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RGB · Apr 17, 2003, 12:21 AM

...and money out of my bank account.

Over the last weeks in here I've detailed my dilemma regarding my purchase of a PowerBook. here's how it stacked up:

Choice A)
Buy now, using the program (expiring today) through my mom's school at dirt-cheap prices, tax-free, and no up front payment. The price is deducted from her paycheck over the course of the year. The main benefit of this plan is in the financial realm.

Choice B)
Wait for the 15" model to be updated to an Aluminum enclosure, and purchase through the ADC program. Even with the discount, this would still cost me more, and it'd have to be upfront all at once. And it would be taxed. Pro: Cooler laptop
Con: bad for the wallet, may come out too late for school

As it seems obvious from the intro to my post, at the last minute I've decided to buy now. I was planning on waiting, but a trip to the Apple store tonight and an opportunity to talk with the people there reaffirmed what I had in the back of my mind - that this deal is just too damn good to pass up.

I'm getting the 1GHz 15" PowerBook with the 512MB RAM in one slot instead of the standard two, an Airport Extreme Base Station (w/o modem or antennae port), and the 3yr AppleCare coverage for $3007.00. Tax free, deducted from paychecks over the course of a year. I really wish I could wait for the Aluminum, but I just couldn't pass this up. I know I'll be happy with it, it's an awesome machine.

Mastrap · Apr 17, 2003, 12:30 AM

Originally posted by RGB:
...and money out of my bank account.

Over the last weeks in here I've detailed my dilemma regarding my purchase of a PowerBook. here's how it stacked up:

Choice A)
Buy now, using the program (expiring today) through my mom's school at dirt-cheap prices, tax-free, and no up front payment. The price is deducted from her paycheck over the course of the year. The main benefit of this plan is in the financial realm.

Choice B)
Wait for the 15" model to be updated to an Aluminum enclosure, and purchase through the ADC program. Even with the discount, this would still cost me more, and it'd have to be upfront all at once. And it would be taxed. Pro: Cooler laptop
Con: bad for the wallet, may come out too late for school

As it seems obvious from the intro to my post, at the last minute I've decided to buy now. I was planning on waiting, but a trip to the Apple store tonight and an opportunity to talk with the people there reaffirmed what I had in the back of my mind - that this deal is just too damn good to pass up.

I'm getting the 1GHz 15" PowerBook with the 512MB RAM in one slot instead of the standard two, an Airport Extreme Base Station (w/o modem or antennae port), and the 3yr AppleCare coverage for $3007.00. Tax free, deducted from paychecks over the course of a year. I really wish I could wait for the Aluminum, but I just couldn't pass this up. I know I'll be happy with it, it's an awesome machine.

That sounds like one sweet deal.

Take good care of your PB and if you really want to change it in six months time you'll be able to get pretty much that back on ebay I should assume.

Leaf · Apr 17, 2003, 12:37 AM

I think you made the right choice, especially at that price. Personally I don't like the way the Albooks look (too much of just one color, wheras Tibooks have some contrast), and assuming the 15" Albook went w/ tha GPU that the 17" uses, you would be downgrading your video card. Don't forget the rumored 15.4" screen will have a loser resolution.

I guess it was just a matter of figuring out if the savings overweighed possible "upgrades" that the newer 15" will have.

RGB · Apr 17, 2003, 12:45 AM

Originally posted by Leaf:
I think you made the right choice, especially at that price. Personally I don't like the way the Albooks look (too much of just one color, wheras Tibooks have some contrast), and assuming the 15" Albook went w/ tha GPU that the 17" uses, you would be downgrading your video card. Don't forget the rumored 15.4" screen will have a loser resolution.

I guess it was just a matter of figuring out if the savings overweighed possible "upgrades" that the newer 15" will have.

I'm a big fan of the stronger enclosure and hinge on the Aluminum models. I also like the keyboard a bit more, and the builtin bluetooth helps w/ my T68i. The durability and solidness was my main reason for wanting the Aluminum.

Leaf · Apr 17, 2003, 01:12 AM

To each his own. I personally care more about the internals than the encloser I guess.

I've never understood why the hinges have been talked about so much. My Gigabook has never shown any signs that there's any sort of design flaw.

hsvgoku · Apr 17, 2003, 01:19 AM

Hinges? Are you referring to the 2 'catch' that holds the TFT screen and the base ? Is there a design flaw in it ?

