Upgrading ibook g4 1.33 What to Buy?

[eylf1004]

Hey everyone. I'm looking for some advice. Around January, I will be ready to update my g4 ibook 1.33 1.5 gb ram, 40 gb hd. I am a graduate student. I need something that will last for the long haul. Preferably 4-5 years, (about how much longer it will take to finish phd). I will have around $1500 to play with. Here are a few options so far

New Macbook 2.2 ghz Intel Core 2 duo santa rosa around $1300

Macbook Pro Core Duo 2.16 ghz around $1400 (ebay)

Refurb Imac 24" 2.16 core 2 duo around $1500 (would keep ibook for portability)

Refurb Macbook Pro 2.2 core 2 duo $1700 (a little high but doable perhaps)

Like I mentioned I am a student. I don't really run anything too intensive, mostly just camino, open office, ilife apps, filemaker pro. I do use photoshop occasionally.

So what should I be looking for down the road? Appreciate any advice.

 

[koayt47]

Go for the refurb 2.2 MacBook Pro. You'll appreciate the extra features and the larger screen. The Santa Rosa chips and latest gen graphics cards should ensure it lasts 4-5 years.

Skip the iMac. Its a pain to keep files synchronised across multiple computers when you use your iBook for portability.