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corp miler · Jul 9, 2003, 11:25 AM

I'm considering buying a used iBook (w/DVD) for my toddler. I went to the Apple Store and she made a B line for the iMacs. She loved playing on them. This at the same time when I was going to get a little DVD player for the car. Made me go, "hum?" So I'm considering a portable for duality of purpose. She can use it at home, we can also take it with us on trips and combo drive would fill the need for a DVD player on long drives in the car or on a plane. Do you think the iBook is durable enough for this kind of use? I know it's portable but I wouldn't want to do this with my tiBook. Do you know if you can plug the iBook into a TV via video out for hotels stays, etc? If this is all a safe idea, can you upgrade the standard drive to a combo (to give me more options on used searching)? Thanks.

mdc · Jul 9, 2003, 12:24 PM

the ibook will be fine for what you want. it is a rugged little machine. i take mine everywhere. i have a laptop sleeve that i put inside a samsonite laptop backpack.

the ibook has a video port on the side which you can use a apple av cable, this will let you plug the ibook into a tv.

i am not sure of how upgradable the cdrom is inside the ibook.

only other thing i can think of is that you might want to think about the world travel adapter kit if you travel out side of the usa.

as a matter of fact, these are two items i will be purchasing very soon, since i will be doing a lot of traveling with my ibook. london, south africa. i am not afraid of the durability of it or anything.

billybob128 · Jul 9, 2003, 03:48 PM

as far as i no if you need/want to change the drive its either a DIY job or send it somewhere to do it however if you send it somewhere you may as well get a brand new one with a combo drive cause places charge a LOT for stuff like that

my 2 cents

willab · Jul 9, 2003, 05:41 PM

I think the iBook will hold up fine. I know someone who has one. They needed it (last minute) for a commercial. They had velcroed to someone's sock's on a ladder or something (at least 5 or 6 ft high) it fell onto a hard surface and still works (with a brace) the screen came off, but it is still in use.

Tarcat · Jul 9, 2003, 10:08 PM

Why does a toddler need a computer?

Lateralus · Jul 9, 2003, 11:53 PM

Originally posted by Tarcat:
Why does a toddler need a computer?

...and why a $1,000+ one at that...

Peter · Jul 10, 2003, 05:22 AM

an iBook would NOT suit a toddler. My brothers 3 and 8 are always poking the LCD screen. No matter how many times you tell them. That LCD would not last long with sticky fingers

sworthy · Jul 10, 2003, 05:23 AM

...read the post. He said he was going to buy a dvd player for the car, but realized that the ibook could do that and a lot more. He's looking for a USED ibook that will serve as portable entertainment for the whole family, and as an educational device for his kid. What's wrong with that?

arclight · Jul 10, 2003, 10:15 AM

An ibook would suit your toddler just fine. Portable DVD players also have LCD's and so do most new minivans. I'm sure there are screen protectors out there if it's such a big deal to keep it spotless.

I think your choice of an ibook over a portable DVD player is a great decision. It will provide a hell of a lot more bang for the buck.

I recommend getting the combo drive from the get go. Look for an old 12" 800/combo on ebay. I would also recommend a car power adapter. The batteries aren't all they're cracked up to be with everyday use and recharging. A DVD will quickly suck an older battery dry. That would be a real bummer on a long trip with no adapter. Best of luck-