[Justin216]

Hey all...

Welp, I finally have enough money for either a base iBook or base eMac. I will be adding a firewire DVD+R/W drive, so base is fine for me. I have also allocated money to max out the Ram in either one. I'm going to be a student living in a dorm, but my college is already sending me an IBM notebook in July(only a 700mhz tho..but hey, its free). I am really wanting a good Mac experience on a somewhat limited budget. Which would give me more bang for my buck?

Thanks for any input!

-Justin

[chabig]

Two years ago I would have suggested the eMac--because it's more powerful, with the G4 processor.

But now, after having owned an iBook for 1 1/2 years, I'd recommend the iBook. Power is measured in different ways--some say MHz, some say G3 vs G4, some say RAM, or bus speed. I say power is being able to do what you want, when you want, where you want.

By that measure, the iBook is more powerful than the eMac. Until I owned a laptop, I never appreciated the ability to take my computing world with me wherever I go. Now, I would never trade that for a desktop (not that I wouldn't like a powerful desktop for the fancy computing stuff.)

One final thing, if you want to get into digital media and the creation of video DVDs, then the eMac is your only choice. The iBook can't run iDVD or DVD Studio Pro. Likewise, the eMac is a much better choice for Final Cut.

Chris

[iT4c0]

I would say get the emac since you are getting a PC laptop for free. Leave your emac in the room and bring your pc if you need to carry a computer with you. OS X does great job for the network between PC and MAC. You will have no problem transfer your essays to your pc or transfer your note from pc to mac. At least that is what I would do.

[chabig]

my college is already sending me an IBM notebook in July(only a 700mhz tho..but hey, its free).

Oh, and don't kid yourself...that IBM notebook is not free. Who's paying your tuition?

[Justin216]

I figured the eMac would be a more likely selection. Approx. how big is the eMac? I figured it was most likely the size of a standard 17" CRT in depth...

[bstieritz]

Originally posted by Justin216:
I figured the eMac would be a more likely selection. Approx. how big is the eMac? I figured it was most likely the size of a standard 17" CRT in depth...

Hey justin,

the emac is a sleeker version of the average 17-inch crt. but, with the speakers and the disc-drive it seems a bit larger from the front. And, you'll love the size of the screen . . . a pleasure to look at and very crisp.

If you can spend the extra cash, splurge on the tilt & swivel attachment for the emac. It suspends the emac up to eye-level a bit and allows you to easily turn and adjust the screen to your liking . . . definitely worth the fifty or so dollars.

Good luck on your decision . . . although, I completely endorse the new 1ghz emac.

cheers,
brian

[Justin216]

lol...yeah, my tuition has it included, but its required, not optional....I'll be attending West Virginia Wesleyan College, a private and the most expensive school in WV...tuition is ~24,500/year

[slider]

Yeah, I'd get the eMac since your getting the Notebook anyways. And I second gettng the stand. I first thought it was a bit pricey when I saw it online, but after installing it on a friends eMac I am convinced it's worth it, very heavy plastic, nothing chinchy about it.

[the_glassman]

Another vote for an eMac and the stand. I just got the 1GHz version with Superdrive and I love it. Great computer for school/dorm, just get some nice speakers and your all set.

[Sophie]

tuition is ~24,500/year [/B]

Yikes that is a large sum, didn't know how good I had it here in Sweden with our loan system. You better not be a slacker with your studies.

[Justin216]

lol...won't be....

anyhow, via your Marketplace forums, I am currently working out a deal for an awesome iMac..I hope it goes through...

It's a
800mhz 15" model
Superdrive
Airport
512mb Ram

Last years top-of-the-line model