[nikoz1200]

Hey everyone. I'm finally going for my pc replacement now, and like so man others it seems, can't make up my mind between a powerbook or a true desktop.

i thought first, i would just get a mini to play around with, but that almost seems like a waste since I'm sure to get a PB or g5 powermac down the road. so, i have it narrowed down to a 15" pb 1.67 or a dual 2.0 g5. I do most of my computing at home, but would like the portability. Most of what i do is image editing, for which the PB should be plenty strong for. I'm just afraid that I'll like iMovie too much and the g4 won't be able to keep up.

I'm not really sure what I'm asking... I guess I just need someone to say get the powerbook... it's plenty for you. SO go on......say it.

[jamil5454]

The G4 is pretty slow compared to a dual G5, but the thing I've found that slows iMovie down the most is disk speed. When I hook up my external firewire disk and use that for my iMovie projects, it just seems more responsive. The thing I don't understand is why resizing clips is so laggy. I'm pretty sure it's because iMovie resizes the clips in realtime (writing to the disk).

[JKT]

My advice would be to get a G5 desktop and if you can, a low-end iBook as well. The PowerBook would be a fair bit slower than a desktop but that is compensated for by the portability etc. But if you need mostly speed and only occasionally portability, then the compromise I suggest is your best bet. The iBook wouldn't be the world's fastest machine but would be more than adequate for occasional on the road usage.

In other words, buy the desktop and see how you get along. If you find you need the portability, look into getting a cheap iBook (low-end model or even second-hand) at a later date.

[amazing]

Check out the benchmarks at barefeats.com and at mactintouch.com because that mini might look good after all, especially with a fw400 external HD for scratch disk.

Basically, I know I'm going to be super interested in the eventual G5 laptops (maybe the 2nd gen) so I'm looking to get a stop-gap Mac at this point.

[Maflynn]

All in all the G5 is what you want, it has expandability and power to spare especially for pro software like photoshop.

If portability is a need rather then a nice to have, I'd go for the 17" over the 15" because your truly looking for a desktop replacement. I'd compare both the 15" and the 17" side by side to see if you can comfortabily use the 15".

I echo the other posters comments and say get a G5 dual and wither pick up a iBook down the road, you can save yourself some bucks by buying a refurb (either the G5/iBook/PB).

Either way both the G5 and the PB are excellent machines, you just need to match the right configuration to your needs.

Mike

[nikoz1200]

Funny you all are saying to go with a G5 desktop, since that was my original plan. You did sell me on it again. Hopefully in a few weeks, the PowerMac line will get a slight redo like the powerbook just got. Then i'll get a dual 2.0

For the internet, email, and iTunes that I would use the laptop for while not home, I think a 12" iBook would do fine.

Thanks for all the feedback!
Nick

[johnpop]

I gave my sweet Windows XP desktop to my brother and got a 12" PB so I dunno about that.

I've had it for a little over 2 weeks now and it has been great.

[TailsToo]

I haven't owned a Mac Desktop since my IIsi in 1991. (well, I did get a free Quadra 605, but I hardly used it and eventually gave it away.)

The PowerBooks are great! I don't even feel the need for a desktop.

[Voch]

My last Mac desktop was a beige G3/266. I've never looked back. I still have a PC as a file server and for MAME auditing but other than that I just use my PowerBook.

Voch

[SEkker]

Hard to believe, but the following is a true story.

In my group at work, we have been purchasing laptops instead of desktops for several years now. Most staff have access to a laptop. We probably have close to 20 now, nearly all G4s.

We dabble in video from time to time, and I was concerned users were being handicapped by lack of quality workstations for project completion (we do have 2 older G4 desktops, dual 500 MHz and dual 1GHz machines with plenty of RAM). The main machines are older titanium G4s or some newer PB12" models. Would a G5 desktop be useful to us?

I had the chance to save some $$ for a G5 workstation, and we went ahead and purchased a dual 2.5 with 2GB memory, 2 250 GB SATA HDs, high end video card (it was the most expensive machine Apple sold without going SCSI). Added a 23" ACD -- it's a beautiful machine. Works great.

What was the impact of adding a high end machine into a large pool of regular laptop users? 6 months later, the G5 has hardly ANY mileage on it. We've used it from time to time to complete a small video editing session or two, etc. But the convenience factor of the PBs more than outweigh the benefit of a faster, non-mobile workstation. We do a lot of photoshop and other desktop publishing work -- but G4 powerbooks running os X 10.3 do this and the occasional video project just fine.

I switched over to just a laptop when I had a Pismo and my desktop crashed and needed repair. I've never looked back -- and this latest experiment says I'm not the only one. We're going to use the dual G5 as a BLAST server -- where it will at least break out a sweat once in awhile -- but at the moment, I don't anticipate purchasing any desktop as main user machines for some time [purchasing a mini for a dedicated videoconferencing console does not count].

As usual, your mileage may vary -- but until you take these laptops for a spin, I don't think you realize how capable they are. For this small compromise in speed, you get super convenience.

