with the "Laptop Esssntials" Bundle (a plethora of mail-in rebates - remember that you have to front the cash for that, they're free in a month or two when they mail your checks back)

The Toshiba seems to be ok, though its big for having a resolution of only 1024x768. It also has shared video memory, which sucks for 3d gaming, if you're into that kind of thing. If you want a PC laptop for gaming, you should really get one with dedicated video memory. If its like some others, you can do freaky things like dial up or down your alotted video memory, but whatever you alot is not available for other uses. (you laptop would only really have 224 MB Ram).

The Pentium M 1.5 will most likely be faster than the G4 in the iBook. By how much is anybody's guess, prob not alot, but it will be.

If you're a design/arch/graphics student and you're school has pretty new hardware, anything intense like 3D modeling, rendering, etc, will be better handled by something in the lab than any $1000 laptop, and the programs typically cost a fortune (AutoCAd, FOrm Z, Maya, Alias, all come to mind)

Again, depedns on what you're using it for.

 

[nikeballa09]

this would be the toshiba i would get

sorry i havent replied sooner, i didnt expect to get this much feedback so fast. macrumors is a really good site and that would be one reason for the switch to macs. but anyways i an going to be a business major in college so i will be doing a lot of word processing and spreadsheet stuff, as well as photo editing stuff and lots of photoshop. i will also be online a lot and listening to music and little things like that. here is the link to the toshiba at compusa..... http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=313047&pfp=ldaysale the only difference is that instore u get the bundle and a 60 gig hd, and ram is upgradeable to 2 gigs. recently my friend purchased an ibook and we have been talking about then for awhile. he said that it is very slow, he says apps lag when they load. he is gonna get more ram soon and he hopes that it helps. But he also said that its not worth making the switch just for the os. he did it because he liked the 12 in screen and batter life, but the toshiba gets almost as long of life with a bigger screen. so i still dont know what to do, i will go to compusa on friday most likely and check it out and the ibook and compare them.

Once again thanks for the feedback!

 

[dsharits]

My $.02

iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X iBook G4 with OS X

enough said?

Seriously, make a wise investment and get the iBook. You can do so much more with it, and you won't have to deal with Windows. TRUST ME, you do not want the Centrino over the iBook! And that crap about outdated technology- the only outdated technology involved here is the Microsoft Windows OS and all of its quirks. If Bill Gates wants to do something right, he will scrap nearly everything he has built up on XP, and he will start over fresh with Longhorn (which, when (if) it is released, will not run on the Centrino). However, the iBook will continue to run the latest OS from Apple, including Tiger, which incorporates all of the promised technology of Longhorn, and then some. Buy the iBook. You won't be disappointed.

http://www.macvspc.info/
http://www.xvsxp.com/

Daniel

 

[dieselg4]

he says apps lag when they load. he is gonna get more ram soon and he hopes that it helps. But he also said that its not worth making the switch just for the os. he did it because he liked the 12 in screen and batter life, but the toshiba gets almost as long of life with a bigger screen.

That's funny, I think MS Office lags when its loaded n ANY computer! j/k

Sounds like you won't be taxing this system much. I think it comes down to personal preference. Too bad the Apple Store (online) is out of Refurb. 1Gz 15" Alum Powerbooks!

On the battery side, I've yet to see ANY laptop get its stated battery life, be it a Mac or a PC.

 

[SillyKary]

... I sit here using my Sony Centrino based note book with a fantastic 13" widescreen resolution, g standard wireless internet access through my router and a ridiculously fast processor allowing me to multitask away happily with no cables connected to my 1.7kg laptop, in the sunny garden, for in excess of 5 hours. I'm yet to have a crash (even application) and my computer has not been turned off for three weeks.

I can do all the the same things with my iBook.

Or do your really consider the 'virus free' lifestyle worth all the extra money and effort?

What is all the extra money? And extra effort?? Anyway, yes, I would really consider the 'virus free' lifestyle worth extra money ... if extra money was needed.

OK, you said you're looking at this offer. A few things come to mind:

Price
iBook ComboDrive $999 + AirPort card $71 = $1070
(Education prices)
So "more money" means $20.03. Wow, big deal. Often, local university stores may have even better deals. I actually got my AirPort card from the UPenn store for $59 and my iBook had a special deal with extra RAM and free AppleCare. That may just wipe out any difference altogether.

