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John Pollock · 10:12 PM

First of all, what advantages would there be from switching from Windows to OS X? I don't game at all, and I have been told that OS X is better for pretty much everything but gaming, so what exactly makes it better?

Secondly, would I see much of a difference between the 14 inch 1GHz and the 14 inch 1.2GHz models? Is the 1.2GHz worth the extra money? (I am on a tight budget)

Thirdly, would I be able to use a secondary display? If so, are the Apple Cinema displays worth the price?

Thanks in advance.

Edit: Also, is it worth considering refurbished iBooks?

fastback · Jun 19, 2004, 12:04 AM

I'm in your position aswell, OS X is the best bet if your not into gaming, and your into things like webdesign, graphical design, or just looking for a laptop.

You should also look at the 12" it's really worth the look.

wataru · Jun 19, 2004, 12:52 AM

OS X is easy to use, very stable, and has great software (both commercial and free). Also peripherals "just work," and you don't have Microsoft trying to tie you into this-or-that restrictive technology.

newcomer · Jun 19, 2004, 06:28 AM

Dude, get an iBook. You will not regret it. If you're strapped for cash I doubt that the 1Ghz would disappoint. Mine is 800Mhz G3 (640 RAM though) and I find it fast enough - even running Photoshop in OS X.

John Pollock · Jun 19, 2004, 06:55 AM

Another few questions:

Would 512 MB of RAM be enough to run Firefox, iTunes, MSN Messenger and MS Word simultaneously? (256 MB isn't able to on this POS I am using)

Is the 12" the same resolution as the 14" models?

I believe I have heard that you get free software with your Mac. If this is true, what software is included?

newcomer · Jun 19, 2004, 07:13 AM

Originally posted by John Pollock:
Another few questions:

Would 512 MB of RAM be enough to run Firefox, iTunes, MSN Messenger and MS Word simultaneously? (256 MB isn't able to on this POS I am using)

Is the 12" the same resolution as the 14" models?

I believe I have heard that you get free software with your Mac. If this is true, what software is included?

I don't see why not, though Word is pretty memory hungry. Get as much RAM as you can afford: I frequently have several apps running simultaneously eg: Safari, iTunes, Photoshop and Freehand no probs on 640mb.

I think the resolution is the same on both 14 and 12. It was when I got mine (a 14) in early 2003.

Bundled software: http://www.apple.com/ibook/software.html

John Pollock · Jun 19, 2004, 07:38 AM

How much hard drive space do OS X applications take up on average? This won't be my primary computer, so should 30-40 GB be enough?

Sorry for so many questions, I am quite clueless when it comes to Macs. I have only ever used them whilst staying with my Uncle.

ghporter · Jun 19, 2004, 09:03 AM

You won't be sorry starting your Mac adventure with an iBook. I don't know how much difference in speed you'll see with a 1.2 vs a 1GHz machine, but maxing out the RAM will make the slower machine run a lot faster than a faster machine with a standard amount of RAM.

We've had our 800MHz G4 for about 6 months now, and we absolutely love it. It came with a 40GB drive, and there's still more than 30GB available, in spite of all the stuff we've put on it. That includes MS Office X for the Mac.

Go for it and enjoy!

discotronic · Jun 19, 2004, 10:28 AM

You really can't go wrong with a refurb from Apple. You save a couple hundred bucks and it will most likely look brand new. The warranty is the standard 1 year and you can get Applecare.

You can use a secondary display to mirror the iBook but it is limited to the resolution (1024X768) of the iBook without doing a firmware hack.

If you are looking to get an external display why not check out the iMac or eMac? Are you in need of portability? If not, you would probably come out ahead by getting a refurb iMac 17" for $1499.

I have my Mac loaded down with applications and games. I also have a good chunk of my CD collection taking up about 10GB. I am only using about 25GB all together. A 30GB or 40GB should be plenty for some time.

oreo75 · Jun 19, 2004, 11:15 AM

I've just switched & don't regret it. I love the fact that I don't have loads of cables everywhere & I can take it anywhere.

Rev-O · Jun 19, 2004, 12:20 PM

I've had my 12" iBook (G4, 800MHz) since the Panther premiere (when was that... last October?) and I love it. Once you've played with OS X, you'll love it. Expose was made for laptops!
My .02: BTO (build to order) your iBook from the Apple store online so you can get a bigger HD and Bluetooth built in, and get and Airport card while you're at it. The only (easy, non warrenty voiding) way to get a bigger HD inside your iBook is to have it installed when you order your iBook, same for internel Bluetooth. The Airport card you can get when you order it, or pick it up later... they're easy to install. And while yoou're in there installing your Airport card, stick some more ram in! Don't buy memeory from Apple, it is way overpriced. Put as much memory as you can afford in your iBook. I ran my iBook with 256 meg for a month or so (which worked), but it was much happier after I bumped it up to 640 meg.

webcookie · Jun 19, 2004, 03:11 PM

I just switched from Windows to Mac with an iBook G4 in October. I don't regret it at all. I have a 12" 800mhz with 640mb ram and I'm able to have open all of my basic apps (iTunes, Mail, Safari, Photoshop Elements, iChat, iCal) open at one time just fine. You won't regret getting the iBook.

yoesh · Jun 19, 2004, 05:49 PM

first, an ibook is a great introduction to the Mac and OS X. The 14" gets you more screen, but not more resolution, so i prefer the 12" versions, espec because it is a pound lighter. Max out the RAM and you'll be fine (or at least get 640 MB). but if you're considering a cinema display (well worth the price for the 20"+ versions), then you probably shouldn't be worried about a $300 price differential between a 1GHz and 1.2GHz.

another solution, for external displays is to watch for dell deals on their 19-20" flat panels (on sale, you can get them for around or under $750).

cheers

John Pollock · Jun 19, 2004, 08:59 PM

Thanks for all your replies. I think I will be getting my 12" iBook in a week or so. I can't wait.

mysteriousal · Jun 19, 2004, 09:10 PM

Okay- so, I'm in the same situation here- I really should have read this post before making a new thread! :|

Is the 12" really a better deal than the 14"? I am an illustrator using Flash and Photoshop A LOT. Resolution is important... I need as much workling space as possible.

Also, the ibook refurb I'm tempted by has 256MB ram. Is adding more ram to ibooks expensive?

thanks for your help....

yoesh · Jun 19, 2004, 10:15 PM

12" and 14" ibook have the same resolutions -- just different pixel density. if you need more than 1024x768, then you need to think 15" PB, a PC laptop, or using the ibook with the spanning hack to increase your screen space with an external monitor.

RAM is not expensive, as long as you don't go for the 1GB chips. Plenty of 3rd party options for RAM -- I've always liked Crucial, but there are other good suppliers out there. Apple does charge a bit much for their RAM (but not as bad as they used to be), so you can save a few $$ by doing it yourself. RAM and Airport are the only officially endorsed user-installed options.