Please help me switch to a Mac!

[zpmqxonw]

OK, I've found 2 really great deals on PowerBooks and after playing with both the iBook and PowerBook at the Apple Store, I've decided I like the Powerbook more. I was just hoping that since all of you guys gave me such great advice before, that you could also help me decide which deal is better? Also, do all Powerbook G4's come with integrated Airport or was it only Airport ready?

Deal #1: Closeout from MicroCenter ($999)
PowerBook G4/1GHz
12.1-inch LCD
256MB RAM
40GB hard drive
DVD/CD-RW combo drive
Integrated AirPort
90 Day Warranty

Deal #2: Refurbished from TechRestore ($999)
PowerBook G4/1GHz
128MB Memory
40GB Hard Drive
CD-RW/DVD-R Superdrive
12.1-inch LCD Screen
6 Month Warranty

Thanks!

 

[mcgarry]

I don't know anything about TechRestore, so I might be wary of their refurbishing process since I don't know what it means. But asuming it's ok (especially the battery), by the numbers I like the bottom option better. You get a DVD burner and a better warranty for the same price. Also, how can it have 128MB RAM? The rev. Bs came with 256 on-board, I thought. In any case, you'll want to upgrade this soon.

AP Extreme was still optional on the Bs; became standard with rev C.

I assume you've tried to find a great deal on closeout rev.Cs ... no luck? It's a nice bump from B to C.

 

[Rocksaurus]

I don't know why you'd purchase one of these over a 12" iBook, or purchase one of these over waiting for an iBook update, but I agree with the above post, because you'll have to upgrade the RAM anyway, so get that superdrive...

 

[mcgarry]

Rocksaurus has a point. If your budget is truly $1000 firm, and you can't find any rev. C PBs for $1000 (I have, but available only to faculty/staff/students at my school ... can they be the only place?), then I would probably nudge you towards the iBook, new or refurb., as I did originally. Still, I have to believe someone else is blowing out the last of their rev. C PBs for close to $1000. Getting one of those for under $1200 would be a great deal.

I will caution again about the update ... could happen, but don't count on it being like clockwork this spring.

If you really want the PB, the rev. B is pretty close to the current iBooks, with a slightly slower processor, but also with a couple of extra features, and of course the DVD-burner. Even though I'd probably lean towards the new iBook, neither is a bad choice; your call.