Also, keep in mind that for the CompUSA price, you need to deal with two different mail-in rebates. You will have to shell out $1250 up front.

Size and weight
(assuming you go for the 12" model)
iBook: 28.5 * 23.0 * 3.4 cm, 2.2 kg
Tosh: 33.8 * 27.4 * 4.0 cm, 3.1 kg
Compared to the iBook, the Toshiba is not only much larger, but also 41% heavier. Something to consider when you wanna take it to school often.

Battery
iBook: up to 6 hrs
Tosh: up to 3.9 hrs
Both are advertised numbers, both will be slightly lower in real life. But I do get around 5 hrs of note-taking out of my iBook. Think about that if you wanna go through a day of classes.


Screen
Although the Toshiba is larger, it does not give you more screen real estate. The resolution on both is exactly the same: 1024*768.
That means things on the Toshiba screen will look bigger and perhaps slightly blocky (85 dpi), things on the iBook screen will be smaller but crisper (106 dpi). And no, it's not too small.

Memory
Both come with 256 MB, but:

iBook: 32 MB dedicated video memory. Main RAM expandable to 1.25 GB.
Tosh: 32 MB shared video memory, meaning it eats into your 256 MB RAM leaving only 224 MB for Windows. And then the CompUSA page says: "The manufacturer states that both memory slots may be occupied." = End of the road!

Included software
The list for both is long, but the Toshiba doesn't seem to come with equivalents for iLife (iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, GarageBand), iSync, World Book 2004, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4, Deimos Rising, Sound Studio, Zinio Reader

You wanted reasons for the iBook, these are mine.

 

[Mord]

just remember to get at least 512MB of ram and dont buy it from apple get it 3rd party

 

[svenr]

... i an going to be a business major in college so i will be doing a lot of word processing and spreadsheet stuff, as well as photo editing stuff and lots of photoshop. i will also be online a lot and listening to music and little things like that.

As I said in my earlier post, I went through business school with my iBook. Took it to class every day and did all the same stuff you mentioned. Couldn't be happier.

You may wanna check out other Mac vendors too, they often also have bundle deals. Just don't fall for scams like the one in my sig.

he said that it is very slow, he says apps lag when they load. he is gonna get more ram soon and he hopes that it helps.

It most certainly will. My iBook originally came with 128MB and yes, apps loaded slowly because it had to use so much virtual memory and shift things back and forth on the HD. Now, I have 640MB and for all the same things you mentioned my iBook is very zippy. And I have a 900MHz G3, your's would be even faster as it has faster memory and memory bus, a next-generation processor (compared to my G3) at faster clock speed and faster wireless networking. For "word processing and spreadsheet stuff", listening to music and b-school type photo editing you don't need more than even what I have.

 

[ginner]

What is all the extra money? And extra effort?? Anyway, yes, I would really consider the 'virus free' lifestyle worth extra money ... if extra money was needed.

Here I'm talking specifically about the cost of replacing software.

And I've already established I'm a UK consumer, to me Apples are far more expensive.

I see no benefits of the iBook over my Centrino, nor the Powerbook for that matter; it has a weak screen resolution on the small form factor models and a far slower processor in addition to being incompatible with my software I already own and specific applications I need which are not available for both platforms.

In the UK at least you can get a far better laptop running Windows for the same money and not have to fork out replacing all your programs.

 

[solvs]

You might be happy with a Centrino, but not that one. For $1300 (before rebates) you could buy a nice Mac.

My suggestion, for what you're doing, is an iBook. Education discount with the upgrade to 60 GB and an Airport card (plus 3 years AppleCare) is about $1320. Edu or refurb 12" PBook is just a little more. For $69 more, you could get an iPod. Free HP 5740 printer after rebate. Find some good RAM, 512 MB DDR2700 SO-DIMM for about $100. Wireless routers can be had for about $20 after rebate. Same thing with scanners. I didn't see any bundles with that Toshiba, nothing you can't buy separately at least. Either way you can buy an education version of MS Office for about $130 if AppleWorks or MS Works (which the Toshiba comes with) isn't good enough. Even cheaper at your school probably.

