I have an opportunity to pick up either an iBook or PowerBook (both new) as follows:
current 12" iBook G4 800mhz + free 512 MB RAM upgrade + case, $1099
or
last generation 12" PowerBook 867mhz (combo) - $1199 but I'll have to pay to upgrade the RAM and buy my own case, so add another $100 or so.
Which is the better buy? Are the features on the PowerBook worth the extra $200 or a little more?
Did last generations 12" PowerBooks have any major issues? I've used a 900mhz iBook G3 before, which I was happy with, but am wondering whether it might be worth the extra money to go for the pro level notebook.
Monitor spanning, DVI, the slightly faster processor, s-video, a better keyboard, and the alluminum case look great. But how sturdy is the PowerBook compared to iBook? What about heat, etc? Video card? Battery life?
For comparisons, I've used a 15" TiBook and again, a 12" 900mhz G3 iBook.
I guess it kind of sounds like my decision is already made, but I'd appreciate any advice and/or heads up if there's anything of which I'm not aware.
Thanks!
-blake.