[awcopus]

Originally posted by SEkker:
As usual, your mileage may vary -- but until you take these laptops for a spin, I don't think you realize how capable they are. For this small compromise in speed, you get super convenience.

Obviously, you guys aren't doing anything on your computers that is so dependent on FSB, disc speed, or processor speed that you feel pressure to move to a desktop.

On the other hand, any serious video editing demands a desktop.

nikoz1200, it sounds to me like you will probably be happy with the Powerbook, but I thought I'd just chime in, as a guy who makes half of his money capturing video and the other half editing video, the speed difference is not small between the fastest Powerbook and the fastest desktop. There is simply NO comparison, the G5 is so much more capable. But if you're only going to be playing in iMovie a little bit...now and then... but spending most of your time on less resource intensive tasks, I'm sure the Powerbook is a fine move for you.

Once you answer honestly to yourself about what your real needs are, portable convenience or raw computing power, this decision should sort itself out. Good luck.

[teknopimp]

ever since i got my first mactop i realized mobile computing is the way of the future (for some) and sold my desktop. i've owned a total of five mactops and currently own three; i've owned three mac desktops and now own none (the G5 in my sig belongs to my boss). working in the design field (print production) i've never felt the need to get a desktop. in fact, my parents got me a G5 for graduation and i ended up returning it for a brand new aluminum powerbook! i don't do video editing or waste my time with video games so the powerbook is enough computer for my needs.

[SEkker]

Originally posted by awcopus:
Obviously, you guys aren't doing anything on your computers that is so dependent on FSB, disc speed, or processor speed that you feel pressure to move to a desktop.

On the other hand, any serious video editing demands a desktop.

I concur -- we are not a video editing shop, as I indicated. But I think these mac minis really show off the true capabilities of these G4 powerbooks as the mini design is essentially a G4 iBook logicboard in a cheap plastic box.

The biggest boost in desktop performance over laptops is NOT the G5 CPU (there are plenty of benchmarks that that show this); it's the ability to use dual-processor aware software with dual processor machines. If I had a dual core G4 processor in my PB17, I could put a quality HD in an external FW800 case and I would have a true portable video editing machine. It might be a little slower than the current G5 towers, but it'd still be very productive and quite mobile. This is why I'm a big fan of the new dual core chip design over a G5 PB -- for me, the dual CPU architecture would give me the speed boost when I need it (video editing, etc), rather than a slight increase in speed running my email app (which is what a single G5 PB would provide).

[awcopus]

Originally posted by SEkker:
I concur -- we are not a video editing shop, as I indicated. But I think these mac minis really show off the true capabilities of these G4 powerbooks as the mini design is essentially a G4 iBook logicboard in a cheap plastic box.

The biggest boost in desktop performance over laptops is NOT the G5 CPU (there are plenty of benchmarks that that show this); it's the ability to use dual-processor aware software with dual processor machines. If I had a dual core G4 processor in my PB17, I could put a quality HD in an external FW800 case and I would have a true portable video editing machine. It might be a little slower than the current G5 towers, but it'd still be very productive and quite mobile. This is why I'm a big fan of the new dual core chip design over a G5 PB -- for me, the dual CPU architecture would give me the speed boost when I need it (video editing, etc), rather than a slight increase in speed running my email app (which is what a single G5 PB would provide).

I love the dream of a portable system that edits and *composites* video nearly as efficiently as my desktop system. But this dream is pretty far off. Fortunately I don't have an absolute need to upgrade. I want to have a 15" Powerbook/Superdrive. I have no illusions about actually cutting video on it, I just want it. I edit on a dual 2.5 G5 with 6GB RAM, X800XT, 23" ACD, and terabytes of storage via Sonnet's 4+4 SATA card. But I do need a portable Mac and am currently enjoying ridiculously great mileage on a 600MHz G3 iBook, which enables me to log footage in Excel, work on scripts, email/surf wirelessly, run Keynote presentations, and watch DVDs when I'm on the road. This iBook has fallen hard, and still no dead pixels, bright screen... quite the little workhorse. Probably will replace it in the next month so that my Mom can enjoy having a portable Mac.

I like the dual core option because it seems more realistic than the G5 Powerbook, though I think Apple's marketing department salivates over being able to make those G5 Powerbook posters.

[markponcelet]

Originally posted by SEkker:
... We've used it from time to time to complete a small video editing session or two, etc. But the convenience factor of the PBs more than outweigh the benefit of a faster, non-mobile workstation.

I have to agree here. With a few notable exceptions, it's amazing how much work you get done in those "quick moments" where you just throw open a laptop, finish a quick task, and then go on about your day. It changed the way I worked.

Think about it: if you can only do work at your desk, you will only get anything done when you're at your desk.

Now, if only screens were more visible outdoors.

Mark

[JKT]

Originally posted by awcopus:
I like the dual core option because it seems more realistic than the G5 Powerbook, though I think Apple's marketing department salivates over being able to make those G5 Powerbook posters.

