Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

kmarketing · Mar 26, 2004, 07:45 PM

Hi,

I will need your advice on this one: I currently have two powerbooks and I would like to only keep one. Hopefully, you will help me decide.

1. 15", 1.25ghz, 1gb memory, 80gb, etc. Mint condition. I bought this for $1700 (no tax or anything).

2. 17", 1ghz, 1gb memory, 60gb, etc. Mint condition. I also bought this one for $1700 - this still has 2 years of applecare left (the 15" does not).

Which one is good to keep? Please consider durability, power, resale value, etc.

In terms of portability, it does not make a difference, They are both fine.

Also, after reading some of the many problems of the 15" (currently mine is perfect), could these problems arise at a later date even though none of the problems exist now?

Thank you for all your opinions!!

tooki · Mar 26, 2004, 10:05 PM

You're asking US? You'd know a lot better than we what computer is right for you!

tooki

P.S. The 15" is an AlBook, and as such, is still under its original warranty. AppleCare can be purchased for it any time before the original warranty expires.

aricher · Mar 26, 2004, 10:22 PM

I'd go with what the folks at MacRumors said on this one - the 15" for you and the 17" for your wife.

KraziKid · Mar 26, 2004, 10:24 PM

I may be a little biased because I own one, but I would probably stick with the 17 inch. Down the road, I can foresee it having a better resale value than the 15 inch. Durability I say they are even, and in power, the 15 inch will probably be a head only because it has the faster processor. The decision is up to you.

rag on a muffin · Mar 26, 2004, 10:31 PM

are you sure the powerbook 17" is 1 GHz? i thought they only came in 1.33 GHz. i would keep the 17" unless you want small.

KraziKid · Mar 26, 2004, 10:36 PM

Originally posted by rag on a muffin:
are you sure the powerbook 17" is 1 GHz? i thought they only came in 1.33 GHz. i would keep the 17" unless you want small.

The first revision of 17 inchers were 1 GHz.

samanthalewis · Mar 26, 2004, 10:46 PM

Hi

kmarketing · Mar 26, 2004, 10:52 PM

Hi,

I love these forums, everyone is so helpful.

I guess the main thing is the performance.

I'd like to work a little with:

photoshop
illustrator
final cut pro
garage band
idvd
And watching dvd's

nothing too heavy otherwise I would get a g5.

The truth is after reading all the information, I know that in a year or so a g5 powerbook is likely to come out. So I'm just looking for one to hold me til then, and then i hope to hold on to the one that will give me the best resale (I guess in a year).

The great thing about the 17" is of course the screen, and that it is in mint condition, and with applecare.

If the performance is close, I would probably hold onto the 17". If the 15" blows the 17" out of the water, I may have to reconsider.

I'll need your expertise!!

rag on a muffin · Mar 26, 2004, 11:46 PM

Originally posted by KraziKid:
The first revision of 17 inchers were 1 GHz.

sure enough. i need to keep up on my apple history!

Mac Zealot · Mar 27, 2004, 02:19 AM

One thing to keep in mind is the 17" has a geforce 4mx or so, while the 15" has a 9600 mobile...

That 9600 will whoop the 4mx's but, this of course depends on how important the vid card is to you.

tekno_geek911 · Mar 27, 2004, 02:25 AM

I would keep the 15"

Luca Rescigno · Mar 27, 2004, 05:00 AM

Three years down the line, neither one will be powerful at all compared to the cutting edge. They'll both be in the same performance class. It's like if you look back at the IIcx and the IIci. Back then, the IIci was so cool compared to the IIcx because it was 25 MHz instead of 16 MHz, and it had full 32-bit addressing. Now we look back and we don't see much difference.

So, down the road, the 17" PowerBook will seem better than the 15", because the small difference in power won't really matter. The larger screen, though, would be a welcome addition.

Maflynn · Mar 27, 2004, 06:05 AM

As tooki mentioned,
only you can answer that question.

As for me, I'm biased towards the 15" It is more portable, its faster, and the video subsystem is probably more advanced.