If you're going to buy a PC, at least get a better one than that. Don't get Intergrated Graphics, and you'll want better battery life. And if you're going to get a 15" screen, 1024x768 isn't going to look so good for those complaining about the 'Books screens. It is heavier than the Macs, and that will matter after awhile.

 

[jamdr]

That PC is a piece of junk. Like others have said, if you are for some reason unsatisfied with the iBook, at least don't get that laptop. It's huge and has integrated graphics. And a 15" screen with 1024x768?!? What the heck were they thinking? Even a 14" screen with that resolution would be pathetic, but a 15" one?

 

[kilpajr]

I think you should get the iBook. It will be lighter, smaller, have better battery life, and have better graphics. The ONLY downsides I see are the processor (you won't notice the difference) and possibly incompatible software. However, in a business program I don't think you will require any specialized software such as is required in engineering (which I am in). I got the academic version of Office at my bookstore for $70 so this will probably be the only extra software you will need.

On the other hand, look for other PC laptops. I don't think you are getting much for your money on the one you were considering. Look for one with a 14" display or even a 12" (less weight with the same resolution).

Whatever you do, upgrade the memory to at least 512MB. Let us know what you decide.

 

[kilpajr]

?!!?!? are you joking?! or just on crack? yes, true centrino is designed for energy conservation and lasts the longest of any wintel laptop, but any centrino machine ive ever seen lasts no more than two hours max while an iBook will easily last 4 hours or more. there really is no reason to get a wintel laptop unless you are required to use some windows only software that wont even run in virtual PC . . . or unless you are into some sort of kinky pain enjoyment thing.

then to agree with everyone else getting a windows machine will only invite viruses, adware and frustration. save yourself some time, the iBooks are much better for any college envirnment (unless all you want to do is play games then get a windows desktop)

I think you must be the one on crack. Look at the zdnet review of the Acer TravelMate 8000 and find the battery life comparison. This is a 15" laptop with a 9700 video card and it gets almost 5.5 hours in the battery test. None of the laptops in the zdnet comparison got below 208 minutes. And, this is an actual test, not just claims!

 

[solvs]

I think you must be the one on crack. Look at the zdnet review of the Acer TravelMate 8000 and find the battery life comparison. This is a 15" laptop with a 9700 video card and it gets almost 5.5 hours in the battery test. None of the laptops in the zdnet comparison got below 208 minutes. And, this is an actual test, not just claims!

For around $2000 and 7lbs, I would hope so. I'm hoping if Apple could come out with a G4 Laptop with a higher FSB and more L2 cache, it would erase the lead the PCs have in raw speed. Or at least make them more competitive with the top-end, lighter PC Laptops. I still think Apple compete's pretty well on the low end. You can probably (well definitely) find cheaper PCs, but the iBook is a really good value. Especially considering it's nearing the end of it's cycle.

The rest of your points above were pretty good though.

 

[kilpajr]

If Apple can come out with the dual-core G4 in the PB within a year I think they will blow the competition away. Think of the power savings you would get by shutting down one core while doing non-CPU intensive tasks. BTW solvs, I didn't mean to come across harshly, I definitely see the benefits of the Mac. That's why I bought one and haven't looked back since.

 

[Seanb23]

On the battery side, I've yet to see ANY laptop get its stated battery life, be it a Mac or a PC.

A friend of mine had an M-chip based laptop custom built a while back for around 2000 USD. It runs more than twice as fast as my 17 inch 1ghz Pbook, and the battery lasts at least TWICE as long. No viruses or crashes whatsoever. If I could run OS X on something like that I would sell the pbook in an instant. As a matter of fact, if Apple does not get a modern proc and decent battery into it's laptop line in one year's time, I'm gonna have to re-switch. The competition is THAT far ahead of us right now...the gnarly cpu intensive audio aps I like to use are simply too much for the powerbooks in any quantity at once. Sorry, Apple, but you need to whip your laptop cpu and hardware suppliers into shape before you lose a lot of loyal customers. Not everyone can haul around heavy dual 2.5 G5 towers all day...some of us want and need MOBILE power, NOW. We would prefer to run it with OS X, but...

 

[whw5]

I say get the centrino. As much as I love Apple, you cant argue with a deal like that. Just protect the hell out of it. Remember, it only takes a unprotected PC 20 minutes to catch its first worm after being plugged into the internet.

