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WarMachine · Dec 11, 2003, 04:41 PM

Hey everybody. I can see it now...your new special project...me.
As you can tell, I am new to this board and unfortunately do not know a lot about computers. I have a Gateway but am probably going to get an iBook for a notebook.

So, my challenge for you is helping me out. I have some questions and I'm sure you guys know the answers.

First off, let me tell you exactly what I want or think I want and we'll go from there...

I have AOL for broadband on the Gateway. I'd like to get two things, with accessories but thats another story: an iBook and a HP ipaq Pocket PC. I don't need much memory...I'll use both mainly for the word processor and internet services, (and for the iBook possibly a digital camera later on when I get money again)

Here are my questions.

1) Can my broadband work witht the airport for the ibook...and what is your rating on the quality of the airport, (give me the run down..I'm computer illeterate!)

2) I know this is a stupid question, but the iPaq would be compatible with the iBook right?

3) How can I get wireless internet for the ibook? I mean outside of the house, out where I need portability...car, plane, train, etc.

4) As far as a Power Book goes, it really isn't that much better is it? I mean, I don't need much memory.

5) What capabilities does the iBook have? Special features, DVD, whatever.

6) anything else you can think of to offer.

THanks a lot.

WM

dracoleb · Dec 11, 2003, 05:06 PM

Well first off I would dump the AOL, but that's just me. Airport Extreme on the iBook G4 is very good, best range in it's class and is compatible with all 802.11b and g networks, that is to say if a place has WiFi you can use it assuming your authorized. As for the iPaq, Microsoft does not make software to support the Mac. There is a piece of software called missing sync that gives you basic data synch, but no app installation. If you are buying a new PDA and a mac go with something with a Palm OS, they have become very powerful now, but I would ask about that in the peripherals forum

blackbird_1.0 · Dec 11, 2003, 05:35 PM

I recommended these forums to him, I told him if he wanted a pocketpc then he could get pocketmac software and use that to synce his pda, he's had a palm before but i don't know which model.

zewm · Dec 11, 2003, 07:15 PM

I have to agree with draco, I would definatly go with a palm OS based PDA. About aol,

I mean if he is computer illiterate and AOL is easiest for him, then that's up to the end user. Umm... WarMachine, have you gone to an apple store (or official retailer) and played with the iBook ? I would definatly get some hands on playing before making a final decision.

SupahCoolX · Dec 11, 2003, 08:36 PM

1) It should work. AOL sucks, though

2) PocketPCs don't natively support Macs, but PocketMac Pro or Missing Sync for Pocket PC should work. I highly recommend a Palm PDA over a PocketPC though. Not only are they nicer devices, they are more Mac-compatible (so you can use it with Apple's wonderful iSync, iCal, and Address Book).
3) If you put an Airport card in your iBook, you'll be able to get access at 802.11-compatible "hot spots" either around your city, on your school campus, etc. Otherwise, you should be able to hook up a cell phone for access (I'm not totally sure of the specifics of this, though).
4) Powerbooks have several advantages, but I think it would be best for you to start with an iBook. If you find it's not capable enough, or you have extra money burning a hole in your pocket, you can always buy a PB later.
5) All current iBooks have a "Combo" drive. This will play DVDs and burn CDs. If you also want to burn DVDs, you'll need a SuperDrive (not available on iBooks, just Powerbooks). See www.apple.com/ibook for a good summary of what it can do.
6) Read up a bit, play with one at a store, maybe buy a good Mac starters' book (search the Mac OS X forums here for several threads on recommendations) and enjoy. Oh, and get an iPod.

WarMachine · Dec 12, 2003, 12:44 PM

zewm: I've used an ibook...very limited though...jsut my friend's. I saw what it was capable of though and was impressed. Just wanted to find out more.

I guess I'll ask about pocket mac on the ppc board.

Arkham_c · Dec 12, 2003, 02:48 PM

You could also consider a Zaurus instead of a PocketPC or a Palm. They are VERY cool, are based on Linux, and have all the neat features.

historylme · Dec 12, 2003, 04:25 PM

Dump AOL and get Earthlink, much better.

Buy an Ibook and a palm based pda...

trust us, if you go with a mac, your life will be much easier. In addition, if you keep with those things that added to the os X platform, you will have less set up headeaches... for even the Mac can get complex.

biscuit · Dec 15, 2003, 04:44 AM

Just to clarify on the AOL & AirPort point; you will have to purchase a wireless base-station in order for this to work (unless of course you already have one for the Gateway).

I mention this because when my supervisor bought a TiBook with AirPort he just thought it would somehow magically communicate with his AirPort-less G4 tower.

Apple's own AirPort base-station might do the trick, but I have no experience with them or indeed with AOL. What's the make of the modem they supply? There are other makes of base-station, but things can get confusing since you'll need to get one compatible with your broadband modem.

Oh, and welcome to the fold.

biscuit