Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

shadybirdstan · Nov 18, 2003, 12:27 PM

I have a friend who is all ready to make the switch to a Mac. She wants me to go to the store with her this weekend to help her pick out the model that's best for her.

She really only uses her computer for opening the occasional Office document, surfing the web (particularly playing games on pogo.com) and managing her music.

I figured this is some pretty low requirements so the iBook would definitely make more sense then a PowerBook but I'm wonderining if the 12" will be the way to go (I know as soon as she sees them that's the one she'll want).

I'm open to hearing some configuration suggestions as well.

Thanks in advance.

orry_main · Nov 18, 2003, 01:20 PM

Originally posted by shadybirdstan:
Would you reccomend the 12" for a "basic" user?

Yes. Plain and simple. Just make sure she gets some more ram. Even for a basic user, the 128 gets eaten up far too quickly.

shadybirdstan · 04:03 PM

That is something that I've seen a lot and definitely a consideration. I wonder if we'll just look at the Apple store but end up trying to find somewhere online that will throw some RAM in the deal.

arclight · Nov 18, 2003, 08:26 PM

I second the choice of an ibook G4. More RAM is essential though. If she's a student you can get the base model with only 128MB in it for $949. Otherwise you're stuck with the extra 128 chip in the 'consumer' base model.

I have a 12" 800 that I was going to sell but after installing Panther it's plenty fast. I cannot get over how much faster this thing is with a simple OS upgrade. I have an extra 512 chip in it too.

pks1850 · Nov 18, 2003, 09:39 PM

Originally posted by shadybirdstan:
She really only uses her computer for opening the occasional Office document, surfing the web (particularly playing games on pogo.com) and managing her music.

I figured this is some pretty low requirements so the iBook would definitely make more sense then a PowerBook but I'm wonderining if the 12" will be the way to go (I know as soon as she sees them that's the one she'll want).

Yeah, I think the iBook fits the bill perfectly. Assuming she likes the looks of the iBook, all she'll need to do is A/B the 12" vs. the 14". Same resolution, but the 14" is probably a little easier on the eyes in terms of reading text. You also get a modest speed bump.

shadybirdstan · Nov 19, 2003, 09:48 AM

Originally posted by pks1850:
Yeah, I think the iBook fits the bill perfectly. Assuming she likes the looks of the iBook, all she'll need to do is A/B the 12" vs. the 14". Same resolution, but the 14" is probably a little easier on the eyes in terms of reading text. You also get a modest speed bump.

I have a feeling she'll go with the 12" because its "cuter". Call me crazy

.

Thanks for all the input from everyone so far. Anybody else who wants to add anything, go right ahead.

The more the merrier

.

discotronic · 05:54 PM

If she doesn't care if it is the G3 or G4 go to Apple's website. They have some great deals on New and Refurbished G3 models. She could get a refurb 14" 900MHz with combo drive for $999. A new 900MHz 12" with combo drive for $899 or a refurb for $849. Check out the Special Deals section on the right hand side.

If it were me and I didn't need the G4 (which I don't) I would definately go with one of these. She could take the money she saves and max out the RAM from crucial.com and get Applecare from a reseller for about $200 plus she would get 10GB more hard drive space. All for around the cost she would spend for the cheapest G4.

klinux · Nov 19, 2003, 05:44 PM

For her needs I would recommend an iBook G3 which is plenty fast for her needs and provides a better value.

discotronic · Nov 19, 2003, 05:59 PM

Originally posted by klinux:
For her needs I would recommend an iBook G3 which is plenty fast for her needs and provides a better value.

I agree. The speed increase between the G3 and G4 for what she wants to do isn't enough to pay the price for the G4. I use my iBook 700 for the same tasks she would be doing and I don't see a need for more power. Get more for your money

shadybirdstan · Nov 21, 2003, 01:09 PM

I'm worried that the G3 may lag a little though if she has a lot of programs open at once (IM, Mail, Browser etc.). I definitely don't want her to be disappointed with her first Mac so I'm still thinking about telling her to go with a G4 b/c price isn't too much of a concern.

nickgold2012 · Nov 21, 2003, 02:41 PM

NO QUESTION go witht he G4 iBook -- it's worth it for the graphics card alone. Don't think about her needs now, think about 2 years from now when newer programs are out, a newer operating system with more features, more graphical flourishes like Expose, etc. Go with the G4, the price is still excellent. My 12" G4 800 iBook came in today, and it is a thing of BEAUTY.

Eug · Nov 21, 2003, 02:51 PM

Forget the G3 iBook. G4 is the only option.

webcookie · Nov 21, 2003, 03:38 PM

My dad purchased a 12" G4 iBook over the weekend (30gb hard drive, 640mb ram). He uses it to surf the web and do spreadsheets with Apple Works. That's it. But he was looking forward to the future when he may want to play Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Doom3 (if it ever comes out!!), and The Sims. Right now he is a basic user, but he probably won't always be. I think that your friend should get the best laptop that she can afford, because she may become more than a basic user with time, and she would be sorry that she didn't get the best laptop that she could.

Personally, I'm thrilled with my 12" G4 iBook with 40gb hard drive, 640mb ram, & AirPort Extreme card.