[Axo1ot1]

I've been wanting a little notebook computer for writing for a while. I like working in cafés and parks and I've been thinking a used iBook would fit the bill for that job. I don't want to blow a lot of dough, and it doesn't seem to me that a G4 would be necessary for what I'm doing (however nice). I've heard that the older iBooks have tons of problems with motherboards and displays. If I buy an old one I will definitely try to get one that has apple care or is still eligible for it. Am I just asking for it?

[businezguy]

I would not recommend getting a G3 iBook due to the logic board issues. A used G4 might be fine, but if the person used it a lot, you might not get the battery life you want/need.

[bluedog]

I just had my G3 iBook video/logic board problem arise. I've had it 4 months and have treated it very kindly.

If you buy one, be SURE you have a warranty or applecare on it. The G3 ibooks are lemons and Apple will replace them if they are within the correct serial range.

I suggest you ask for the serial number before you buy. Check this link for the range:
http://www.apple.com/support/ibook/faq/

Then offer less than the seller is asking. BTW, wanna buy a G3 ibook? I'm buying myself a G4 ibook tonight. I have to return my current one to Apple for the logic board upgrade (which they claim will fix it for good/not recur)

I'm skeptical.

[Red Wolf]

I've owned two G3 iBooks, the first being second hand when I bought it, and a G4 iBook. I never had the video problems going on now but I've seen it enough times to know it is very real. So the disadvantage is there is a chance you'd have to deal with the display going funky or out all together (even if the iBook has already been repaired for the problem). That being said Apple is covering all iBooks with two USB ports (G3/500 - G3/900) so in a worst case scenario you would be without your iBook for a week while repairs are made.

The video problems aside, the iBook is a resilant laptop and Mac owners tend to be very good to their machines. So there are plenty of iBooks to be had in good condition. If you do shop for a used iBook try to shop at brick and mortor stores that deal with used Macs so you can check out the iBook in person. AppleCare is great but don't expect it on a lot of iBooks you look at. If you look at G3/700 and faster iBooks you'll have a better chance of getting an AirPort card (those are now discontinued you know) and extra memory with the iBook since those owners probably went to a G4 iBook or PowerBook using AirPort Extreme and DDR memory.

[MacmanX]

I think a late model G3 iBook would be great. I bought my 900MHz iBook a year ago and have loved it. I have had the logic board replaced; however, it was simple and painless. They didn't even bother with AppleCare. So, I think you would be very happy with a used iBook.

Cheers!

[kafoochy]

Originally posted by Axo1ot1:
I've been wanting a little notebook computer for writing for a while. I like working in cafés and parks and I've been thinking a used iBook would fit the bill for that job. I don't want to blow a lot of dough, and it doesn't seem to me that a G4 would be necessary for what I'm doing (however nice). I've heard that the older iBooks have tons of problems with motherboards and displays. If I buy an old one I will definitely try to get one that has apple care or is still eligible for it. Am I just asking for it?

I think to say the iBooks had a ton of problems is completely overboard. Yes they did have some problems, but Apple fixes them. Get a used on, although I'd try and find a G4 and buy AppleCare within the first year, if it is still under warranty, otherwise get SafeWare.

[rozwado1]

Originally posted by Axo1ot1:
I don't want to blow a lot of dough

I got an iBook 500 off some stupid girl at school that didn't know how to use it. She didn't want to bother - her step-dad bought it for her. Anyways, it was 3months old when I got it. It had the hinge problem where you couldn't open it and one dead pixel. I bought it from her for $675 (what an idiot) and sent it in to Apple to get the hinge fixed for free. I've had it ever since Jan 02 and have had no problems. Call me lucky.

So I'd recommend looking around college classified boards. Keep away from eBay unless you want to pay $$$.

[rozwado1]

DP knomes strike again...

[sniffer]

Really any dual USB iBook will do it for typing. Just make sure you get one with AP card and some decent amount with ram. You'll even get by very well with only 384 Mb. My old G3 'book 600 MHz is almost capable of anything, except high res DivX and butter soft Safari scrolling. I hear Tiger will bring some great improvements to the scrolling issue. Happy comp'ing!

[Stinkysteve]

You might want to check the Apple online store for a refurb G 4 800. That way you will get the standard warranty and the option to buy AppleCare in the first year.

[Krusty]

Better still, Amazon.com is giving $150 rebates on brand-spankin' new 12" G4/1ghz iBooks 'til Sep 26. Ends up being the same price as the exact same item as a refurb from the Apple Store. ($949)