AssassyN · Apr 17, 2003, 07:15 AM

Sweet deal man!

I think you made a great choice as well...the current TiBooks are tried & true machines, and I'm sure it'll treat you well.

Enjoy it, and be sure to post how you like it when you get it!

designbc · Apr 17, 2003, 07:30 AM

I had the same dilemma. I made the same decision. I can't be happier.

euphras · Apr 17, 2003, 12:26 PM

Quote:
"Hinges? Are you referring to the 2 'catch' that holds the TFT screen and the base ? Is there a design flaw in it ?"

On some Ti-machines the hinges were very tight (so much friction that the body was lifted up when the screen was opened. In some cases the hinges broke after some usage. But one could easily apply lube and meliorate it...

Pat

RGB · Apr 17, 2003, 02:28 PM

I probably won't get it for another month or so, unfortunately. I'll be eagerly waiting

I'm thinking of adding the Tote and Tilt to my 'Book when I get it, which attaches at the hinges. I haven't read of any problems with this product, if anyone has any info regarding this that'd be great!

Also how neccessary is a screen protector? And there's a slight chance I might pick up an iCurve as well, as I get closer to leaving for college. Are there any accessories you guys consider must-haves?

AssassyN · Apr 17, 2003, 02:53 PM

Originally posted by RGB:
I probably won't get it for another month or so, unfortunately. I'll be eagerly waiting

I'm thinking of adding the Tote and Tilt to my 'Book when I get it, which attaches at the hinges. I haven't read of any problems with this product, if anyone has any info regarding this that'd be great!

Also how neccessary is a screen protector? And there's a slight chance I might pick up an iCurve as well, as I get closer to leaving for college. Are there any accessories you guys consider must-haves?

The Tote & Tilt is a great product for the TiBook, and I'm sure they'll put one out soon for the new AlBooks because they've went over so well, I'd certainly pick one up if I had a TiBook.

The screen protector isn't so much a necessity for the new AlBooks, however, if I owned a TiBook I'd definitely get one as they've been known to cause keyboard marks on the screen after a good bit of usage. Radtech's ScreenSaverZ is the way to go, as is covers the entire screen beautifully.

And if you think you'll be using (and you most likely will) the notebook on your desk after classes, you should *DEFINITELY* get 3 things: An iCurve (I have one and it's absolutely amazing...places the screen at the perfect height, it looks gorgeous, and allows for more space for an external keyboard), and external keyboard (any Mac-compatible USB keyboard of your choice), and an external mouse (I'd personally get either the Logitech MX500 for a wired mouse, or if you're the wireless type, a MX700). Aside from those 3 things, there's nothing else that's really urgent that you get, aside from an extra battery which would only be urgent if your daily life would require you to need one. Oh, and one other thing actually...if you don't have a notebook carrying case or bookbag or sleeve yet, GET ONE! Don't carry your TiBook & accessories around in just some pack, make sure you get a quality bag made to fit the TiBook. Waterfield Designs, Brenthaven, and TimBuk2 are just a few companies that make great TiBook bags. Doing a search on these boards will lead you to some great case advice.

euphras · Apr 17, 2003, 03:17 PM

Quote:
"I'm thinking of adding the Tote and Tilt to my 'Book when I get it, which attaches at the hinges. I haven't read of any problems with this product, if anyone has any info regarding this that'd be great!"

I wouldn�t recommend a tote�n tilt. It puts additional stress upon your hinge mechanics. If you�ve ever seen how fragile the actual hinge mechanic (which is hidden behind thin cover metals attached with the Torx-screws) you wouldn�t do so, believe me! There were stories of cracked carbon frames near to the hinges those days. Also check out if warranty gets voided if done so, since it is a major modification of your machine.

Pat

itai195 · Apr 17, 2003, 03:41 PM

Hmm, I can get that machine through my school for $2299 plus tax. Even with applecare.

Looks like Apple is definitely trying to get these out the door to make way for something new.

RGB · Apr 17, 2003, 03:54 PM

Originally posted by AssassyN:
The Tote & Tilt is a great product for the TiBook, and I'm sure they'll put one out soon for the new AlBooks because they've went over so well, I'd certainly pick one up if I had a TiBook.

