What Do You Recommend For a PPC Laptop?

[AmazingHenry]

I'm currently using a 1.33GHz iBook G4 as my main laptop computer and I'm thinking about getting something a bit better, such as a PowerBook. I don't think I want to go with the 1.67GHz, as those are a little pricey when compared to other PPC laptops. What do you recommend for a low-cost, fast laptop for running Leopard?

 

[tom vilsack]

Keep checking your local craigs and if ad's have been up for a while,go low!

I just picked up a vnc 17" 1.67,512 ram (will ug to 2 g) 100 gig hd for $50 cdn.

If however this was my main computer I would look for at least a macbook core 2 duo running snow leopard.

 

[eyoungren]

I'm currently using a 1.33GHz iBook G4 as my main laptop computer and I'm thinking about getting something a bit better, such as a PowerBook. I don't think I want to go with the 1.67GHz, as those are a little pricey when compared to other PPC laptops. What do you recommend for a low-cost, fast laptop for running Leopard?

If you're looking for inexpensive but capable I'd find a middle of the road 15" Aluminum PB and max the ram to 2GB.

Those Macs are capable and do very well having been Apple's midrange model for a couple of years.

 

[AmazingHenry]

Keep checking your local craigs and if ad's have been up for a while,go low!

I just picked up a vnc 17" 1.67,512 ram (will ug to 2 g) 100 gig hd for $50 cdn.

If however this was my main computer I would look for at least a macbook core 2 duo running snow leopard.

This isn't my main computer, my main is a PowerMac G5. I'm just looking for a laptop to use when I'm not at my PowerMac. You sure got a great deal on the 1.67GHz! Unfortunately Macs are almost never sold on Craigslist where I live.

 

[Dronecatcher]

My experience with Powerbooks/iBooks in this range is that there can be little between them as they can tend to be a delicate balance of hardware variance and software preference.

I have a 17" DLSD and last year had the 15" too at the same time - even though they benchmark identically, the 17" seems miles ahead.
I have a 1.33 12" Powerbook, last year I had the 1.5 version too - the 1.33 always seemed faster, despite the illogic of that.

I don't think there's any guarantee with this class of hardware now, after all, despite what I've said about the 17" DLSD, there's users on the forum that aren't happy with theirs.

I'd consider an Intel before shelling out or just bide your time for a bargain....

 

[AmazingHenry]

If you're looking for inexpensive but capable I'd find a middle of the road 15" Aluminum PB and max the ram to 2GB.

Those Macs are capable and do very well having been Apple's midrange model for a couple of years.

What processor speed?

 

[eyoungren]

What processor speed?

Either 1.25 or 1.33. The 1.5 versions are almost as expensive as the 1.67 and 1.67 HiRes models.

I'd avoid the 1.0s.

 

[AmazingHenry]

Either 1.25 or 1.33. The 1.5 versions are almost as expensive as the 1.67 and 1.67 HiRes models.

I'd avoid the 1.0s.

Well, I may just stay with my iBook then. Even if the processor speed is the same, what are the advantages of a PowerBook over an iBook?

 

[eyoungren]

Well, I may just stay with my iBook then. Even if the processor speed is the same, what are the advantages of a PowerBook over an iBook?

I can't really answer that. I have assumptions but I'm probably wrong on them. The reason I cannot answer that is because I have never liked the iBook design. It's always been the PowerBook for me. Since I don't really use them I never bother to really check them out when I have one.

 

[Dronecatcher]

Even if the processor speed is the same, what are the advantages of a PowerBook over an iBook?

Backlit keyboard (on most 15 & 17) PCMCIA port (15 & 17 only), audio line input, better GPU.

I have a 1.33 12" iBook and Powerbook - the main difference is the Powerbook has slightly better video playback.

 

[AmazingHenry]

Thanks everybody! I may end up getting a PowerBook soon along with a replacement battery.