Mke

cszar2001 · Mar 27, 2004, 06:22 AM

The 60GB HD on the 17 is a problem. Mine is full after only 9 months of use.
The screen though is really sweet!

There shouldn`t be that much difference performance wise: the faster processor in the 15 doesn`t have the L3 cache of the 17.

Tough decision.
Since there are a lot more 15`s than 17`s resale value for the 17 should be higher.

kmarketing · Mar 27, 2004, 06:50 AM

Wow,

For some time, I was convinced to keep the 15". Now, I'm thinking 17". This is nuts!!!

I guess the main thing is: Will the 17" be able to handle the applications that I mentioned before at least close to how the 15" would. For me a few seconds here or there is not major, but I want to be able to at least run them.

How about the USB 1.1 (I don't think I will be needing the USB 2.0 since I have both types of firewire 400 & 800), the 256 L2 cache, and the Geforce 440 video card. Are these major drawbacks?

I like how it was explained that there are just more 15" out there, and fewer 17". That may help me in selling it a year down the road when I may be ready to upgrade.

Please let me know what you think!!

daiSho · Mar 27, 2004, 11:24 AM

Originally posted by kmarketing:
Wow,

For some time, I was convinced to keep the 15". Now, I'm thinking 17". This is nuts!!!

I guess the main thing is: Will the 17" be able to handle the applications that I mentioned before at least close to how the 15" would. For me a few seconds here or there is not major, but I want to be able to at least run them.

How about the USB 1.1 (I don't think I will be needing the USB 2.0 since I have both types of firewire 400 & 800), the 256 L2 cache, and the Geforce 440 video card. Are these major drawbacks?

I like how it was explained that there are just more 15" out there, and fewer 17". That may help me in selling it a year down the road when I may be ready to upgrade.

Please let me know what you think!!

i'll let you know what i think; i'm in the market for an AL Powerbook, so if you want to sell either of your current models..

rag on a muffin · Mar 27, 2004, 11:31 PM

Originally posted by kmarketing:
Wow,

For some time, I was convinced to keep the 15". Now, I'm thinking 17". This is nuts!!!

I guess the main thing is: Will the 17" be able to handle the applications that I mentioned before at least close to how the 15" would. For me a few seconds here or there is not major, but I want to be able to at least run them.

How about the USB 1.1 (I don't think I will be needing the USB 2.0 since I have both types of firewire 400 & 800), the 256 L2 cache, and the Geforce 440 video card. Are these major drawbacks?

I like how it was explained that there are just more 15" out there, and fewer 17". That may help me in selling it a year down the road when I may be ready to upgrade.

Please let me know what you think!!

i wish i had decisions like this!! an awesome computer, or an awesome computer. but i like my 12 inch just fine.

kmarketing · Mar 27, 2004, 11:34 PM

I guess I'm still trying to figure out which is the best value for the $1700 that I spent for each, and which one will be able to give me the best resale when I eventually upgrade.

rag on a muffin · Mar 27, 2004, 11:40 PM

look on ebay. which ever one has higher resale value now, will most likely in the future.

kmarketing · Mar 28, 2004, 11:09 AM

Hi,

I just called apple, and gave them the serial number. They said that it was built in 04, and that I can definitely purchase applecare in my name. So for the $300+ I can have definite peace of mind.

Here's the issue now.
My 17" 1ghz that I bought for $1700 has still 2yrs and 1month of applecare left on it.
So with applecare, the 15" 1.25ghz that I also bought for $1700 will come out to over $2000. Sure I have an extra battery for it, but it's still over $2000.

So now, here comes the question - is the 15" 1.25ghz worth $300+ more than the 17" 1ghz? I think this will pretty much be my decision.

Following these forums, I expect a powerbook update within a year (at latest right?) So considering how everyone says to wait, I will at least like to have one of these powerbooks until the updates roll out, and then wait for a revision B, and then sell and upgrade.
So would you think that the 17" can hold me until then, or is the 15" that much better and will last much longer?
And which machine will get closer to my purchase price the 17" for $1700, or the 15" for $2000?

