[eScrib]

My Pismo needs to be retired. I was all set on waiting for the updated 15" AlBooks to come out, but after seeing the 12" PB, I just might have to get one of those.

Some background...

My Pismo 400 is used for "couch potato" internet surfing, streaming mp3s from my dualie G4 via. airport while washing the car, playing saved imovie clips to family and friends, and other "portable" needs. I don't need a workhorse of a machine (I got a dual G4), so the 17" with FW2 isn't really a neccessity. I do want airport 2 and DDR RAM, just to keep up with the newer apple technology. And screen real-estate is nice, but I think I could live with a 12" screen and certainly a 15".


So here are my questions...

1) Can you all help me decide what to get???

2) Where is the best place to buy a laptop these days? MacMall, MacWarehouse, etc all seem to include incentives like free airport extreme cards, free ram, etc (with minor install fees). Apple doesn't have anything like that. I'm not a student, so I can't take advantage of any EDU discounts. So where's the best place?

3) Anybody know when the new 15" AlBooks are coming out???


Sorry for the long-winded post. And thanks for all the opinions, ideas and concerns.

[PBAddict]

I also have Pismo 4000 that I am going to retire in a few months. For me the decision is between th 15 (New) and 17, although I am erring on the side of the 17, because of the screen. My uses are pretty much the same as yours. I think after a 14"screen to go to a 12 "would be difficult, especially if you do not need the smaller size for travel.

[OSXFreak]

Originally posted by eScrib:
My Pismo needs to be retired. I was all set on waiting for the updated 15" AlBooks to come out, but after seeing the 12" PB, I just might have to get one of those.

Some background...

My Pismo 400 is used for "couch potato" internet surfing, streaming mp3s from my dualie G4 via. airport while washing the car, playing saved imovie clips to family and friends, and other "portable" needs. I don't need a workhorse of a machine (I got a dual G4), so the 17" with FW2 isn't really a neccessity. I do want airport 2 and DDR RAM, just to keep up with the newer apple technology. And screen real-estate is nice, but I think I could live with a 12" screen and certainly a 15".


So here are my questions...

1) Can you all help me decide what to get???

2) Where is the best place to buy a laptop these days? MacMall, MacWarehouse, etc all seem to include incentives like free airport extreme cards, free ram, etc (with minor install fees). Apple doesn't have anything like that. I'm not a student, so I can't take advantage of any EDU discounts. So where's the best place?

3) Anybody know when the new 15" AlBooks are coming out???


Sorry for the long-winded post. And thanks for all the opinions, ideas and concerns.

1. I suspect you have answered your own question here. The 12", whilst not quite as fast (no L3 cache, slower Mhz) seems to fit the bill for you. Beware 17" owners who think what they have is the best thing (I'm getting one) - they are great, but at a price.

2. Checkout http://www.powerbookcentral.com/

3. It's anybody's guess. Don't believe anyone who tells you that they know. My personal guess is within the next 2 months, but it's just a guess.

[Kenstee]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by eScrib:
[B]My Pismo needs to be retired. I was all set on waiting for the updated 15" AlBooks to come out, but after seeing the 12" PB, I just might have to get one of those.

I just did the same transition you are planning. I went with the 12". I love the small form factor. The screen is so much better on the 12" than the Pismo. You'll be impressed. You won't notice its smaller. For your needs the 12" has plenty of power. I like the extreme portability and light weight of the 12" as well. And you could aways get a cheap CRT display to hook up to it. Even if you did this it would be a lot cheaper than getting a 17".

Anyway, as you'll find out. It's like arguing religion. Nothing right or wrong. It's all about what feels best to you. I'd suggest you go to a store and check both of them out.

[eScrib]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Kenstee:

Originally posted by eScrib:
I just did the same transition you are planning. I went with the 12". I love the small form factor. The screen is so much better on the 12" than the Pismo. You'll be impressed. You won't notice its smaller. For your needs the 12" has plenty of power. I like the extreme portability and light weight of the 12" as well. And you could aways get a cheap CRT display to hook up to it. Even if you did this it would be a lot cheaper than getting a 17".

Anyway, as you'll find out. It's like arguing religion. Nothing right or wrong. It's all about what feels best to you. I'd suggest you go to a store and check both of them out.

Excellent!!!

So you're liking the 12" PBG4 after leaving your Pismo?

I just need an airport card and some more RAM. On the 12", I can get it probably shipped to my door for right at $2,000.00 with the addons. Save me about 500 bucks or so over the 15".

Decisions, decisions...

[iohead]

Originally posted by eScrib:
My Pismo needs to be retired. I was all set on waiting for the updated 15" AlBooks to come out, but after seeing the 12" PB, I just might have to get one of those.

Some background...

My Pismo 400 is used for "couch potato" internet surfing, streaming mp3s from my dualie G4 via. airport while washing the car, playing saved imovie clips to family and friends, and other "portable" needs. I don't need a workhorse of a machine (I got a dual G4), so the 17" with FW2 isn't really a neccessity. I do want airport 2 and DDR RAM, just to keep up with the newer apple technology. And screen real-estate is nice, but I think I could live with a 12" screen and certainly a 15".


So here are my questions...

1) Can you all help me decide what to get???

2) Where is the best place to buy a laptop these days? MacMall, MacWarehouse, etc all seem to include incentives like free airport extreme cards, free ram, etc (with minor install fees). Apple doesn't have anything like that. I'm not a student, so I can't take advantage of any EDU discounts. So where's the best place?

3) Anybody know when the new 15" AlBooks are coming out???


Sorry for the long-winded post. And thanks for all the opinions, ideas and concerns.

Regarding "where to buy", you might want to look at this diatribe I wrote some time ago:

http://www.kernelthread.com/mac/buying.html

-A

[gator]

It's not available right now (I'm assuming on backorder), but Outost has the 12" PB Combo drive with Airport card and Epson printer for $1794, free shipping.

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/3600435