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Mallrat · Aug 23, 2003, 12:55 AM

I really want a new computer... i want a G4... how long have they been out? 4 years now? feels like forever and I'm still using a G3 and now G5 are out...

anyway, I always loved the Ti notebook, and guess what, I still do.

I really want to be able to burn DVD's, but I don't know if I really want to spend an extra 600 bucks for a 1x burner.

My question is, what are my options if I buy the 867 powerbook?

I heard that iDVD only work with a Superdrive which is a bummer. But I assume DVD Studio Pro works with exteranal DVD you could buy. Is that true?

Just thinking I can get the powerbook.. then maybe in a few months get an external DVD-R.

I'm a bit afraid to buy the new 15inch when it comes out because it is version A, but then again, if they do come out i'm probably fall in love with it.

For me it's just about the price.

You think by now they could make it so notebooks would cost less.

I mean if they are going to be behind in the speed of the towers, they should at least be a bit cheaper.

I'm sure someone will defend all computer companies, but I think it's just one of those things that they make cost more and it's just accepted.

Just me bitching and hoping for a kick ass notebook for under 2000....

ae86_16v · Aug 23, 2003, 02:47 AM

Get the 12"

.

But I was in the same situation as you were about a month ago. For me, I went with the 867. I couldn't really justify the extra $500 bucks, educational price.

You could get a nice DVD-R for a desktop or an external one for around 200 to 300 that will burn at 4x.

sleepydog · Aug 23, 2003, 07:40 AM

I bought the 867 and added a SuperDrive ($180 extra). I know it's 1x... and that stinks... but with the firmware patch, it's 2x, which still stinks... but, it's a bit better.

Eug Wanker · Aug 23, 2003, 07:41 AM

It's not $600, and it can be flashed to do 2X DVD-R. The difference in price is $200 in the US, vs. the combo drive. Get the SD.

iDVD does not work with external burners.

DVD Studio Pro does work with an external burner (or no burner at all), but DVD Studio Pro and iDVD are completely different beasts. Note also that DVD Studio Pro is picky about external burners. Not that it matters though, since you can just work in burner-less mode and create a VIDEO_TS folder which you can then burn simply with Toast.

But like I said, get the SD.

insecto · Aug 23, 2003, 09:17 PM

Get the DVD-R. You'll make back most of the $200 when you sell it down the line. I won't use mine much, but I'm glad that I have it. CD-R is becoming less viable for backup as hard drive sizes soar.

aapljack · Aug 23, 2003, 09:47 PM

I am about to get a PB and was considering getting a superdrive in it, but I decided that I could knock $200 off the PowerBook and use that money I saved and get an internal superdrive for my desktop, which I did. It cost me about $160. So now I will just get a combo drive in the PB.

-b

southtdi · Aug 24, 2003, 08:51 AM

I felt the same. I was going to get the Superdrive but decided I didn't really need it at this time. I did find, though, that if I decide I want it I can just get one form powerbookreq for $200 and just install it myself. Instruction didn'i look to hard.