[FinnSwede]

I'm thinking of buying an iBook 700/128/20/cd or an 800/128/30/combo and putting some more RAM in there. However, my main concern is whether the 800 model runs hotter than the 700, and thus is noisier in terms of the fan going off every half hour or so? Any input on the perceived noise level of the two machines? My friend has a 700 and it's dead silent - the fan has only gone off once since he's had it. By the way, when he watches movies, some scenes with a lot of graphical information in them don't run very smoothly. How come? Would this be better in the 800 model, with the better graphics card and faster processor?

Thanks!

[ybalx]

I've had my 800 similar to the one you're interested in since January '03 -- the fan has gone off once and that was last weekend as the os 10.2.5 installer crashed... for 99.9% of the time the book is dead silent except for the ticking hard drive every once in a while.

I don't have experience with the 700 to comment on the video play back questions -- the 800 does not have a problem with this imo

alx

[suprz]

i have a 700 and it plays dvd's without a hitch, it doesnt get all that warm either. i'm sure the extra 100mhz and bigger video mb's of the 800 is nice to have, but for my needs the 700 is fine. i've NEVER had the fan turn on. and that is while burning cd's, watching dvd's etc.....

[BrettOZ]

I have an iBook 800 and the fan goes off when you have been running the machine for long periods (excess of 3-4 hours) and using a few applictions. It is loud alright - but the video memory I think is worth it.

[FinnSwede]

Any iBook 900 owner with some input about the noise level and general performance?

[StayWhatYouAre]

Hey guys,

Well i've had my 14' 900ibook for a week, the fan has come on once. This was the first night after software install etc (3-4 hrs use) .Yes it was loud, but yes it went off rather quickly.

Otherwise it has rarely got even warm.

A 'coolpad' is also a great idea - or even just a book under the back to let air through - makes a big difference.

the ibook's great.

[Sosa]

I have the 700 mhz and my fan comes on all the time unless I take steps to allow the computer to cool. For example, placing an object, such as my wallet, under the laptop to allow for air circulation. If the room is cool enough, it usually works. Otherwise I end up having to shut down SETI until the fans turns off, it is just too loud and annoying (and I also I get worried about execissive wear and tear).

Of course, my iBook is on all the time (except when travelling) and usually at 100% of CPU. It rarely gets turned off. I think my fan has gotten noticeably louder since first use. Or maybe it just me becoming more sensitive to it?