This such a tough decision because they are just 2 gorgeous machines!!! My wife and I played dvd's (Toy Story 1 and 2) on both of them side by side, and the truth is the 15" looked crisper and clearer, but the 17" was great also and of course, just stands out.

Please help!!

cszar2001 · Mar 28, 2004, 11:30 AM

The only real difference between the 15 and the 17 is things like USB 2.0, more HD Space, ...
The difference in speed is not noticeable.

But since you`d have to pay more for the 15 than for the 17 the decision should be easy: go for BigAl.

kmarketing · Mar 28, 2004, 11:52 AM

If it were you, would you just keep the 15" powerbook without the apple care, to save on the costs?

Of everything, I think the USB 2.0 is probably the most minute detail. Besides the fact that I prefer firewire, I can just add a USB 2.0 card right?

SO it comes down to hard drive - but someone posted that if 60gb is not enough chances are neither will 80gb. So I guess I would get an external one.

So the main question then is how much better is the 1.25 processor and 9600 video card? Will this last me longer then the 17" 1ghz processor and Geforce 440 video card?

Both powerbooks are flawless, but your opinions are really helping me!!

Luca Rescigno · Mar 28, 2004, 06:47 PM

Originally posted by kmarketing:
If it were you, would you just keep the 15" powerbook without the apple care, to save on the costs?

No. You shouldn't skip the AppleCare. Too many things can go wrong with your PowerBook that would require a huge expense. If the hinge breaks from wear after a year and a half, you're looking at something like $500 minimum to fix it. Screen goes out? Motherboard needs replacing? Probably over $1000.

kmarketing · Mar 28, 2004, 07:42 PM

Okay,

I'm thinking then for $300 less ($1700), the 17" is the better value.

So it looks like I will be sticking with the 17" 1ghz... That is unless someone here will blow my decision apart with something too good to give up for the 15"

Either way, I'm glad to be an apple owner!! It's great to be able to make a choice from these two gorgeous machines.

Thanks to everyone for your help and opinions!!!

Ω · Mar 28, 2004, 10:21 PM

Originally posted by samanthalewis:
Hi

Hello

bcaslis · Mar 28, 2004, 10:30 PM

I don't know if you mentioned above, but also consider if you plan to use it to play games. The graphics chip in the 15" (and the new 17") will kick the butt off the old 17" graphics chip. In three years the old 17" probably won't be able to play any new games, but the 15" should still be possible.

Originally posted by kmarketing:
Okay,

I'm thinking then for $300 less ($1700), the 17" is the better value.

So it looks like I will be sticking with the 17" 1ghz... That is unless someone here will blow my decision apart with something too good to give up for the 15"

Either way, I'm glad to be an apple owner!! It's great to be able to make a choice from these two gorgeous machines.

Thanks to everyone for your help and opinions!!!

kmarketing · Mar 28, 2004, 10:45 PM

See, now that's the info that get's me nervous about keeping the 17"

Actually, I don't play many (if any at all) games.
I will most likely use the Powerbook for some video editing, watching dvds, and then use it for some programs like:

Final Cut Pro
Garage Band
IDVD
Photoshop
Illustrator

Are you saying that the 15" will blow the 17" out of the water?

That will definitely make me reconsider. I thought the differences were not that extreme.

Thanks!!

kmarketing · Mar 28, 2004, 10:47 PM

Hi,

The other main point is that in 1 YEAR (forget 3 years) I am looking to upgrade to whatever is available - hopefully a g5 notebook.

I'm just trying to hold onto a machine that will last me that long, and then get me the most money when I sell it.

Thanks!!

rag on a muffin · Mar 28, 2004, 10:52 PM

they should be about equivalent for that. just choose which ever one you like.

kmarketing · Mar 28, 2004, 10:55 PM

Hi,

Even for gaming, will there be that much difference?

