[jbarket]

Hey guys,

I'm in the market for a new Mac laptop, but I'm trying to keep costs as low as possible. Portability is more important than anything else.

I was looking at the new 12" G4 iBook, but I noticed that it's very possible to pick up an 867mhz 12" Powerbook for roughly the same price.

Which is the better deal? Should I go after the used Powerbook, or is there some reason the new iBook is better?

[Hannah W]

I would get the Powerbook just because I think they look better.

[NYCFarmboy]

all things being equal, I like the Powerbooks looks better...

the new white plastic ibooks have a really cheap grade of plastic on the inside now.

The powerbooks are stunning in aluminum.

check apple's website for refurbished models as well.

And if you can afford it..get a DVD burner.

[TiDual]

I've got both machines in my group, and must say if I was buying new, I would definitely get the iBook. People say the new case is "cheap", but I find it feels very robust, and looks a little less "girly" now, since the interior is almost grey, not shiny or white. I'm *extremely* impressed by that machine for the money.

The 12" PB is pretty, and if you can get one in good shape for the same money, then sure. For me, the 12" screen is too small, so I have the 15" AluBook.