 

[Rai]

I was in the same position last week. Trying to decide to buy a centrino laptop (HP), or apple ibook.

I needed a laptop, to work on research at our library in the hospital. There are tons of windows computers there, but there unusable (spyware, worms, basically crash on you on all time), its got really bad, our clinic computers are now getting affected aswell.

I walked into the apple store bought a 12 inch ibook, extra ram, wireless card, app plan, ms office. I was shocked at how much everything cost me grumble*, and was regretting buying it on way home, the hp laptop would of been cheaper and faster processor.

After a few days of using it, i love it, its well put together, i have no speed problems at all, have word/powerpoint/excel/safari open same time, no slow-down at all, acutally faster than switching on my 3.0ghz pc (probably all the junk i have on it). It took us 3 hours, to get our windows computers hooked up our wireless router, i opened my laptop, 1min latter contect to router.

At the same time, my laptop is for work only. I don't think the ibook with 30gig hardrive will be good for games or storing alot of movies and games.

 

[howard]

i read through most of the posts and i still have yet to see anyway give you the best advice.

go and try the ibook out yourself!! spend 30 mins at the store fooling around with it. or better yet, spend time with someone who has an ibook and who you can watch fool around with, since they know all the ins and outs of the os

in my opinion if someone says they have speed troubles with a g4 ibook its because it doesn't have enough ram, thats the bottom line. get as much ram as you can afford and your computer will treat you wonderfully. in the end for what you want to do speed hardly makes a difference, just usability. so use both and then decide


edit: i noticed your link has the toshiba at that price after a few mail in rebates. those can be a big hastle and i know a lot of people who sent there forms in and never got the money back.

 

[jkaz]

I, admittedly, have fairly limited experience using Apple computers and thus the newness of the operating system somewhat degrades my experience, though I was a long time reader of these forums and believed my next computer would be a mac. I'm also from the UK so here Apple computers come with a much greater price premium to consider. They sure look nice and the users on here never have anything critical to say about them.

However, I honestly believe the Centrino is the better option for you. I sit here using my Sony Centrino based note book with a fantastic 13" widescreen resolution, g standard wireless internet access through my router and a ridiculously fast processor allowing me to multitask away happily with no cables connected to my 1.7kg laptop, in the sunny garden, for in excess of 5 hours. I'm yet to have a crash (even application) and my computer has not been turned off for three weeks.

If you really want mac only software, such as OSX or iLife choose a mac, if you're happy with the windows software you've accumulated and will not incur you additional costs get the Centrino. The vast majority of programs you'll need on your course will be available free from your department, but not for a mac (at least that's my experience).

I've not had a virus on any computer I've used in over 5 years, I take my laptop to anywhere on campus and have easy internet access. The horror stories of windows life are very much exaggerated.

Or do your really consider the 'virus free' lifestyle worth all the extra money and effort?

i believe your 'success' with wintel to be the exception, not the rule.

further, the 'apple lifestyle' is superior to the alternatives. buying an apple is like buying a jaguar or bmw, anything else is just a pile of crap


***edit***

make that a hot and steamy pile of crap

 

[FuzzyBallz]

AMD A64 Mobile.

 

[c_waddington]

Not true. The WLAN is just one piece of the centrino technology. It's mostly about energy conservation. That's why almost any centrino notbeook beats the **** out of any Apple iBook/PowerBook regarding battery life.



Your point is?



More work done? ... Not true from my experience. The OS feels(!) nicer, but that's all. A faster machine is a faster machine. If that's what you need, Apple is way behind these days.

groovebuster

Yes, my brand new Dell Latitude D600 (complete with Centrino) lasts 2 hours. So how does that 'beat the ****' out of the 3.5 hours I get on my iBook G4?

Most of the claims about super long battery life rely on there being a second battery placed in the bay usually occupied by an optical-drive.

About the only thing that seems better to me, is that because of the in-built wireless they finally have the antenna built into the side of the screen, for better wireless reception. Not that Apple wasn't doing that a few years ago.

 

[BornAgainMac]

My Powerbook G4 spanks Centrinos. I am not sure about the iBook, it would be a close race. Probably would give you less problems, quieter, Tiger, and cool iApps in '05 compared to Centrio.