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I've got 1600 dollars to use on a brand new notebook.

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AcousticDoc said:
Does anyone here reccomend buying a 14 inch versus a 12?
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It's hard to say right now. But based on the current models: NO!

If, for instance, the 14" gets an update to a widescreen with better resolution, I could see moving to it. The problem with the 14" is that it currently has the same resolution. All you gain is a bigger screen (usefull if you are 80 years old) and more bulk. If the new 14" was say 1280x800 (I'm tossing a rough guess on resolution--I'm sure that's not right), I could see thinking about it. I'd want to see better resolution from it, and I'd also want to see them remove some weight (a widescreen would allow that I think). Also, being superficial, the 14" is too wide. It looks awkward with that large trackpad and all that space down there. Making it widescreen would theoretically cut some of that space out of there.
 
tsk said:
vs: probably $1050+tax for a comparably equipped iBook.
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There is a world of difference. I got the iBook first, regretted it, got the Powerbook, and it changed my computing experience.
 
Two recommendations I always give to computer shoppers:

1. If you CAN wait, DO wait. Everything gets better and cheaper over time. How long can you wait before you're giving up too much by not having it? That's a personal call.

2. If you can afford faster, get faster. It may be overkill now, but the more computer you get, the longer it will serve you. And you may be surprised to find yourself doing more with a new Mac than you planned.

In addition, we have the Intel changeover happening. It will be an easy transition for people who buy PPC Macs--ALL apps run great on PPC. It might be a little rough for a time for people who buy Intel--MOST apps will run great, but a few may not (at first). That doesn't mean buying PPC is always better: in the long run, it's nice to have the NEXT generation of power and compatibility.

So I'm waiting for an Intel PowerBook myself. For the basic needs you describe, I don't think you'll suffer any problems from getting an Intel 'Book yourself. And they'll be a BIG step up from today.

I recommend waiting and getting an Intel iBook or PowerBook (see what comes along) early next year. There's a good chance that one or the other might even appear as soon as January.

And as for iBook vs. PowerBook... the PowerBook costs more, but it's worth it. The iBook's a good deal too, for the price. Screen and speed are the first factors I'd look at in deciding. I also love the aluminum case--my 2-year-old PowerBook has zero scratches on it. A glossy white plastic iBook would not have fared so well.

And as for the 14"--it's the same resolution, but larger and more readable (and probably brighter). Sounds good? But it's bulky! The 15.2" PowerBook is actually a much slimmer laptop.

At the very least, wait a week or so and see what the latest iBooks look like. Maybe new screen sizes are coming, or other changes.
 
powerbook911 said:
There is a world of difference. I got the iBook first, regretted it, got the Powerbook, and it changed my computing experience.
Click to expand...

do you do more than the basic tasks tho?
 
I certainly recommend a PB12, but then I and my girlfriend own two, so we're a bit biased. The rationale is as follows:
  1. The better VRAM and graphics chip (it is nice to be fully compatible with the current version of OS X
  2. Better LCD screen (brighter/higher contrast than the iBook)
  3. Price wasn't too different ($950 for iBook, $1400 for Powerbook (both edu)... after adding in BT and Airport, upgrading iB's harddrive and memory the gap narrows further.)

Do the current ibooks do the two-touch scroll on their touchpads?

-RS
 
tsk said:
That really should only matter if you get the ACD. I think almost any other LCD should come with a VGA port (I assume the ACD is just DVI).
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i connect my PB to the Apple Cinema display through DVI.
 
tsk said:
It's hard to say right now. But based on the current models: NO!

If, for instance, the 14" gets an update to a widescreen with better resolution, I could see moving to it. The problem with the 14" is that it currently has the same resolution. All you gain is a bigger screen (usefull if you are 80 years old) and more bulk. If the new 14" was say 1280x800 (I'm tossing a rough guess on resolution--I'm sure that's not right), I could see thinking about it. I'd want to see better resolution from it, and I'd also want to see them remove some weight (a widescreen would allow that I think). Also, being superficial, the 14" is too wide. It looks awkward with that large trackpad and all that space down there. Making it widescreen would theoretically cut some of that space out of there.
Click to expand...

The 12" iBook's screen is uncomfortable to read. I'm 19 years old and I don't want to wear glasses and have to adjust my eyes to a cramped 12" screen in order to enjoy my iBook. That's why 14" iBook is better for me IMO.
 
I certainly recommend a PB12, but then I and my girlfriend own two, so we're a bit biased. The rationale is as follows:
Click to expand...

1. WHile you are right about the VRAM the iBook update should take care of that issue.
2. That is just plain wrong. A total and utter lie. Screens on 12iBook and 12PB are identical. As in the same.
3. 950 or 1400? that is a $450 difference! thats over half the price of the iBook in the first place! Does it perform 50% better? You make the call...

Wait a few days, compare the two equally, make your decision, just make sure you get all the facts straight
 
TaKashMoney said:
2. That is just plain wrong. A total and utter lie. Screens on 12iBook and 12PB are identical. As in the same.
Click to expand...

Yes the screens are the same but the white lining vs the silver lining give off the illusion that the powerbooks are brighter...stupid brain.
 
TaKashMoney said:
2. That is just plain wrong. A total and utter lie. Screens on 12iBook and 12PB are identical. As in the same.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, but you are wrong, and the person you quoted is right. The 12" ibook and 12" PB used to have identical screens. That changed either one or two revisions ago so that now the 12" PB has the same quality screen as the bigger PBs. And I quote from apple.com:

ibook (display): 12.1-inch (diagonal) TFT XGA

powerbook (display): 12.1-inch (diagonal), 1024 x 768 resolution, TFT

The PB also used to be TFT XGA but changed with either rev. C (I think).

