Of eMacs, iBooks, and Panther...

This will probably be a long post, so be ready.

First off, I'm 13, and somewhat poor (by my standards). I'm looking to buy a computer in the <$1050 range. That basically leaves me with the iBook and eMac.

So, I want to order a refurbished computer (it's a much better value). I can get:

1GHz G4 eMac, Combo Drive, 60GB HD, 128 MB RAM, etc, etc...
$849
Airport Extreme (refurb) $79
512 MB RAM $75 (Crucial)


OR


800 MHz G3 iBook, CD Drive, 30GB, 128 MB RAM, etc, etc...
$799
Airport (refurb) $59
256 MB RAM $50 (Crucial)


Of course, this is all with the current offerings... iBooks are due for an update soon. eMacs not so soon. So, because money is limited, I'd rather be patient and get Panther update free. This could take a while. So one of my first questions is:

When Panther rolls around, what will the iBooks look like (not literally)?
Is there a chance that the bottom-of-the-line model will have a Combo Drive?
Is there a chance 256 will be the standard RAM?
Also, will the eMac have more RAM?

Of course wanting the best "bang for my buck," I'm leaning toward the eMac: faster and cheaper RAM. My only concern is the size. The thing isn't too big, but try putting it on an 18" desk. I'm thinking that I would put the eMac itself to the left side of the desk. My next round of questions:

Those of you who have eMacs and smaller desks, do you find it comfortable to use your computer? How big is your desk?
How happy are you with the computers speed?
Any comparisons with the 800 iBook?


I know I'm comparing two different beasts, but any help would be very appreciated.

Thanks for your patience,
Reality