The screen protector isn't so much a necessity for the new AlBooks, however, if I owned a TiBook I'd definitely get one as they've been known to cause keyboard marks on the screen after a good bit of usage. Radtech's ScreenSaverZ is the way to go, as is covers the entire screen beautifully.

And if you think you'll be using (and you most likely will) the notebook on your desk after classes, you should *DEFINITELY* get 3 things: An iCurve (I have one and it's absolutely amazing...places the screen at the perfect height, it looks gorgeous, and allows for more space for an external keyboard), and external keyboard (any Mac-compatible USB keyboard of your choice), and an external mouse (I'd personally get either the Logitech MX500 for a wired mouse, or if you're the wireless type, a MX700). Aside from those 3 things, there's nothing else that's really urgent that you get, aside from an extra battery which would only be urgent if your daily life would require you to need one. Oh, and one other thing actually...if you don't have a notebook carrying case or bookbag or sleeve yet, GET ONE! Don't carry your TiBook & accessories around in just some pack, make sure you get a quality bag made to fit the TiBook. Waterfield Designs, Brenthaven, and TimBuk2 are just a few companies that make great TiBook bags. Doing a search on these boards will lead you to some great case advice.

Ah, yes, a bag for my TiBook. I forgot to mention that. I'll be looking for a good, cheap bag that isn't too large either. I'll probably end up using the keyboard that came with my B/W G3, and my Logitech Cordless Mouseman Optical.

ASIMO · Apr 17, 2003, 04:37 PM

But inquirings still want to know. What *is* the weight of your shoulders?

RGB · Apr 17, 2003, 05:29 PM

Originally posted by ASIMO:
But inquirings still want to know. What *is* the weight of your shoulders?

42.

Dubloseven · Apr 17, 2003, 07:00 PM

i would definitly recommend getting seperate speakers for your tibook. i recently got a 12" yaobook, and the built in speakers are good, but not great. i purchased the jbl creature speakers off amazon, and so far they are great. since my computer system will be my stereo system in college (i cant wait!) the better speakers were a necessity. the sound is good, the bass is good, and watching movies is much better now! just get them!

RGB · Apr 17, 2003, 07:12 PM

Originally posted by Dubloseven:
i would definitly recommend getting seperate speakers for your tibook. i recently got a 12" yaobook, and the built in speakers are good, but not great. i purchased the jbl creature speakers off amazon, and so far they are great. since my computer system will be my stereo system in college (i cant wait!) the better speakers were a necessity. the sound is good, the bass is good, and watching movies is much better now! just get them!

Right now I have some Creative Labs speakers. They aren't very good, one might be dying actually. I do hope to get better speakers at some point when I have the cash, but for now they aren't a priority.

PowerTower Fan · Apr 17, 2003, 08:59 PM

Originally posted by itai195:
Hmm, I can get that machine through my school for $2299 plus tax. Even with applecare.

Looks like Apple is definitely trying to get these out the door to make way for something new.

Our bookstore is offering the 15" SD TiBook for $2038, with apple care. I'd definately look around at school campus's, as it seems a lot are offering some amazing deals right now.

RGB · Apr 17, 2003, 09:14 PM

Originally posted by PowerTower Fan:
Our bookstore is offering the 15" SD TiBook for $2038, with apple care. I'd definately look around at school campus's, as it seems a lot are offering some amazing deals right now.

I was at University of Kansas two weeks ago, and they were only offering the standard educational pricing. Ball State, my other college option, has the same deal as Kansas I believe. If whichever school I decide to attend next year had deals like that, I would have waited.

Paul Huang · Apr 18, 2003, 01:12 AM

I picked one up at the UCLA computer store. $1,999. (15.2", top-end model).

itai195 · 12:21 PM

Originally posted by RGB:
I was at University of Kansas two weeks ago, and they were only offering the standard educational pricing. Ball State, my other college option, has the same deal as Kansas I believe. If whichever school I decide to attend next year had deals like that, I would have waited.

The thing that's surprising is that my school (UC Berkeley) very rarely has good deals on computers. But when Apple is trying to move out some EOL models, there are always some great prices. It's almost enough to make me want to buy a new one... but... must resist.