Thanks!

Luca Rescigno · Mar 28, 2004, 11:13 PM

Originally posted by kmarketing:
Hi,

Even for gaming, will there be that much difference?

Thanks!

Not a whole lot. There might be some difference, but as you said, you don't play games that much. I think the 17" will have a higher resale value than the 15", or it'll at least be equal. And the 17" would be more of a pleasure to use.

bcaslis · Mar 29, 2004, 12:20 AM

Well if you plan to upgrade in a year, there isn't too much difference. I've had the 1GHz 17", bought the 15" 1.25 and now for the past week been using the 17" 1.33GHz.

Both the new ones feel (to me) faster than the 1GHz 17". I just got the new Nanosaur 2 game for my kids. This is not the most intensive game there is, but it notes that with less than 64MB VRAM, some graphics options may not be available. That means the 1GHz 17".

If you don't have specific requirement like portability or graphics design, to me it really comes down to one thing. Do you think the 17" screen is much better than the 15"? If not, then go with the 15".

Originally posted by kmarketing:
See, now that's the info that get's me nervous about keeping the 17"

Actually, I don't play many (if any at all) games.
I will most likely use the Powerbook for some video editing, watching dvds, and then use it for some programs like:

Final Cut Pro
Garage Band
IDVD
Photoshop
Illustrator

Are you saying that the 15" will blow the 17" out of the water?

That will definitely make me reconsider. I thought the differences were not that extreme.

Thanks!!

Crusoe · Mar 29, 2004, 05:15 AM

I bought a 15" 1GHz in Oct and recently sold it to get a 17" refurb. I needed the screen space for sw dev and some light 3d design work. I use it as a desktop replacement with a montly trip. I've found the battery life to be substantially better on my 17" and the screen space indispensible.

kmarketing · Mar 29, 2004, 06:57 AM

Hi,

The 17" looks to be the keeper.

The other thing that kind of scares me a little is the fact that I have read that many people with the 15" machines have had perfect powerbooks when they first received them, and then after some time, the defects began to pop up (especially the screen issues). That definitely is a bit scary.

For those who consider the 17" fragile, thin, etc. I haven't experienced or read that problems occur spontaneously. And since both of them are in gorgeous condition, they are essentially new machines. Even though the 17" is a year old, it still has the 2years of apple care left. And of course, with the 15" to extend the warranty I will have to dish out $300.

So to summarize the many points that have been made (kind of like a conclusion for me), this is what I have come up with.

1. For $1700, the 17" 1ghz powerbook with 2yrs of applecare left is a better value than the 15" 1.25ghz that was built in 04 with 10months of warranty left(I guess for me at least).
2. The 15" will beat the 17" in terms of performance, but not substantially. And for someone who does not really do gaming, the difference will probably be less noticeable.
3. A decision like this really comes down to the the preference of the screen, and I guess (for me at least) nothing really compares with the 17".
4. The 17" is definitely luxurious and eye-catching (not good for thieves), while the 15" is more portable, and for many, more practical.
5. The resale value of the 17" (because of its uniqueness probably) will be greater than or equal to that of the 15" in the future (maybe because there are just more 15" out there), so until there is an upgrade the 17" will be more than enough.
6. The main thing is this - this has been a tough decision, but it has been a fun decision to make, because both are simply gorgeous.

With everyone's help, these are the points that I have learned of to stick with the 17". If anyone would like to add to those points or refute them, I would actually like that. There is still a chance for me to go towards the 15". In the meantime, I will be trying to sell it

I joke with my wife about the Yao ming and mini me commercial with the powerbooks. And now we are going to be just like them. Being 6'4 and my wife 5'4, it's going to funny when we are working together - me with my 17" powerbook and her with her Sony TR.

Thanks, everyone and keep the opinion coming. I love this forum!!!

rag on a muffin · Mar 29, 2004, 02:18 PM

sounds good to me. they are both great, but the 17" will most likely sell for more down the road, cause used is used, and the 17" was more to begin with.