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ryter221 · Jun 3, 2005, 08:59 AM

OK, a while back, I asked people whether I should buy a Mac Mini or an iBook, and they reccomended the iBook. I almost bought it, but I decided I would wait a while, in case Apple decided to upgrade the iBooks. Sadly, they didn't, but they did upgrade the iMacs. I am now considering buying an iMac 17" w/Superdrive, but I'm still not sure. I already have a 17" monitor which would go to waste. If I bought an iBook, not only could I use it with my monitor, but I could also take it places. However, I give up having a Superdrive (I would only buy the 12" iBook), which I would like since I am a big moviemaker, and would have a less capable computer. What should I do?

jokell82 · Jun 3, 2005, 09:17 AM

You can use that 17" monitor with the iMac as well. Both the iMac and the iBook only support mirroring, though...

I would recommend the iMac, just because of the huge performance difference between the two. Unless you *need* to be portable, the iMac will beat the iBook in everything you do.

Will C · Jun 3, 2005, 11:29 AM

'Both the iMac and the iBook only support mirroring, though...'

Both the current iBook and iMac can do monitor spanning with the unofficial 'Spanning Doctor' firmware mod.

See http://www.rutemoeller.com/mp/ibook/ibook_e.html

jokell82 · Jun 3, 2005, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by Will C

'Both the iMac and the iBook only support mirroring, though...'

Both the current iBook and iMac can do monitor spanning with the unofficial 'Spanning Doctor' firmware mod.

See http://www.rutemoeller.com/mp/ibook/ibook_e.html

Quite true, that's why I said they only "support" mirroring.

icibaqu · Jun 3, 2005, 11:53 AM

the answer to this really depends on how much you want the portability.

karent · Jun 14, 2005, 07:29 AM

For what it's worth, my daughter loves our iBook, she sneaks it into her room and watches Star Wars DVDs. Portability can be good and bad.

Originally Posted by icibaqu

the answer to this really depends on how much you want the portability.

liquidtrance123 · Jun 14, 2005, 10:19 AM

I'm having the same difficulty deciding which to purchase as well, however mine is between a 17in iMac and a Powermac. The iMac is so much cheaper however i already have a 20in ACD LCD thats hooked to my mini. I'm thinking i should just wait and buy the dual 2ghz powermac. But the iMac looks sexy

iREZ · Jun 14, 2005, 11:04 AM

why not get an iMac anyway?...you could drive your ADC with your iMac, and now that they upped the VRAM to 128mb, that means you could have 64MB per screen which is plenty...and i'm not talkin about mirroring either (run a search and you'll see).

liquidtrance123 · Jun 14, 2005, 12:51 PM

Yea but does the imac have a DVI port? i thought it only had a mini-VGA port ?

belafonte · Jun 16, 2005, 03:05 PM

i was in the same predicament as you for my business... go with powerbook and have the portability of processing photos in front of my clients while on location... but you cant beat the price for what you get for with the imac... its twice as fast in almost all regards to the powerbook, so i decided to go with it... and it was defenantely worth it...
what I am going to do is buy an older ibook/powerbook for the portability of showing proofs, and my imac will be my homebase....
GET THE IMAC!!!

ryter221 · Jun 16, 2005, 07:57 PM

OK, I have a new problem. The Powerbook. First off, I get the iBook and I would have to buy an external DVD burner since I will only buy a 12" laptop. This kind of minimizes the portability and the reason for buying a laptop. If I get the iMac, I lose the portability. Now, if I get the Powerbook, I get a 12" monitor with portability and a Superdrive, but at the cost of $1,499 for a laptop. (I have an education discount since my dad goes to college and is in the Armed Forces.) I want a fast computer with a DVD burner, a 12" monitor if laptop and 17" if desktop, with preferred portability. I know this is really repetitive because I can't make up my mind, but just advise me, please!

ApplCmptrDood · Jun 17, 2005, 12:11 AM

"OK, I have a new problem. The Powerbook. First off, I get the iBook and I would have to buy an external DVD burner since I will only buy a 12" laptop. This kind of minimizes the portability and the reason for buying a laptop. If I get the iMac, I lose the portability. Now, if I get the Powerbook, I get a 12" monitor with portability and a Superdrive, but at the cost of $1,499 for a laptop. (I have an education discount since my dad goes to college and is in the Armed Forces.) I want a fast computer with a DVD burner, a 12" monitor if laptop and 17" if desktop, with preferred portability. I know this is really repetitive because I can't make up my mind, but just advise me, please!"

If it's possible get both. If not, well read on. One question though, how much time do you spent out and about? If that is more time than at home, get the powerbook. The best bang for your buck is the iMac, way faster, better graphics, + more. iMac all the way! w00t!!

doucy2 · Jun 17, 2005, 05:47 PM

what you need to do is save your pennies for a little bit and get that ibook with the superdirve then you are portable and you have great capabilites