3. 950 or 1400? that is a $450 difference! thats over half the price of the iBook in the first place! Does it perform 50% better? You make the call...
Click to expand...

True, the PB does not perform 50% better. But sometimes people are looking for the best performance, even at the expense of some cost/performance ratio.
 
QCassidy352 said:
I'm sorry, but you are wrong, and the person you quoted is right. The 12" ibook and 12" PB used to have identical screens. That changed either one or two revisions ago so that now the 12" PB has the same quality screen as the bigger PBs. And I quote from apple.com:

ibook (display): 12.1-inch (diagonal) TFT XGA

powerbook (display): 12.1-inch (diagonal), 1024 x 768 resolution, TFT

The PB also used to be TFT XGA but changed with either rev. C (I think).



True, the PB does not perform 50% better. But sometimes people are looking for the best performance, even at the expense of some cost/performance ratio.
Click to expand...

XGA refers to the resolution, it says nothing about the quality of the display.
 
my .02

In a few days Apple is going to release a wide-screen ibook who's specs are very close to the current (smaller) pb lineup.

The price difference and performance proximity will bolster ibook sales and buyers will make the "no brainer" decision. Then the powerbook will beupdated to dualcore intel.

Wait. For the love of God. Wait.
 
cr2sh said:
In a few days Apple is going to release a wide-screen ibook who's specs are very close to the current (smaller) pb lineup.

The price difference and performance proximity will bolster ibook sales and buyers will make the "no brainer" decision. Then the powerbook will beupdated to dualcore intel.

Wait. For the love of God. Wait.
Click to expand...

I can't...I need a notebook for the comming school year!!!! But since apples hold their values so well....I can always sell my ibook afterwords right?
 
AcousticDoc said:
I can't...I need a notebook for the comming school year!!!! But since apples hold their values so well....I can always sell my ibook afterwords right?
Click to expand...

You are waiting till Tuesday, right? Whatever you do, do not set foot in an Apple store or Apple.com until Tuesday (unless they miraculously upgrade Monday).

Or are you talking about waiting for a PB?
 
tsk said:
You are waiting till Tuesday, right? Whatever you do, do not set foot in an Apple store or Apple.com until Tuesday (unless they miraculously upgrade Monday).

Or are you talking about waiting for a PB?
Click to expand...

I am waiting for the new ibook. Do most people get 3 hours or 5 hours with the current ibook battery>?
 
Chundles said:
XGA refers to the resolution, it says nothing about the quality of the display.
Click to expand...

I'm aware of that; I'm just pointing out that apple used to describe the two displays as the same and they no longer do. The fact remains that the PB got an upgraded screen in rev. C.

Wish I could find an old link that confirms this...
 
I've decided everything I'm gonna spend on:

Updated ibook
Wireless Apple keyboard
Wireless Apple mouse
Icurve
Skin case (might have to wait for this if there really is a form factor change)

That should be a little bit less than 1600 dollars I do believe....JUICED!
 
I had my 12" iBook for three years and it was one sweet machine
the only reason I replaced it was the screen was getting too small for me to see it ever since my vision started going. It had great battery life, super portable, and there is a definite coolness factor to it.
Now I have a 15" PB and I am impressed , the keyboard alone is almost worth the price. really nice typing surface and it glows in the dark, really useful for darkened auditoriums, I laugh at the students with their Dell and Compaqs that catn see the keys when the lights go off.
The next thing is the wide screen it makes it look so much larger than it really is. nice large bright area great for me to see.
I have 2gb of ram and 128vram Video Card, and the 5400rpm drive BTO and all I use it for is mail, word, internet , itunes and occasional game...
but it is one sweet machine... ;)
 
AcousticDoc said:
I've decided everything I'm gonna spend on:

Updated ibook
Wireless Apple keyboard
Wireless Apple mouse
Icurve
Skin case (might have to wait for this if there really is a form factor change)

That should be a little bit less than 1600 dollars I do believe....JUICED!
Click to expand...
That sounds awesome! I know you won't regret getting an Apple. :D
 
just some food for thought, i had a g3 ibook for almost a year, and I just got a 12" pb last week, and I am still in awe of it. It is an amazing machine..I cant describe it, but it is so damn cool..
 
AcousticDoc said:
Does anyone here know any good mobile usb preamps that work well with the ibook and garage band (I'm too poor to afforad anything better).
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You could have a look at the M-Audio line - Firewire audiophile especially. The 410 is $299.. the audiophile is cheaper I think. You don't want to go with a USB interface because of the latency..firewire is faster. Hope this helps.

Oh yeah- max your RAM if you're looking to work with audio recording.
 
Leareth said:
I laugh at the students with their Dell and Compaqs that catn see the keys when the lights go off.
Click to expand...

I laugh at the students who need a lighted keyboard to type properly.
 
Tamer Brad said:
I laugh at the students who need a lighted keyboard to type properly.
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Well not all of us can type with out looking at the keys
especially when one switches between different keyboards through out the day. I know that after working on my imac for a couple of hours then going to the PB I keep hitting the caps lock key instead of A ,
and some of my lecture halls are pretty damn dark with the lights turned off and the only light source being the projector and exit signs
then the lights get turned back on and just when you are getting used to that they get turned off again, human eyes dont adjust that fast, the keyboard on my PB does :rolleyes:
 
Leareth said:
and some of my lecture halls are pretty damn dark with the lights turned off and the only light source being the projector and exit signs
Click to expand...

I think your screen might be broken then, if it's not giving off any light.
 
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