[rastatero]

Hi! My name is Tony and I have been reading posts at this and a few other mac forums, namely macrumors and mac-forums, for the last two weeks. I just finished my first year of undergraduate studies and plan to purchase somekind of mac before the fall semester begins. I have always been a huge fan of apple, but my father owns a pc computer store so that has never really helped my fanaticism. This summer I am finally able to purchase an apple. YAY!

Initially I was comparing the 12" ibook and the 12" powerbook, and I am aware of both of their pluses and minuses with respect to my budget and needs. So I will spare everyone that analysis. Currently, I am using a 3.06GHz HP Pavilion zx7000 laptop with a 17" screen, so I began to contemplate that this may appear to be a drastic downgrade. Selling any of my current equipment to fund a purchase from apple is completely out of the question, as it has been given to me. But macs are so cool and I was adament about purchasing an apple; I was a momment away from purchasing a 12" powerbook last weekend.

As a full-time student, I would regular use the computer to surf the internet, listen to iTunes, check my e-mail, and use OpenOffice. However as a wannabe - but not really - web designer, I enjoy doing photo manipulation in Photoshop CS, working with Illustrator CS, and using Macromedia Studio MX 2004 all in my free time. Of course I am not doing anything really professional besides personal webpages and such.

I am bothering all those who happened to stumble upon my thread with some options I have been considering. If I were to persue the laptop route, my current laptop would be used by another family member. I do not begin school until the beginning of September so I still have plenty of time to decide.

* 12" iBook with 60 GB drive, Airport Extreme, Bluetooth Module, upgrade with 512 MB third-party memory (This would allow me to get my feet wet in Mac OSX and also save money)
* 12" powerbook with 512 MB third-part memory (This would become my full time laptop at school and home)
* Or bring a desktop to school since I already have a fairly nice portable computer. But which? My friend had a dual 1.8Ghz G5 at school last year, but the G5 seems so big yet elegant to be commuting back and forth albiet two times a year. And the iMacs just seem even more difficult to transport due to their shape. But perhaps a new desktop would be nice to have as a computer to use at home, even though I would only be home for the holidays?

ANY opinions or purchase recommendations would be appreciated.

HELP! I JUST DON'T KNOW ANYMORE!

[Lateralus]

Hello and welcome to the forums.

I'll leave it to the other members to answer your questions. I just wanted to inform you that the signature image size limitation here at MacNN is 140x40, (the size of my signature image). Please scale your signature image down.

Thanks.

[rastatero]

Whoops! First post and already in trouble with the moderator. Sorry, All fixed! -- Tony

[Lateralus]

LOL, no problem. I just wanted to inform you before those who are higher up than I am did.

[HasanDaddy]

if you need portability, then go with the 12" PowerBook

however.... the 17" is really easy to carry around, and the screen is beautiful! Personally, i would recommend the 17"....... heck, get the refurbished one if you need a discount....... or go for the education discount

the 15" is also real nice computer

The iBook is good too, but the casing and keyboard of the PowerBooks is just really nice

however.... if you're going for PRICE, then the iBook is a good deal

whatever you do - I highly recommend 1 gig of RAM

hope that helps

[SEkker]

I agree, the PB17 is a terrific machine. And if you really need portability, the 12" is the way to go.

My only additional comment is to buy an external FW backup drive. It's THE easiest way to insure your data.

[macaddict0001]

yeah firewire backup drive is good laptops are totally a hotbed for hit and runs. as for what to get I think that the Ibook would be great for you go to a store and demo them see which one is the best deal. The Ibook sounds like it would be great.