Actually, I would think that Apple is probably more concerned about getting a 64 bit processor into as much of its prosumer line as it possibly can as soon as it possibly can. That is why the G5 is important to them.

[awcopus]

Originally posted by JKT:
Actually, I would think that Apple is probably more concerned about getting a 64 bit processor into as much of its prosumer line as it possibly can as soon as it possibly can. That is why the G5 is important to them.

You think near-future Powerbooks will be using more than 2GB of memory? Even Tiger isn't 64-bit. I don't think this is Apple's overriding concern. I think they've got a PRO line and a consumer line and right now, the sales of portables would benefit from better product differentiation (G5 pros, G4 consumers).

[Chad A Wright]

I've been using a Titanium Powerbook 1Ghz for about 2 1/2 years now. I do everything from print and audio prodution to some minor video work. I upgraded the ram to the max with 1GB. If I had my choice of laptop or desktop, I'd go with laptop everytime. One of the businesses I work for has 5 different locations, and the protability of it is indespensible. You can accomplish many things on a Powerbook. I've added a 200GB external firewire harddrive for video editing and it works fine.

That's what has made me laugh at the people saying the Mac Mini is only good for e-mail and web surfing. Add a gig of ram to it and it's faster than the Powerbook that I do all my production on. And for only $500. The Powerbook was $3,300 when we bought it.

That being said, we are looking at buying a G5 tower very soon. While I have the ability to get everything done on the Powerbook, a desktop is just faster. I'm getting so busy that I will do anything to save a little time, and a G5 will help with that.

So, given a choice, I'd say Powerbook. But, if you can manage to get both, do it.

[nikoz1200]

And again I change my mind...

My plan now is to get the 12" powerbook, with a Lacie or something like that. I have a 19" monitor that I'll hook it to while at home. Then in 4-6 months I will get a G5. I'm hesitant to get the dual 3.0 right now since my gut, and the gut of many others say a update is not too far around the corner.

Thanks for all the great feedback so far.

Another thing I've noticed is that some people claim the 12" pb has a horrible screen compared to the 15"... i don't mean size, but quality of the LCD. Is that really the case, or just imagination?

Nick

[Voch]

Originally posted by nikoz1200:
Another thing I've noticed is that some people claim the 12" pb has a horrible screen compared to the 15"... i don't mean size, but quality of the LCD. Is that really the case, or just imagination?

Nick

I think it's a matter of color calibration but there may be crap LCDs out there (opinions differ on this message board). The screen on my 2001-model iBook/500 was very good. Try before you buy if you can.

Voch

[elvis2000]

Originally posted by nikoz1200:
Hey everyone. I'm finally going for my pc replacement now, and like so man others it seems, can't make up my mind between a powerbook or a true desktop.

i thought first, i would just get a mini to play around with, but that almost seems like a waste since I'm sure to get a PB or g5 powermac down the road. so, i have it narrowed down to a 15" pb 1.67 or a dual 2.0 g5. I do most of my computing at home, but would like the portability. Most of what i do is image editing, for which the PB should be plenty strong for. I'm just afraid that I'll like iMovie too much and the g4 won't be able to keep up.

I'm not really sure what I'm asking... I guess I just need someone to say get the powerbook... it's plenty for you. SO go on......say it.

If you can't decide between a Mini or a Powerbook... then buy a Mini *AND* an iBook for when you need portability. You won't sacrifice at all on portability or speed.

Just a thought!

JW

[KeriVit]

Originally posted by nikoz1200:
And again I change my mind...

My plan now is to get the 12" powerbook, with a Lacie or something like that. I have a 19" monitor that I'll hook it to while at home. Then in 4-6 months I will get a G5. I'm hesitant to get the dual 3.0 right now since my gut, and the gut of many others say a update is not too far around the corner.

Thanks for all the great feedback so far.

Another thing I've noticed is that some people claim the 12" pb has a horrible screen compared to the 15"... i don't mean size, but quality of the LCD. Is that really the case, or just imagination?

Nick

Yeah, yeah, that's what I woulda said!! Get both! But you forgot the flat panel.

I wanna know the answer to the 12" display too.

[awcopus]

Originally posted by KeriVit:
Yeah, yeah, that's what I woulda said!! Get both! But you forgot the flat panel.

I wanna know the answer to the 12" display too.

You won't know if there's something wrong with your Powerbook screen until you receive it and powerup. That's the bottom line.

I was in a COMPUSA the other day and was drooling over the 30" display. I own a 23" display, but I wanted to get an immediate sense for the difference between them, so I walked over to the 23" monitor.

Lo-and-behold, it was pink. As in, the parts of the screen that should be white, were pink, and the parts that should have been blue were purplish, so on so forth. A COMPUSA rep came over to me and explained that it was natural for the monitor to become pinkish because LCDs suffer from this effect when left on for a long time. I told him he was completely mistaken and that this was a defective model, but he seemed genuinely convinced of his theory.

[nikoz1200]

http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.p...hreadid=245117

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